Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With the choice of three daily departures from Cairns, this Green Island cruise is perfect for visitors with limited time, offering a half or full day experience (up to 7 hours). You will have the choice of a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour or snorkelling equipment.
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. Advanced Ecotourism Certification.
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 National Park
Green Island is a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay. It's the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest! You will have a choice of snorkel equipment to snorkel from the white sandy beaches or to stay dry and see the island's reef from the glass bottom boat. Enjoy a walk through the lush rainforest.
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling or hop on board a Glass Bottom Boat Tour
What‘s Included
Use of island swimming pool, exclusive to Great Adventures
Self guided island walk
Return fast catamaran transfers from Cairns
Use of island day visitor facilities
Morning tea/coffee served onboard until departure from Cairns
Choice of snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins) or glass bottom boat tour
Hotel pickup and drop off
Optional activities
Fuel surcharge
Options
5 Hrs on Island/Depart 10:30AM
10:30AM-4:30PM: Return cruise and snorkeling gear or glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 10:30am, returns 4:30pm (arrival to Cairns 5:15pm).
3 Hrs on Island/Depart 10:30AM
10:30AM-2:30PM: Return cruise and snorkeling gear or glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 10:30am, returns 2:30pm (arrival to Cairns 3:15pm).
5 Hrs on Island/Depart 8:30AM
8:30AM-2:30PM: Return cruise and snorkeling gear or glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 8:30am, returns 2:30pm (arrival to Cairns 3:15pm).
7 Hrs on Island/Depart 8:30AM
8:30AM-4:30PM: Return cruise and snorkeling gear or glass bottom boat. Departs Cairns at 8:30am, returns 4:30pm (arrival to Cairns 5:15pm).
Reviews
295 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inconsiderate
elizabethJ S,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Unfortunely it rained but staff could have let us board earlier..we all got drenched before & after..
Green Island is a great intro to viewing Great Barrier Reef
Rudy H,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great way for an intro into viewing the Great Barrier Reef(GBR)! Tour cruiser was on time and met all expectations of excursions. Green Island provided all facilities (toilets, showers, changing rooms, dive shop, restaurant) even though it was a small island I am a novice at snorkeling and was too anxious about going out to deeper eaters of GBR. Snorkeling off the beach better suited me. Although the coral reef I saw while snorkeling was not so overly abundant, it was still plenty coral with sea creatures for me. Seeing the GBR on the glass bottom boats was very satisfying for me. A great way to go out to deeper waters & see so much more of the reef and abundant fish
Our day at Green Island
Georgi S,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00I booked the tour in advance, and I was satisfied with snorkelling although my wife was not that impressed with the glass bottom boat tour. We spent some great time on the secluded beaches of the island and the serenity of the rain forest. It was time well spent, but if you want to see more from the reef you must book some other tour that goes further into it.
Great experience. The...
Mara T,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. The ferries were punctual out to Green Island and the staff courteous and helpful. The Glass Bottom Boat tour guide was very informative.
John was a great guide....
Carola J,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00John was a great guide. Long day full of interesting sites and information. Beautiful scenic drive and lunch was excellent.
Perfect
Maria R,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everything was smooth, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the places were stunning. I would definitely come back!
Glass bottom boat was amazing
Shelley M,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The glass bottom boat was great as well as the operator named Ashley. She had so much information to share. We saw amazing coral, sea turtles, fish etc. Super glad we did not choose snorkeling as area where you go isn't that big and others were heard to say "we have met seen anything". Plus this time of year jellyfish are around. What we didn't care for was time spent on Green Island. Felt it was too long, a few short trails, a few fast food type places. Just killing time really. Shorter duration there would have been better. Good value for the price. Our trip was 4 hrs from start to finish. We could not go longer as we were on a cruiseship and didn't have the time available. Overall a great experience and would highly recommend if you have limited time.
Green Island day visit
David L,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful island, if you don’t snorkel though there not much to do. Glass bottom boat is good. Food sold on the island is basic. Not all menu”s are written in other languages with pictures. Overall relaxing day.
You get what you pay for
Willard T,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Ferry to island 50 minutes then choice of snorkeling vs glass bottom boat. Added cost if you wanted both. Good facilities on island. Problem is that it was not the deeper reef area which was another 45 minutes further out with much greater diversity of species and much larger fish. Several friends took that trip and I now wish we had. Didn’t feel like the real Great Barrier Reef. More money but the real deal. Glass bottom boat 30 minutes duration then several hours remaining to walk or swim or eat.
Great option
Maria M,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Logistics are well planned and easy to understand. The guide was informative and funny. Best option if you do not want to get wet.
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Operated by The Quicksilver Group