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Great Barrier Reef Island Tours
Experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef Islands from Cairns — snorkel, dive, or cruise through vibrant coral gardens and turquoise lagoons with trusted local operators.
Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable day of travel
2 iconic destinations in 1 day. Fast catamaran to Green Island for a 2-hour coral cay stopover, then out to Great Adventures’ Moore Reef platform for 3 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel gear, semi-sub, underwater observatory and buffet lunch all included.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child. Fuel Levy payable at check-in on the day of travel.
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour – Save $36
Adult $166| Child $110 (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442
Includes Snorkel equipment + Glass bottom boat tour + Picnic lunch
2 Departures daily 8.45am or 10.15am – Return 4.30pm
Discover the best of Fitzroy Island’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable day on one of Cairns’ most picturesque islands.
Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00 | $0.00
Adult $196 – Child $98 – Family $490
Departs Daily from Cairns 8:30am – 5:00pm
Make the most of your time in Far North Queensland with the Two Island Explorer tour, combining both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in a single unforgettable day. Departing from Cairns, this reef and island adventure lets you snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax
Adult $196.00 | Child $98.00 | Family 2A+2C $490.00
Adult $159.00| Child 4-14yrs $89
Family 2A+2C $496
Includes 1.5 hour dedicated Whale Watching tour plus free time at Fitzroy Island
Depart Cairns 8.30am – 2.45pm
Depart Cairns 10.45am – 4.45pm
Experience an unforgettable day of nature and relaxation. Cruise off the coast of Cairns to witness the spectacular migration of Humpback Whales, then spend time unwinding on a tropical island with snorkelling, hiking, marine life, and stunning beaches.
Adult $159.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $496.00 2A+2C 4-14yrs
Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Kids 50% off
Adult $10 Child $5 Fuel Levy
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2.5 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 2.5 hours Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & kids waterslide. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.
Adult $337.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $92.50 | Family 2A+2C $859.00 | $0.00 10 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy
Adult $122 |Child 4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Full Day 9.00am – 5.00pm
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sandy beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Semi Submersible and guided snorkel tour options available.
Adult $122.00 | Child 4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00
Adult $122 |Child $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Full Day 11.00am – 5.00pm
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sandy beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Semi Submersible and guided snorkel tour options available.
Adult $122.00 | Child $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00
From Adult $108| Child $62 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $278
Departs daily at 10.45am – Returns at 2.45pm
Escape to Fitzroy Island for a half day adventure. A quick 45-minute ferry to the beautiful coral Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Things to do on Fitzroy Island. You can hire snorkel equipment, glass-bottom boat tour, go swimming, stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaking. providing the perfect mix of natural beauty and marine experiences.
From Adult $108.00 | Child $62.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $278.00
Departs daily 7am – 5pm
Enjoy an all-inclusive River, Reef, and Island Cruise with the sole commercial operator permitted on the pristine uninhabited Frankland Islands. Snorkel off the Island’s National Park white sand beach, swim with sea turtles, and have a quick and convenient journey with the shortest open water crossing.
Adult $260.00 | Child $160.00 4-16yrs | Family 2A+2C $680.00
From Adult $108| Child $62 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $278
Departs daily – 8.30am or 10.45am
Return to Cairns- 4.45pm
Fitzroy Island Adventure is a quick 45-minute ferry to the beautiful coral Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Things to do on Fitzroy Island. You can hire snorkel equipment, glass-bottom boat tour, guided snorkel tours, go swimming, stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaking. Those more active can do the Lighthouse Trail, a steep climb with rewarding views.
From Adult $108.00 | Child $62.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $278.00
Adult $109| Child $63 (4-15yrs)| Family 2A+2C $289
2 Departs daily 8.45am or 10.15am – 4.30pm
Fitzroy Island’s full-day experience includes 55 minutes ferry transfer each way. Choose from the many optional activities available. You can hire snorkel equipment, do a guided Snorkel Tour, Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. You can snorkel straight off the beach and discover amazing marine life and sea turtles. Sit back and soak up the serenity on the shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only) – once voted the best beach in Australia.
Adult $109.00 | Child $63.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $289.00
Adult $127| Child $68 4-14yrs
Family2A+2C $329
Half Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 3.20pm
Full Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 5.20pm
Green Island is an idyllic coral cay located only 15 nautical miles offshore from Cairns, snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sand beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Includes choice of snorkelling equipment OR glass bottom boat.
Adult $127.00 | Child $68.00 4-14yrs | Family2A+2C $329.00 | Price includes Fuel Levy $0.00
Adult $289| Child 4-14yrs $236
Family 2A+2C$1050 + Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child
Departs Cairns 8.30am or 10.30am
Returns 3.20pm or 5.20pm
Underwater helmet diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the marine wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef and discover the underwater world from a different perspective. It’s a fun and engaging and easy to do. There is no equipment to operate, and non-swimmers are welcome; Seawalker is accessible to almost everyone and you don’t even have to get your hair wet!
Adult $289.00 | Child 4-14yrs $236.00 | Family 2A+2C $1050.00 | $0.00 Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child payable direct
Adult $166 +4 Fuel levy| Child $110 +2 Fuel Levy (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442 + $10 Fuel levy
Includes return Ferry + choice of 2 activities
Snorkel Equipment – Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Picnic Lunch
Departs Daily 8.45am or 10.15am – 4.30pm
Fitzroy Island a tropical paradise and a favourite spot for locals and tourists. Lush rainforest, stunning beaches, walking trails, coral reefs. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Take a 45-minute journey on the Fitzroy Island Sundancer to the sandy shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only)- voted one of the best beaches in Australia. Snorkel straight off the beach to discover amazing marine life.
Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00
Adult $122|Child 4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Departs daily 9.00am – 1.00pm
Green Island is a beautiful island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef only 45 minutes ferry ride from Cairns. It is a Marine National Park uniquely rainforested and surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Adult $122.00 | Child 4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00
Adult $122|Child4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Departs daily 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Green Island is a beautiful island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef only 45 minutes ferry ride from Cairns. It is a Marine National Park uniquely rainforested and surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Adult $122.00 | Child4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00
Michaelmas Cay
Adult $288|Child $149|Family $734
Departs daily 8.30am – 5pm
Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit Cruises spacious catamaran. Snorkel or dive the pristine reef in the shallow waters of the cay or view the reef from a glass bottom boat. Michaelmas Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for hundreds of migratory seabirds.
Adult $289| Child $225 4-14yrs
Departs Daily 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Renown as the most exclusive, personal, customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour in Cairns with only 25 guests. Join this amazing personalised team on the 16.5 meter sailing schooner ‘Ocean Free’ for a day to remember on the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean Free sails you to Pinnacle Reef, an exclusive reef site located in the highly protected Marine Park zone just off Green Island offering excellent coral coverage and vibrant marine life.
Fitzroy Island Day Trip
A local favourite, Fitzroy Island is only a 45-minute fast ferry ride from Cairns. With multiple departure times (8.00am, 9.00am, 9.30am and 11.00am), it’s an easy and flexible option for families and groups. Prices start from $83 per adult, $42 per child (4–15 years), and family passes from $208 (2 adults + 2 children). Customers love Fitzroy Island for its clear waters, rainforest walking trails, and relaxed island vibe.
Green Island Day Trip
Just 27 km off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is one of the most popular Great Barrier Reef Island day tours. A 45-minute fast ferry takes you to this coral cay, where you can snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy a semi-submersible reef experience. Green Island has been welcoming visitors for over 30 years with trusted operators like Big Cat Cruises and Great Adventures. Departure times run throughout the day (8.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am & 1.00pm), making it easy to plan around your schedule.
Frankland Islands Day Trip
Consistently rated a customer favourite for its unspoiled beauty, Frankland Islands offers long white sandy beaches, a guided snorkel tour, Semi Submersible coral viewing tour, beachside buffet lunch, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and regular turtle sightings. With only one commercial operator and a maximum of 100 guests allowed at a time, this island paradise is never crowded, giving you a truly unique and intimate Great Barrier Reef experience.
Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure. Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Green Island or Fitzroy Island?
Green Island is usually better if you want an easy reef island day trip with options like a glass-bottom boat, snorkelling and resort-style facilities. Fitzroy Island is often better if you want more beach time, walking tracks, Nudey Beach and snorkelling straight from the shore. Both are good choices from Cairns, but the best option depends on your travel style.
Can you visit Green Island and Fitzroy Island on the same day?
Most visitors choose either Green Island or Fitzroy Island for a day trip, rather than visiting both on the same day. Each island has enough activities for a full or half day, and ferry schedules usually make it easier to enjoy one island properly.
Which Great Barrier Reef island is best for families?
Green Island and Fitzroy Island can both suit families. Green Island is a good choice for easy facilities and gentle activities, while Fitzroy Island is popular for beach time, nature walks and snorkelling. The best choice depends on the age of the children, swimming ability and how active your family wants the day to be.
Which island near Cairns is best for snorkelling?
Fitzroy Island offers snorkelling directly from the beach, while Green Island has snorkelling areas close to shore and optional reef activities. Conditions can vary by weather and tide, so check the individual tour inclusions if snorkelling is your main priority.
Are Great Barrier Reef island tours good for non-swimmers?
Yes, island tours can be a good option for non-swimmers because they offer more than just snorkelling. Depending on the tour, you may be able to enjoy beaches, rainforest walks, glass-bottom boat rides, scenic views, lunch options and time to relax on the island.
For questions about bookings, cancellations, group travel and accessibility, visit our page.
