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.
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
Options
9am Cruise - Transfers Only
No other inclusions
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
9amCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island AM Tour 9AM
1pm Cruise + Snorkel Gear
1pm Cruise : Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear.
1pm Cruise - Transfer Only
No other inclusions
9am Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat
Includes a Glass Bottom Boat
1pm Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat
Includes Glass Bottom Boat
1pmCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island PM Tour 1PM
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
222 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Provided exactly what we needed, conducted business fairly
Texan1010,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We 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.
Great day out on the reef
tearose002,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was 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.
Green Island is an easy way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef
Lorri M,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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.
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises