Green Island sits just 27 kilometres off the Cairns coastline – close enough that you can see the mainland from the beach, yet far enough out that the water shifts to that clear reef blue during the crossing. Getting there is one of the easiest parts of any Cairns holiday, but the way you get there shapes what your whole day looks like.
All Green Island trips depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal in central Cairns, and the journey takes roughly 45 minutes by catamaran. But there are different operators, departure times, and tour packages to choose from – and the right one depends on your schedule, your interests, and who you are travelling with. Cairns Discovery Tours has been helping visitors sort through these options for nearly 30 years, and this guide breaks it all down.
Where do Green Island ferries depart from?
Every Green Island ferry departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Cairns Marina – right on the waterfront and an easy, flat walk from most accommodation along the Esplanade. The terminal is a purpose-built hub for reef and island tours, with check-in counters for each operator, seating, a cafe, and direct marina access.
If you book through Cairns Discovery Tours, you will receive your boarding pass by email or text 24 hours before departure. If it has not come through, head to the relevant operator’s desk inside the terminal.
A few practical details worth knowing:
- Parking: Paid parking is available at the adjacent Cairns Marina car park. Spaces fill up early in peak season, so allow extra time or walk if you are staying nearby.
- Check-in time: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Some operators request up to an hour during busy periods.
- Northern beaches transfers: Staying at Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Yorkeys Knob, or further along the Northern Beaches? Coach transfers to the terminal can be arranged when you book.
- Cruise ship passengers: The cruise terminal is a short walk from the Reef Fleet Terminal, making Green Island one of the most accessible shore excursion options from Cairns.
How long does the ferry take?
The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes each way aboard modern, air-conditioned catamarans. The waters between Cairns and Green Island are relatively sheltered – particularly from May to October – so the ride is smooth for most passengers.
During the wet season, it can be a little choppier, but the trip is short enough that most people handle it fine. If you are prone to motion sensitivity, a seat in the middle of the vessel and a focus on the horizon does the trick. And keep an eye out on the way over – dolphins and sea turtles sometimes make an appearance.
Green Island tour options
There are several ways to visit Green Island, and the right choice depends on how much time you have, what activities you want to include, and what kind of experience you are after. Cairns Discovery Tours offers a range of Green Island tours with different inclusions, so here is how they break down.
Ferry transfer only
The simplest option – a return catamaran crossing with basic island access. This suits visitors who have their own snorkel gear or just want a beach day without bundled extras. It is also the most affordable way to get to Green Island.
Half-Day and full-day island tours
Most visitors book a tour package that bundles the ferry crossing with activities like snorkelling gear, a glass-bottom boat tour, or both. Some tours also include a semi-submarine experience – a great way to see the reef without getting wet. Packages range from relaxed half-day visits to full-day tours with lunch, guided snorkel safaris, and more.
Green Island + outer reef combo
For visitors who want both island time and a deeper reef experience in one day, combo tours pair a couple of hours on Green Island with time at an outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon. You get the best of both worlds – the island’s beaches and rainforest, plus the marine life and coral diversity of the outer reef.
Sailing tours
If you prefer a smaller group and a more intimate experience, sailing tours take you to reef sites near Green Island aboard a sailing vessel rather than a large catamaran. These tend to cap guest numbers and offer a more personalised day on the water.
Specialty experiences
Several tours include unique add-ons like the Seawalker helmet dive – where you walk along the sea floor surrounded by tropical fish and coral, no swimming ability needed. You do not even get your hair wet. Introductory scuba diving is another popular option for anyone wanting to go deeper without a certification.
Green Island tours start from around $105 to $122 per adult for a standard ferry day trip, depending on the operator and departure time. Packages with added activities like snorkel gear, glass bottom boat tours, and lunch range from $166 to $289 per adult. Family pricing (2A+2C) is available on most options, starting from $270. All prices are in AUD and current as of April 2026 – check the tour page for the latest rates.
Not sure which tour suits your group? Browse all Green Island tours or get in touch with the team for a recommendation based on your interests and schedule.
Half day vs full day – how long should you spend?
This is one of the most common questions the team gets asked, and the answer depends entirely on what kind of day you are after.
Half-day trips give you around two to three hours on the island. That is enough to snorkel or do a glass-bottom boat tour and have a wander along the beach, but you will need to pick and choose rather than trying everything. They work well if you are short on time, arriving or departing Cairns that day, or travelling with young kids who might not last a full day in the sun.
Full-day trips give you five to seven hours on the island. This is where Green Island really comes into its own – snorkel in the morning when the water is calmest, duck into the shaded rainforest boardwalk when the midday heat kicks in, have a proper lunch, and head back to the water in the afternoon feeling more confident. For most visitors, the extra hours are worth it.
Related reading: What to do on Green Island – activities, snorkelling and timing tips
What is included on a green island tour?
Inclusions vary by package, but most standard Green Island tours cover:
- Return catamaran transfers
- Use of island facilities (showers, toilets, change rooms)
- Choice of snorkelling equipment OR a glass bottom boat tour (some packages include both)
- Lycra stinger suits during stinger season (November to April)
- Floatation vests on the island
Upgraded packages often add buffet lunch, guided snorkel safaris with a marine biologist, or scuba diving options.
Can you get to Green Island without a tour?
There is no public ferry or independent boat access to Green Island – every trip uses a commercial ferry service. But you do not have to book a full tour package. Transfer-only tickets are available, covering the return crossing and basic island access.
Transfer-only tickets start from around $105 to $122 per adult, making it the most affordable option – ideal if you have your own snorkel gear or simply want a beach day. That said, the bundled tour packages often work out as a better value. Adding snorkelling gear, a glass bottom boat tour, or lunch separately on the island typically costs more than packaging them together up front.
Tips for a smooth green island trip
A few things we always recommend to first-time visitors:
- Book the earliest departure if you can. You will beat the main crowd to the island, and morning conditions are typically the calmest with the best visibility.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The reef is a protected World Heritage site, and chemical sunscreens can damage coral. Look for zinc-based formulas.
- Carry cash or a card for extras. Optional activities, drinks, and souvenirs on the island need to be paid for on the day.
- Wear something you can swim in. The beach and snorkelling are right there when you step off the ferry – you do not want to spend your island time getting changed.
- Get there early for parking. If you are driving to the terminal, the marina car park fills up fast in peak season. Walking from central Cairns accommodation is often easier.
You may also like: Best time to travel to Cairns
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my return ferry time on the day?
In most cases, yes – subject to availability. The crew at the island information counter can usually adjust your return if there is space on an earlier or later ferry. During peak periods, though, ferries do fill up, so it is safest to stick with your booked time.
Is Green Island accessible for wheelchair users?
The island has wheelchair-friendly pathways and accessible bathrooms, but there can be steps at the end of the gangway depending on tide levels, and the gangways are narrow. Contact the team at Cairns Discovery Tours before booking and we can advise on the best tour option for your needs.
Can I bring my own food to Green Island?
Yes – you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. There are also restaurants and cafes at the Green Island Resort, plus buffet lunch add-ons available when you book your tour.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Not at all. Glass-bottom boat tours, the rainforest boardwalk, and the beach are all enjoyable without going in the water. If you do want to try snorkelling, the sheltered lagoon is calm and shallow, and floatation vests are available.
Start planning your green island trip
Green Island is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Cairns – a genuine Great Barrier Reef experience without a full day on the open ocean. Whether you are after a quick half-day visit or a leisurely full day of snorkelling and island exploring, the hardest part is choosing which tour to book. Browse all Green Island tours to find the right fit for your group. If you need help in choosing, call us on (07) 4028 3567 or drop us a line.
