Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns
Overview
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Green Island offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest experience, just 45 minutes from Cairns by fast catamaran. Home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, surrounded by abundant marine life. Full and half day options available. Your day can be as active or as relaxing as you choose.
As a Great Adventures guest, you’ll also be able to enjoy many exclusive inclusions such as the use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco island walk to discover some of the island’s unique rainforest flora. The island’s well appointed day visitor facilities include a pool bar, plus restaurant and retail outlets. A delicious range of lunch and snacks can be purchased from the island’s food and refreshment outlets.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. We recommend informing crew of any medical conditions.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Green Island
Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay. It's the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest! Snorkel from the white sandy beaches, see the island's reef from the glass bottom boat and walk through the lush rainforest.
Green Island National Park
Explore Green Island
What‘s Included
Use of island swimming pool, exclusive to Great Adventures
Self guided island walk
Glass bottom boat tour
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Free beach bag
Return fast catamaran transfers from Cairns
Use of island day visitor facilities
Morning tea/coffee served onboard until departure from Cairns
Hotel pick up and drop off
Fuel surcharge
Options
3 Hrs on Island/Depart 10:30AM
10:30AM-2:30PM: Return cruise, snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 10:30am, returns 2:30pm (arrival to Cairns 3:15pm).
7 Hrs on Island/Depart 8:30AM
8:30AM-4:30PM: Return cruise, snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 8:30am, returns 4:30pm (arrival to Cairns 5:15pm).
5 Hrs on Island/Depart 8:30AM
8:30AM-2:30PM: Return cruise, snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 8:30am, returns 2:30pm (arrival to Cairns 3:15pm).
5 Hrs on Island/Depart 10:30AM
10:30AM-4:30PM: Return cruise, snorkeling gear & glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 10:30am, returns 4:30pm (arrival to Cairns 5:15pm).
Reviews
396 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Green Island _Glass bottom boat adventure Cairns
packanddashtravel,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This was such a fun experience with the girls, and we really enjoyed it. While the reef has definitely changed a lot since our last visit — with very limited sea life and almost no coral, which was quite a shock — the overall outing was still memorable. The boat ride offered a full guided experience with loads of information, and we took time to feed the local fish before cruising further out. The highlight for me was spotting turtles — there were so many, and as a sea‑turtle lover, it absolutely made my day. This was such a fun experience with the girls, and we really enjoyed it. While the reef has definitely changed a lot since our last visit — with very limited sea life and almost no coral, which was quite a shock — the overall outing was still memorable. The boat ride offered a full guided experience with loads of information, and we had a full ride but everyone had a seat, and it never felt overcrowded. The staff and guides were genuinely lovely — friendly, patient, and happy to help, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and easy. We took time to feed the local fish before cruising further out, and the highlight for me was spotting turtles — there were so many, and as a sea‑turtle lover, it absolutely made my day. The pace was perfect for my daughter, who has a disability, and she managed the experience far better than we expected. It ended up being a gentle, enjoyable adventure for all of us. If you’re visiting Cairns, this is still a worthwhile experience for the guided elements and the chance to see turtles up close, even though the reef itself has changed dramatically over the years. The pace was perfect for my daughter, who has a disability, and she managed the experience far better than we expected. It ended up being a lovely, relaxed adventure for all of us. If you’re visiting Cairns, this is still a worthwhile experience for the guided elements and the chance to see turtles up close, even though the reef itself has changed dramatically over the years.
Wonderful day out, staff...
Melissa M,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful day out, staff were super friendly and helpful, catered for all age groups, highly recommended!
Shame about the weather
Lynda W,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The snorkelling was poor due to weather conditions. The pool area is very small with limited sunbeds The beds and parasols for hire are very expensive and you have to pay extra for a life jacket or sting suit, it is literally the mask and fins that are included
Day at Green Island.
Jan O,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Was a great boat ride out to island. Only about 45 minutes. The glass bottom boat was nice with a guide who gave great commentary. Island walk was just ok.
Green Island is a fun...
RositaAlbano F,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Green Island is a fun place to go! Glass bottom gave us an amazing glimpses of the awesome life in Barrier Reef! They offer lots of activities, most are to pay! I just wish lunch is included! Adventure Team indeed gave us adventure we are looking for at Barrier Reef! Including the sudden amazing storm that wet us just before getting on to our Ferry back to Cairns! Surprisingly the return trip was not rock and rolling despite of the storm! Will recommend it!
Beautiful lifetime...
Declan k,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful lifetime experience! Fabulous service throughout to make it so enjoyable. Recommend glass bottom boat experience to ensure a view of all Beautiful colours of the coral and a view of the multitude of fish turtles etc Like a kaleidoscope!
Try another tour group
Daisy Q,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Rethink this tour if you are going in March with kids/family. We booked for both snorkelling & glass bottom boat, we checked in at 9.30am (for 10.30am), but they didn't tell us that the first bottom boat tour was cancelled due to weather...they should have given us the option to do something else, but unfortunately, did not. We only realised when we were on the island already, that the bottom boat tour was cancelled for the whole day. Although a pass for the park was provided, it wasn't what we paid and expected to experience. Lack of communication and transparency on the day really let this tour group down. My recommendation is to try Reef Adventure, as we spoke to them while on the island, the staff seemed more approachable than this tour group, and sounds like Reef Adventure had a lot more to offer.
Nice island with all the...
Sandeep S,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice island with all the facilities. Snorkeling was the highlight of the day. We were able to see turtles on glass bottom boat tour. Overall nice experience.
Enjoyable half day outing
Melissa F,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a highly enjoyable experience, the ride out to the island was smooth, the glass bottom boat ride allowed us to see a lot of the fishes and corals, and the snorkeling was good, with a variety of sea life visible just meters from the shoreline. Just a couple of suggestions to improve the Green Island facilities would be benches close to the lockers, to make changing shoes and such easier; a visible clock close to the beach, so you can keep track of time more easily; and, if safety is truly something important, don't charge for the use of a life vest.
Lovely experience, maintenance required
MRSSLNEWBROOK N,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Over the last 25yrs I have done this experience 3 times. It is a good day out to try and spot the marine life on the edge of the reef. The glass bottom boat is the highlight of the trip as you're guaranteed to see giant clams, corals and beautiful fish. I do have to say that the general amenities on the island are desperately in need of an upgrade now. Decaying decking, dilapidated toilet facilities, only one small restaurant where you can go in to sit out of the tropical rain for some food & drink. Also the crocodile park on the island looks like maintenance and cleaning of enclosures is required, I am by no means a crock expert but some of the water in the enclosures looks like a petri dish of germs and decay. Overall the trip is a very good one, but the facilities now leave a lot to be desired. Sad to see it go down hill over the years.
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Operated by The Quicksilver Group