Ocean Free 25 guest Great Barrier Reef & visit Green Island Tour
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
With only a maximum of 25 passengers this makes our Great Barrier Reef & Green Island tour very guest focussed! .In fact we are the only sail, reef and tropical island experience in Cairns catering for such a low guest number . Swim, snorkel or dive straight off the boat onto an exclusive magnificent GBR site - no crowds. The boat is moored just 1Km off Green Island - a highly protected Marine Park zone. From Cairns, sail to this reef site and Green Island in style on a two-mast schooner and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board. After snorkelling off the boat take a tender transfer to explore the beauty of Green Island, see the rainforest or laze on the white sandy beaches.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A maximum of 25 people ensures a unique and personalized experience
Please note: All DIVERS will be required to complete a medical questionnaire on board prior to diving. Please only book the diving options if you have no medical conditions nor taking medication as some conditions/medication preclude you from diving
Tour requires you to be stable and mobile enough to move around a moving vessel and to transfer from main vessel onto tender and back
Guests come from many countries and many only have a small opportunity to visit the reef. The vessel will operate in all weather conditions (apart from gale force and severe weather warnings) and has extra procedures to make the day the best possible. If you are concerned about the weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au cairns coastal report - it will give you a 4 day forecast. 10-20 knots is a normal good day. Date of travel can be changed subject to availability and also full refund if cancelling with minimum 24hrs notice. Our vessels are open air with good boat movement so less likely to suffer seasickness than some other closed vessels however, if prone to motion sickness we recommend taking travel sickness tablets 20 minutes before boarding the vessel.
If intending to take part in diving all divers (whether certified or introductory diver) will be required to fill out a diving medical questionnaire on board. If diving is an important option for you, please advise if you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medications so we can advise if any QLD diving medical clearance is required. Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. It is imperative for your safety that you answer the questions on the form truthfully.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
These are the two most personal Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns. Sail on Ocean Free - our 16M classical sailing schooner for this extremely personal Great Barrier Reef & Green Island Tour. Sail, snorkel , dive (optional extra) - reef and beach all in one day with only a small group of up to 25 guests - pure bliss!
Great Barrier Reef
Admire the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on this very personal day tour .Ocean Free sails to its exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring just 1 km off Green Island. Step straight off the boat and see a coral garden teeming with colourful reef-fish and marine life on this highly protected Marine Park zone of the Great Barrier Reef. Only our guests snorkel this site making it a very personal experience! Turtles and large schools of fish a common site amongst the coral "bommies" (outcrops) that rise form about 10-12M up to just under 1M under the surface making it an ideal area for great snorkelling Spend the morning snorkelling & / or SCUBA diving (optional extra) over an incredible reef system and view the most unique and colourful marine life under the guidance of our very attentive crew. Afterwards hop back on board your vessel for a scrumptious large smorgasbord lunch after which you can hop into the tender as the skipper takes you to Green Island beach - your 2nd site to explore!
What‘s Included
Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood
Fish Feed
Reef talk by a marine interpreter
Complimentary glass of wine on the return sail to Cairns
Environmental Management Charge / Port / Ram fees
Sailing cruise to Green Island & the Great Barrier Reef
Exclusive reef site
Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, marks, flippers, buoyancy vests)
Transfers to/from the schooner to Green Island
Coffee and/or Tea
Morning and Afternoon tea
Snorkeling tuition, tours and in-water crew assistance if required
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Only Pre-book diving if no medical conditions/taking medication - some may preclude you from diving
Optional diving - x 1-2 Certified / x 1-2 Intro dives possible on day .10-12m depth .
Options
Tour Snorkelling
Green Island Sailing Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
Tour + One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Certified Dives
Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Snorkel Family Pack (2ad+2ch)
Snorkel Only Family Pack: Green Island & Reef, Sailing Cruise Family Pack from Cairns including snorkeling (2 adults + 2 children 4- 14 years)
Reviews
655 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Barrier Reef dream come true!
medo0315,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exactly what I dreamed a trip to GBR would be! The crew was amazing and I felt so very comfortable snorkeling with them. And lunch! And wine and crackers! A great bunch who did a great job.
The best trip ever!
SUSAN B,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Having a small group on the sailboat was the best ever! The crew was so conscientious to make sure equipment fit us, that we felt comfortable, and that we were having the best experience possible. Lots of food for lunch plus other snacks throughout the day. Cash bar for sodas, beer, and wine. Omg, I'm still raving about what a great time I had.
The best Christmas Eve!
CWhite1307,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on an Ocean Free Green Island Tour on Christmas Eve, as a family of 3. We had already previously gone to Tangalooma Shipwrecks as part of our trip a week before when in Brisbane. The difference in the 2 experiences was phenomenal, and a day that was 1) my favourite day of our Oz holiday and 2) something I will never forget. From boarding Ocean Free, the team of 4 crew were exceptional hosts. Big shout out to Shaya, Amber, Archie and Mike (Birdie). They made sure we were looked after at every moment and were friendly and funny. The hospitality in the form of breakfast, lunch and the white wine was all great. The information given was incredibly interesting. Our day consisted of travelling near Green Island, then snorkelling, stopping for lunch, a short trip across to the island for an hour (we could have stayed longer if we wanted!) and then a return to the ship for another snorkel. The only downside is seeing no turtles! But the fish and the reef were beautiful. The sun was shining all day and we all had a great time. We've talked about this experience a lot over the last 2 weeks, and looked to see the difference in this experience & the Tangalooma one was a mere £40. The experiences were polar opposites - Tangalooma is very commercialised, and whilst it was a good day, it was underwhelming. Thank you to Shaya, Amber, Archie & Mike for giving us such a magical day out - you guys really made this experience, and we'd love to return one day when we make it around the other side of the world again!
The Crew, The Food, The Care
Trip08525624862,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was excellent. They were supremely active and energetic bunch of instructors on board, who took care of all of us from the beginning until the end. Told us multiple stories and interacted at different stages of the day. This small group of 25 people in this trip was the best thing to choose for the a good outing. The food was excellent. Apart from lunch every now and then there were some fruit salads, or cheese with crackers and best was to finish with a glass of wine. All served with great enthusiasm and care. I strongly recommend this tour to all. All kiwi boys were superb and hands on to extend help. The diving is not very deep yet not bad. december is the month of high currents of water, both underwater and on the surface so the pleasure of snorkelling was ok ok. though the crew had kept the rope very well organised ao we cud enjoy the water thoroughly inspite of high currents. Also, white jelly fish bites r annoying during this part of the year. If planning for green island tour, this group wud be best choice. they take u for 2 dives and snorkelling sites as well. For the first timers who r trying for scuba diving, the crew is very good and hand on.
Green Island is a must
kbkhkh,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Ok - to be honest, as we approached this boat, it was a bit disappointed as it looked like a dingy next to the larger boats. It was the smallest and oldest boat. However, the staff was amazing, hardworking, friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable.
None starter
rachelm385,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We had a trip booked for 2 of us in our last day in Cairns. We turned up at 7.15am as directed to be told the skipper was sick. We were in the same situation as the other 23 people booked on for today but with having paid almost $600 for the both of us and this being our only chance to see the great barrier reef i can't believe they dont have a contingency plan for this type of event. People get sick and they should have a back up plan as this will have ruined many a people's holiday. Poor planning!
Amazing time and great crew!
Robyn J,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a fantastic time on the Sail Boat day trip! First time visiting the Great Barrier Reef and intro to diving! We had a fantastic crew - Blair, Kelly and Lukey were amazing! Can’t recommend this tour enough! Thank you
Great Barrier reef experience
clairehM7244RI,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day crew were amazing great experience under sail. Food was great. The only downside the toilet onboard could do with an update
Highly recommended
elisabetho616,,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Individual, very friendly and responsible care. Good mood, plenty of food and interesting information included.
Amazing experience, 10/10!
516freyaw,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an u forgettable day on the Ocean Free! From start to finish the crew made us feel so welcome and at ease. We loved being on the smaller boat with a smaller group, it feels much more personal than being on one of the massive boats. We went to our own little private reef and snorkelled with all the amazing fish which was incredible. We then went to the island and swam with sea turtles which was a massive highlight of an already amazing day! We managed to get some sailing in on the way back which was great. Also food was great and lots of little snacks on the way back, plus a glass of wine! If you’re comfortable on a sailing boat then book this trip, they’re the smallest company running and it feels like they care about the guests and the reefs, not just making a ton of money. Thanks so much for Blair, Amber and Dan for making the day so special. Freya, Sophie and Nikki ❤️
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours