Great Adventures runs cruises from Cairns to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef, with options for a half-day visit or a full-day trip combining the island and an outer reef pontoon. Green Island pairs a coral sand cay with native tropical rainforest; at the reef, you can snorkel or view marine life from a glass-bottom boat. The pontoon has a designated swimming area, lifeguards, shade and a buffet lunch. Prebook a glass-bottom boat or snorkelling tour to help secure a time slot and plan your day.
Choose an island visit or a reef day
Great Adventures departs from 1 Spence St in Cairns City. Its trips include half-day options for visitors short on time and full-day choices that combine Green Island with the outer reef. One full-day itinerary allows two hours on Green Island and three hours at the outer reef. Check the itinerary for your chosen cruise before booking, as the time at each stop shapes how much you can fit in.
The catamaran journey takes you from Cairns to the island and onward to a pontoon at Moore Reef. The pontoon provides a base for swimming and reef activities, with a designated swimming area and lifeguards on hand. Families who would rather stay out of open water can look for an itinerary with a glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible or underwater observatory. These activities give you ways to view the reef without snorkelling.
What to do on Green Island
Green Island is a coral sand cay with native tropical rainforest, a combination that sets it apart from bare sand cays. Use your time on the island for a rainforest walk, a swim or beach snorkelling. The island also has exhibits and a crocodile sanctuary; a visit there can include seeing saltwater crocodiles, a giant sea turtle and a giant crayfish display.
If you want a closer look at marine life, book a glass-bottom boat tour. Some tours are led by marine biologists, who explain what you are seeing as the boat moves over the reef. Snorkelling is another option, either around the island or at the outer reef. The activities available depend on the trip you choose, so check the inclusions when comparing itineraries.
Plan your activities before boarding
Reserve a snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tour in advance if it is central to your plans. Places can be limited, and late sign-ups may leave you with a later tour or no available seat. Knowing your tour time also makes it easier to divide your visit between the beach, island walks and other activities.
At the outer reef pontoon, the day can include snorkelling, a semi-submersible trip or a visit to the underwater observatory. A buffet lunch is available there, and shaded space gives you a place to pause between activities. The boat ride can be rough in choppy conditions; if motion sickness is a concern, plan accordingly. The crew has been noted for assisting passengers who feel unwell, but conditions at sea can change.
Perguntas frequentes
Can you visit Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef in one trip?
Yes. Full-day trips combine Green Island with the outer reef, including time at a reef pontoon. One itinerary allows two hours on the island and three hours at the reef.
Are half-day trips available?
Yes. Half-day options are available for visitors with less time. Check the itinerary to see which stops and activities are included.
Should you book snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours ahead?
Yes, if you want to take part. Booking ahead helps secure a place and lets you plan your time; late registration may not have a seat available.
What can you do at the outer reef pontoon?
Activities include snorkelling, semi-submersible tours and viewing the reef from an underwater observatory. The pontoon also has a designated swimming area and a buffet lunch.
