6. Green Island Ferry – Great Adventures


The Great Barrier Reef is an ecological masterpiece, a sprawling mosaic of vibrant coral and crystalline waters that has earned its place as a World Heritage-listed wonder. At the heart of this marine sanctuary lies Green Island, a unique and ancient 6,000-year-old coral cay. Great Adventures invites you to step aboard our high-speed catamarans for a premier island experience that seamlessly blends the majesty of the reef with the tranquility of a tropical rainforest. As a multi-award-winning operator, Great Adventures is dedicated to providing sustainable, high-quality encounters with the natural world, ensuring that every guest—whether an avid adventurer or a family looking for relaxation—leaves with a profound appreciation for this fragile ecosystem.

This isn't just a day at the beach; it’s an invitation to explore the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef that boasts its own lush rainforest. We pride ourselves on offering a flexible, accessible experience tailored to your pace. From the moment you check in at the bustling Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, our professional team is committed to making your journey as seamless as possible. Whether you wish to spend your day diving into the deep blue or simply wandering through emerald-green canopies, our Green Island tours provide the perfect gateway to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Green Island is a tropical jewel situated just 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns. Spanning approximately 12 hectares, this coral cay is a rare geographical marvel, formed over millennia by the accumulation of coral rubble and sand. Unlike many other reef destinations, Green Island is uniquely characterized by its dense, vine-thicket rainforest, which is home to over 120 species of native plants and a vibrant array of tropical birdlife.

Surrounding the island is a flourishing fringing reef, where shallow coral gardens are easily accessible directly from the white sandy beaches. The destination serves as a sanctuary for diverse marine life, including graceful sea turtles, colourful parrotfish, and giant clams. The island itself is a well-appointed hub of activity, featuring a luxury resort, boutique retail outlets, and a variety of dining options, yet it maintains its natural charm with extensive boardwalks and quiet coastal stretches. The combination of its terrestrial beauty and underwater brilliance makes Green Island an unparalleled destination for those seeking the best of both worlds.

To accommodate different schedules, we offer multiple daily departures and returns, giving you the choice of a half-day or full-day experience.

  • Departures from Cairns: You can choose to depart at 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM.
  • Check-In: Passengers are required to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal 1 hour prior to their scheduled departure.
  • Departures from Green Island: To return to Cairns, you can select the 2:30 PM or 4:30 PM departure. You will arrive back to Cairns at 3.30 PM or 5.30 PM

For those looking for the ultimate adventure, our “Island & Reef” combo departs Cairns at 8:30 AM, gives you two hours on the island, and then whisks you away to our Outer Reef platform before returning to Cairns at 5:30 PM.

Your transport to Green Island is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. Great Adventures operates a fleet of modern, high-speed catamarans designed for stability and comfort in tropical waters. These vessels are equipped with air-conditioned interior cabins, spacious outdoor decks for soaking up the sun, and licensed bars where you can purchase refreshments. The “wave-piercing” technology used in our hull design ensures a smooth ride, even when the Coral Sea is a little choppy.

What is included in the Green Island full day tour?
The full-day Green Island tour includes return transfers aboard a fast, air-conditioned catamaran, morning tea and coffee before departure, and up to a full day (around 5–7 hours) on the island. You’ll also receive a choice of snorkelling equipment or a glass-bottom boat tour, access to island facilities, use of the resort swimming pool, and the opportunity to join a self-guided eco island walk or reef talk with a marine biologist.

How long do we spend on Green Island?
Guests can enjoy several hours on the island, typically up to 7 hours depending on the departure time selected. This provides plenty of flexibility to explore, relax, and take part in optional activities.

How do we get to Green Island?
Travel is by modern high-speed catamaran from Cairns, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes each way. The vessel is air-conditioned and offers a comfortable and scenic transfer across the Great Barrier Reef.

What is the difference between snorkelling and the glass-bottom boat option?
The tour includes a choice between snorkelling gear or a glass-bottom boat experience. Snorkelling allows you to enter the water and explore coral reefs and marine life up close, while the glass-bottom boat offers a dry alternative where you can view the reef through large viewing panels.

Is snorkelling suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkelling at Green Island is suitable for beginners. The calm, shallow waters and lifeguard-patrolled beach make it an ideal place to try snorkelling for the first time. Equipment such as masks, fins, and flotation devices are available.

What can I do on Green Island?
There is a wide range of activities available. You can relax on white sandy beaches, swim or snorkel directly from shore, explore rainforest boardwalks, or join educational eco walks. Optional extras include scuba diving, Seawalker helmet diving, scenic helicopter flights, and guided snorkelling tours.

Are meals included in the tour?
Morning tea and coffee are included before departure from Cairns. Lunch is generally not included in the standard Green Island day tour, but there are cafés and food outlets on the island where meals and refreshments can be purchased.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the Green Island tour is very family-friendly. The calm waters, variety of activities, and facilities such as the swimming pool and amenities make it suitable for all ages, including young children and older travellers.

Are there facilities on the island?
Yes, visitors have access to a range of facilities including toilets, showers, change rooms, shops, and the island resort swimming pool. These amenities make it easy to spend a full day comfortably on the island.

Can I do additional activities on the day?
Yes, there are many optional extras available at an additional cost. These can include scuba diving (introductory or certified), Seawalker, guided snorkelling tours, parasailing, helicopter flights, and visits to attractions such as Marineland Melanesia.

Is the tour guided?
While much of your time on the island is self-guided, the tour includes optional guided experiences such as marine biologist reef talks and eco walks. These provide valuable insights into the reef ecosystem and island environment.

What should I bring?
You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle. A camera is highly recommended to capture the reef and island scenery, and some spending money is useful for optional activities or meals.

Can I swim at Green Island?
Yes, swimming is one of the main highlights of the tour. You can swim directly from the beach in clear, warm waters, and there is also access to a resort-style swimming pool on the island.

Is Green Island part of the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, Green Island is a coral cay located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is unique because it combines both reef and rainforest ecosystems in one location, making it one of the most diverse and accessible reef destinations.

What makes this tour special?
This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience both a tropical island and the Great Barrier Reef in one day. With a flexible itinerary, a choice of included activities, and a wide range of optional experiences, it caters to both relaxed sightseeing and active adventure.

Is the tour suitable year-round?
Yes, the Green Island tour operates year-round. The tropical climate ensures warm conditions most of the year, with each season offering a slightly different reef experience—from calm, sunny days to lush, vibrant conditions during the wetter months.

Are there lockers on the island?

Yes, coin-operated lockers are available on the island near the day-visitor facilities to keep your valuables secure while you are in the water.

Can I take a drone?
No, drones are not permitted on this tour or on Green Island. The island is part of a protected national park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and drone use is restricted due to environmental protection, safety concerns, and nearby helicopter operations. Special authorisation is required, and recreational use is not allowed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bookings can be made directly from any of the tour or attractions individual pages - or simply give us a call on +61 07 40574312.

All payments are securely processed by the NAB (National Australia Bank) No credit card information is held by us. In fact we never even see your credit card details.

We are an online only agency operating out of offices in Trinity Beach, a suburb on Cairns' Northern Beaches (about a 25 minute drive from the city).

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