Green Island Full Day Tour Review

By Clint Carroll – Cairns Dive Adventures

Green Island is one of those rare places on the Great Barrier Reef that feels effortless, beautiful, and genuinely special — whether it’s your first reef experience or one you return to again and again.

On this particular day, we departed Cairns on the 8:30am ferry, checking in at the Reef Fleet Terminal at 7:45am. The journey to Green Island takes just 45 minutes, making it one of the shortest and easiest reef trips from Cairns — perfect for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting maximum reef time with minimal travel.

The Journey to Green Island

The ferry itself is a large, modern 40-metre twin-hull catamaran — spacious, clean, and very comfortable. There’s excellent air conditioning inside, along with open sun decks at the rear and upper levels, which offer fantastic views as you cruise out of Cairns Harbour past the Cairns Marlin Marina and city skyline.

It’s a relaxed, scenic departure — and a gentle introduction to the Great Barrier Reef.

Arriving at Green Island

Green Island is truly unique. It’s the only coral cay on the entire Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest, formed over thousands of years. As the ferry docks at the long, iconic jetty, the magic starts immediately.

Walking down the jetty, if you look left and right into the water, you’ll often see crystal-clear turquoise water, with green sea turtles surfacing, stingrays gliding below, and schools of fish sheltering beneath the jetty. The seagrass beds beside the jetty make this one of the most reliable places on the reef to see wild juvenile green sea turtles — and it’s common to spot them before you’ve even stepped onto the island.

Snorkelling, Facilities & Relaxation

After arrival, we collected our gear from the dive counter — snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuits, life vests — everything is well organised and easy. From there, you’re free to enjoy the island at your own pace.

Green Island offers an excellent balance between reef adventure and pure relaxation:

• A beautiful resort swimming pool with deck chairs

• Multiple dining options including Emeralds Restaurant, Lite Bites and Reflections Pool Bar

• Patrolled beaches, with lifeguards on duty

• Beach loungers, umbrellas, sea kayaks, and calm swimming areas

• Easy shore-entry snorkelling directly from the beach

The white sandy beaches and shallow waters make Green Island especially well suited to families and beginner snorkellers, while still offering rewarding marine life encounters.

A Personal Perspective – Why We Love Green Island

Green Island holds a special place for us. My son and I spent four days and three nights staying at Green Island Resort, and every single day felt magical.

Each morning began with a snorkel in calm, crystal-clear water. We regularly spotted large numbers of green sea turtles near the jetty, relaxed by the pool in the afternoons, and explored the island’s rainforest walking tracks. Despite its small size, Green Island never feels rushed or overcrowded — there’s a natural rhythm to island life here.

Marineland Melanesia – A Hidden Gem

One of Green Island’s most underrated experiences is Marineland Melanesia — a true hidden treasure. A local family has lived on Green Island for over 50 years, and they’ve created a fascinating educational and cultural centre.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Several large saltwater crocodiles

• Extensive Melanesian and Papua New Guinea artwork

• Aquarium tanks featuring reef fish

• Historical memorabilia from Green Island’s early days, including stories of the jetty being built from old railway tracks

It’s a wonderful place to learn about the island’s natural and cultural history, especially for families.

Who Is Green Island Best For?

Green Island is ideal for:

• First-time reef visitors

• Families with children

• Non-swimmers and beginner snorkellers

• Couples wanting a relaxed island day

• Anyone short on time who still wants a genuine Great Barrier Reef experience

If you want easy access, calm conditions, wildlife encounters, and a tropical island atmosphere, Green Island delivers.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we absolutely love Green Island. It’s a beautiful, accessible, and great-value reef destination just 45 minutes from Cairns. You can walk around the entire island in around 45 minutes, snorkel straight from the beach, relax by the pool, and still be back in Cairns by around 5:15pm.

If you have the time and budget, staying overnight at Green Island Resort adds another layer of magic — watching the sunset over the reef, stargazing at night, and waking up to the island before the day-trippers arrive.

Green Island is proof that you don’t need long boat rides or extreme conditions to experience the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.