Day trips from Cairns to Green Island
Dreaming of an island escape filled with dazzling reef adventures, seaside luxury, and lush rainforests? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Located a short 45-minute boat or ferry journey from the mainland of Cairns, Green Island is the only sand cay island within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is home to thriving rainforest ecosystems. Formed from coral deposits and sand sediments over 6, 000 years ago, Green Island boasts fringing reefs located just off the shoreline, secluded sandy beaches, the lush Green Island Resort, and a passenger ferry service that runs straight from Cairns. It’s no wonder why Green Island fills the travel bucket lists of thousands each year!
Now it’s time to put those island vacay daydreams to rest and find out all you need to know about a Green Island day trip - from getting there, the best Green Island tours, and the top things to do, our Great Barrier Reef adventure-seekers know it all!
Getting to Green Island from Cairns
With just 28km between Cairns and Green Island, day-trippers and long weekend holidaymakers can enjoy a convenient 45-minute journey between the two beloved tropical destinations. Passenger ferry services depart from the Marlin Jetty in Cairns three times daily. Avid island hoppers can spend up to seven hours on Green Island if they depart on the 8:30 am ferry and return on the 4:30 pm ferry.
Whilst a self-guided half-day or full-day return ferry trip is often the most popular way for travellers to explore the sensational Green Island sites, there is additionally a selection of reef cruises and sailing tours that boast idyllic Green Island itineraries!
Green Island Tours
Green Island Reef Cruise
Jump aboard the ‘Big Cat’ for a reef cruise like no other! Filled with glassy reef waters, snorkelling fun times, a knowledgable glass-bottom boat tour, and plenty of seaside relaxing, the Green Island Reef Cruise is perfect for holidaymakers of all ages. Families and solo travellers can explore Green Island at their own leisurely pace, with the Green Island Reef Cruises’ flexible itinerary and schedule. What will it be first, an adventure-filled scuba dive or an eye-opening glass-bottom boat tour?
Ocean Free: Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef
Is a day filled with salty breezes, island hopping and underwater fun what you’re seeking? The Ocean Free tour combines sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving into one unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Cairns the Ocean Free vessel sails to Pinnacle Reef and Green Island, mooring at both sites for wonderous snorkelling and diving opportunities. With a small group on board, travellers can enjoy an ideal blend of adventure and personalisation!
GSL: Fly & Cruise Green Island
Experience the natural beauty of Green Island from above and below - the best of both worlds! Passionate experience-lovers aboard the GSL: Fly & Cruise Green Island will start their day by setting to the skies and soaring above Cairns, Green Island and the flourishing Great Barrier Reef sites. Following the scenic flight and complimentary bus transfer, guests will depart on a full-day adventure cruise to Green Island with Big Cat aboard the Reef Rocket vessel!
Things to do on Green Island
The blissful oasis of Green Island has something for every type of Great Barrier Reef traveller, from lush rainforest walks to fringing coral reefs within mere minutes walking distance of one another!
Check out our list of top things to do on Green Island to start planning your ideal day trip itinerary!
1. Snorkel off the beach
Bringing blue lagoon daydreams to life, the white coral-lined beaches of Green Island are the perfect destination to unwind from your day-to-day and enjoy sun-soaked island time. As the first island national park in Queensland to be granted marine area protection, Green Island’s healthy fringing coral reef systems can be explored straight from the beach!
Holidaymakers and travellers on a self-guided day trip from Cairns to Green Island can hire snorkel gear, including a mask, snorkel and fins, from the Dive Shop. From here, extending along the shore from each side of the jetty, are sandy beaches and a patrolled section for swimming.
2. Enjoy the water activities
If you’ve spent the morning snorkelling amongst vivid coral gardens and friendly local marine species, why not try out another thrilling water activity that will grant you another unique view of the Great Barrier Reef? From glass-bottom boat tours that provide a knowledgable rundown of the reefs systems, scuba diving opportunities for both introductory and certified divers, and parasailing over the island’s gleaming lagoons, there is a ball of fun to be had!
Head to the Beach Hire Hut on Green Island and have a laugh as you try something new in the middle of paradise!
3. Explore Green Island National Park
From the sea to the rainforest it is no wonder why Green Island is one of the most popular destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Out of the 300 sand cays on the reef, Green Island is the only island that gives life to a biodiverse tropical vine forest. Supporting an abundance of vivid bird species, the unspoilt rainforest is best explored by strolling around the island’s boardwalks.
Whilst exploring the Green Island National Park, visitors can learn about the rich history of the Guru-Gulu Gungandji Aboriginal people who hold traditional and contemporary cultural ties to Wunyami (Green Island) and the reef, playing an active role in protecting these values for future generations.
4. Say hello to Cassius at the Marineland Crocodile Park
For the kids and adults alike, the Marineland Crocodile Park is a must-see during a visit to Green Island. From the relaxing tropical fish arcade where you can spot vivid Great Barrier Reef marine species to the 50 living crocodiles calling the park home, you’re sure to learn (and see) something new!
Marineland is home to baby hatchlings and the island’s king, Cassius, a humongous 5.48 metre saltwater crocodile that has lived at Marineland for close to 30 years! Just a short stroll from the left of the jetty, be sure to look out for the iconic shipwreck entrance.
5. Wine and dine
Although Green Island is only a tiny 15 hectares in size, the wining and dining choices are comparatively lavish. Nothing perfects an island escape quite like ice cream on a sunny day and a glass of bubbly as the sun sets!
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the five-star Emeralds restaurant features a menu based on fresh, locally sourced produce. On the other hand, if you’re searching for a casual a la carte lunch, the Canopy Grill is your go-to. To check off that ice cream on a sunny day, be sure to stop in for a scoop at Little Bites!
For more Green Island itinerary recommendations from the Great Barrier Reef experts, be sure to check out our extensive list of Things To Do On Green Island.
