Green Island Tours escape to a tropical island.

Green Island tours depart from the Marlin Marina in Cairns.  First, all guests must check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal.

Next, you will board the Green Island Ferry for a comfortable 45-minute boat ride to beautiful Green Island.

Once at Green Island, you will be able to relax on the beach, snorkel, swim or explore the rainforest.

During your visit, there are several options for delicious snacks and meals, including Emerald’s Restaurant.

Then there are options for some souvenirs or treat yourself to a massage.

About Green Island

Green Island is a 6000-year-old coral cay within the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.   This island is approximately 12 hectares and includes a lush rainforest.  Surrounded by pristine white beaches making it is an ideal getaway.

Choose to snorkel, dive, stay dry or view the spectacular underwater reefs.

Activities

Discover the activities that suit you best sign up for a glass-bottom boat tour, relax on the beach or give snorkelling a go. After that, why not try exploring underwater on a helmet dive or take a birds-eye view on a helicopter tour.

Green Island offers an array of activities to suit all abilities and is ideal for non-swimmers.

If you think you’d rather stay longer than one day, why not book to stay at the Green Island Resort.

Highlights

Tour Highlights

    • Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
    • Easy day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
    • Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, shallow waters
    • Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
    • Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
    • Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
    • Flexible free time to enjoy the island at your own pace

Itinerary

Itinerary – Green Island Day Trip

Departure options

Choose your departure and return times when you book:

  • Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 7 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 3 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time

While times may vary slightly depending on your selected departure, a typical Green Island day trip follows this relaxed and flexible itinerary:

  • Morning: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the ferry
  • Ferry Transfer: Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island
  • Arrival at Green Island: Disembark at the island jetty and begin exploring
  • Island Time:
    • Swim and snorkel from the beach
    • Walk the rainforest boardwalks
    • Relax on the sand or enjoy optional activities

Afternoon: Board the ferry for your return journey to Cairns

This itinerary allows plenty of free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace.

Included

Return transfers on board Great Adventures
Up to 7 hours on Green Island
Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
Self Guided Eco Island Walk
Use of day facilities (toilets, showers, pool etc)

Optional Extras

Optional Activities on Green Island

Additional activities are available on the island for those wanting to enhance their day trip experience. These can be arranged on arrival and may include:

    • Glass bottom boat tours
    • Guided snorkelling experiences
    • Scenic helicopter flights
    • Marine education presentations

Availability may vary on the day.

What to bring

What to Bring

To make the most of your Green Island day trip, we recommend bringing:

    • Swimwear and a towel
    • Reef-safe sunscreen
    • Hat and sunglasses
    • Comfortable footwear for walking trails
    • Light clothing and a change of clothes
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Camera or phone for photos
    • Spending money for optional activities and refreshments
    • Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.

How to get there

How to Get There

Green Island is located just off the coast of Cairns and is easily accessed by ferry.

    • Departures operate from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
    • The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way
    • Return ferry transfers are included in your day trip
    • Check-in details will be provided after booking

The comfortable ferry transfer makes Green Island one of the most accessible island experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

Important Information

Important Information

    • All ferry transfers are subject to weather and sea conditions
    • Snorkelling conditions vary depending on tides and visibility
    • Children must be supervised at all times while on the island
    • Optional activities are subject to availability on the day
    • Prices, schedules, and inclusions may change without notice
    • This tour is suitable for non-swimmers, families, and first-time reef visitors

We recommend arriving at the terminal early and listening carefully to all safety briefings provided by staff.

Tour Features

Read policies

Location

Green Island Tours Tours

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

Departs

0830-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~7 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~7 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

Departs

0830-1430: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

0830-1430: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs

1030-1430: Standard - HALF DAY (~3 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

1030-1430: Standard - HALF DAY (~3 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs