Cairns & Port Douglas
Cairns has two easy island escapes, and this list weighs them against each other. Both sit about 45 minutes out by ferry, but they could not be less alike: Green Island is a tiny coral cay, Fitzroy a rainforest peak with a beach made of coral rubble. Either way, the snorkelling starts right off the sand.
Discover Fitzroy Island with a full-day trip from Cairns, featuring snorkeling, hiking, and optional extras — perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Most Popular★ 4.6“Fitzroy island is a must visit. I had a better visibility of coral reef here. It was absolutely serene and beautiful. Would love to come back to the island.”
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1,668 reviews8 hoursFrom $67by Fitzroy Island Adventures
Explore the stunning beauty of Green Island on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Snorkel, relax on the beach, and discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
★ 4.5“it was a fantastic day to see the Great Barrier Reef. A once in a lifetime experience. We saw lots of wildlife and learned loads. The trip with the semi submersible and glass bottom boat as extras was very well coordinated and the schedule was…”
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1,584 reviews8 hoursFrom $77by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Explore Green Island near Cairns with snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours, rainforest walks, and relaxing beach time. Discover the Great Barrier Reef's beauty.
★ 4.4“Very good day snorkelling, saw a lot of fish and turtles, lovely place”
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1,284 reviews5 - 9 hoursFrom $73by Great Adventures Reef & Island Cruises
Discover Fitzroy Island from Cairns with a flexible ferry tour, optional lunch, snorkeling, and activities—perfect for relaxing or adventuring.
★ 4.4“Excellent trip, including the boat transfers, snorkel equipment and the glass bottom boat ride. Got to swim with sea turtles! It was all very easy and well organised, and the island is beautiful. Good guides, particularly for the glass bottom boat (Georgina and Carmen) where…”
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796 reviews8 hoursFrom $59by Sunlover Reef Cruises
Experience paradise on a Fitzroy Island day trip from Cairns. Explore pristine beaches, snorkel vibrant reefs, and discover the beauty of this tropical gem.
★ 4.0“Amazing experience. My Daughter and I were sea sick on the trip there, however, the staff were soo helpful and understanding. Highly recommend this trip to Fitzroy with this company. Shout out to the two curly haired guys for assisting us - Josh and the…”
★★★★★★★★★★
688 reviewsFrom $71.72by Fitzroy Island Adventures
Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with our Ocean Free Green Island & Snorkel Cruise. Limited spots available - book now for an unforgettable adventure!
★ 5.0“Greatest decision we made! The experience is fantastic, take the dive(s) it is so worth it where the boat goes around Green Island. Big big thanks to Matt, Shane & Hailey who were a superb crew and made 50% of the experience - the other…”
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657 reviewsFrom $200.11by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours
Experience the beauty of Green Island on a half-day morning cruise from Cairns. Explore stunning coral gardens, relax on sandy beaches, and immerse yourself in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
★ 4.2“Easy walking access from our central accommodation. Instruction emailed were really clear. Informative Half day went smoothly and was enjoyable.”
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417 reviews4 hoursFrom $77by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Experience Green Island from Cairns with a half-day cruise. Snorkel, explore rainforest, or enjoy glass-bottom boat views—perfect for a quick tropical escape.
★ 4.4“Went with my wife not partner. After the glass bottom boat there wasn't much time left to wander on the island. Just enough to grab some coffee and snack and back on board. Consider adding at least another 30 minutes to the trip. But we…”
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403 reviews4 hoursFrom $77by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Discover Cairns' stunning Great Barrier Reef and Green Island with this sailing tour, offering snorkeling, diving, and island relaxation in an intimate setting.
★ 4.8“We had an incredible day with this tour! All of the divers were so kind, proactive, and supportive; as newbies on the water, we felt very looked after. Could not recommend this trip enough! The food, the snorkelling, and the Green Island visit were fantastic.…”
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398 reviews9 hoursFrom $183by Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom
Discover the wonders beneath the turquoise waters of Green Island. Snorkel, explore the breathtaking coral reefs, and embark on a thrilling glass-bottom boat adventure.
★ 4.0“Loved the rainforest next to the beach. It’s a very small Island but roomy enough to find a quiet spot. Marine life was awesome!”
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386 reviewsFrom $107.59by The Quicksilver Group
Discover the wonders of Green Island with snorkelling or a glass bottom boat tour. Dive into an underwater paradise or stay dry and explore the vibrant marine life.
★ 4.0“Amazing thank god we found this one Best experience from our whole holiday. Well organised Great for children”
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282 reviewsFrom $87.50by The Quicksilver Group
Discover the Cairns Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island tour, combining snorkeling, island exploration, and fascinating marine activities in one unforgettable day.
★ 4.6“What an incredible day! This tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, giving you the chance to visit two stunning locations—the Great Barrier Reef and FitzRoy Island—with plenty of time to explore and enjoy each stop. The value for the money is excellent, especially considering everything…”
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213 reviews9 hoursFrom $208by Sunlover Reef Cruises
An underwater adventure awaits on a half-day trip to Green Island from Cairns, where mysteries and marine wonders beckon - are you ready to dive in?
“Highly recommended for those unable to snorkel or scuba dive to get closeup view of coral, fish and turtles with narration”
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194 reviewsFrom $83.92by Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Discover Fitzroy Island on a half-day tour from Cairns. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore rainforest trails, and relax on stunning beaches—all in just four hours.
★ 4.4127 reviews4 hoursFrom $68by Fitzroy Island Adventures
Nestled within the Great Barrier Reef, the Green Island Fly & Cruise Package offers a tantalizing blend of aerial and marine adventures—what secrets await on this tropical paradise?
★ 4.5“Well organized and everything went off smoothly. We were handed off nicely and picked right on time. Transportation was clean and comfortable. We had only one full day in GBR and it worked out great.”
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117 reviews9.5 hoursFrom $303by GSL Aviation
Cairns is my launchpad for the reef and the world's oldest rainforest; both sit within day-trip reach.