Cairns Tickets




































































Quick overview

  • 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.
  • 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.

Compare your options above to choose the best Green Island cruise for your trip.

Find your best Green Island tour match here

Cruise typeRoute/sightsBoarding pointInclusionsBoat/seatingDurationCancellationBest forPrice from

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Green Island beaches, fringing reef, shallow lagoon snorkeling

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Return catamaran transfers, island access, optional snorkel gear & activities

High-speed catamaran with indoor & outdoor seating

4 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Quick reef visit, first-timers with limited time

From AU$110

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Green Island lagoon, coral gardens, rainforest walking trails

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Return transfers, island access, optional snorkel, semi-sub, and guided activities

High-speed catamaran

6 hr. - 8 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Flexible explorers who want time on land + reef

From AU$109

Green Island Full Day Cruise with Snorkel & Buffet Lunch

Coral reef zones around Green Island with extended snorkeling time

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, island access, reef time

High-speed catamaran

5 hr. - 6 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Hassle-free day with meals included

From AU$162

[Family Package] Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

Green Island beach, calm lagoon, easy-access reef areas

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Family-friendly inclusions, transfers, island access, optional activities

Catamaran

6 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Families with kids, relaxed and easy reef experience

From AU$299

Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Coral viewing around Green Island without entering the water

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Glass-bottom boat tour, reef presentation, island access, optional upgrades

Catamaran

4 hr. - 8 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Non-swimmers, elderly travelers, dry reef viewing

From AU$120

From Cairns: 2 Islands in 1 Day Trip of Fitzroy & Green Islands

Green Island + Fitzroy Island beaches, reefs & rainforest

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Return transfers to both islands, free exploration time on each

Catamaran

8 hr. 30 min.

Free cancellation (24h)

Travelers wanting variety and island hopping in one day

From AU$196

Cairns to Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

Green Island lagoon + outer reef coral walls & marine life hotspots

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Guided snorkeling, lunch, sailing experience, reef interpretation

Sailing catamaran

9 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

Best-value combo of island + premium reef experience

From AU$289

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Sunlover

Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon, deep coral gardens, marine life zones

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Snorkeling gear, pontoon access, buffet lunch, glass-bottom & activities

Catamaran + reef pontoon

8 hr. - 9 hr.

Free cancellation (24h)

First-time reef visitors wanting structured activities

From AU$307

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise with Guided Snorkelling Tours

Outer reef sites with high coral density and diverse marine life

Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

Guided snorkeling tours, equipment, reef briefings

Catamaran

8 hr. 30 min.

Free cancellation (24h)

Confident swimmers and reef-focused experiences

From AU$275

Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

Aerial views of reef formations, sand cays, and coral patterns

Cairns Airport

40-minute scenic flight with guaranteed window views

Fixed-wing aircraft

40 min.

Limited cancellation

Non-swimmers, photographers, unique reef perspective

From AU$239

What to expect on your Green Island tour?

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Smooth boarding from Cairns

Start your journey at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal with quick check-in and comfortable boarding onto high-speed catamarans.

Fast transfers to the island

Cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island in about 45–60 minutes, enjoying ocean views along the way.

Beach + reef in one destination

Green Island is a coral cay with rainforest and white sand beaches—perfect for both relaxing and reef exploration.

Snorkeling right from the shore

Unlike outer reef tours, you can snorkel directly off the beach in shallow, calm waters.

Optional reef activities

Upgrade to glass-bottom boats, semi-submarines, or Seawalker experiences for underwater views without swimming.

Flexible island time

Spend your time swimming, relaxing, or exploring before returning to Cairns.

Things to know before booking a Green Island tour

Booking window & availability: Green Island cruises run daily and are popular year-round. Full-day options like the Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades and combo tours often sell out 3–5 days in advance, especially during peak season.

Cruise types & experiences: Choose between shorter trips like the Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades, full-day experiences such as the Green Island Full Day Cruise with Snorkel & Buffet Lunch, or combo tours like the Cairns to Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch.

Routes & duration: All cruises travel from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Green Island (≈45–60 minutes each way). Half-day cruises last ~4 hours, while full-day options like the [Family Package] Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise run ~6–8 hours.

Half-day vs full-day experience: Half-day options like the Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades are ideal for quick visits. Full-day cruises offer more time for snorkeling, beach relaxation, and upgrades like glass-bottom tours or guided reef activities.

Island vs outer reef experience: Green Island offers calm, shallow waters ideal for beginners and families. For deeper coral and marine life, consider outer reef experiences like the Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities and Lunch by Sunlover or combo tours that include both island and reef.

Inclusions & pricing: Most cruises include return transfers and island access. Options like the Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour add reef viewing without swimming, while premium tours include snorkeling gear, guided experiences, and meals.

Boat types & comfort: Transfers are operated on high-speed catamarans with indoor seating and open decks for a smooth ride. Premium experiences like the Cairns to Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch use sailing catamarans for a quieter, more scenic journey.

Boarding point & timing: All cruises depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Boarding typically begins 20–30 minutes before departure.

Weather & conditions: Cruises operate in most weather conditions. Green Island remains relatively sheltered, while outer reef tours and scenic options like the Outer Great Barrier Reef 40-Minute Scenic Flight may be affected by visibility and sea conditions.

Your Green Island tour boarding point

What you’ll see on your Green Island tour

Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving tour at Green Island, Cairns, Australia.

Green Island Coral Cay

A unique island combining rainforest and reef, surrounded by shallow coral gardens and sandy beaches.

Tourists enjoying a full-day cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, exploring marine life through a glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
Scuba divers exploring vibrant coral reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Tourists on a catamaran cruise in clear blue waters near Green Island Reef, Cairns, Australia.
Dubai Crocodile Park immersive aquarium setup with crocodiles swimming in clear water.

Plan your Green Island tour

Tips & guidelines

  • 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.

Frequently asked questions about Green Island tours

Half‑day ferry transfers start from around AU$109, proving to be among the most affordable reef day trips from Cairns. Combo deals and family packages can offer even better value.

Book Green Island half-day tour



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