Book Cairns Cruise Tickets

Flexible Green Island day trip from Cairns for travelers who prefer freedom over fixed schedules.

• Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of activities, and onboard amenities including a bar.
• Upgrades: Add a freshly-prepared buffet lunch, a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.
• Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise to Green Island

• Stay on Green Island for 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails

• Buffet lunch with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here) (if selected)

• 30-minute semi-submarine tour for up to 27 guests (if option selected)

• 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)

• Snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel, fins, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)

• Guided snorkel safari tour with marine biologist (if option selected)

• Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

See the Great Barrier Reef’s wonders without getting wet with a glass-bottom boat tour.

• Everything you get: Cruise aboard a spacious catamaran, snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route, 30-minute glass bottom boat tour with expert commentary, self-guided island walks, and up to 5 hours (full day) or 2 hours (half day) to explore Green Island’s beaches and boardwalks.
• Why choose this: This customizable tour is perfect for families, non-swimmers, and anyone seeking a laid-back adventure.
• Upgrades: Choose the full-day cruise for 5 hours on Green Island or the half-day cruise for a shorter 2-hour visit.

Inclusions

• Full or half-day cruise to Green Island (based on option selected)

• Stay on Green Island for 2 or 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails (based on option selected)

• 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour

• Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

• Self-guided walk on island trails

Exclusions

• Optional activities such as snorkel gear hire, guided snorkel safari, semi-submarine tour

• Introductory and certified scuba dives

What to bring

• Bring a swimsuit, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
• Bring extra cash or a credit card for onboard purchases and optional activities.

What’s not allowed

• Electric wheelchairs are not permitted on vessels or coaches.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered assistance animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on board.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access is limited. Only standard wheelchairs are permitted; electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on vessels or coaches.
• Bathrooms on the boat are not wheelchair accessible, but accessible facilities are available on Green Island.

Additional information

• Check-in starts at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Boarding starts at 8:15am, with final boarding at 8:45am for a 9:00am departure.
• Return hotel transfers are not included but can be booked for an additional fee.
• Optional activities and meals must be prebooked for catering purposes.
• Scuba diving is only available for guests aged 12 and above, subject to a medical questionnaire. Guests under 18 require parental or guardian permission.
• Flotation vests are available for hire for non-swimmers and children.
• The experience is suitable for families with young children and non-swimmers.
• Please swim between the red and yellow flags on the beach for your safety.
• The tour operates in most weather conditions; in the event of severe weather, you will be contacted regarding changes or cancellations.

Quick reef getaway with snorkeling or glass bottom boat ride on a modern catamaran.

• Great for time-conscious travelers, cruise passengers, and budget adventurers who want a high-impact, half-day reef escape without the full-day commitment.
• Everything you get: Round-trip cruise aboard an air-conditioned catamaran, 2 hours and 15 minutes on Green Island with choice of snorkeling gear or glass-bottom boat tour, plus access to beaches and rainforest walks.
• Why choose this: A time-efficient and budget-friendly way with a streamlined itinerary that delivers essential marine Great Barrier Reef highlights.
• Upgrades: Opt to include a semi-submarine ride for a closer underwater reef perspective without getting wet.

Inclusions

• Half-day cruise to Green Island from Cairns

• Stay on Green Island for 2 hours

• Self-guided walk on the island

• Semi-submarine tour (if option selected)

• Snorkelling gear, Lycra suits, and flotation vest (if option selected)

• Glass-bottom boat tour (if option selected)

• Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Outer reef adventure: snorkelling, activities & lunch on a private luxury pontoon.

• Great for: Families with young kids and adventurers seeking ample water time, premium equipment, and a relaxed, locally owned experience with personalized service.
• Everything you get: A full-day tour on the newest pontoon at the outer reef, home to clearer water, with richer coral and marine life, plus a glass-bottom boat tour, tropical buffet lunch, and a marine biologist presentation.
• Why choose this: Fewer passengers mean extra space and personalized attention for an authentic reef tour with a knowledgeable Cairns‑based crew.
• Upgrades: You can add a 35-minute guided snorkeling tour or an introductory scuba diving session with expert instructors.

Inclusions

• Full-day tour to Reef Magic Pontoon from Cairns

• 5 hours at reef activity pontoon

• Snorkelling equipment with safety instructions

• Lycra suit and wetsuit

• Buffet lunch (menu here)

• Morning and afternoon tea

• Tea, coffee, and drinking water

• Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)

• Introductory dive (if option selected)

• Glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tour with commentary

• Fish feeding and Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation

• Sundeck, fresh water showers, and changing rooms

• Underwater reef viewing observatory

• Infants’ safety swimming enclosure

Arrive early for exclusive reef access, expert-led snorkeling, and small group comfort.

• Great for adventurous couples, families, and explorers seeking intimate reef experiences with personalized service.
• Everything you get: A 6-hour cruise aboard a schooner or catamaran with shaded decks, air-conditioned cabins, buffet lunch, morning tea, guided drift snorkel with a marine naturalist, optional diving, glass-bottom boat tour, fish feeding, and all gear provided.
• Why choose this: Enjoy an intimate group experience with a high crew-to-guest ratio that ensures safety, 2:1 intro dive sessions, expert insights, and a smorgasbord spread to top it off.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise to Great Barrier Reef and Green Island cruise

• Small group cruise

• Round-trip transfers from Green Island

• 6 hours of reef time (Upolu Cay & Outer Edge Upolu Reef)

• Adventure drift snorkel tour with marine naturalist

• Glass-bottom boat tour

• Coffee/tea, Danish pastries, and fresh fruit on boarding

• Buffet lunch with salmon, prawns, meats, salads, breads

• Tropical afternoon tea – cheese platter / fresh fruit platter/cake platter

• Reef talk by a marine interpreter, fish feeding session

• Scuba diving demonstration, 2 guests per instructor

• Snorkeling fee and equipment

• All reef levies and fees

Exclusions

• Recreational area and environmental management charges

• Certified and non-certified diving experiences

• Round-trip bus transfers

Family day to Green Island for 2 adults + 2 kids with snorkelling or glass-bottom boat.

• Great for families and parents looking for a simple, flexible, full-day reef escape with onboard comfort and light snorkelling options.
• Everything you get: Cruise from Cairns to Green Island aboard a spacious catamaran. Spend over 5 hours exploring beaches and rainforest, with your choice of snorkelling gear to discover the reef or a glass-bottom boat tour to view marine life without getting wet.
• Why choose this: Give your family the freedom to explore the reef and island without overloading your day—plus the comfort of an air-conditioned base.
• Upgrades: Add a buffet lunch served onboard to keep the whole family fueled and happy.

Inclusions

• Family package: full-day cruise from Cairns to Green Island for 2 adults and 2 children

• Complimentary snorkelling gear or a glass-bottom boat tour (choose during checkout)

• Stay on Green Island for 5 hours

• Island rainforest walks

• Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

• Use of Big Cat vessel during time at the island as an air-conditioned base

• Buffet lunch (if option selected)

The only high-speed Viper jet-boat tour to hit the outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach in one day.

• Everything you get: Hop aboard the Whitsundays’ fastest jet boat for a 9-hour adventure. Snorkel the outer reef with marine biologists, hike to Hill Inlet Lookout, and enjoy time at Whitehaven Beach with lunch, tea, and fun extras like a floating croc pad and slide.
• Why choose this: Perfect for high-energy explorers who want to see the outer reef, Hill Inlet Lookout, and Whitehaven in one expertly guided day.

Inclusions

• 9-hour guided snorkel safari at Bait Reef Lagoon & Stepping Stones

• Lunch & snacks

• Filtered water

• Fastest boat in the Whitsundays, powered by Rolls-Royce jets

• Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout

• Marine biologist crew

• Floating croc pad & slide at South Whitehaven Beach

• Snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, wetsuits, & flotation devices

Exclusions

• Soft drinks and water bottles (additional cost)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Swimwear & towels
• Camera
• Light jacket/jumper for windy, wet, or cool days (warmer jacket for winter)
• Cash/card to pay for soft drinks or water bottles (if desired)

Accessibility

• Not suitable for pregnant women, guests with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, or pre-existing medical conditions, and non-swimmers.
• Minimum height requirement: 130cm
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout requires a reasonable fitness level as it consists of many stone steps.
• If weather conditions are unfavourable, there may be an alternate route to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
• If you wish to snorkel, you must be able to swim. If you are a weak swimmer or a non-swimmer, this activity might be too dangerous.

Sail the Whitsundays aboard the largest catamaran in the region, combining space, comfort, and island views.

• Everything you get: Sail past the Whitsundays on a spacious catamaran, stopping at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Snorkel Mackerel Bay’s reefs, enjoy a BBQ lunch with morning and afternoon tea, and sip beer, wine, and soft drinks as you cruise the Coral Sea.
• Why choose this: See the Whitsundays in one trip, with space to relax, premium dining and drinks, and a pace that lets you enjoy it all without compromise.

Inclusions

• Sailing adventure through the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet

• Morning & afternoon tea

• BBQ lunch with soft drinks & water

• Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout

• Snorkelling at Mackerel Bay (inner fringing reef)

• Snorkelling equipment & stinger suits

• Beer & wine (from 11am)

• Beach activities

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
• Swimwear & towels
• Camera
• Light jacket/sweater (for windy days)

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• This experience includes bushwalking, snorkelling, and climbing in and out of tenders. Therefore, a moderate level of fitness and agility is recommended.
• If you wish to snorkel the fringing reef from the Camira, you must have adequate swimming abilities as there are no flotation devices available.

See the reef without getting wet on a stable glass-bottom boat—day or night options available.

• Everything you get: Hop aboard a fully shaded glass-bottom boat with expert commentary, a licensed bar, and views of coral gardens and reef wildlife. Choose a daytime cruise with a scenic lookout stop or a night tour with UV lights that reveal the reef in a whole new way.
• Why choose this: Perfect for reef lovers who’d rather stay dry while spotting turtles, rays, and vibrant coral through a glass-bottom window.
• Upgrades: The day tour includes a scenic photo stop at Lions Lookout, where you can capture stunning panoramic views of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

Inclusions Day Tour + Lions Lookout Stop

• 70-minute glass-bottom boat tour from Airlie Beach

• Fully-shaded glass-bottom boat with a licensed bar on board

• Photo stop at Lions Lookout

• Expert captain & crew

• Live commentary

• Courtesy bus transfers (from select locations)

• All safety gear, including stinger suits

Night Tour

• 1-hour glass-bottom boat tour from Airlie Beach

• Fully-shaded glass-bottom boat with a licensed bar on board and underwater UV lights

• Expert captain & crew

• Live commentary

• Courtesy bus transfers (from select locations)

• All safety gear, including stinger suits

Exclusions

• Drinks from the bar (additional cost)

What to bring

• Camera

What’s not allowed

• Strollers
• Prams

Accessibility

• Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• The boat is equipped with 2 toilets for your convenience.
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.

Flexible outer reef tour with your choice of snorkelling or diving and a tropical BBQ lunch.

• Everything you get: Round-trip transfers from Cairns, guided tours at two outer reef sites known for pristine coral and marine life, full snorkelling gear, and a tropical BBQ buffet lunch.
• Upgrades: Enhance your reef day with advanced dive gear, extended reef time, or add-on marine photography sessions.
• Why choose this: Explore clearer waters and richer marine life at outer reef sites, with live expert commentary, underwater adventures, and seamless Cairns transfers.

Inclusions

• Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

• Round-trip transfers from select hotels in Cairns

• Round-trip superyacht transfers from Cairns to 2 reef sites (North Hastings & Saxon or Norman)

• 8-hour cruise with 5 hours on the reef

• Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits

• Guides/captains

• Chef-prepared BBQ lunch with fish, prawns, steak, salads, breads (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free options available)

• Tea/coffee/mini-muffins

• 1 glass of wine and a light snack on the return journey

• Choice of snorkeling tour or introductory dive (based on option selected)

• Onboard bar available (additional drinks at own cost)