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“Loved the snorkelling and hike, was a wonderful experience!”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“was a fantastic day trip, memories made, smiles all round 😁”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“It was a wonderful experience! From the katamaran to the glass bottom boat. Special mention for the glass bottom boat's captain who was very knowledgeable and fun. He surely loves what he is doing 😃”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Brilliant snorkelling - saw turtles and many Fish Great vegetarian boxed lunch”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“If you’re a nature lover you will enjoy this day. The island is fantastic and snorkeling is a must for everyone.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“The Ocean Free is a small powered sailboat. Our group was 9 people plus 3 crew. The crew are wonderful and interesting individuals. My wife and I can’t recommend this tour of Green Island and the reef highly enough! If you want the small group…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“We liked everything from the smooth seamless boarding to the trilling ride to the island, my first time snorkeling so needed a quiet shallow area of the beach to get my confidence up, it was worth it, the water was crystal clear and depth was…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Ideal location to explore the reef. Did the the glass bottom boat and on the day a semi submersible which wasn’t on offer through get you guide but recommend as an option.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Amazing! Would really recommend this tour! We got some sailing done (no engine), the guides / crew were super friendly and knowledgeable! Good snacks and many places to relax on the boat. It’s not a very big boat so there is plenty of space in…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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 glass bottom boat ride and enjoyed the boat captain, it was great to see a turtle and we loved the fish feeding”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Guided tour is excellent and the crew is really friendly for everything. Weather is always important for all these activities.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“Despite it being a terribly windy day and the catamaran trips being extremely choppy, it was an amazing experience. The staff were attentive and explained everything in detail. There were many options for extra activities and experiences. The snorkeling equipment was in good working order…”
★★★★★★★★★★
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?
“Excellent half day tour. A full day would be better and is recommended to be able to explore the island much more.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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“George is very fast to respond our booking and very helpful and accommodating to our change of itineraries. He had given us clear instructions on pickup and transfers. Thank you so much, George for your superb services.”
★★★★★★★★★★
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.