You will see
- Abundant marine life
- Rainforest habitat
- White sandy beaches
From Cruise Port: Cairns
After checking in at the Reef Fleet Terminal just a 5 minute walk from the Cruise Ship berth in Cairns Port you will be able to board the air-conditioned fast catamaran for the cruise out to Green Island, one of the gems of the Great Barrier Reef and only 27kms from the shore and a short 45 minute cruise.
With its unique reef and rainforest environment, Green Island is a National Park and home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, surrounded by coral gardens and abundant marine life to explore. It's the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest! Green Island is approximately 12 hectares in size.
With the Green Island Eco Adventure, you have the choice of either a glass bottom boat tour or snorkelling equipment included in the cost of your trip. There is also a wide range of additional activities you can purchase when you arrive.
Swim and snorkel directly from Green Island's soft white coral sand beaches. Turtles can often be seen as the island has a significant sea grass habitat. The main beach area is patrolled by Surf Lifesaving Queensland lifeguards.
If you'd like to snorkel more, you can join a boat snorkel trip to one of the best dive and snorkel sites just a few minutes offshore from the island [additional cost].
If you opt for the The glass bottom boat tour, complete with informative commentary, its the perfect introduction to see the abundant marine life waiting to be discovered. If you're lucky, you may spot a graceful sea turtle cruising alongside!
There is also the Self-guided Eco Island Walk, ideal for nature lovers. Take a leisurely walk through the rainforest. You'll learn about some of the island's flora and fauna - over 120 native plant species and around 55 species of birds are regularly seen on the island. The walk takes about 45 minutes.
Finally at the end of your visit to Green Island board the catamaran for the 45 minute cruise back to Cairns.
From Cruise Port: Cairns
Included
- Choice of Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour OR use of snorkelling equipment
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Self Guided Eco Island Walk
- Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
- Use of day visitor facilities
- Use of Island swimming pool exclusive for our guests.
Not Included
- Any meals, but you can purchase your own from a wide range of options.
Instructions
- There's a wide range of optional activities to experience on Green Island. Scuba dive, join a snorkel excursion, and even walk underwater with Seawalker helmet diving. For an exhilarating top-side perspective of the reef, there's parasailing and scenic helicopter flights too! There's even the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat with daily crocodile shows. These can be booked on arrival, extra charges apply.
- This cruise is suitable for cruise ships time in port. There are earlier [0830] and later returns to Cairns [1720] that can allow up to 7 hours on the island, suitable if you are staying in the area for a longer duration. If you want to book these please advise.
Standard Tour Schedule Options | ||
---|---|---|
start time | end time | |
Mid Day Cruise | 10:30 | 15:30 |
Note: Start and end times may be revised to suit ETA / ETD of ship in port |
Standard Tour Prices (current) | |
---|---|
Adult price | AU $116.00 |
Child price (4 to 14 yrs) | AU $62.00 |
Family price (max adults 2 max children 2) | AU $298.00 |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
What is the temperature of the water?
The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland range in temperature from 22-29 Celsius [75-85 Fahrenheit] and make for year round comfort for water activities. Summer 29c 83f, Autumn 25c 76f, Winter 22c 72f, Spring 25c 76f.
How long are we at Green Island for?
This tour allows two and a half hours at Green Island as it is aimed at visiting cruise ships in port just for the day.
Will I get seasick?
Hopefully not. Our large, stable fast catamarans provide very good sea keeping even in rougher ocean conditions. Where there is motion, whether a car, bus, plane or boat, some people will suffer from motion sickness. Motion sickness tablets are available onboard for purchase. We offer ginger tablets as a natural alternative motion sickness medication on a complimentary basis. To be effective, motion sickness medications should be taken immediately on boarding. If you are concerned about potential motion sickness, being closer to the coast, Green Island is a shorter 45 minute journey and is more protected than a cruise to the Outer Reef.
Do you supply towels?
We recommend you bring your own towel. We do have limited towels available for hire however we cannot guarantee availability. These can be collected from the Pool Bar on Green Island.
Do you supply life jackets?
Life jackets are onboard for emergency use only, however flotation/buoyancy vests are available for use whilst swimming or snorkelling. At Green Island, these can be hired from the Dive Shop. For passengers continuing on to the Outer Reef, please help yourself to these from the front of the platform with the rest of your snorkelling equipment.
Do you have prescription masks available?
Standard masks magnify objects underwater by about 25%. We do have prescription masks up to -8.0 available. If you need a prescription mask, please advise us so we can make sure one is available for you as we have a limited supply, especially in the higher prescription strengths. These are hired from the Dive Shop on the Green Island, or included in the price if you are diving.
Is there any shade on the Outer Reef platform or Green Island?
The island provides some shade from trees that line the beach or throughout the centre of the island along the boardwalk area. There are areas around the day visitor area, restaurant and pool where you can rest in the shade also.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
On Green Island the restaurant and food outlets provide a wide range of food options suitable for vegetarians. If you have special dietary needs, please contact us directly prior to travel.
Is drinking water available?
Cold drinking water is freely available on board the vessel and also from the lunch area on Green Island. Bottled water is also available for purchase.
Do you have facilities for wheelchair passengers?
Wheelchair facilities are available, however there are some restrictions and some mobility may be required. For travel to Green Island there may be a few steps at the end of the gangway onto the jetty depending on tide levels and the narrow gangways used when disembarking. To board the glass bottom boat, there are also some steps into this vessel. Green Island does have disabled toilet facilities and board walk pathways in the day visitor facilities that are easy for wheelchairs to access. There is also a board walk that takes you directly through the rainforest into the centre of the Island.
Can I use credit cards on the boat or Green Island?
Yes we take Visa, Mastercard & Amex
Can I wait until I'm on the boat to book optional activities?
It is always best to pre-book optional activities prior to travel as spaces are often limited. If you don't pre-book, please make sure you see a crew member as soon as possible after boarding to reserve a space, subject to availability.