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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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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
9am Cruise Only: Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear. NO hotel pickup included in this option
Includes Glass Bottom Boat
Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island
AM Tour 9AM
No other inclusions
Includes a Glass Bottom Boat
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
PM Tour 1PM
No other inclusions
205 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
James G,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
The half day tour was ample time to see plenty of sea life in the reefs. We did both the glass bottom boat and the semi submersible tours. Definitely recommend both, you see different parts of the reef and get different perspectives. Crews were very friendly and knowledgeable.
Christian G,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Beautiful and impressive Worth it, great guide and super nice reef with lots of fish and turtles
Wendy W,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great friendly service, unfortunately our glass bottom boat was cancelled due to rough conditions. We were offered snorkelling instead.


Allan W,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
It is a great experience, the self paced rain forest walk & glass bottom boats are great value, thanks
Scott Z,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
The ride out to Green Island took 45 minutes each way, but it was well worth the ride. I found the time there was adequate but some snookers thought it was too short. The glass bottom boat although short was very good.
O1357RBdebbiem,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Thank you for a fantastic half day trip to Green Island. Absolutely loved it!! All staff were friendly, knowledgeable & helpful!!
LarsUwe P,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
Very well organized, friendly staff and exact time when which activity starts on the island. If you want to spend more time on the beach, you should book the full-day tour.
Margaret T,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
A beautiful tropical island, away from it all. Pleasant and patient staff on the vessels.we chose to take the glass-bottomed boat. It was fantastic to see the reef and an abundance of fish beneath us. We saw turtles too. As we embarked sabotaged passenger recommended that we waited for the fish feeding part of the trip to take photos. That was spectacular for sure, but there was plenty to see anyway. We didn’t bother with the crocodile world on the island. We had seen them elsewhere previously and it seemed expensive for what it offered in a tight time frame. The walk around the island is a must.
Claire K,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
Overall a great experience for a day trip to the GBR. Wildlife in abundance, with plenty putting on a show. Boat ride was smooth even on a mildly rough sea - some local commentary would be beneficial. A guide on snorkelling spots (not just beginner/advanced areas) would also be nice for visitors wanting to see better pieces of reef. Snorkelling gear could do with an update and some extra anti fog application for better use of gear - our hired gear was leaky and required many frequent breaks to clear. Staff were all very welcoming and added to a great experience.
Niki J,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
This is a fantastic tour for seeing the fish in the mini submarine. We were ferried to the green island the we boarded the ferry to the mini submarine and we saw beautiful fish, shark, turtles. It was the best tour and worth it. We did not do snorkeling as we did on another tour and did not see much. There not much to see on the island but it’s nice and covered to walk in the shade. I would highly recommend the mini submarine.
Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises