
Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns worth booking?
Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns is a 10-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $245 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (7)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $245 per person
Start your day with a swift 45-minute catamaran journey to the breathtaking Green Island, where you'll have 2 hours to discover its vibrant coral reef and lush rainforest. Then, continue the adventure with 3 hours on Great Adventures' spacious activity platform, moored at the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef. With a wide range of activities available for all ages—whether you're a swimmer or prefer to stay dry—you can snorkel, dive, or explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible. Looking for even more excitement? Optional extras like scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, and the unique Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are also available for purchase on the day.
What you get
About this experience
Start your day with a swift 45-minute catamaran journey to the breathtaking Green Island, where you'll have 2 hours to discover its vibrant coral reef and lush rainforest. Then, continue the adventure with 3 hours on Great Adventures' spacious activity platform, moored at the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef. With a wide range of activities available for all ages—whether you're a swimmer or prefer to stay dry—you can snorkel, dive, or explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible. Looking for even more excitement? Optional extras like scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, and the unique Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are also available for purchase on the day.
What's included
Included
- 2 hours Green Island & 3 hours at the Outer Reef platform
- Hot and cold buffet lunch, including prawns
- Return fast catamaran transfer from Cairns
- Use of snorkelling equipment, buoyancy vests and instruction
- Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
- Underwater observatory
- Environmental Management Charge
- Reef education presentation
- Morning and afternoon tea
Not included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Optional activitiés
- Surcharges on fuel
What you'll see and do
Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures will take you to an exclusive and spacious activity platform on the majestic Outer Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, view the reef from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible tour.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Great Barrier Reef
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. From Great Adventures' spacious reef activity platform moored at the majestic Outer Reef, the coral and marine biodiversity is at its most extreme. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. Snorkel and dive or stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible. There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities including scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.
240 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
Please check-in at the Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 7:30am for boarding at 8am (departure at 8:30am).
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check-in at the Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 7:30am for boarding at 8am (departure at 8:30am).
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Quicksilver Group
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- After a single dive a wait of 12 hours is recommended before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater. If doing multiple dives an interval of 24 hours is suggested.
- The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from participating.
- Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. We recommend informing crew of any medical conditions.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable Experience
My husband and 5-yr old took this tour and it was absolutely amazing. Easy to find check in and where we needed to be at the main Reef Fleet Terminal. Travel out to Green Island for a few hours. Then travel out to the pontoon/platform. We snorkeled at the platform - they have a buoyed area and lifeguards present. Lifevests, snorkel gear, flippers, and snorkel suits all provided. We were not there during jelly season, but still wore the suits for protection from the sun and it was a bit chilly. Seeing all the fish and even sea turtles was absolutely wild!! Lunch provided which was surprisingly yummy! Below deck viewing area and semi-submersible were all included. You are on a large boat with a good amount of people, but it never felt crowded. Could have done the exact same tour the next day all over again and thoroughly enjoyed it all over again.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you and your family had such an amazing day exploring Green Island and the Outer Reef Pontoon. It’s fantastic that your 5 yo enjoyed the experience, from snorkelling with the fish and turtles to the semi-submersible and underwater viewing areas. We’re glad you appreciated the included equipment, lunch, and the care taken by our crew to make the day comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. We’d love to welcome you back for another reef adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Great Barrier Reef A- / Green Island D
Great Barrier Reef was great, but the morning was a waste with a stop at Green Island where there is not enough time for those continuing onward to do much of anything. The meeting place is easy, steps away from the Hilton. The Great Barrier Reef gives you a good amount of time for some amazing snorkeling. The reef is the star. You can do better snorkeling in Riatea or Moorea. The lunch served on the pontoon is excellent and so are snacks. Warning. Bring your Sea Bands and prepare to see many vomiting on the ride out to the reef.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time on the Great Barrier Reef and the snorkelling experience, as well as the lunch and onboard service. We’d like to clarify that the 2-hour stopover on Green Island is designed to give guests a taste of the island experience before continuing to the Reef. During this time, guests can enjoy a quick snorkel, take a walk around the island and through the rainforest, relax with a coffee near the swimming pool, or visit Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Park. While it may not allow time to experience every activity in depth, it provides a great opportunity to explore some of what Green Island has to offer. Thank you also for your helpful feedback regarding seasickness. Conditions can vary, and we always recommend guests who are prone to motion sickness come prepared so they can enjoy their day as comfortably as possible. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are pleased to hear the Reef itself was a highlight of your journey.
via Tripadvisor
A big experience
It was a wonderful experience for the whole family. We’ll never forget it! The food was good, and the crew — there were so many of them — were all very kind and helpful at all times
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback. We’re so pleased to hear your family had such a memorable experience and that the food and crew helped make your day enjoyable. We hope to welcome you all back again in the future.
via Viator
Outer reef snorkeling is the best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced
Luca is an extremely knowledgeable marine biologist who made our day! He made us feel safe and comfortable while at the same time very fun. Snorkeling with him in the outer reef was so relaxing and unique that I highly recommend the upgrade. Unforgettable.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Luca helped make your day so memorable. It’s great to know his marine biology knowledge, along with his friendly and reassuring approach, made you feel safe, comfortable, and able to fully enjoy your snorkelling experience on the outer reef. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him and the wider team. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable reef adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience
If I could give it 500 stars, I would. The company is very responsible, meticulous, and its staff is top-notch. Everything that was stated in the brochure was done to the letter. Abundant lunch, delicious snacks. Not to mention the experience itself regarding the Great Barrier. Every dollar we paid was worth it. Highly recommended 👌
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your amazing review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience and that our team, organisation, and onboard offerings all exceeded your expectations. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed the lunch, snacks, and of course your time at the Great Barrier Reef. We truly appreciate your high recommendation and kind words, and we hope to welcome you back again for another unforgettable day on the reef!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $245 to $358
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Quicksilver Group, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.7.
See everything The Quicksilver Group runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns cost?
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Prices start at $245 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.
Is Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Included: 2 hours Green Island & 3 hours at the Outer Reef platform; Hot and cold buffet lunch, including prawns; Return fast catamaran transfer from Cairns; Use of snorkelling equipment, buoyancy vests and instruction; and Semi-submersible coral viewing tour. Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off; Optional activitiés; and Surcharges on fuel. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Please check-in at the Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 7:30am for boarding at 8am (departure at 8:30am). Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese, Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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