Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns

Outty Ranking 58 4.1 · 264 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $79
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.1/5

Based on 264 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns worth booking?

Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns is a 4-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $79 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 264 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4.1/5 (264)
Duration
4 hours
From
$79 per person

Explore the tropical paradise of Green Island on a half day trip from Cairns. Enjoy around two hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef island with plenty of time to snorkel. You can even take an optional semi-submersible submarine tour to get close to the reef without getting wet.

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the tropical paradise of Green Island on a half day trip from Cairns. Enjoy around two hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef island with plenty of time to snorkel. You can even take an optional semi-submersible submarine tour to get close to the reef without getting wet.

    What's included

    Included

    • Glass bottom boat tour (if selected)
    • Semi-submersible tour (if selected)
    • Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran
    • Use of Snorkel Gear (if selected)

    Not included

    • Optional activities. (Can be booked locally, subject to availability. Payable directly on the day)
    • Food and drinks (available to purchase)
    • No transfer pick up/drop off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises - Day Tour

      This is where guests start their tour, at the Reef Fleet Terminal.

      10 minutes here

    2. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

      Spend time at Green Island either snorkelling or join a glass bottom boat tour

      120 minutes here

    3. Green Island National Park

      A picturesque coral cay situated only an hours boat ride from Cairns. Perfect place for a half day reef/island experience.

      120 minutes here

    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 Please arrive 30mins before 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 Please arrive 30mins before your departure time

    Options you can book

    • 9am Cruise + Snorkel Gear

      9am Cruise Only: Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear. NO hotel pickup included in this option

    • 1pm Cruise - Transfer Only

      No other inclusions

    • 1pm Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat

      Includes Glass Bottom Boat

    • 9am Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat

      Includes a Glass Bottom Boat

    • 1pmCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear

      Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island PM Tour 1PM

    • 9am Cruise - Transfers Only

      No other inclusions

    • 1pm Cruise + Snorkel Gear

      1pm Cruise : Green Island roundtrip cruise; 2 hrs free time and use of snorkel gear.

    • 9amCruise + SemiSub + Snk Gear

      Semi-submarine + Snorkel Gear: Semi-submarine tour is available while enjoying your time on Green Island AM Tour 9AM

    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
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • 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

    Glass bottom boat, Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthGreen Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 3Green Island beach, Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthSnorkeller, Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthGreen Island, Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical NorthBig Cat and Reef Rocket, Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns in Cairns & the Tropical North

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 264 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    264 verified traveler reviews for Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    146
    4 star
    57
    3 star
    32
    2 star
    8
    1 star
    21
    Sort
    marysL3034QI · October 2026

    Green Island

    Heaps of fun snorkelling. Good value for money. Should have stayed all day and not half day.

    via Tripadvisor

    Lindsay_A · October 2026

    Disappointing half day cruise to Green Island

    We did the advertised half day trip to Green Island, an eco marine study island in the barrier reef. There was an issue with our ship so we were transferred to a bigger but much slower trip. Instead of a 45 minute trip, the bigger ship took nearly 2 hours. That limited our time on Green Island to about 1 hour instead of 2, so we had to forfeit the glass bottom boat (disappointing) and did some snorkelling and swimming instead. Water was very nice and clear but a lack of sea life meant that the snorkelling was also a let down. One of the life savers told me that seeing fish in the area is a bit hit and miss. If you're lucky you can see lots including turtles and reef sharks. We were not so lucky. Soft white sand under the feet. No reef shoes required. On arrival, we saw a reef shark and some turtles near the jetty. I couldn't quite capture them on the phone. Needless to say they were nowhere to be seen during the snorkelling session. The trip was a little disappointing overall.

    via Viator

    Jill_G · October 2026

    Do This!!!

    Suitable for all ages - choice of activities depending on own interests. Snorkelling near the shoreline is an added benefit! Glass bottom boat experience is a ‘must!’.

    via Viator

    Rosie_E · October 2026

    Changing facilities and...

    Changing facilities and plenty of hire gear. Absolutely stunning we saw so much and snorkelled around the little bay.

    via Viator

    nellieb542 · October 2026

    Great

    Everything was perfect the weather was awesome

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $79 to $167
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    92
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    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 58

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)39
    Review evidence (18% weight)73
    Booking momentum (14% weight)69
    Value for money (12% weight)78
    Listing quality (10% weight)64
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns cost?

    +

    Prices start at $79 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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns take?

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    Plan for about 4 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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip 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 (4.1/5 across 264 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 Reef Cruise - Half-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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Around 92 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip 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?

    +

    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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Included: Glass bottom boat tour (if selected); Semi-submersible tour (if selected); Cruise transfers to and from Green Island by modern air-conditioned catamaran; and Use of Snorkel Gear (if selected). Not included: Optional activities. (Can be booked locally, subject to availability. Payable directly on; Food and drinks (available to purchase); and No transfer pick up/drop off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-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 Reef Cruise - Half-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 Reef Cruise - Half-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; 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 Reef Cruise - Half-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 Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    Across 264 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    What booking options are available for Green Island Reef Cruise - Half-Day Trip from Cairns?

    +

    There are 8 options to choose from, including 9am Cruise + Snorkel Gear, 1pm Cruise - Transfer Only, 1pm Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat, 9am Cruise + Glass Bottom Boat. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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