FAQs

Do you operate daily?

Yes, we offer 2 x full day and 2 x half day tours per day. Please check the booking cart for live availability.

Where do I park?

Parking is available at the nearby Pier Shopping Complex/Shangri-la hotel, located opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal. Hourly cost is from AUD $1.60 for indoor and outdoor parking. All day parking is also available near Trinity Wharf at approximately $3 per day.

Do you have hotel transfers?

We have a fleet of modern air-conditioned coaches that offer a coach service from Cairns city hotels for just $27 per adult and $17 per child, for the return transfer available for our 0900 full day service
If you are staying at one of the Northern Beaches (from north of the Airport to Ellis Beach) we also can pick you up from there too. Beach transfers are $38 per adult and $25 per child return. Please contact us if wanting to add a coach transfer to your booking.

Coach transfers unavailable for the 1100 full day, 0900 & 1300 half day services.

Do I need to check in on the day?

Passengers are no longer required to check in inside The Reef Fleet Terminal.  Guests travelling to Green Island can now check in directly at the vessels Big Cat & Reef Rocket based at Marlin Wharf. Guests will receive an email and SMS message the afternoon prior to their day of travel outlining everything they need to know. This includes a map of the marina and where the vessels are located as well as messaging about proof of vaccination required.

Can I take a pram on board?

All our vessels are pram friendly. The beach areas are not practical for prams however there are boardwalks and pathways throughout the island that are suitable. Prams can be stored on ‘Big Cat’ if needed.

How long does it take to get to Green Island?

We have our large stable catamaran leaving for the Full Day Tours at 9am – takes approximately 1 hour 15mins to get to Green Island. Or we have the smaller speedier boat ‘Reef Rocket’ for half day and full Day 11am departures – takes approximately 45 minutes

What if the weather is bad on the day?

In poor weather we are happy to move your booking without charge to the next most suitable day, subject to availability and with 48 hours notice. In the rare event we deem the weather too bad to travel and you are unable to reschedule, a full refund will be provided.

Will I get sea sick?

Hopefully not. This depends largely on the individual. Travelling on our fast, stable catamaran ensures the smoothest possible ride.

At 20 knots and above it can get a little bumpy at times however our skippers are skilled in picking the best route to our destination. If you are prone to other common forms of motion sickness such as travelling in a car or plane you may wish to take precautions. We have complimentary natural Ginger Tablets on board however these are preventative, not a cure, so should be taken approximately 30 minutes prior to departure for maximum benefit.

What is the temperature of the water?

December – February: 29c, 83f
March – May: 25c, 76f
June – August: 22c, 72f
September – November: 25c, 76f

Is there shelter and shade available?

Yes. The island has plenty of trees inland and spots around the beach to seek shelter. The lyrca stinger suits are great sun protection too. The Bigcat Green Island boat is open all day if you wish to have a break from the sun and heat and enjoy the air conditioned vessel.

What do I need to bring with me?

We recommend you bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and swimwear. Also, cash for drinks, snacks or souvenirs you may want to buy. Credit cards are accepted at most shops at the Island however surcharges may apply.

Is the Green Island tour recommended for children?

Our cruises are suitable for people of all ages, including families with young children. Our half day option is ideal for small children, infants and babies. Additionally snorkelling directly from the beach is perfect for children and first time snorkelers.

Is there a charge for infants?

Children under 4 years of age are classed as infants. There is no cost for infants to travel however you still need to add them to your booking for our boat passenger numbers.

Can my children travel alone to Green Island ?

Passengers 16 years and over are permitted to travel without adult supervision (photo identification will be required at check in). Adult supervision (18 years and over) is required at all times for children under 16 years of age. Terms and conditions of carriage: Passengers 16 years and over are not the responsibility of Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises. Diving options are not allowed without Adult/Guardian authorisation and supervisor.

Can  I bring a drone?

Drones are not permitted to be carried or flown on any of our tours.

Is this tour wheelchair friendly ?

Passengers must have some mobility and/or the presence of a carer who can assist them. Depending on tides it may be necessary to embark/disembark from different levels on the boat. Coral viewing and glass bottom boat activities are subject to the weather and the extent of the passenger’s mobility and/or the presence of a carer who can assist. Please note that the toilets on the vessel are not wheelchair accessible but there are disabled toilets available on the island. Please advise our team before confirming a booking if you have wheelchair bound passengers travelling, our team will then advise you with regards to the possibility of travel.
These guidelines apply to standard wheelchairs only. We are not able to accommodate electric wheelchairs on any of the vessels or coaches.

Should I be concerned about Jelly Fish or Marine Stingers?

At certain times of the year, generally November through until May, jellyfish commonly called marine stingers can inhabit the seas of northern Australia. Most jellyfish are harmless to man, however certain varieties may cause a serious reaction. Jellyfish of this kind are normally only found in waters close to the mainland and do not usually frequent the reef. Incidents involving serious marine stings in the Green Island area are very rare. It is important that snorkelers and swimmers listen to the specific advice given regarding the degree of risk on any particular day.
We recommend that anyone wanting to enter the water at this time of year wears a lycra suit to protect you from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations. Lycra suits are included with our snorkel hire equipment. If your not snorkelling & don’t have your own we do hire them for a small cleaning and maintenance fee of just $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Can we bring our own alcohol on the tour?

Can I download a brochure?

Yes! Head to our forms page here.

Can I cancel my tour or change my tour date?

Yes, you can cancel or amend your tour to a different date (subject to availability) if you notify us 24 hours or more prior to travel.
If you need to cancel or change dates within 24 hours of travel a 100% cancellation fee applies
Please note a ‘no show’ (where passengers do not turn up to the specified pick-up point or departure point without notification) automatically incurs a 100% cancellation fee.

Can I book an open dated voucher?

You can, however travel on the date you desire is subject to availability. It is your responsibility to contact us at least 3-4 days prior to confirm your actual travel date. If the booking date on your voucher is in a different rate period to that in which you travel a small extra charge may be payable to cover any rate increase.

Do you ever cancel?

On very rare occasions, tours can be subject to the effect of weather or unforeseen circumstances. If a tour does not operate for any reason, passengers will be offered a full refund or an alternative day of travel.

Do you offer a family rate?

Yes. For a family of 2 Adults and 2 Children (aged 4-14 years inclusive) one child travels free of charge. This offer is valid all year around for direct bookings or through your preferred agent.

What’s the difference between the Green Island Semi Submarine tour and the Glass Bottom Boat tour?

The Semi-submarine tour is approximately a half hour coral viewing tour. This tour is recommend as it is a great opportunity to see plenty of marine life swimming right past your window! Similar to a divers perspective of the reef. This tour also has an informative commentary and fish feed included. The Glass Bottom Boat is also approximately 30 minutes and has a commentary and a fish feed. The main difference is the Glass Bottom Boat is more like a snorkelers view from the surface looking down.

Do you need a flotation vest when snorkelling?

This depends on the individuals swimming ability. We include flotation vests with our snorkel gear hire. If not snorkelling you can hire them on board on the day of travel. Each item is $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Do you offer diving at Green Island?

Although we don’t offer a diving service, we do have Snorkel Safari tours for advanced snorkellers to give you a great insight to the coral formations and marine life or our Semi Submarine tour gives a divers perspective for the non swimmers.

How is snorkelling operated at the Island, from a boat or beach?

A Snorkelling and safety presentation is given on board en route to Green Island. Snorkelling is undertaken at your own leisure, directly from the beach. A life guard is on duty in the flagged area at the northern beach. We also offer a Snorkel Experience tour for beginners and a Snorkel Safari for the more advanced snorkeller.

Will I see a turtle? A shark? What will I see?

The Great Barrier Reef contains thousands of different species of marine life. We cannot guarantee what marine life you will see on your day of travel, however there will be many different species of fish, coral and molluscs.

Giant green sea turtles are found around the Great Barrier Reef and are frequently sighted at Green Island. Reef sharks are quite common and a wonderful sight to see.