Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Activity Upgrades (Full Day Cruise with Snorkeling Gear)

Your experience

Your Great Barrier Reef adventure begins at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Check-in is seamless, and soon you'll step aboard the MV Big Cat—a 35-meter catamaran designed for comfort. Find your perfect spot in the air-conditioned lounge, out on the sun deck, grab a drink from the bar, and get ready for a stunning cruise.

A scenic 45-minute journey across the turquoise waters brings you to Green Island—a beautiful coral cay where lush rainforest meets the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Once you arrive, nearly five hours are yours to craft your perfect tropical escape. Will you stroll the peaceful boardwalk beneath towering palms, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply find a patch of sand to soak up the Queensland sun?

Choose your reef adventure

How will you connect with the world-famous reef today? Your pre-booked choice ensures you experience it your way:

• Snorkelling: Grab your included gear and step straight off the beach into a world of colourful fish and coral gardens. It's easy, accessible, and instantly rewarding.

• Glass-bottom boat: Prefer to stay dry? Glide effortlessly over the reef, gazing down at the coral formations and marine life while your guide shares fascinating insights.

• Semi-submarine: Immerse yourself without getting wet! Descend below the waterline for a diver's perspective, looking out through panoramic windows at the underwater spectacle.

• Guided snorkel safari: Join expert guides to explore prime snorkelling spots, perfect for boosting confidence or seeing even more diverse marine life.

• Buffet lunch: Add a buffet lunch featuring hot and cold selections.

Back on the 'Big Cat' between adventures, you'll find plenty of space to relax. Since no lunch is included, you have maximum flexibility. Pack your favourite snacks and lunch, or purchase drinks and light refreshments from the licensed onboard bar whenever you feel like it. The friendly crew is always available for assistance, gear fitting, and local tips.

As the afternoon winds down, you'll board the 'Big Cat' for the relaxing cruise back to Cairns. Arrive in the late afternoon with sun-kissed skin, maybe some salt in your hair, and a camera full of incredible reef and rainforest moments.

Know before you go

What to bring

• Bring your swimmers, towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, change of clothes, and extra cash or a credit card for onboard purchases.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

• This experience is pram/stroller accessible.

• Service animals are allowed on this experience.

Additional information

• For everyone's safety, you must evaluate your physical health before choosing to participate in diving or snorkeling. The instructors are responsible for safety and may advise against participation if they have concerns about your fitness for the activity on the day.

• A deposit is required on the day to use the snorkeling gear. You can also rent optional items like Lycra suits (stinger suits), life jackets, and wetsuits.

• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund

• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers.

• Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check-in.

• Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.

The Cairns Snorkeling Tour provides an immersive experience in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders. The tour typically departs from Cairns and includes transportation to the reef, snorkeling gear, and guidance from experienced marine guides. Participants can explore multiple reef sites known for their vibrant corals and abundant marine species. What makes this tour special is its accessibility and focus on conservation. It offers a chance to learn about marine ecosystems and the importance of reef preservation while enjoying firsthand contact with marine life. The tour is designed to cater to all levels, from beginners to seasoned snorkelers, with safety instructions and assistance provided throughout the experience. Comfortable boat facilities ensure a smooth journey, including shaded areas, refreshments, and changing facilities, making it suitable for a relaxed and memorable day on the reef.

Booking your Cairns Snorkeling Tour online guarantees quick, hassle-free access with skip-the-line privileges, ensuring you avoid long wait times. You'll secure guaranteed entry and can compare different tour options for the best value, allowing for better planning and a seamless experience on your travel schedule.

The Great Barrier Reef has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, recognized for its unparalleled diversity of marine life and stunning coral formations. Cairns has developed as a major gateway to this natural wonder, with tours evolving over decades to prioritize eco-tourism and conservation. The reef itself is estimated to be around 500,000 years old, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and islands. Increased awareness of environmental challenges has led to the development of sustainable tour practices, ensuring future generations can also marvel at its beauty. The Cairns snorkeling tours began as simple trips but have grown into comprehensive eco-adventures, emphasizing education and preservation alongside recreation.

Tours typically start early in the morning around 7:00 AM and operate until late afternoon, with exact times depending on the specific tour provider and weather conditions. Pre-booked tickets ensure a smooth boarding process, and check-in is usually 30 minutes before departure.

For optimal reef visibility and warm weather, visit Cairns between June and November. The dry season offers calmer seas and clearer waters, ideal for snorkeling.

During the snorkeling tour, you'll visit several reef sites featuring stunning coral formations and a kaleidoscope of marine life. Expect to see colorful reef fish, delicate corals, sea turtles, and possibly reef sharks in their natural habitat. Guided by experts, you'll gain insights into marine ecosystems and conservation efforts. Equipment is provided, including masks, fins, and snorkels, with options for beginner assistance. The experience is designed to be accessible and safe, with designated zones for novice swimmers and more experienced snorkelers seeking adventure.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a hat to protect from sun exposure. Bring a towel and waterproof camera to capture the memories. Suitable swimwear and a light cover-up are recommended. Be prepared for water temperatures ranging from 23-29°C (73-84°F). Marine life encounters are unpredictable, so patience and awareness are key.

Follow guidance from your marine guides. Do not touch or disturb marine animals or coral reefs. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life. No littering or disposal of waste into the water. Be mindful of your buoyancy to avoid damaging the delicate coral structures.

The Cairns Snorkeling Tour offers an unforgettable immersion into one of the world's most extraordinary ecosystems. With vibrant reefs, diverse marine life, and expert guides, it provides a unique chance to experience natural beauty up close. Whether you're seeking adventure or a peaceful escape, this tour is a highlight of any Queensland trip that truly cherishes and conserves our planet's precious marine environments.

From Cairns, reach the marina by public bus, taxi, or walking if staying nearby. Boats depart regularly from central Cairns marinas, providing easy access to the reef.