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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.
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.
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
Includes Glass Bottom Boat
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island PM Tour 1PM
1pm Cruise : Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear.
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island AM Tour 9AM
No other inclusions
9am Cruise Only: Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear. NO hotel pickup included in this option
No other inclusions
Includes a Glass Bottom Boat
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
226 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Suzie S,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
We booked a half day Snorkel on Green Island. Once we arrived at the Island we were told they didnt have our snorkeling equipment and we would have to wait until the next boat arrived an hour later to get our equipment or we could take a glass bottom boat instead. The only issue is when you book a half day tour you really only get 2 two hours on the island due to transit time so half of our time was lost due to their error. We ended up just taking the glass bottom boat because once we received our equipment and getting back to the beach we would have not had any time to actually Snorkel before we would have to meet to head back. Extremely disappointed in our experience.
Cilly,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
Not much assistance was given on where to meet for specific activities; every other person we asked provided a different answer. Fewer activities were offered for this time of year. The resort area was very tourist-y and it made me want to leave the island immediately.
sydneyguyrojoe,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Came when it was raining and there is barely any cover when you’re waiting for your glass bottom boat tour. We all got soaked The island itself is small, limited shops and food options. Nice beach area.
louisas770,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an amazing experience on the half-day tour! From the moment we boarded, the staff were friendly, professional, and incredibly attentive. I was especially impressed with how they cared for passengers who were feeling seasick, checking on them and offering support throughout the trip. The glass-bottom boat tour was a definite highlight. The commentary was informative and engaging, and everyone on board shared in the excitement when we spotted turtles. It was such a special experience to see the reef and marine life up close. The half-day tour was the perfect length for our three-year-old and for us as a family. We never felt rushed, but it also wasn’t too long for little ones. Everything was well organised, enjoyable, and family-friendly.
B8101VYmichelea,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful day. Good facilities on the island.
Texan1010,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked the half-day Green Island excursion because all we really wanted was the transportation to/from the island; while there, we wanted to do our own thing. That’s exactly what this was. Notably: due to a mutual miscommunication that was really no one’s fault outright, we figured we would try to be compensated to some degree. We spoke to the representative and explained the situation. She handled it very professionally, she asked a few questions, gently explained her side of things, we spoke like human beings should speak to each other. Without significant delay they decided to make things right. We were very pleased with the way the situation was handled.
tearose002,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Was well worth it saw a lot of coral and pretty coloured fish and turtles also small reef sharks. The guides were very informative and friendly. We chose not to snorkel but we easily could have they supply everything for snorkelling if you dont have your own gear.


Lorri M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
This is a great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. We loved going to Green Island. The boat trip over was bumping but fine. Recommendation for those who may get seasick - eat the ginger tablets they provide on board the ship. Once we arrived at Green Island, we had a fun time snorkeling in the "protected area." This is the area that has the lifeguard. The island is full of things to do, including nice changing facilities and food options. We also did the glass bottom boat. We saw so many beautiful fish and sea turtles. We highly recommend this tour.
JackandRobyn K,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
crossing 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.
Ashley J,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
Just 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.
Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises