Great Barrier Reef Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Pocket-friendly full-day island escape with snorkelling, reef viewing, and lunch for an easy yet immersive reef adventure.

• Everything you get: Return ferry transfers from Cairns, over 5 hours on Fitzroy Island, full snorkelling gear, a glass-bottom boat tour with expert commentary, a buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, and free time for rainforest walks or beach lounging.
• Why choose this: It’s the most convenient way to tick off reef snorkelling, guided reef viewing, and a resort-style lunch in one value-packed itinerary.

Inclusions #

• Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef & Fitzroy Island with ferry transfers from Cairns

• Snorkel gear including mask, fins, Lycra suit, and flotation vest

• Guided glass-bottom boat tour

• Tropical lunch box with vegan, halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (menu here)

• Up to 4.5 hours for island self-exploration

Family-friendly reef adventure with fun water attractions and interactive marine experiences.

• Everything you get: Fast catamaran to Moore Reef pontoon, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, 30m spiral waterslide, buffet lunch, and marine life touch-tank displays.
• Upgrades: Enhance your adventure with activities such as introductory scuba diving, the Seawalker helmet dive.
• Why choose this: The unbeatable combination of waterslide action, a variety of pontoon activities, and affordability, making it perfect for a fun‑filled family day out.

Inclusions #

• Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

• Access to Sunlover Moore Reef pontoon with 4 hours to spend

• Snorkeling equipment and expert guidance

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

• 1-hour Snorkel Safari (if option selected)

• Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)

• Access to Sunlover waterslide & sun deck

• Semi-submersible tour

• Glass bottom boat tour

• Marine naturalist & fish feeding presentation

• Underwater observatory

• Onboard bar available (drinks at own cost)

Inclusions #

• Full-day cruise of Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

• 5 hours at the Outer Reef

• Expert snorkeling guide

• Three snorkel sessions at two sites (Norman, Saxon, or Hastings)

• Fresh tropical buffet lunch (hot and cold options)

• Tea, coffee, and water

• Snorkeling equipment, wetsuit/lycra suit, prescription masks

• Hot freshwater showers

Exclusions #

• Digital camera hire

• Professional photos for purchase

• Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks

• Souvenirs

• Introductory or certified diving

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

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

Explore two Great Barrier Reef islands in one day; snorkel, hike, and discover vibrant marine life.

• Everything you get: Fitzroy and Green Island visits in one day, over 6 hours to explore the reef, rainforest trails and beaches, expert commentary and marine biology presentation, all-day snorkel equipment use at both islands.
• Why choose this: Perfect for travelers short on time, see two iconic islands, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and learn from marine experts, all in one seamless adventure.
• Upgrades: Enhance your day with a Fitzroy glass-bottom boat tour, snorkelling gear, or a picnic lunch.

Inclusions #

• Visit to Fitzroy Island

• Visit to Green Island

• Over 6 hours on the reef

• Expert commentary on both islands

• Marine biology presentation

• Glass bottom boat tour at Fitzroy (based on option selected)

• Snorkel equipment for both islands (based on option selected)

• Picnic lunch included (based on option selected)

What to bring

• Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.
• Wear sensible shoes for Fitzroy Island, as the walk to Nudey Beach is over boulders.
• Bring your digital boarding pass and head straight to the vessel located at Marlin Marina as listed on your pass.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on board.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the vessel and islands.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and boulder paths on Fitzroy Island.

Additional information

• Lunch is not included unless selected as an optional extra.
• Arrive early at the pick-up point to avoid confusion and ensure timely boarding.
• Over 6 hours are provided to explore both islands.
• Snorkel equipment and glass-bottom boat tours are available if selected with your ticket.
• Expert commentary and a marine bio presentation are included.
• Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or operational requirements.

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.

Inclusions #

• Full-day trip to Fitzroy Island

• Round-trip ferry transfers from Cairns

• Up to 6 hours on Fitzroy Island

• Self-guided walk of National Park

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

• Guided glass-bottomed boat tour (if option selected)

• Snorkel Safari with marine biologist (if option selected)

• Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits, and flotation vests (if option selected)

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)

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