Extra shallow water snorkelling is well worth it! Big Cat staff and guides are super helpful and friendly.
We travelled with a family of 4 (2 children aged 3 and 8) and 2 grandparents. The trip over and back is a little rough depending on the weather but even so we were blessed enough not to feel seasick (others weren’t so lucky, so if you’re a motion-sick person, I would recommend taking a travel sick tablet).
Our eldest and I did the snorkelling experience and managed very well, they provide a float for you to travel with and tow you along. I didn’t need the float but my daughter and her Nanny did this and felt much more at ease. Also, a massive bonus is they hire out prescription snorkel masks which was awesome!
On the island, it is very busy, there are 2 cafes ($12 for chicken nuggets and chips and $22 for a hot dog and chips) and a bar. We took morning tea and ate that on the boat and in hindsight probably should have packed sandwiches to eat for lunch but was nice food all the same. There is also a restaurant that I didn’t look at the menu for so not sure how much it was. Watch out for the little birds (Buff-banded Rails) that get around, one jumped on my daughter's lap to get her chips, and another actually jumped up and took one from her Grandma’s hand as she was putting it to her mouth, they are much bolder than seagulls. Do not feed them. We sure didn’t and were harassed by them all the same.
There is a patrolled section of beach, take something to sit on and nab a spot up next to the dunes in the shade. Alternatively, if in your budget you can hire an umbrella and 2 deck chairs for $45 unlimited time. When walking in the water, stick to the sandy areas and don’t walk on the seagrass or coral, stonefish are present in the water and poisonous, if you have a pair of reef shoes it would be good. Also, it’s a good idea not to destroy the habit that you’re there to see. There is a pool on the island but it’s only available to guests and those from another tour group.
We had a small amount of time to kill at the end of the day so had cocktails and mocktails at the bar. Very enjoyable.
Jodie Beitz
2 months ago
Great experience swimming with turtles. A full day was perfect timing for swimming, lunch and walking tracks. The weather could have made the day better.
Fantastic family day out. Great experience swimming with turtles. A full day was perfect timing for swimming, lunch and walking tracks. The weather could have made the day better. The boat ride out was rough but conditions were unavailable...
Rebecca Threlfall
3 months ago
The staff were kind and helpful. My partner and I had a wonderful trip to Green Island.
From boarding to exiting the ferry we had a pleasant journey and experience. The staff were kind and friendly when trying on our snorkels, and when one didn't fit they were quick to help my partner find one that did. The ferries were also on time both times and this made the experience even better.
Howie Stevens
5 months ago
Fantastic experience, recommend for young families as babies and kids can also see fish from the beach
A wonderful and truly magical experience. Loved every moment. Didn’t have lunch, took a picnic which we enjoyed on the beach. Kids went on an optional snorkelling tour which was also great. Recommend for young families with kids. Our kids loved every moment. Will do this tour again.
Meliame King
5 months ago
Boat was good, but no coffee after boat sailed. One staff member extremely helpful but the meals were too expensive. Trips on semi sub and glass boat wonderful.
Good but meals and food on board expensive, and with no hot coffee after boat sailed. It was quite cold inside the boat but both trips in semi sub and glass boat well worth the effort. One staff member was really helpful with my husband's walking difficulties.
Douglas Caven
7 months ago
Great time spent. A must experience when heading to the west coast.
We had an awesome time on our day cruise. We saw the southern right whale which is rare to see. Amazingly fresh local seafood. Lovely staff, definitely a highlight of our road trip around Tasmania. A must do experience for anyone touring to the west coast.
Jordan Hobbelen
7 months ago
Walked the board walk, walked the beach, snorkelled, parasailed, swam, had lunch.
Absolutely awesome would recommend to others. Crew were nice and helpful, the gear was easy to use, water was nice and clear. Was an awesome little island to explore and experience, heaps of sea life to see, weather was perfect the rainforest board walk was incredible.
Morgan Rulla
11 months ago
Lovely coral with the beautiful weather!!!!!
Make sure you bring your swimmers and snorkeling stuff with you but if you don't want to carry all those, it was only 10 dollar to hire the swimming suit on-site which wasn't too bad. Green Island is a must do in Cairns so please never miss the opportunity
Seul Ah LEE
11 months ago
amazing island for snorkelling and relaxing
wonderful boat trip with helpful and friendly staff that would answer any questions.
would recommend getting there a bit early so you can grab your snorkel gear and find a great seat.
loved that there were also marine biologists on board to provide lots of information both before and after the trip.
island has multiple places to snorkel and is easy to get around. beautiful coral reefs to explore with plenty of time- didn’t feel rushed at all.
great experience and perfect way to spend a day in Cairns
Kate Feary
1 year ago
It is a small island which is Very average compared to other islands.
Food on the island is terrible, definitely would recommend taking your own food across.
The island is nice, it’s small and very average compared to other islands. Food on the island is terrible and very expensive. We ended up with stale food from the coffee shop so threw it out.
The boat itself should have an option for all customers to be included in the lunch. Anyone going across should consider taking their own food.
The glass bottom boat was nice and probably the best part of the day.
Nice to see but very expensive for what you get. Personally I wouldn’t recommend it and definitely wouldn’t do it again, certainly not worth the $210 we paid for it. Very disappointed at the waste of money we should have selected a different experience.
Shirley Benn
1 year ago
