07 4082 7470

Ocean Free | 1 Day Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef

FROM: $220
25
SingleDay
Min. Age
All Ages
5.0 (13 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 8:00am - Daily
Returns: 5:00pm - Daily

Departure Point: Cairns - Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina

Pricing Options

RRP $279 $265 AUD / Person - Adult (15+) (Between: 21 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$220 AUD / Person - Child (4-14 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$384 AUD / Person - General + 1 Intro Dive (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$449 AUD / Person - General + 2 Intro Dives (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
$359 AUD / Person - General + 1 Cert Dive (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $415 $414 AUD / Person - General + 2 Cert Dives (12+) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)

Join Ocean Free for a one day sailing tour to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef!

  • An unforgettable day of exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the world
  • Visit the beautiful Green Island and Pinnacle Reef on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Scuba dive, snorkel, and enjoy small group sailing
  • Transfers to and from the beautiful Green Island

The Ocean Free: 1 day Sailing Green Island & Great Barrier Reef combines sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving in one terrific trip. The Great Barrier Reef has rightfully earned its title as a natural wonder of the world and Ocean Free gives you the chance to view it is up close and personal.

Guests will sail to Pinnacle Reef and Green Island with time to swim, dive or snorkel in the sheltered waters, or simply relax throughout the day in your natural surroundings. You may even get to feed the fish! With just a small group of guests (maximum is 25), this tour offers a personal and exclusive experience.

ocean free sailboat next to green island in the ocean

Highlights

  • Spend over 4.5 hours on the exclusive mooring on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Transfers to and from Green Island
  • Delicious food including pastries and fresh fruit 
  • Tropical smorgasbord lunch including seafood
  • Snorkelling instruction and tours
  • High quality snorkelling equipment
  • Scuba diving demonstration
  • Afternoon tea and a glass of wine during the day
  • Fish feeding
  • Fuel levy included
  • Glass bottom boat & semi-submersible tour add-ons
  • $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival (included in advertised price)

Sample Itinerary

Show Less

Great Barrier Reef Sailing

Depart from Cairns at 8am and begin your journey to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef! Sail with the power of the wind, cutting your way along the surface of the warm, blue water. The 16m schooner offers a comfortable ride, and with only 25 passengers you will be able to escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the reef.


Snorkelling

Upon arrival at Pinnacle ...

Read More

Great Barrier Reef Sailing

Depart from Cairns at 8am and begin your journey to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef! Sail with the power of the wind, cutting your way along the surface of the warm, blue water. The 16m schooner offers a comfortable ride, and with only 25 passengers you will be able to escape the crowds and enjoy the serenity of the reef.


Snorkelling

Upon arrival at Pinnacle Reef, enjoy a swim, snorkel, scuba dive or just relax. Ocean Free's exclusive mooring ensures that the ocean is uninterrupted by crowds. The "bommies" (coral outcrops) and coral gardens are just one metre under the surface and are teaming with life and are easily spotted while snorkelling. All your snorkel equipment is included, all you need to bring along is a sense of adventure!

Girls in the water with wetsuits snorkelling


Scuba Diving

Both introductory and certified divers are welcome on board Ocean Free where they can enjoy all the reef has to offer. Our qualified instructors and guides will ensure you feel comfortable and safe, whether it’s your first time or not, so you can enjoy the thrill of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.


Optional Add-ons

Ocean Free provides tender transfers to Green Island throughout the day, so you can spend time on the reef and the island. Glass Bottom Boat and Semi-sub can be organised on the day from the Island at an extra cost.

Girls on a boat in Cairns holding their hat

Reef Sites

Show Less

During your one-day sailing trip with Ocean Free from Cairns, you'll get to visit Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Here is some more information about the destinations on your tour!

Pinnacle Reef

Sail to our exclusive mooring on Pinnacle Reef, just 1km offshore from Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. At Pinnacle Reef you can snorkel and scuba dive to explore the reef at...

Read More

During your one-day sailing trip with Ocean Free from Cairns, you'll get to visit Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Here is some more information about the destinations on your tour!

Pinnacle Reef

Sail to our exclusive mooring on Pinnacle Reef, just 1km offshore from Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. At Pinnacle Reef you can snorkel and scuba dive to explore the reef at length. This protected section of the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely pristine and has an abundant range of marine life. Sea turtles are often spotted here as they love to munch on the sea grass around Green Island!

man snorkelling with a sea turtle off green island


Green Island

After visiting Pinnacle Reef, you'll also have free time on Green Island. You're free to spend as little or as long as you like on the island, taking time to enjoy its walking tracks, beaches, restaurants, and facilities. The island also has a stunning coastline filled with fringing reefs so you can continue your snorkel adventures and frolic with the marine life. 

girl snorkelling above colourful coral reefs near green island

More Information

Show Less

What To Bring

  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen and swimsuit
  • Cash for purchases on board

What's Included

  • Snorkelling tuition
  • Use of top quality snorkelling gear including buoyancy vests
  • Prescription masks (if required)
  • Hire of wet / stinger suits
  • Fish feed
  • Scuba diving demonstration
  • Morning Tea, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea
  • Glass of wine on Sail Home
  • Transfers to and from Green Island

What's Extra

  • $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival
  • Green Island Act...

Read More

What To Bring

  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen and swimsuit
  • Cash for purchases on board

What's Included

  • Snorkelling tuition
  • Use of top quality snorkelling gear including buoyancy vests
  • Prescription masks (if required)
  • Hire of wet / stinger suits
  • Fish feed
  • Scuba diving demonstration
  • Morning Tea, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea
  • Glass of wine on Sail Home
  • Transfers to and from Green Island

What's Extra

  • $20 Reef Levy to pay on arrival
  • Green Island Activities (payable on the island, please advise the skipper that you want to do these upon boarding)
    • Glass Bottom Boat Tour - $30 Adult / $20 Child
    • Semi-submersible experience - $35 Adult / $20 Child
  • Scuba diving - Introductory / Certified (prebooking required)
  • Coach transfers
    • $23 Inner city return per person
    • $34 Northern Beaches, as far as Palm Cove, return per person
  • Refreshments
  • Underwater cameras
  • Hire of Wet / Stinger suits
  • Merchandise

Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.

*Pricing subject to changes without notice.

Terms and Conditions

Important Information

  • Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
  • This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

All information provided at any time by Cairns Tours and our affiliates is subject to these Terms & Conditions. This includes but is not limited to tour information, pricing, blog posts, travel advice, itinerary information and availability.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours/Mr Travel and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. Please refer to the specific tour page for full check-in instructions.


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transport:

It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers' discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to: admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Cairns Tours/ Mr Travel. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the boat depart from and what time?

Check in starts at 7:15 am at the Ocean Free/Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns. The Ocean Free boat is located at A Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Boarding begins at 7:30am for an 8am departure.

How long does it take to get out to the reef?

It takes about 2 hours to get to Pinnacle Reef, just 1 km from Green Island.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Ocean Free offers three different types of salads and breads, but can also order a vegetarian meal for you on request. If you have any other dietary concerns or preferences, you can order vegan, vegetarian, lactose free, and gluten free for no extra cost – but you must pre-order at least 24 hours prior to the date of travel. Please let our reservations team know when you book.

What if I get seasick?

If you are prone to seasickness, please take preventative medication about 20 minutes prior to boarding the boat. It will help you to have a much more enjoyable day. The crew will look after you at all times. You can also be taken across to Green Island which will help being on solid land.

Should I be worried about sharks?

While there are small black and white tipped reef sharks that live out on the reef, they are very timid creatures. They pose absolutely no threat to humans and we count ourselves very lucky when we are able to see them!

I’m not a good swimmer, can I still snorkel?

Yes, you can! Ocean Free has a range of buoyancy vests and aids available for you to use. There are also snorkel stations in the water for you to hold on to when you need to. If you are still in need of assistance, a member of staff can come in the water with you until you feel more confident. Ocean Free will have a crew member on watch at all times, keeping an eye on all snorkelers, swimmers and divers ready to offer help if necessary.

Can I scuba dive even without any experience?

Yes! Anyone who is in general good health can experience an introductory scuba dive. In fact, diving is easier than snorkelling when taken by Ocean Free’s experienced instructors. There are certain medical conditions that may prevent you from diving, such as asthma, epilepsy and heart conditions. All divers must complete a dive medical questionnaire onboard the boat. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Ocean Free offers a guaranteed 1:3 ratio of instructor to divers, but most do a 1:2 ratio and even 1:1 for those needing extra attention. Most other boats offer a 1:4 ratio.

Do we actually get to sail?

Ocean Free prides itself in giving you a great sailing experience. You can even assist with the hoisting of the sails and steering the boat! You’ll motor sail out to Green Island, simply because there is a schedule to run, ensuring you experience a full 4.5 hours on the reef. On the way home the crew are a bit more flexible with the return time and turn the engines off to truly sail back to Cairns!

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes there is. The whole aft (back) section of the boat is under a canopy. In the summer a small forward canopy is also put up. There is also plenty of shade on Green Island.

Are transfers included?

Transfers are available for an additional cost. Return transfers from Cairns City are $18 p/p, and return transfers from the Outer Suburbs and Northern Beaches are $24 p/p. This needs to be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to your date of travel.

Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 13 reviews

5 star
13
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

James Banks, 18 Oct 22
What a great time! We saw a huge reef shark!
Oscar Cohen, 06 Aug 22
Such a nice day out. Basically had the reef to ourselves. A great way to visit green island and see a really pretty reef.
Justin Welsh, 11 May 22
We loved our trip out on this boat. There's not much like a proper sailing trip out to the reef!
Vikki Irwin, 09 May 22
I loved this day out on the sea so much! The coral is so pretty and colourful and there are so many fish around! Little brag but I also saw two turtles! The staff on the boat are really nice and the food is good. The island is also really pretty.
Jayme
Click To Chat

OUR CAIRNS EXPERTS
ARE READY TO HELP YOU

  • Can answer all your Cairns questions
  • We will build you exclusive packages to save you money
  • Available by email or chat 24/7

Quick Enquiry

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Support From Aussies

Our friendly team of local travel experts are available 24/7. Reach us by phone, live chat or email and talk to an experienced agent every time!

Secure Payment

Book seamlessly with confidence. All payments made through Cairns Tours are encrypted, safe and secure to safeguard your privacy.

Best Prices

Get the best deal on your Aussie experience with Cairns Tours. With our price-beat guarantee, do more for less and save on your next adventure.