TWO TROPICAL PARADISES. ONE EXTRAORDINARY DAY!
Can’t decide between spending the day on a beautiful tropical island or exploring the spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef? Here’s the wonderful news, you can do both!
The Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns combines two of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful destinations in one fantastic full-day adventure.
Start your morning on Green Island, where white sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and beautiful blue waters are waiting to be explored.
Then continue to the outer Great Barrier Reef, where a spacious reef pontoon becomes your base for snorkelling, discovering colourful marine life and seeing the underwater world without even getting wet!
With approximately two hours on Green Island, three hours at the outer reef, snorkelling equipment, a delicious buffet lunch and wonderful reef-viewing experiences included, it’s a fantastic way to discover two very different sides of the Great Barrier Reef.
Why choose between the island and the reef when you can experience both?
Take a Deep Breath… Paradise Is Waiting!
Imagine stepping off a comfortable catamaran onto a beautiful coral cay, feeling the warm tropical breeze and hearing the gentle waves along a sandy beach.
Welcome to Green Island!
Spend the morning wandering beneath tropical rainforest trees, swimming in the clear island waters or simply enjoying the extraordinary scenery.
Just when you think your day couldn’t get any better, it’s time for the next adventure.
Cruise towards the outer Great Barrier Reef, where colourful coral gardens and tropical fish are waiting beneath the surface.
Slip into the water for a snorkel, enjoy an underwater observatory, explore the reef aboard a semi-submersible or simply relax and take in the magnificent ocean views.
This isn’t just a boat trip. It’s a whole day discovering the magic of the Great Barrier Reef!
About the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Adventure
Operated by Great Adventures, this full-day tour departs from Cairns and brings together two wonderful reef experiences.
First Stop: Beautiful Green Island
Just 45 minutes by fast catamaran from Cairns, Green Island is a tropical coral cay surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.
What makes it special is its beautiful combination of rainforest, sandy beaches and surrounding marine life.
You’ll have approximately two hours to discover the island at your own pace.
Take a refreshing swim, explore the rainforest boardwalks or collect your included snorkelling equipment and discover the underwater scenery near the island’s beach.
Prefer to keep your feet dry? Enjoy a relaxed island stroll, find a shady spot or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere.
Next Stop: The Outer Great Barrier Reef
After your Green Island visit, continue to Great Adventures’ outer reef activity platform.
Here, you’ll enjoy approximately three hours surrounded by the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
The stable pontoon makes exploring the reef easy and convenient, with snorkelling equipment available and direct access to the water.
Non-swimmers can also enjoy the reef through the included underwater observatory and semi-submersible coral viewing tour.
A hot and cold buffet lunch is served during your reef visit, giving you time to relax before heading out for more exploring.
Why You’ll Love This Tour
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- Two reef experiences in one day. Discover the beauty of Green Island before heading to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
- Tropical island paradise. Enjoy sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and time to explore Green Island.
- Wonderful snorkelling opportunities. Snorkel at both Green Island and the outer reef, with equipment included.
- Something for non-swimmers. Discover the underwater world through the semi-submersible tour and underwater observatory.
- A delicious lunch included. Enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch during your visit to the outer reef.
- Discover the reef’s fascinating marine life. Learn about coral, tropical fish and the remarkable ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
- An easy full-day adventure from Cairns. Return catamaran transfers and a well-planned itinerary make it simple to experience both destinations.
Who Is This Tour Perfect For?
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- Families with children looking for a full day of discovery with a variety of activities.
- First-time Great Barrier Reef visitors wanting to experience both an island and the outer reef.
- Snorkelling enthusiasts who love exploring different reef environments.
- Non-swimmers who want to experience the underwater world without entering the water.
- Couples looking for a memorable tropical day together.
- Friends and small groups who enjoy a mixture of adventure, relaxation and sightseeing.
- Nature lovers interested in marine life, tropical rainforest and learning more about the Great Barrier Reef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Green Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one day?
Yes! The Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Adventure combines approximately two hours on Green Island with three hours at an outer reef pontoon. The tour departs from Cairns in the morning and returns in the late afternoon, making it a convenient way to explore both destinations in one day.
Is the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. There are activities for guests who prefer not to enter the water. At the outer reef pontoon, visitors can enjoy the included semi-submersible coral viewing tour and underwater observatory. Green Island also offers beaches and rainforest boardwalks to explore.
Is snorkelling equipment included?
Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included at both Green Island and the outer reef pontoon. Equipment is collected separately at each location. Lycra protective suits and buoyancy vests are included for use at the outer reef pontoon.
Is lunch included in the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef tour?
Yes. A hot and cold buffet lunch is included during your outer reef visit. Light refreshments and tea or coffee are also available at scheduled times throughout the day.
What is the difference between a Green Island day trip and the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Adventure?
A standard Green Island day trip focuses on spending time at the island, enjoying its beaches, rainforest and surrounding reef.
The Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Adventure combines an island visit with approximately three hours at an outer reef pontoon, providing additional snorkelling opportunities, an included buffet lunch, semi-submersible coral viewing and underwater observatory access.
If you’d love to discover both a tropical island and the outer Great Barrier Reef, the combined tour is an excellent choice.
Ready to Discover Two Tropical Paradises?
Why choose between Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef when you can experience both?
From sandy beaches and tropical rainforest to beautiful coral gardens and incredible marine life, this adventure brings together so much of what makes Tropical North Queensland extraordinary.
Whether it’s your first visit to Cairns or another opportunity to explore the reef, we’d love to help you plan a memorable day.
Book your Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Tour today and start looking forward to paradise!











