Green Island Half-Day Trip from Cairns

do not recommended this

nothing. The air conditional was not working on semi submarine. It was a short trip and we saw little to nothing that was memorable. Very, very disappointed

Worst snorkeling ever

This is the worst snorkeling excursion I have ever been on. In all fairness it could have been because the tide was so low, but I am not certain. The wind was very strong, the water was very low. The deepest that the water got from the beach they suggested we snorkel from, was only about 4 feet.

Great option to see coral and tropical fish

Enjoyable trip to see the coral and fish, just what I needed to fill up a half day. Trip over from Cairns quite rough due to overnight weather but well worth it. The crew were great and help many people who suffered a little. On the island I do not swim and not confident in water so to have option of glass bottom boat was great, was amazed how much we could see. Super morning.

Very informative

The glass bottom boat and submarine despite the choppy waters although it was our first trip to Nth Queensland and we didn't know what to expect we were presently surprised and next time would have booked a full day!

Awesome

Awesome seeing the barrier reef in the glass bottom boat The island was like being in Polynesia I would recommend to all my friends and family

That was very good.

The spot is a beautiful piece of the wonderful Great Barrier Reef. You can go snorkeling or just swimming. We went snorkeling and it was easy to reach out and see a lot of reef fish from the shores. The trip was worth it. At the end of the day, we spot some turtles breathing on the surface and a couple of reef sharks. My wife loved it.

It was spectacular, so amazing.

Too many to name just one the island itself so pretty the water clear and the colours spectacular, the semi submarine was an experience I’ll remember always

Please improve.

Sadly the reef is white and deteriorating, there was no reminder to anyone about preserving the environment. The employees were disengaged, they obviously hate tourists, the boat broke down and there was no communication. They ran away.

Shorter than expected but worth it.

The activity itself worth it. Boat staff were nice and helpful. However, the cruise run late 30 minutes. No communication, whatsoever. We’ve been left clueless to wait on the warf. The activities on Green Island had set times and the departure was not subsequently delayed. This basically shortened our experience with 30 minutes. I would recommend booking the morning departure with the latest return. It is possible. We wish would have known this before. Island is very pretty and you wouldn’t be disappointed spending the whole day there.

Great

All was good loved everything about it weather was fantastic the glass boat was great Plenty to do need a full day there

We loved the glass bottom...

We loved the glass bottom boat and the semi-submersible. Really good views of the coral reef and fish. Very knowledgeable guides.

OK Trip

The island is quite pretty, and the crew was great. No one saw much snorkeling, which was a disappointment.

Missed opportunities

We were hoping for more guidance on the snorkeling. Also the reef was beyond the safe area so we didn't get to snorkel there..

Great half-day trip to Green Island

We had a wonderful half-day trip to Green Island. We departed from the Reef Fleet Terminal Cairns at 9:00 AM on a Catamaran boat and arrived at Green Island in just 45 minutes. We had around 2 hours of free time on the island before heading back to Cairns by 2:00 PM. The beach was clean with clear water, but there wasn't much to see while snorkeling. I highly recommend taking anti-motion sickness medication before boarding the boat, especially during windy/rainy days with rough ocean waves, which can cause seasickness. This tour is managed by Reef Unlimited with a friendly and knowledgeable crew.

Green Island excursion

We had a great trip to Green Island. What a great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef! It was amazing to see the coral and the fish. Loved it!

Family trip to see Coral Green Is

1/2 day trip with semi submersible. 3 yr old loved it. Views cloudy as raining but still could see coral, fish. Rough trip over but crew took care of those seasick. Easy to find where you needed to be to get glass bottom, semi sub and boat home. Just lovely day out.

Half day tour to observer reef and marine life

We embarked on the half-day tour of Green Island, commencing at 1 pm, which included a glass-bottom boat excursion. Although we chose not to snorkel, we found the glass-bottom boat to be an excellent way to observe the reef and marine life. However, we noticed that the colors of the ocean were not as distinct through the glass. For a more vibrant experience, we recommend snorkeling, but if snorkeling isn't preferred, the glass-bottom boat is a suitable alternative. The staff on both boats, from the wharf to the island and then on the glass-bottom boat, were friendly and accommodating. We found that the half-day tour provided ample time, even for snorkelers, and allowed for exploration of Green Island as well. It was cloudy and drizzling on our tour and that made this more enjoyable. It may not be the same on a hot and sunny day.

Can’t win then all

Boat ride over was ok. Submarine was terrible. No ventilation. Visibility was bad. Glass bottom boat was pretty good. Still could not see the reef very well

Green Island trip.

Unfortunately due to a thunderstorm and lightning we didn’t get the full experience. This was very disappointing and I believe the tour should have been cancelled.

Average

The transfer boat was faultless. Great staff, no issues. The main boat where you have lunch etc was disappointing. It was busy, which I understand is stressful for staff, but at some points I couldn’t believe how rudely some of them were talking to customers. The fish feeding was a bit disappointing as it didn’t last long and the person speaking didn’t seem very confident about their facts. Otherwise good - food was pretty good, snorkelling gear passable, and the submarine boat was great. The guy who did the sub commentary was really knowledgable and friendly. The island itself was unreal - a must see.

Book with someone else

I booked a trip with the glass bottom boat included - it is clearly stated in the confirmation. When we got to the island, we were told we had booked cruise only & the only option so that the whole trip & not inconsiderable money already spent was not a waste, was to spend another $60 to go on a submersible! When I wrote to ask what had happened, the company blamed someone else & still hasn't confirmed whether I paid too much! Unacceptable. Things go wrong sometimes & it is how you handle them that matters; this company failed. I would not use them again and would not recommend them to anyone.

Exceptional day at Green Island

We had a lovely day at Green Island. We were in Cairns for the day on a cruise ship and looking for a half day tour to somewhere new. This trip fitted in well with our timeframe. We had excellent weather as well. Changed from the glass bottom boat to snorkelling as we had booked the semi submarine as well. The commentary was excellent and we saw lots of coral, fish and turtles during the day. Thoroughly recommend this tour.

Beware!!!!

Terrible!! Went out when there was 95% chance of rain, it rained all day, and chance of thunderstorms. When asked if they would refund that day because of horrific forecast, they refused. You don’t book a day on the beach on an island when there’s nothing but rain! They don’t show rainy cloudy days on the island in any of their advertising!! Terrible customer service and/or empathy

Disappointed.

Expected a bit more than just a boat ride. No information on where to snorkel. Had to figure it out on my own. Disappointed.

A day to remember and cherish

Green Island is beautiful. Trip over took 45 minutes. If you want to swim or snorkle, hire a lycra suit as high risk of jelly fish stings. Glass bottom boat was superb plenty of coral and loads of fish. KEEGAN was an excellent skipper, friendly and knowledgeable.

A good value for money tour

The tour was organised very well with a comfortable ride to the island and the smooth running of the glass bottomed boat and the submarine. The commentaries and views of the reef were excellent.

Short and easy way to experience a taste of the Great Barrier Reef

Great way to get an idea of what the Great Barrier Reef has to offer without actually putting on a suit to counter the stingers or actual get in the water. Tour provides a glass bottom boat option or a semi submersible sub option to view things underwater without getting wet. Very comfortable boat to get to and from the island in as well.

Lovely day after early wake up call!

Despite the fact our tickets said 1pm, we received a phone call at 8.55am saying would we be there in 5 minutes as we were booked in at 9.00am......all sorted amicably and quickly. Really enjoyed the trip. Best part was the semi submersible. Never imagined we would see so many fish. Would recommend the full day trip rather than the half day, as it really only allowed about 30 mins for snorkeling. Lovely place.

Brilliant customer service

As a consequence of a delayed trip, I contacted Big Cat Reef Cruises and they immediately responded and agreed that I could defer my trip to the next day! Fantastic customer service and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience on Green Island!

Great experience

It was fantastic. I swam with a turtle and snorkelled over many coloured fish. Staff were very helpful. It was stinger season. Staff provided me with a protective stinger suit.

Perfect half day trip to see Reef and marine life

We enjoyed the tropical green island and later the glass bottom boat and submarine We had half day to spend in Cairns and this fits perfectly to see the Reef marine life all kinds of beautiful fish

Learning opportunity

Many missed opportunities to see, experience and learn on trip as it is a lovely area with much happening (under the sea). Would like to see this trip more educational.

Enjoyable but….

The trip was fine and enjoyable apart from the glass bottom boat which to me was a waste of time. The semi sub experience was much better.

See a lot in a little time

The half day trip to Green Island is very well designed for the traveler who doesn’t have a lot of time but really wants to see the Great Barrier Reef. The trip took about 45 minutes from the dock at Cairns to the island. The boat was clean and comfortable with snacks available. Once on the island you can visit beaches, a crocodile farm and there is a restaurant and snack bar.We took a glass bottom boat ride and then went down in a semi submersible vehicle to see the reef up close. There is a naturalist to give you good Information on the flora And fauna that you are seeing.

Great Great Barrier Reef Adventure

The views of the Great Barrier Reef on both the glass-bottom boat and the submarine were incredible. The arrangements for all the activities were flawless, and communication with the company was excellent.

Great way to see the barrier reef without getting wet

The half day trip was just enough time to get to green island and do the glass bottomed boat tour and semi submersible submarine tour. They both provided excellent views of the coral and the numerous colourful fish. The on board marine experts were very knowledgeable.

Fish galore!

I took my daughter who is 21 and we both had an amazing time! We did the half day trip with the glass bottom and semi submersible excursions. We saw so many fish and coral! This was a trip that I will always cherish! The staff on the boat were friendly and answered my questions. We visited Cairns for the sole purpose of seeing the Reef and this tour made it possible without us having to get wet.

Great half day tour

Very good for half day tour, went to croc farm on island as well as glass bottom boat. Staff were very friendly and ideal for half day activity.

I’d do it again tomorrow!

Great green island trip with snorkeling! Comfy boat, well cared for gear, they had all our sizes. Masks were high quality and everything is disinfected. Snorkeling off the beach was amazing, so many fish. Chairs and umbrellas available for rent on beach. The 1/2 day tour was just enough for a great snorkel then returning to boat.

Well worth doing

This was the best part of Green Island. Fish and Coral were amazing. Even managed to spot a turtle. The tour guide was really knowledgeable and pointed out what to look for

Breathtaking

This was a great trip. I love water so the boat ride over was great to see God’s nature. When arrived we were able to walk briefly around the resort and enjoyed the beach before boarding the glass bottom boat. That was nice but the semi-submarine was even better. You could really see everything better although it was the same as the glass bottom boat, you were just closer and we got great photos.

Enjoyable half day trip

Got on board the Reef Rocket at 1pm for a half day trip to Green Island where we spent some of our time on the glass bottom boat watching some amazing sea life and coral. Went for a swim and a stroll later before getting back on board the Reef Rocket for the crossing back to Cairns. Got back at 5pm, all went too fast.

The ship crew were...

The ship crew were wonderful, pleasant and helpful. Green Island was lush and tropical. The glass bottom boat was spectacular and the skipper/guide was fun and informative. Highly recommend this trip!

Great tour and team

The team was so professional. On time. Really good experience. We got given full cover suit and snorkelling gear. I had some questions prior booking, and the viator team was amazing. Very responsive and clear on the answers. Thanks!

Underwhelming

We went with high expectations that we would experience the reef in all its glory. The truth is that we saw only a tiny slice of marine life but lots of sea grass and were largely disappointed. The island smelled terribly of bird guano as there are birds everywhere. It’s also very commercial which was a surprise. The snorkeling area did not come with a map or directions of where to see the fish and coral. The glass bottomed boat tour was informative and we did see a little coral and colorful fish. A small shark swam by at one point.

Excellent

Excellent half day tour! Went snorkelling, used gopro and saw turtles, fish and small sharks. Would highly recommend. Still had enough time to explore green island by foot!!

Good but very brief

The half day trip with submarine is a good way to spend a half day, you get to see something of the reef. The choice of glass-bottomed boat or snorkelling is another 30 mins (a little longer on the latter if you are very well organised). My feeling is if that if you really want to snorkel you need more time. The croc museum on the island is worth a quick visit too. Most of the half day is the journey to/from Green Island.

My tropical islabd in the sun

We couldn't have asked for a better trip. On our way up to Cairns our trip to Green Island was cancelled. On arrival we made our way to the Cairns booking terminal and found the Green Island desk. All I can say is that April, who was manning the desk, pulled out all the stops and rebooked us on the Fitzroy Island excursion, which was almost identical to the original trip. April went above and beyond our expectaions for customer service as we thought our trip had been wasted. Fitzroy island was truly magical. I would definitely book through Green Island again.

So unique!

Loved this experience! Especially because I get motion sickness so this was short enough that I could manage and then enjoy the reef in the most unique way once arrived!

Excellent Half Day Tour

So pleased we did this - and did it with this tour company. Great friendly, thorough and professional service - with full explanations all the way through the trip The submarine was the best - with many sights to see