Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruise

Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns
Visit the beautiful Green Island with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises!
Please refer to the following tour options:
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises allows you to enjoy the beauty of Green Island for a day to explore the island and take advantage of all the fun activities it has to offer! With the option to snorkel, dive or swim off the beach, as well as explore the underwater world in our semi-submarine or glass-bottom boat, you'll be able to see the beautiful reefs around Green Island at length!
With the Big Cat to base your day from, you'll be able to enjoy exploring the island at your own leisure and see all of its fun offerings for yourself. With a lot of fun water activities, restaurants, a crocodile park, a walking track and a swimming pool, you'll find so many fun things to do during your visit with us on Green Island!
Highlights & Features
- Comfortable cruise to Green Island on a stable catamaran
- Enjoy a half-day or full-day exploring Green Island
- Choose from snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat
- Add on a semi-submersible tour
- Snorkelling demonstration and reef presentation
- Patrolled beach and snorkelling area
- Restaurants, change rooms, showers and shops on the island for your use
- Two transfer boats (Big Cat and Reef Rocket) for diverse schedules
- Air-conditioned catamaran
- Add on a filling and delicious lunch during a full-day cruise
- Pre-book optional extras and save!
Leave your worries at home and explore paradise with this family-owned and operated vessel bound to leave you with exquisite memories and a golden tan!
Sample Itinerary
Show Less
Snorkelling + Guided Tours
Get your gear on board and make your way down to the beach for some amazing snorkelling just off Green Island itself! With reefs close to the beach, you can make your way in at your own pace to discover the world below. One side of the beach has lifeguards on duty, making it ideal for beginners or those travelling solo. For more advanced snorkellers, the other side of...
Read More
More Information
Show Less
What To Bring
- Swimwear
- Hat
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Money for on board and on island purchases
- Diving certification if applicable
What's Included
- A full day or half day on Green Island
- Ferry transfers
What's Extra
- Gourmet buffet lunch
- Guided snorkel tours
- Snorkel gear
- Floatation vests
- Scuba diving (must be prebooked)
- Lycra Suits
- Semi-submersible
- Seaplane Scenic Flight (subject to availability on the day)
- Helicopt...
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I check in and where does the boat depart from?
Check-in starts at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your departure time.
Are return transfers included from my accommodation?
Unfortunately transfers are not included, but can be organised for an additional fee. Cairns city return transfers are $27 per adult and $17 per child. Northern Beaches return transfers are $38 per adult and $25 per child.
How long does it take to get to Green Island?
Full day tours departing at 9:00am travel on the catamaran and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to Green Island. The faster boat “Reef Rocket”, used for the half day and full day tours departing at 11:00am takes around 45 minutes.
Does Green Island have wheelchair friendly facilities?
Depending on the tides, it may be necessary to board and disembark the boat from different levels. Please note that the bathrooms on the boat are not wheelchair accessible, but there are disabled facilities on Green Island. These guidelines apply to standard wheelchairs only. Big Cat are unfortunately unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs on any vessels or coaches.
What if I’m not a great swimmer?
Flotation/buoyancy vests are available for hire at the Green Island Dive Shop for use whilst swimming and snorkelling. There is also a lifeguard patrolled beach, so it is best to swim between the red and yellow flags to ensure there is also someone watching out.
Is there parking close to the marina?
Parking is available both outside and underneath The Pier Shopping Centre/Shangri-la Hotel, which is located opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal. There is also all day parking at nearby Trinity Wharf, which is accessible via the Marina Boardwalk.
Is Green Island suitable for families with young children?
Green Island is a great option for families of all ages. As the island is relatively flat, and has paved pathways and boardwalks, it is suitable for prams and wheelchairs alike. There is also a lifeguard patrolled beach, making it safe for children and first time snorkellers to swim.
Do I need to be worried about sharks, stingers or crocodiles?
Reef sharks are a common and a wonderful sight to see. But you do not need to fear them as they are quite shy creatures. Stingers are present in the warm tropical waters from around November to May. Stinger suits can be hired from the Dive Shop on Green Island and is highly recommended to reduce the possibility of being stung. No need to worry about crocs as they prefer to hang out in murky,muddy waters of estuaries, rivers and lakes.
Will I see a turtle at Green Island?
Marine life activity is very unpredictable and we can never guarantee what you will see. However, giant green sea turtles have been frequently sighted at Green Island as they love to munch on the expansive seagrass meadows that surround Green Island.
Is there shade or shelter on Green Island?
Yes there is plenty of it! Green Island has an abundant rainforest with trees for shade, as well as umbrellas around the visitor pool and more for hire on the lifeguard patrolled beach.
Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0 / 5.0
Based on 6 reviews