Green Island tours: Quick overview

Green Island is a coral cay roughly 27km off the coast of Cairns, about 12 hectares in size. It's the only coral cay among the Great Barrier Reef's 300+ islands with its own rainforest, home to over 120 plant species and 55 bird species, and the island is protected as a national park. Most visitors reach it by high-speed catamaran in around 45 minutes.

• Cruise options: Choose between half-day and full-day Green Island cruises, with optional upgrades like snorkeling gear, glass-bottom boats, or semi-submarine tours.
  
• Routes & duration: Cruises run ~4 to 8 hours, including a 45–60 minute transfer each way and flexible time on the island.
  
• Price range: From around AU$109 for a half-day transfer up to AU$300+ for full-day family packages with activity upgrades. The difference comes down to half-day vs. full-day, and how many activity add-ons (snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine) you include.
  
• Boats & seating: Travel on high-speed catamarans with indoor seating and open-air decks; seating is typically first-come, first-served.
  
• Boarding hub: All cruises depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for check-in and boarding.
  
• Inclusions: Standard tickets include return transfers, with optional add-ons for snorkeling, guided activities, and reef viewing experiences.
  
• When to book: Full-day options and activity upgrades sell out quickly, especially during peak season and weekends.
  
• Best upgrade: Add a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour for easy reef viewing without getting into the water.

Things to know before booking a Green Island tour

• Booking window: Book in advance to guarantee your preferred departure time. Full-day and combo tours can sell out 3–5 days ahead during peak season (June–October).
  
• Onboard experience: Most cruises include a snorkeling demonstration and a reef presentation en route to the island, so you'll arrive knowing what to look for in the water.
  
• On-island activities: Depending on your tour, you can add a self-guided walk along the island's rainforest trails, a 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour, or a semi-submersible tour for dry underwater viewing.
  
• Diving and flying: If your tour includes scuba diving, avoid flying within 24 hours of your last dive to prevent decompression sickness, worth knowing if your trip is close to a departure flight.
  
• Stinger season: Between November and May, marine stingers are present in reef waters around Green Island. Stinger suits are provided at no extra cost and are mandatory for water activities during these months.
  
• Half-day vs. full-day: Half-day gives you roughly 2–2.5 hours on the island; full-day gives 4–5.5 hours, with more time for optional activities and a relaxed pace.
  
• Island vs. outer reef: Green Island offers calm, shallow water suited to beginners and families. For deeper coral and more marine life, combo tours pairing Green Island with the outer reef cover both in one day.
  
• Boarding point and timing: All cruises depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding typically begins 20–30 minutes before departure.
  
• Weather and conditions: Cruises run in most weather. Green Island's lagoon stays relatively sheltered even when outer reef sites see rougher conditions.

Tips for visiting Green Island

• Choose a full-day cruise if you prefer a more relaxed experience with enough time to explore the island and reef.
  
• Plan to snorkel early in the day for better visibility and fewer crowds in the water.
  
• Rent or wear a stinger suit during warmer months (typically November to May) for added protection.
  
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect coral and marine life.
  
• Book activity upgrades in advance, as popular options can sell out quickly.
  
• Bring a card or some cash for purchases at island cafes, shops, or equipment rentals.
  
• Stay within marked swimming areas for safety and to avoid strong currents.
  
• Choose a glass-bottom boat tour if you prefer to view the reef without swimming.