Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

Are you yearning for that perfect blend of sun-drenched beaches, sparkling azure seas, and pure relaxation? Green Island delivers it all, set against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, one of Earth's greatest natural treasures. Your half-day adventure starts in Cairns, where you'll step onto the aptly named 'Reef Rocket.' Feel the thrill as this speedy catamaran transports you across the Coral Sea in just 45 minutes, bringing the reef within easy reach.

Touchdown on Green Island, and the choice is entirely yours for the next 2 hours and 15 minutes! You can delve into the emerald depths of the island's rainforest trails, listening to the sounds of nature envelop you. Or you can dive into the aquatic wonderland surrounding you. Grab snorkel gear and plunge into the clear waters to meet the reef's colourful inhabitants face-to-face. Prefer to keep your feet dry? The glass-bottom boat offers you a mesmerising window into the coral gardens below. We'll have you back in Cairns by 12:45 PM, refreshed and ready, with plenty of time left for you to discover what else this vibrant city has to offer after your morning adventure.

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades

The Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise offers an efficient and memorable experience for travelers seeking a taste of the Great Barrier Reef's splendor without sacrificing time. This high-speed half-day adventure departs from Cairns aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran, ensuring comfort during the 60-minute journey to Green Island. Upon arrival at this coral-fringed gem, guests can choose between snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens or relaxing on a glass-bottom boat tour for stunning marine views. The cruise includes a thorough safety briefing before diving into your aquatic adventure, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. With over 2 hours to explore the island's pristine rainforest boardwalks and sandy beaches, visitors have ample time to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. For those seeking an additional level of immersion, upgrading to a semi-submarine ride offers a unique underwater perspective without getting wet. The tour operates daily with departures at 9:00 AM and returns back to Cairns by mid-afternoon, making it ideal for busy travelers looking to maximize their time in the region. This guided tour includes multilingual audio guides available in English, Japanese, Mandarin, German, French, Spanish, and Italian, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of international visitors.

Explore Vibrant Coral Gardens at Green Island

Your tour stops at Green Island's vibrant coral gardens where you can snorkel among the colorful marine life. Established in 1981 as a protected area, this reef covers over 26 acres and is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The coral gardens feature an array of hard and soft corals, including staghorn, brain, and table corals, providing shelter for a diverse range of fish species such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Visitors spend approximately 1 hour snorkeling here, exploring the intricate underwater ecosystem that is home to over 150 species of coral and more than 130 species of reef fishes. This unique opportunity allows guests to witness firsthand the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef without the need for extensive diving experience.

Relax on Sandy Beaches at Green Island

At Green Island, guests can relax on its sandy beaches that stretch over 400 meters along the coastline. The island's white sand beach is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, offering clear waters perfect for snorkeling or simply floating in the warm tropical sea. With an average water temperature ranging from 26°C to 31°C year-round, visitors can enjoy comfortable conditions while exploring the marine life just off shore. The island's pristine beaches are also home to various seabirds such as terns and noddies, adding a touch of wildlife to the serene beachfront setting. This tranquil environment provides an ideal respite from the bustling city life, allowing travelers to unwind and connect with nature.

Experience Rainforest Boardwalks at Green Island

The rainforest boardwalks on Green Island serve as a gateway to exploring the lush vegetation that covers over 65% of the island. Established in 1987, these trails wind through a diverse range of tropical flora and fauna, including towering fig trees, orchids, and various bird species. The boardwalk system totals approximately 2 kilometers in length, allowing visitors to explore different ecosystems within the rainforest while staying on elevated pathways that protect delicate plant life from foot traffic. Along the way, guests can observe unique features such as termite mounds and fungi, learning about the intricate relationships between plants and animals in this tropical environment.

Tour Highlights

• High-speed catamaran cruise to Green Island
• 1 hour snorkeling at vibrant coral gardens
• Glass-bottom boat tour with stunning marine views
• Multilingual audio guides available in English, Japanese, Mandarin, German, French, Spanish, and Italian
• Over 2 hours exploring rainforest boardwalks and sandy beaches
• Semi-submarine ride upgrade for unique underwater view without getting wet
• Daily departures from Cairns at 9:00 AM with mid-afternoon return to the city

Perfect for travelers, nature enthusiasts, and families, this half-day cruise provides an essential overview of the Great Barrier Reef's beauty through a combination of marine activities and land exploration. The efficient format allows you to snorkel in vibrant coral gardens, relax on sandy beaches, and explore rainforest boardwalks, giving you an immersive experience of Green Island's natural wonders while enjoying the convenience of a guided tour.