Great Barrier Reef Island Tours

11:00am Green Island Full Day Tour

Adult $122.00 | Child $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00
11:00 am
5:00 pm
Big Cat Cruises at green Island
Big Cat Green Island reef cruise catamaran
Snorkellers exploring Green Island reef lagoon
Big Cat Cruises at green Island
Big Cat Green Island reef cruise catamaran
Snorkellers exploring Green Island reef lagoon

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.

Make your way to the Reef Fleet Terminal – Cairns Marina (1 Spence St Cairns) You will receive an email/text with your boarding pass 24 hours prior to departure. If not received go into the Reef Fleet Terminal building and check in at the Big Cat Cruises Desk

Snorkelling
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Mask, snorkels and fins in all sizes are available. Guided Snorkel Safari and Snorkel Experience optional extras available.

Glass Bottom Boat
Float across the reef, looking through large viewing windows while enjoying an informative commentary from your guide. This 30-minute tour allows you to view the spectacular coral reef, where an abundance of fish is guaranteed during a lively fish feed.

 

  • Snorkel gear – Mask snorkel and fins. (deposit required)
  • Lycra suit included April – October.
  • Floatation Vest.
  • OR Glass Bottom Boat Coral Viewing Tour
  • Cruise in comfort aboard the modern air-conditioned catamarans Big Cat at 9.00 am and Reef Rocket at 11.00 am departure.
  • Ideal for both swimmers and non-swimmers
  • Licensed bar on board offering refreshments and a wide selection of souvenirs
  • Change facilities on the island, including freshwater showers & restrooms
  • Shops, bar & restaurants available
  • Beach umbrellas & sun lounges available for hire
  • Other beach activities available for hire – canoes, surf skis, or stand-up paddle boards
  • Sheltered beach with plenty of shady retreats
  • Take a stroll along the water’s edge and explore sandy beaches to find your own secluded spot
  • Rainforest boardwalks with interpretative signage
  • Self-guided island walk
  • Snorkelling demonstration and activity presentation- en route to Green Island
  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Reefsmart sunscreen
  • Underwater camera
  • Water bottle (you are able to refill on board)
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash or credit card for onboard or island purchases

Exclusive Semi-Submarine tour… Explore Green Island’s underwater world, part of the Great Barrier Reef in air-conditioned comfort without even getting wet!

Adult $45.00 Child $25.00 Family $115

Seated below water level, passengers are treated to a divers view of the coral reef and marine life with informative commentary by the crew and see the lively fish feeding. This vessel seats 27 passengers and cruises for approx. 30 minutes. Don’t miss this exciting tour during your time at Green Island. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises operate the only Semi Submarine at Green Island.

Buffet Lunch 
Adult $39.00 Child $25 Family $103.00

A delicious buffet lunch freshly prepared by the highly awarded & renowned Tropic Spirit Catering  is served aboard ‘Big Cat’ at Green Island between 11.15am – 1.15pm for those who have chosen this option. Our licensed bar on board offers refreshments throughout the day. Sit back and enjoy the nice cool air conditioned vessel

Snorkel Safari
Adult $85.00 Child $57.00 Family $227.00
Exclusive access to areas not accessible to other guests at Green Island. A tender boat will take you and our marine biologist to drift snorkel one of Green Islands magnificent walls, famous for their extensive coral formations and schools of fish & marine life.

Guided Snorkel Experience Tour
Adult $75.00 Child $46.00 Family $196.00
Help build your confidence in the water. Includes Snorkel Equipment, fins, lycra suit (Nov – April included) & vest for the whole day !

Marineland Melanesia – cannot be pre-booked
Adult $25 Child $12.50
One of Green Island’s most unique attractions is Marineland Melanesia. Not only is it home to the largest captive crocodile in Australia, Cassius, but it is also home to one of the largest private collections of exotic Melanesian tribal artefacts and aquariums. With twice daily crocodile shows and the chance to hold a baby croc, it’s a family favourite, especially with the children.

Lycra Suits – Adult $12 –  Child $7
Stinger Season’ included free – November- April
May – October can be hired

Explore related tours

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station

Kuranda Scenic Train departs Cairns at 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Not bookable online ☎️07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am train (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets and the many attractions in Kuranda. Return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cablewayas you guide over the rainforest canopy.  Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns/Freshwater Railway Stations.

Adult $155.50 | Child $85.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-14yrs $399.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person

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Helicopter scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

30 minutes $487 per person includes Fuel Levy
45 minutes $676 per person includes Fuel Levy

Departs daily from Cairns Heli pad -The Pier Cairns City

The most popular scenic flight combines 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic with an additional 15 minute bird’s eye view of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Commencing over the reef, we cross back over the coast near Double Island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest-clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park.

 

30 minutes $487.00 | 45 minutes $676.00 Per Person

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Daintree Tours from Port Douglas

Adult from $259 Child (7-14yrs) $229 not suitable for under 7yrs
Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am –  4.30pm

Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.

More Info

Adult from $259.00 | Child $229.00 Child 7yrs-14

7:30 am
4:30 pm
River drift Daintree Tours

This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..

 

More Info

Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C

8:30 am
4:30 pm
Cairns Aquarium marine life experience banner

Adult $179| Child $79
Available Tues to Sat 3pm – 6:15pm

Experience available up until 28th June 2026

Aquarium by twilight gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal sea creatures as they move about in the shadows. Witness the predators in the Oceanarium with appetiser and drink in hand, before completing your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched 3 course dining experience while enjoying a stunning marine life backdrop.

Adult $179.00 | Child $79.00

3:00 pm
6:15 pm
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Silversonic diver exploring outer reef coral formations

Adult $315|Child $228
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on the day of travel
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.

More Info

Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel

8:30 am
4:30 pm

A full-day reef fishing charter offers an incredible adventure on the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef, targeting iconic species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Large Mouth Nannygai, and Spanish Mackerel.

More Info

$340.00 Per Person | $60.00 Fuel levy

6:00 am
4:00 pm
Aerial shot of Nautilus Helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef

$1189.00 per person
Departs Daily from Port Douglas
11.10am – 3.30pm

Short on time or want to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a return scenic flight. Takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife – sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).

Spend 2 hours – 15 minutes at the Quicksilver pontoon to enjoy snorkelling, semi submersible coral viewing tour, underwater observatory and a delicious buffet lunch.

 

$1189.00 per person

11:10 am
3:30 pm
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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.

SayItLikeItIs
SayItLikeItIs
1 month ago
I booked the two day Rainforest trip on the 23rd & 24th June. The scenery was breathtaking and we were treated to a river cruise where we spotted some famous local crocodiles :D Throughout the journey to the lookouts and the Daintree Rainforest, we were treated to some fascinating commentary by our guides on the history of the area. I would like to give special thanks and appreciation to John and Clinton who were very knowledgeable, humorous and looked after us all very well :) I opted to spend a night in the Rainforest and it was truly an unforgettable experience :)
Jia Wang
Jia Wang
1 month ago
The tour is fantastic, with great views and unique experience. The staffs are friendly and helpful.
Mihaela Satrapeli
Mihaela Satrapeli
2 months ago
Very good support from Marianne to organize our Cairns visits, both for diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and for Kuranda and Rainforest Cape tribulation tours ! You can trust she will arrange every modification needed at her best ! Loved the trip in Cairns also thanks to Marianne, who listens and adapts to your interests and time ! Big Thank you, Marianne!
Michelle White
Michelle White
2 months ago
Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.
madam howling
madam howling
1 month ago
I’m not often impressed enough to comment I certainly am with Maryanne Nothing was too much effort, even to ringing me at 9pm on Friday night to change a trip Refunded was processed within ten minutes of cancellation, new options provided All the five star reviews are true!
Mark Rodahl
Mark Rodahl
9 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours is such a wonderful company. They all were essential in giving us an unforgettable experience on our first trip to Cairns. Maryanne is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in finding perfect excursions for us. Her Daintree Rainforest tour with the awesome Jeremey as our guide was truly amazing ! On top of all of this, everyone was so kind and helpful to recover and return to my wife a lost sentimental bracelet. I can not thank them all enough for making our vacation so special and memorable. You are all the best !