Big Cat Cruises Cairns (9:00am or 1:00pm)

Big Cat Cruises Cairns Highlights

• Two daily departure times
• Green Island reef access
• Rainforest boardwalks
• Beach relaxation
• Optional reef viewing tours
• Comfortable catamaran cruise

Big Cat Cruises Cairns – Itinerary

Departure from Cairns (9:00am or 1:00pm)

Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board Big Cat Cruises at your chosen departure time. Settle in for a comfortable cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island.

Arrival at Green Island

Arrive at Green Island, a unique coral cay surrounded by fringing reef and tropical rainforest. Once ashore, you’re free to explore the island at your own pace.

Island Time & Optional Activities

Spend your time snorkelling straight from the beach, wandering through shaded rainforest boardwalks, relaxing on the sand or joining optional reef viewing experiences such as a glass bottom boat tour.

Return to Cairns

Rejoin Big Cat Cruises for your return journey to Cairns after your island experience, depending on your selected departure and return schedule.

No need to wait in line for your boarding pass! Simply head straight to the vessel, guests will receive a digital boarding pass with all the details the afternoon before departure.

For the 9am departure, boarding commences at 8.15am with final boarding at 8.45am from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and tour returns at 1pm.

For the 1pm departure, boarding commences at 12.45pm with final boarding at 12.55pm from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and tour returns at 5pm.

What’s Included

• Return Big Cat cruise from Cairns to Green Island
• Choice of 9:00am or 1:00pm departure
• Free time to explore Green Island
• Access to island walking tracks and beaches
• Friendly and experienced crew
• National park and reef levies

Optional Extras

• Snorkel equipment hire
• Glass bottom boat tour
• Semi-submarine reef viewing tour
• Seawalker helmet dive
• Parasailing
• Lunch options
• Wetsuit or stinger suit hire
• All optional activities are subject to availability, weather and sea conditions.

• Swimmer
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Change of clothes
• Extra cash or credit card for onboard purchases

How to Get There (All Big Cat Green Island Tours)

All Big Cat Green Island tours depart from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, located on the Cairns Esplanade in the city centre.

Getting to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal

• The terminal is within walking distance of most Cairns city accommodation
• Public buses, taxis and rideshare services operate frequently
• Paid parking is available nearby for guests driving themselves

Check-In Details

• Please arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure
• Check in at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises counter
• Your booking confirmation will include exact check-in instructions and departure time

Important Information Big Cat Cruises Cairns

Weather & Sea Conditions

• Tours operate in most weather conditions
• In the event of unsafe conditions, itineraries may be adjusted or rescheduled
• Sea conditions can vary — guests prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions

Swimming & Snorkelling

• Snorkelling is optional and suitable for most confidence levels
• Flotation devices are available
• Non-swimmers can enjoy glass bottom boat or semi-submarine experiences

Stinger Season

• Marine stingers may be present during warmer months
• Stinger suits are recommended and available for hire
• Always follow crew instructions and safety signage

Accessibility & Fitness

• The tour is suitable for most ages and fitness levels
• Some walking tracks on the island are flat and well-maintained
• Please advise any mobility, medical or dietary requirements at the time of booking

What to Expect on the Day

• Free time on Green Island to explore at your own pace
• Optional activities can be booked in advance or on the day (subject to availability)
• On-island cafés and facilities are available

What If Plans Change?

• Itineraries may vary due to weather, sea conditions or operational requirements
• Safety is always the top priority
• Guests will be informed of any changes as early as possible

Environmental Care

• Green Island is a protected national park
• Please use reef-safe sunscreen and follow all environmental guidelines
• Help protect the reef by avoiding contact with coral and marine life