A Green Island day trip from Cairns is an easy way to experience the Great Barrier Reef, with ferry transfers included, beach snorkelling, rainforest walks, and time to relax.
Snorkel straight from the beach in calm, clear waters
Explore tropical rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
Flexible free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace
About Green Island Day Trip
This Green Island day trip from Cairns includes return ferry transfers and flexible island time, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Swim, snorkel, walk rainforest boardwalks, or simply relax on white sandy beaches — all just 45 minutes from Cairns.
It’s one of the simplest and most accessible ways to experience a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef.
What’s Included in This Green Island Day Trip
Return ferry transfers from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Approximately 45-minute ferry journey each way
Several hours of free time on Green Island
Access to beaches and rainforest walking trails
Optional reef activities available on the island
Ready to visit Green Island?
Secure your ferry transfer and island day experience today.
Why Choose This Green Island Day Trip?
This package is ideal for:
Families wanting a flexible reef experience
First-time visitors to the Great Barrier Reef
Travellers who prefer snorkelling from the beach
Visitors looking for an easy island escape from Cairns
Because ferry transfers are included, everything is straightforward — just board in Cairns and enjoy your island day.
What to Expect on the Island
Once you arrive, you can choose how active or relaxed your day will be.
Snorkel directly from the beach in calm, shallow waters where colourful coral and tropical fish can be seen close to shore.
Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks that wind through the island’s interior.
Or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the tropical surroundings.
The day is yours to shape.
Ferry Transfer from Cairns
Green Island is located just offshore from Cairns, making it one of the most convenient reef islands to visit.
Departures operate daily
Travel time approximately 45 minutes
Comfortable, modern vessels
Easy boarding from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
The short travel time makes this a stress-free option for all ages.
Optional Reef Experiences
During your island visit, you may also choose to add:
The ferry journey from Cairns to Green Island takes approximately 45 minutes each way.
Is Green Island suitable for families?
Yes. Green Island is very family-friendly, with calm waters, beaches, walking trails, and facilities suitable for all ages.
Can non-swimmers enjoy Green Island?
Absolutely. Beaches, rainforest walks, sightseeing, and glass bottom boat tours make Green Island enjoyable for non-swimmers.
Do I need to be experienced to snorkel?
No. Snorkelling is easy and accessible from the beach, making it suitable for beginners.
Is this a full-day or half-day experience?
Green Island day trips are generally full-day experiences, with several hours spent on the island.
Plan Your Green Island Day Trip
A Green Island day trip from Cairns offers the perfect balance of reef, rainforest and relaxation. With ferry transfers included and flexible island time, it’s an easy way to experience one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most iconic destinations.
If you would like to compare other options, view all available Green Island Day Tours here.
Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
Easy day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, shallow waters
Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
Flexible free time to enjoy the island at your own pace
Itinerary – Green Island Day Trip
Departure options
Choose your departure and return times when you book:
Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 7 hours island time
Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 3 hours island time
Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
While times may vary slightly depending on your selected departure, a typical Green Island day trip follows this relaxed and flexible itinerary:
Morning: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the ferry
Ferry Transfer: Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island
Arrival at Green Island: Disembark at the island jetty and begin exploring
Island Time:
Swim and snorkel from the beach
Walk the rainforest boardwalks
Relax on the sand or enjoy optional activities
Afternoon: Board the ferry for your return journey to Cairns
This itinerary allows plenty of free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace.
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 Activities on Green Island
Additional activities are available on the island for those wanting to enhance their day trip experience. These can be arranged on arrival and may include:
Glass bottom boat tours
Guided snorkelling experiences
Scenic helicopter flights
Marine education presentations
Availability may vary on the day.
What to Bring
To make the most of your Green Island day trip, we recommend bringing:
Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Comfortable footwear for walking trails
Light clothing and a change of clothes
Reusable water bottle
Camera or phone for photos
Spending money for optional activities and refreshments
Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.
How to Get There
Green Island is located just off the coast of Cairns and is easily accessed by ferry.
Departures operate from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way
Return ferry transfers are included in your day trip
Check-in details will be provided after booking
The comfortable ferry transfer makes Green Island one of the most accessible island experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Important Information
All ferry transfers are subject to weather and sea conditions
Snorkelling conditions vary depending on tides and visibility
Children must be supervised at all times while on the island
Optional activities are subject to availability on the day
Prices, schedules, and inclusions may change without notice
This tour is suitable for non-swimmers, families, and first-time reef visitors
We recommend arriving at the terminal early and listening carefully to all safety briefings provided by staff.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date and/or name change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during our standard business hours (9 am-5 pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather, etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavor to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Children: 4-14 years, prices as shown, 3 years and under cruise free of charge.
Family Fare is 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing, or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply & operational costs a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay, or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation, and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Please inform us of any special requirements before your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
