Green Island Ferry explore Cairns Favourite Great Barrier Reef Island

Explore Green Island: Your Perfect Day Trip from Cairns

Spend a full day exploring the stunning Green Island, just a 45-minute boat trip from Cairns. With daily departures from the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns, this adventure is easily accessible and perfect for the whole family, including young children.

Plan Your Day at Green Island

Green Island offers several daily ferry departures, allowing you to choose the best time for your schedule. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by white sandy beaches and a lush interior of tropical rainforests, all set on the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef.

While on the island, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained:

  • Snorkelling: Dive into crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
  • Eco Walk in the Rainforest: Stroll through the island’s tropical rainforest and discover its rich flora and fauna.
  • Kayaking: Paddle around the island’s calm waters and take in the stunning coastal views.
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: Get a unique perspective of the reef’s marine life without getting wet.
  • Scenic Helicopter Flights: Soar above the island and the Great Barrier Reef for breathtaking aerial views.
  • Relax on a Sunbed: Unwind on the beach with a good book or simply soak up the tropical sun.

About Green Island

Green Island is one of the most popular stops on the Great Barrier Reef, offering visitors a true coral cay experience. Formed over thousands of years from coral rubble and sand, the island boasts a vibrant ecosystem. Explore the tropical vine forest, home to an array of birds and insects, or snorkel offshore to spot green and hawksbill turtles, along with a variety of coral, clams, and reef fish.

The island is part of the traditional marine territory of the Guru-Gulu Gungandji Aboriginal people, who have a deep connection to this land. Known as Wunyami, Green Island holds cultural significance, and visitors can learn about this ancient culture through a Wunyami walking tour.

A Rich History of Conservation

Green Island has been a treasured destination for over a century. Designated as a national park in 1937, it became part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 1974 and was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1981. The island is home to over 120 native plant species and 55 species of birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Where is Green Island?

Located approximately 45 minutes northeast of Cairns, Green Island is easily accessible by ferry. Surrounded by coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, the island offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Keep an eye out during the winter months for migrating humpback whales, a sight you won’t want to miss.

For those interested in exploring the outer barrier reef, check out our recommended Reef Experience tour for an unforgettable adventure.

Plan your trip to Green Island today and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this tropical paradise!

Highlights

  • White Sandy beaches to build sandcastles
  • Deck Chairs to work on your suntan
  • Tropical rainforest
  • Snorkelling
  • Tropical Island Getaway
  • Green Sea Turtles are frequent visitors

Itinerary

You may choose your preferred departure times from Cairns and Green Island.

  • Departs Cairns at 8.30 am or 10.20 am
  • Departs Green island at 2.30 pm or 4.30 pm

Travel time to/from Green Island Day Tour is approx. 45 minutes

Included

  • Return transfers on board Great Adventures
  • Up to 7 hours on Green Island
  • Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
  • Self Guided Eco Island Walk
  • Use of day facilities (toilets, showers, pool etc)

Optional Extras

  • Coach Transfers
  • Optional Lunch

Optional activities available on Green Island include:

– Introductory scuba diving
– Certified Scuba Diving (subject to availability on the day)
– Snorkel boat trips
– Seawalker Helmet Diving
– Parasailing
– Beach Hire: Canoeing, windsurfing, beach volleyball
– Scenic helicopter flights

What to bring

  • Towel and swimwear
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Cash for snacks, drinks, souvenirs and underwater cameras
  • Credit card for purchases

How to get there

Green Island Transfers depart from the Marlin Jetty in Cairns.

Check-in is at the Reef Fleet Terminal 1 hour to 30 minutes before departure.

Green Island Tour transfers via comfortable catamaran.

Important Information

Important Information for Scuba Diving and Seawalker

The Queensland Government Code of Practice regulates scuba diving, and operators must comply with all regulations.

Please complete our scuba dive medical questionnaire as some medical conditions, age, and medications may prevent you from diving.
Can I go Diving?

We are delighted to help you with any questions you may have.   Please get in touch with our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected],

Flying after Scuba Diving

For a single no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive.  You should not fly for 24 hours after your last di for multiple dives.

Tour Features

Read policies

Location

Green Island Ferry Tours

8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Depart Cairns marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Depart Cairns marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

Departs

10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Depart Cairns marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs

10:30 am - 4:30 pm

Depart marina 10:30 am - Depart Green Island 4:30 pm

Departs