Things to do: snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tour
Suitable for the whole family, including young children.
Plan your day at Green Island
Green Island day trip has several daily departures. Choose the one that suits you best.
White sandy beaches surround the island with an interior of tropical rainforests on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
While you are on the island, there are fantastic activities to enjoy
Snorkelling
Eco walk in the rainforest
Sandcastles
Hire a kayak
Build sandcastle
Circumnavigate the island
Relax on a sunbed
Glass bottom boat tour
Scenic helicopter flights
Parasailing
About Green Island
On the Great Barrier Reef, visitors flock to Green Island, one of the most popular stops. Coral rubble and sand have built up over thousands of years on the calmer side of a platform reef, creating a real coral cay.
Here you will find an abundance of birds and insects in the island’s tropical vine forest. Visitors can see Many different varieties of coral, clams, fish, stingrays, and other reef life found on the nearby coral Reef. Offshore, you may spot green and hawksbill turtles.
The island and Reef belong to the Guru-Gulu Gungandji Aboriginal people’s traditional marine territory.
The Guru-Gulu Gungandji people have a close relationship with the island today. The traditional name for Green Island is Wunyami.
Today visitors can learn about the ancient Culture on a Wunyami walk.
Tourists have visited Green Island for over a century. As a national park in 1937, it became a marine park in 1974, and as a World Heritage Site in 1981, it became part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
In addition to the national park, Green Island has leases for research, tourism, and management.
Where is Green Island?
Green Island is approximately 45 minutes northeast of Cairns. This National park is home to over 120 native plant species and also 55 species of birdlife. Coral Gardens and an abundance of marine life surround the island.
During the winter months, keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales.
Tour Highlights
Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
Easy day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, shallow waters
Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
Flexible free time to enjoy the island at your own pace
Itinerary – Green Island Day Trip
While times may vary slightly depending on your selected departure, a typical Green Island day trip follows this relaxed and flexible itinerary:
Morning: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the ferry
Ferry Transfer: Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island
Arrival at Green Island: Disembark at the island jetty and begin exploring
Island Time:
Swim and snorkel from the beach
Walk the rainforest boardwalks
Relax on the sand or enjoy optional activities
Afternoon: Board the ferry for your return journey to Cairns
This itinerary allows plenty of free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace.
Return transfers on board Great Adventures Up to 7 hours on Green Island Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns Self Guided Eco Island Walk Use of day facilities (toilets, showers, pool etc)
Optional Activities on Green Island
Additional activities are available on the island for those wanting to enhance their day trip experience. These can be arranged on arrival and may include:
Glass bottom boat tours
Guided snorkelling experiences
Scenic helicopter flights
Marine education presentations
Availability may vary on the day.
What to Bring
To make the most of your Green Island day trip, we recommend bringing:
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Comfortable footwear for walking trails
Light clothing and a change of clothes
Reusable water bottle
Camera or phone for photos
Spending money for optional activities and refreshments
Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.
How to Get There
Green Island is located just off the coast of Cairns and is easily accessed by ferry.
Departures operate from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way
Return ferry transfers are included in your day trip
Check-in details will be provided after booking
The comfortable ferry transfer makes Green Island one of the most accessible island experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Important Information
All ferry transfers are subject to weather and sea conditions
Snorkelling conditions vary depending on tides and visibility
Children must be supervised at all times while on the island
Optional activities are subject to availability on the day
Prices, schedules, and inclusions may change without notice
This tour is suitable for non-swimmers, families, and first-time reef visitors
We recommend arriving at the terminal early and listening carefully to all safety briefings provided by staff.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date and/or name change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavor to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Children: 4-14 years, prices as shown, 3 years and under cruise free of charge.
Family Fare is 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply & operational costs a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay, or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Please inform us of any special requirements before your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
