Quick Answers
Where is Green Island?
A coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, about 27 kilometres off Cairns in Far North Queensland. The island is a national park, and the fringing reef starts just metres from the beach.
How do I get there?
By ferry from the Marlin Marina in Cairns city. The crossing takes about 45 minutes, and some operators check in at the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal.
What is there to do?
Snorkelling straight off the beach, glass bottom boat tours, Seawalker helmet walks, scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, Marineland Melanesia and a rainforest walk of about 15 minutes.
“Everything you need to know about Green Island — and the one thing no guide can adequately prepare you for — is how good it actually feels to be there.”
Your Complete Guide to Visiting Green Island from Cairns
Green Island is the most accessible coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef — a national park island 27 kilometres from Cairns, reached by a 45-minute ferry crossing, and offering genuine reef experiences that require no prior experience, specialist equipment, or extensive preparation. This guide covers everything a first-time visitor needs to plan a successful, enjoyable, and reef-responsible visit.
Getting There
Boats depart from the Marlin Marina in Cairns city each morning, with check-in and travel desks for some operators inside the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, with multiple departure times available depending on your operator. Great Adventures is the primary operator. The crossing takes 45 minutes each way and is comfortable on a large, stable catamaran. Morning departures allow the most time on the island; later departures suit those who prefer a shorter half-day visit. Return times depend on your tour, so check before you book.
What to Do on the Island
The island’s main activities are centred on the reef and its surroundings. Snorkelling is the most popular choice — equipment is available to hire on the island, and the fringing reef begins just metres from the beach. Glass bottom boat tours depart throughout the day for guests who prefer not to snorkel. Scuba diving (introductory and certified), Seawalker underwater helmet walks, scenic helicopter flights, and kayaking are all available. The rainforest walking trail provides a 15-minute circuit of the island through dense vegetation — a genuinely different experience from the reef activities.
Eating and Facilities
Emeralds Restaurant provides the most substantial dining on the island, open for lunch and snacks throughout the day. A kiosk near the beach serves lighter fare. Toilet facilities, shower facilities, shade areas, and equipment hire desks are all available on the island. Food is available on the island, so you don’t need to bring lunch unless you have special dietary needs.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen is the most important item to bring or purchase on arrival. A rash vest or sun-protective swimwear is highly recommended for snorkelling. Comfortable sandals or water shoes, a hat, and a reusable water bottle complete the essentials. Cameras and waterproof cases are a worthwhile addition — the snorkelling at Green Island provides excellent photographic opportunities.
Best Time to Visit
Green Island is accessible year-round. The dry season (May to October) offers the most settled conditions, with lower humidity and reliable visibility. The wet season (November to April) brings warmer water and more dramatic skies. Mornings are generally calmer than afternoons, and early arrival allows the best conditions on the reef before afternoon trade winds increase chop.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Green Island?
Green Island is a vegetated coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, located around 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns in Far North Queensland. It sits directly on the reef, with fringing coral accessible right off its sandy beach.
What is there to do on Green Island?
Green Island offers snorkelling, the glass-bottom boat, the Seawalker helmet dive, Marineland Melanesia, a rainforest boardwalk, beautiful beaches and dining. It suits day trippers and overnight guests, families, couples and reef lovers alike.
How do you get to Green Island from Cairns?
Green Island is reached by ferry from the Cairns city waterfront, with the crossing taking roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Ferries run several times a day, and many packages include transfers and activities. Confirm current departure details with your operator.
Is Green Island worth visiting?
Yes. Green Island is one of the few places where a coral cay, its surrounding reef and a rainforest sit together, offering easy reef access from the beach close to Cairns. It’s a popular and rewarding day trip for first-time and returning reef visitors.
Can you stay overnight on Green Island?
Yes. As well as day trips, Green Island has resort accommodation, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the island’s peace and tranquillity after the day visitors leave. See our accommodation information for details.
Travel Kindly
At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit Green Island, we gently ask you to:
- Protect the reef — wear reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on the coral.
- Respect the wildlife — admire the turtles, seabirds and marine life from a distance, and take your rubbish home with you.
- Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
- Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
- Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.
Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.
