Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns

Outty Ranking 66 4.1 · 967 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $87
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 967 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Green Island Day Trip from Cairns worth booking?

Green Island Day Trip from Cairns is a 8-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $87 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 967 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (967)
Duration
8 hours
From
$87 per person

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.

What you get

    About this experience

    Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.

    What's included

    Included

    • Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran
    • Buffet lunch (if option selected)
    • Semi-submersible tour (if option is selected)
    • Choose a glass-bottom boat tour or use of snorkeling gear for the day (selected in options)
    • Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
    • Morning tea / coffee (served on 9am full day only)

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Optional activities. (Can be booked locally, subject to availability. Payable locally. Introductory Scuba Dive AU$152, Seawalker Helmut Dive AU$165, Semi-submersible Coral Viewing Tour AU$20)
    • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
    • Flotation vests and lycra suits are available for hire

    What you'll see and do

    1. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

      Explore the Great Barrier Reef island either with a glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling equipment.

      360 minutes here

    2. Green Island National Park

      Walk through the rainforest or enjoy exploring the coral gardens the the beach.

      360 minutes here

    3. Great Barrier Reef

      View some of the amazing marine life at Green Island. View turtles, fish, sharks and stingrays from the glass bottom boat, semi-submersible or by snorkelling.

      360 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cairns & the Tropical North

    Please call to reconfirm your booking prior to travel to receive your boarding pass. If you have not received your boarding pass, please meet directly at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 30 minutes prior to your departure time

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please call to reconfirm your booking prior to travel to receive your boarding pass. If you have not received your boarding pass, please meet directly at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 30 minutes prior to your departure time

    Options you can book

    • 9am Transfer + Snorkel Gear

      Includes Snorkel Equipment

    • 9am + Lunch + Semi + Snorkel

      Semi-Submarine Tour: View coral and marine life from below the waters surface while keeping dry on this 30 minute tour Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel Included Snorkel Equipment

    • 11am Transfer + Semi + Snorkel

      Semi-submarine tour: View coral and marine life staying dry in our semi-submarine Includes Snorkel Equipment

    • 11am +Lunch + Semi Sub + GBB

      Semi Sub + GBB: Stay dry and view coral and marine life from a semi-submarine and glass bottom boat Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel

    • 9am Transfer + Lunch + Snorkel

      Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel Includes Snorkel Equipment

    • 9am Transfer + Snorkel + Semi

      Semi-Submarine Tour: View coral and marine life from below the waters surface while keeping dry on this 30 minute tour Includes Snorkel Equipment

    • 11am Transfer + Snorkel Gear

      Use of Snorkel Equipment

    • 11am Transfer + GBB

      Includes Glass Bottom Boat

    • 11am Transfer + Lunch + GBB

      Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch served on board the Big Cat vessel Includes Glass Bottom Boat

    • 9am Transfer + GBB

      Includes Glass Bottom Boat

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessibility is available but limited. Passengers must have some mobility and/or the presence of a carer who can assist them.

    Photos

    On the beach, Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthSnorkelling off Green Island, Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthGreen Island from the air, Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthBig Cat vessel, Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthGreen Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 6Green Island jetty, Green Island Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 967 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    5 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    967 verified traveler reviews for Green Island Day Trip from Cairns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    474
    4 star
    260
    3 star
    136
    2 star
    63
    1 star
    34
    Sort
    ian_p · October 2026

    If you’re going to...

    If you’re going to snorkel do it straight away when you get there otherwise the tide goes out and it’s nearly impossible to swim around the big coral

    via Viator

    William_L · August 2026

    You won’t see a thing snorkeling on this island.

    I was bored silly in an hour. There are waaayyyy too many boats and helicopters circling the island to hope to see anything bigger than a parrot fish. Other than the crocodile sanctuary, which is actually pretty nice, there’s nothing on that island worth seeing. I can’t imagine spending the night there. Bring a deck of cards.

    via Viator

    X1140LBmichaelm · August 2026

    A Must do for family’s

    Beautiful reef, fantastic beaches and family friendly 5 stars from us

    via Tripadvisor

    Rebecca_D · August 2026

    Amazing

    I loved this trip- friendly crew, lunch much better than expected, excellent additional excursions if required and Green Island simply amazing. I would 100% do it all again

    via Viator

    698wendyt · August 2026

    Weather was Abysmal!!!

    Unfortunately, the weather was abysmal! (Cold, windy and heavy rain).. We ended up sitting on the boat the whole day, reading (thankfully we bought our books with us). Unfortunately, there is no where to shelter for long on the island for undercover protection out of the weather all day! Thankfully the boat did not return to the main land to return later in the day to pick us up, ... because I don't know what we would have done. I can't blame Big Cat Green Island Tours for the weather, but they should have contacted us earlier in the day, about the weather, and offered an alternate day should we have wanted it. As the next day, the sun came out! Such a disappointment.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $87 to $207
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    338
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.8.

    See everything Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)37
    Review evidence (18% weight)90
    Booking momentum (14% weight)89
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Green Island Day Trip 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 Day Trip from Cairns cost?

    +

    Prices start at $87 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 Day Trip from Cairns take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 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 Day Trip from Cairns worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 967 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Green Island Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    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 Day Trip from Cairns suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Green Island Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Around 338 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?

    +

    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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Green Island Day Trip from Cairns start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Included: Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran; Buffet lunch (if option selected); Semi-submersible tour (if option is selected); Choose a glass-bottom boat tour or use of snorkeling gear for the day (selected in options; and Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax). Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Optional activities. (Can be booked locally, subject to availability. Payable locally. Int; Food and drinks (available to purchase); and Flotation vests and lycra suits are available for hire. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Green Island Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Please call to reconfirm your booking prior to travel to receive your boarding pass. If you have not received your boarding pass, please meet directly at the Reef Fleet Terminal, 30 minutes prior to your departure time Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Green Island Day Trip from Cairns offered in?

    +

    It runs in 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 Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    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 Day Trip from Cairns wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Wheelchair accessibility is available but limited. Passengers must have some mobility and/. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Green Island Day Trip from Cairns if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Across 967 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, good for families. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    What booking options are available for Green Island Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    There are 10 options to choose from, including 9am Transfer + Snorkel Gear, 9am + Lunch + Semi + Snorkel, 11am Transfer + Semi + Snorkel, 11am +Lunch + Semi Sub + GBB. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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