Green Island Half-Day Trip from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the tropical paradise of Green Island on a half day trip from Cairns. Enjoy around two hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef island with plenty of time to snorkel. You can even take an optional semi-submersible submarine tour to get close to the reef without getting wet.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Wheelchair accessibility is available but limited. Passengers must have some mobility and/or the presence of a carer who can assist them.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises - Day Tour
This is where guests start their tour, at the Reef Fleet Terminal.
Green Island Cruise - Day Tour (Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruise)
Spend time at Green Island either snorkelling or join a glass bottom boat tour
What‘s Included
Glass bottom boat tour (if selected)
Semi-submersible tour (if selected)
Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran
Use of Snorkel Gear (if selected)
Optional activities. (Can be booked locally, subject to availability. Payable directly on the day)
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
No transfer pick up/drop off
Options
1pmCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island PM Tour 1PM
9am Cruise - Transfers Only
No other inclusions
1pm Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat
Includes Glass Bottom Boat
1pm Cruise + Snorkel Gear
1pm Cruise : Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear.
9am Cruise + Snorkel Gear
9am Cruise Only: Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear. NO hotel pickup included in this option
1pm Cruise - Transfer Only
No other inclusions
9am Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat
Includes a Glass Bottom Boat
9amCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island AM Tour 9AM
Reviews
218 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
green island glass bottom boat
JackandRobyn K,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00crossing can be rough. if visibility poor only see a small number of fish in the glass bottom boat. Can see more at the Cairns aquarium. Fish and coral not that exciting.
Glass bottom boat is awesome!
Ashley J,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Just go… we did n we loved it the staff from big cat are awesome!! Half day was great even though the weather wasn’t perfect the entire experience was to our comfort.
Perfect for Non-Swimmers
KimP715,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a non-swimmer, this half day tour was perfect! 900-945 catamaran from Marina Wharf to Green Island, 945-1115 free time, 1115-1145 glass bottom boat, 1200-1245 catamaran back to Cairns. Thanks to beautiful weather, it was a pleasant journey with lots of sea life visible on the glass bottom boat. Also had enough time to grab a snack, dip my toes in the water and take a short stroll. Some people managed to squeeze in snorkeling which seems a bit rushed to be honest (but, you do you). Getting there and back can be a choppy ride so bring your seasick pills.
Don't snorkel. No worries. do both boats.
Kerry T,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00we had great weather on this trip. As none of us wanted to snorkel, We were able to change to the glass bottom boat and the semi sub. Same coral. fish and oceon. Different views. Just see Big Cat counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal. Amazing trip.
The 4 hour trip to Greenisland with snorkeling and semi-sub is just a tourist trap with no value.
Johann H,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This tour is just a flop. 50 min to get to Greenisland and the same back. This means you may have 2 hours at the island for snorkeling and semi-sub drive. The timing for boarding the semi-sub allows you in maximum a snorkeling time of 30 min. For boarding the semi-sub you have to wait 30 min. The drive is only 15 min. If it is strong windy as it was for us you won't see any fish.
Green Island
qiaofaz,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Green Island is so beautiful, it's definitely worth a visit.
Weather makes a difference
Tony I,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It wasn’t the greatest experience because it was a very windy day and the water was murky Really not much to do on Green Island.
A great trip.
O3955SJjaninem,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely afternoon at Green Island and particularly enjoyed the glass bottom boat.
Nice cruise to an overcrowded island
Stacy W,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00A beautiful day for the 45 minute cruise to Green Island. The island itself is very crowded and we felt that we could’ve spent our time better.
Green Island 1/2 day tour
Linda H,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Comfortable fast ride to Green Island. We then walked along the boardwalk through the national park and did the glass bottom boat tour. Many people were snorkelling. It was a very enjoyable 1/2 day tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises