Snorkeling Travel Guide

Free Guide: Discover the Great Barrier Reef's underwater wonders with easy access snorkeling on Green Island, a tropical paradise just off the coast of Cairns.

Download the Free PDF guide

A brief summary of Snorkeling

Discover the Great Barrier Reef's underwater wonders with easy access snorkeling on Green Island, a tropical paradise just off the coast of Cairns.

Snorkel in the clear, shallow waters off Green Island, a coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef, and discover vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life just steps from the shore. Perfect for beginners and families, it's an accessible way to experience the wonders of the reef.

4.2 Very good · 16 Google reviews

Address: 6XR9+RW, Green Island QLD 4871

Getting there

Ferry

The primary way to reach Green Island is by ferry from Cairns. Several operators offer daily departures from the Reef Fleet Terminal. A round-trip ferry transfer typically costs between $102 and $109 for adults, and $54 for children. Family fares are also available. The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes. To get to the Reef Fleet Terminal, you can take a taxi or ride-share from Cairns City Centre, which costs approximately $10-$20. Alternatively, parking is available at the Pier Shopping Complex/Shangri-La hotel opposite the terminal, with hourly rates from $1.60. All-day parking is also available near Trinity Wharf for approximately $3 per day. Some tours offer coach transfers from Cairns hotels for an additional fee.

Discover more about Snorkeling

Overview

Green Island offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience right off its sandy shores, making it ideal for families and first-time snorkelers. Located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just 27km offshore from Cairns, this 6000-year-old coral cay boasts calm, shallow waters teeming with marine life.The island's fringing reef is easily accessible, with the best spots often found on the western and northern beaches. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles gliding through the seagrass beds, as well as parrotfish, clownfish, sea cucumbers, and giant clams. Snorkeling around the jetty is also a popular option, offering a chance to see colorful clams, parrotfish, and an array of hard and soft corals.Beyond snorkeling, Green Island itself is a tropical paradise with a lush rainforest to explore. Enjoy a variety of activities, from parasailing and scenic helicopter flights to scuba diving and kayaking. The island also features boardwalks that wind through the rainforest, offering glimpses of diverse plant and bird species.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore Snorkeling on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Snorkeling, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Snorkeling, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near Snorkeling

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

More of the destination

Explore more of Great Barrier Reef

Discover the Great Barrier Reef: A Marine Paradise with Crystal-clear Waters, Vibrant Corals, and Diverse Marine Life, Perfect for Snorkeling, Diving, and Scenic Flights.

Explore Great Barrier Reef

More of the country

Explore more of Australia

Discover the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife of Australia, a captivating destination offering endless adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Australia