Quick Answers
How far is Green Island from Cairns?
About 27 kilometres. The ferry takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
Where do the ferries leave from?
The Marlin Marina on the Cairns waterfront. Some operators check in at the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, so confirm with your operator.
Can I do a half-day trip?
Yes. Half-day trips run as well as full days. A half day suits people short on time, while a full day leaves room for snorkelling, activities and the beach.
“Green Island sits just 27 kilometres from Cairns — and feels like a world away.”
From the City to the Reef in 45 Minutes
Green Island is the closest reef island to Cairns and one of the most accessible reef experiences in the world. A coral cay sitting within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the island is surrounded by fringing reef, capped with dense rainforest, and ringed by a beach that visitors almost uniformly describe as unexpectedly beautiful. The ferry from Cairns takes 45 minutes. The reef is visible before the boat has even finished docking.
What Makes Green Island Different
Green Island is a true coral cay — formed entirely from coral sand and rubble accumulated over thousands of years on top of a reef platform. Unlike the continental islands nearby, there is no rock beneath the sand, no hills, no granite. The island exists entirely at sea level, and the transition from forest to reef to open ocean is immediate and remarkable. The whole island can be walked around in about an hour on the 1.5 km beach walk, which gives it an intimate, knowable quality that larger island destinations cannot provide.
Getting There from Cairns
Ferry services to Green Island depart from the Marlin Marina in central Cairns, with check-in and travel desks for some operators inside the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal. The most popular service is operated by Great Adventures, with morning and midday departures offering either full-day or half-day visit options. The journey passes through Trinity Inlet and out into the Coral Sea, with the island visible in the distance long before arrival. The return journey typically departs late afternoon, arriving back in Cairns in time for dinner.
What to Do on Green Island
Green Island’s activities are centred on the reef and water. Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island or brought from the mainland. Glass bottom boat tours depart regularly for guests who prefer not to get wet. Seawalker underwater walks, scuba diving, and scenic helicopter flights are available for guests wanting more immersive experiences. The island itself has walking trails through the national park rainforest, a beach with excellent swimming conditions, and dining and accommodation for those who choose to stay overnight.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Green Island from Cairns?
Green Island is located around 27 kilometres offshore from Cairns, reached by a ferry crossing of roughly 45 minutes to an hour. This makes it one of the closest and most accessible Great Barrier Reef islands to the city.
Where do Green Island ferries leave from in Cairns?
Boats depart from the Marlin Marina on the Cairns waterfront. Some operators have check-in and travel desks inside the nearby Reef Fleet Terminal, so confirm where to check in with your operator when booking.
Why visit Green Island from Cairns?
Green Island offers easy reef access from a sandy beach, a rainforest interior, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, the Seawalker and more — all a short trip from Cairns. It’s ideal for those wanting a genuine Great Barrier Reef experience without a long journey.
Is Green Island a good day trip from Cairns?
Yes. Its short crossing, range of activities and beautiful setting make Green Island one of the most popular day trips from Cairns, suitable for families, couples and first-time reef visitors alike.
Can you do a half-day trip to Green Island from Cairns?
Yes. As well as full-day options, half-day trips are available, with morning and afternoon sailings. A half day suits those short on time, while a full day allows for more snorkelling, activities and relaxing on the beach.
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.
