Green Island Ferry

4.5
from A$112
7 hours
Great Barrier Reef
All Ages
Cruise from Cairns to Green Island in 45 minutes on a comfortable fast catamaran. Choose Ferry, Eco or Discovery options, with 8:30am or 10:30am departures and 3:30pm or 5:30pm returns.

Key Highlights

  • Travel from Cairns to Green Island on an air-conditioned catamaran
  • Choice of 2 departure/return times.
  • Up to 7 hours to explore Green Island's rainforest and beaches
  • Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat options
  • Swim or snorkel in vibrant coral gardens within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Relax on sandy beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters
  • Wander rainforest boardwalks and spot unique birdlife

What’s included

  • Return catamaran transfer from Cairns to Green Island
  • ECO - choice of Snorkelling Gear or Glass Bottom Boat Tour
  • DISCOVERY - Snorkelling Gear and Glass Bottom Boat Tour plus a Souvenir Beach Bag
  • Choice of 2 departure/return times.

Reviews

4.5

“Beautiful water and plenty of sunshine. We spent time swimming, exploring the island and watching the boats come and go. A lovely day.”

Mia, Melbourne

4.6

“Great experience from start to finish. The cruise was comfortable and Green Island gave us a lovely few hours away from the mainland.”

Adam, Chiswick

Overview

Experience a flexible Great Barrier Reef day cruise from Cairns to Green Island, located within the renowned marine park. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute journey on board a fast air-conditioned catamaran to this lush, 6,000-year-old coral cay. Spend up to 7 hours on Green Island, exploring tropical rainforest trails and keeping an eye out for unique birdlife along the boardwalks. Relax on the island's pristine sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. Take the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the vibrant coral gardens that frame Green Island, where you can observe abundant marine life and colourful reefs in a beautiful natural setting. This day cruise is ideal for snorkellers, non-swimmers, families, and nature enthusiasts seeking a relaxing and flexible experience on the Great Barrier Reef, with a scheduled 16:30 return to Cairns.

Experience a flexible day trip from Cairns to Green Island aboard a fast, air-conditioned catamaran, with a choice of Eco or Discovery ferry options. Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this beautiful 6,000-year-old coral cay is just a scenic 45-minute journey from Cairns.

Choose a morning departure at either 8:30am or 10:30am, then enjoy plenty of free time to explore Green Island at your own pace. Wander through the lush tropical rainforest, stroll along the boardwalks, relax on the sandy beaches or simply soak up the beautiful island surroundings.

You can choose either the "ECO" option including a choice of either Snorkelling Gear or a 30 minute Glass Bottom Boat tour, or the "Discovery" option including both Snorkelling Gear and a 30 minute Glass Bottom Boat tour as well as a Souvenir Beach Bag. Or even just take the "Ferry" option with no inclusions.

The turquoise waters surrounding Green Island are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, with colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life close to shore. There are also plenty of opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the tropical island atmosphere.

Choose a 3:30pm or 5:30pm return ferry, giving you the flexibility to enjoy a shorter island visit or spend up to seven hours exploring Green Island.

Commonly asked questions.

Green Island is approximately a 45-minute journey from Cairns aboard a fast, air-conditioned catamaran.

The Ferry option includes return ferry travel between Cairns and Green Island, with no additional inclusions. It’s ideal if you simply want to explore the island at your own pace.
The Eco option includes return ferry travel plus your choice of snorkelling equipment or a 30-minute Glass Bottom Boat tour.
The Discovery option includes return ferry travel, snorkelling equipment and a 30-minute Glass Bottom Boat tour and a souvenir beach bag.

You can choose from morning departures at 8:30am or 10:30am, giving you flexibility when planning your day.

Return ferry's depart Green Island at 2.30pm or 4.30pm arriving back to Cairns by 3:30pm or 5:30pm, allowing you to enjoy a shorter or longer visit.

Depending on your ferry times, you can enjoy several hours on Green Island, with the later return allowing up to seven hours on the island.

Yes. Green Island has beautiful coral gardens and clear tropical waters, with snorkelling available directly from the island.

No. You don’t need to swim to enjoy Green Island. You can explore the rainforest, relax on the beach or take a Glass Bottom Boat tour.

The 30-minute Glass Bottom Boat tour offers an easy way to see the coral and marine life around Green Island without getting into the water.

Yes. Green Island is a coral cay located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, surrounded by tropical waters and coral gardens.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water and comfortable clothing. If you choose an option with snorkelling equipment, gear is provided.

Yes, you can add these options on the day of travel, however you'll save $43 by prebooking a Seawalker at Green Island package

Additional info by the operator.

Departure: Fast air-conditioned catamaran departs from Cairns to Green Island. Return: Scheduled return to Cairns at 16:30. Duration: Spend up to 7 hours on Green Island. Accessibility: Suitable for snorkellers, non-swimmers, families, and nature lovers.