Green Island Day Trip – Ferry Transfer Included

Green Island Day Trip Summary

  • Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
  • Spend a relaxing day on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel straight off the beach in clear, shallow waters
  • Explore rainforest boardwalks and island walking trails
  • Family-friendly experience with flexible free time
  • Optional activities available on the island
  • Easy day trip from Cairns with multiple departure times

About Green Island Day Trip

A Green Island Day Trip with ferry transfer included is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Cairns, this relaxing day trip takes you to Green Island a unique coral cay surrounded by vibrant reef, white sandy beaches, and lush rainforest. With return ferry transfers included, you’ll enjoy a smooth journey across the Coral Sea before spending your day swimming, snorkelling, walking, or simply unwinding in paradise.

Ferry Transfer from Cairns

Your day begins with a comfortable ferry journey from Cairns to Green Island. The modern catamaran offers a smooth and scenic ride across the Coral Sea, with indoor seating, open-air viewing areas, and onboard facilities. The ferry transfer makes visiting Green Island easy, stress-free, and suitable for travellers of all ages.

Snorkelling Straight off the Beach

One of the highlights of a Green Island day trip is the ability to snorkel directly from the shore. Calm, shallow waters surround much of the island, making it an ideal snorkelling spot for beginners, families, and relaxed reef explorers. Colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, and marine life can often be seen just metres from the beach.

Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if you don’t bring your own.

Explore Green Island’s Rainforest and Walking Trails

Green Island is not only about the reef — it’s also home to a rare tropical rainforest. Elevated boardwalks and walking paths allow you to explore the island interior, offering shade, birdlife, and a peaceful contrast to the beach and reef environment. These easy walks are suitable for all fitness levels and are a lovely way to experience another side of the island.

Relax, Swim or Simply Unwind

If your idea of the perfect day is relaxation, Green Island delivers. Spend your time:

    • Swimming in clear tropical waters
    • Relaxing on white sandy beaches
    • Enjoying the island’s laid-back atmosphere
    • Taking breaks between snorkelling sessions
    • Soaking up the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef

This is a flexible day trip — you choose how active or relaxed your experience will be.

Who Is This Green Island Day Trip Perfect For?

    • Families with children
    • Couples seeking a relaxed island escape
    • First-time visitors to the Great Barrier Reef
    • Non-swimmers wanting a beach and island experience
    • Travellers short on time but wanting a reef island visit

Green Island Day Trip FAQs

How long is the ferry ride to Green Island?

The ferry journey from Cairns to Green Island takes approximately 45 minutes each way.

Is snorkelling included?

Snorkelling directly from the beach is free. Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, Green Island is very family-friendly, with calm waters, beaches, walking trails, and facilities suitable for all ages.

Can non-swimmers enjoy Green Island?

Absolutely. Green Island offers beaches, rainforest walks, sightseeing, and optional glass bottom boat tours for non-swimmers.

What should I bring for the day?

We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable footwear, and spending money for optional activities.

Plan Your Green Island Day Trip

A Green Island day trip with ferry transfer included offers the perfect balance of reef, rainforest, and relaxation. Whether you spend your day snorkelling, walking, swimming, or simply enjoying island life, this easy day trip from Cairns is a wonderful way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

Conclusion

The Green Island Day Trip Ferry Transfer Included is a relaxed and flexible way to explore one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most accessible tropical islands. With return ferry transfers, beautiful beaches, snorkelling straight from the shore, and peaceful rainforest walks, it’s an unforgettable island escape suitable for all ages.

Highlights

Tour Highlights

    • Return ferry transfer from Cairns to Green Island included
    • Easy day trip to a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef
    • Snorkel straight off the beach in calm, shallow waters
    • Relax on white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise water
    • Explore shaded rainforest boardwalks and walking trails
    • Family-friendly experience suitable for all ages
    • Flexible free time to enjoy the island at your own pace

Itinerary

Itinerary – Green Island Day Trip

Departure options

Choose your departure and return times when you book:

  • Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 8:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 7 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 2:30 pm – approximately 3 hours island time
  • Depart Cairns 10:30 am, depart Green Island 4:30 pm – approximately 5 hours island time

While times may vary slightly depending on your selected departure, a typical Green Island day trip follows this relaxed and flexible itinerary:

  • Morning: Check in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and board the ferry
  • Ferry Transfer: Enjoy a scenic cruise across the Coral Sea to Green Island
  • Arrival at Green Island: Disembark at the island jetty and begin exploring
  • Island Time:
    • Swim and snorkel from the beach
    • Walk the rainforest boardwalks
    • Relax on the sand or enjoy optional activities

Afternoon: Board the ferry for your return journey to Cairns

This itinerary allows plenty of free time to enjoy Green Island at your own pace.

Included

Return transfers on board Great Adventures
Up to 7 hours on Green Island
Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
Self Guided Eco Island Walk
Use of day facilities (toilets, showers, pool etc)

Optional Extras

Optional Activities on Green Island

Additional activities are available on the island for those wanting to enhance their day trip experience. These can be arranged on arrival and may include:

    • Glass bottom boat tours
    • Guided snorkelling experiences
    • Scenic helicopter flights
    • Marine education presentations

Availability may vary on the day.

What to bring

What to Bring

To make the most of your Green Island day trip, we recommend bringing:

    • Swimwear and a towel
    • Reef-safe sunscreen
    • Hat and sunglasses
    • Comfortable footwear for walking trails
    • Light clothing and a change of clothes
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Camera or phone for photos
    • Spending money for optional activities and refreshments
    • Snorkelling equipment can be hired on the island if required.

How to get there

How to Get There

Green Island is located just off the coast of Cairns and is easily accessed by ferry.

    • Departures operate from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
    • The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes each way
    • Return ferry transfers are included in your day trip
    • Check-in details will be provided after booking

The comfortable ferry transfer makes Green Island one of the most accessible island experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.

Important Information

Important Information

    • All ferry transfers are subject to weather and sea conditions
    • Snorkelling conditions vary depending on tides and visibility
    • Children must be supervised at all times while on the island
    • Optional activities are subject to availability on the day
    • Prices, schedules, and inclusions may change without notice
    • This tour is suitable for non-swimmers, families, and first-time reef visitors

We recommend arriving at the terminal early and listening carefully to all safety briefings provided by staff.

Tour Features

Read policies

Green Island Day Trip Tours

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

Departs

0830-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~7 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

1030-1630: Standard - FULL DAY (~7 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 4:30pm

Departs

0830-1430: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

0830-1430: Standard - FULL DAY (~5 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 8:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs

1030-1430: Standard - HALF DAY (~3 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

1030-1430: Standard - HALF DAY (~3 hours Island Time) -Departs marina 10:30am - Depart Green Island 2:30pm

Departs

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