green island cruise - day tour (big cat green island reef cruise)

A small island off the coast of cairns (I hr boat trip) with amazing snorkeling and a great glass bottom boat ride also a small collection of crocodiles on the island, this collections houses the largest croc in captivity in the world, the snorkeling is great and safe as the water is warm and shallow the glass bottom boat is fun and we even seen three turtles and massive giant clams... Worth a look for sure be wary the food outlets shut early,

Took half day trip with glass bottom boat trip. Green island itself very pleasant, with bars and restaurants and nice beaches. Good for those not wishing to snorkel.

I took the full day tour and probably could have done with the half day I think. snorkeling on the reef was good, but limited fish. I was about to get out and saw a turtle and managed to swim with it a bit and take photos !! That was cool !! The reef tour boat itself was very nice. The staff were great and friendly and the lunch buffet was really good with rice, curried chicken, veggies and fruit. As with everything, it costs money to do the other things like scuba diving or the glass bottom boat, but if you aren't interested in those things, it's not that bad. I went to the crocodile "farm" and the staff were really good and knew their crocs !! And they are huge !!I found that being a solo participant, that the half day would have been better for me. I ran out of things to do and had to wait until the boat left, however, the boat was clean, and again, the staff were awesome !!

The only positive thing is the snorkel tour guided by some Japanese. The Big Cat boat is full of noisy and impolite Chinese. The staff even spoke Chinese to me, automatically assumed that I was a bloody Chinese. Chinese occupied all the seats and only gave some up for us when asked to. Chinese announcement was on many times without any English translation. The island doesn't even have a proper bathroom, only outdoor showers that are revealed to everybody, no privacy at all. The buffet was terrible. For the price, it was not worthwhile at all.

Booked this tour before our departure for Cairns and everything worked out like clockwheel on the day. We boarded the cruise with no hiccup and it was a relaxing trip of just a little over an hour to our destination. Guests were either arranged to go snorkelling or went round the reef on a glass-bottom boat to view the coral reef and the fish around the area. Then it was free time to walk through the rain forest, go swimming or sunbathing on the beach or enjoy the swimming pool and amusement activities for the children close to the pier.It was a relaxing and well-organised day for all. We went on the boat ride with plenty of fish and coral reef to look at. Then we enjoyed the walk through the rain forest and relaxed on the wide stretch of white sandy beach around the island which, even on Boxing Day, only had a handful of swimmers and snorkellors, and tourists like us could all enjoy their share of the peacefulness and tranquility of this naturally beautiful spot Down Under.The boat trip, though quite fully packed, was comfortable with plenty of rooom for guests to move around and enjoy the breeze on the deck. The staff were very friendly and helpful to make all feel so welcoming.Certainly a trip not to be missed when yoiu are in Cairns.

Great day trip, certainly a comfortable experience and very well run and organised. This is about what I expected from a generic Barrier Reef tourist experience but I felt I got my money's worth - the snorkelling around the jetty was breath taking! Staff were great, there was no upsell pressure from them - just factual information on additional options. We pre ordered lunch on the boat which was 'ok' for $20 per person, it was a bit like a bowls club buffet - but the food was good. There are spots you can buy lunch on the island so I would probably give that a go if I went back again. We did the semi sub tour which was good value for money, I think people who have kids or aren't big swimmers would have got more out of it than us as we saw everything again when snorkelling. If you are prepared to snorkel for a few hours and explore the area thoroughly you probably don't need it - but I would definitely recommend it otherwise. I really think the Barrier Reef is a must-do in Cairns and this is a really fuss free way to experience it.

A great day out Staff helpful and friendly. Boat was a good size plenty of space lunch was nice choice of both hot and cold. Bothe the Submarine and glass bottom was great saw plenty of fish, coral and sea life. We saw so much that e did not bother to snorkel instead relaxed on the beautiful beach. There are facilities on the island too. Plenty of bird life on the island. Great option for those that want to see the reef but not get wet. But also great if you do want to get wet. No complaints here. We actually would of liked more time at the island as there was so much to do :-)

The fast rocket trip was great to get to the Island and back. Not sure if it was a particularly busy day, but we had booked the buffet lunch and it was so crowded and cramped that we could not stay, so we ended up buying food on the Island. It is not too expensive so I would recommend foregoing the buffet on the Big Cat. The snorkelling was great and you can find the odd quiet spot to sit.

The trip over there was lovely with very helpful staff ensuring that we knew times and places of the things we were doing. Green Island itself was really beautiful, although very touristy. You could leisurely walk part way around the island, stopping to read the many helpful information signs along the way. We didn't do any swimming or snorkeling but there was still enough to do and look at without that. We also went on the glass bottom boat which you boarded from the back of another boat. That was interesting but not all that great... still... probably worth the money but don't expect to get good photos as the glass is scratched and light reflects on it. I'm happy I went because it was my only chance to see a part of the reef but I probably wouldn't do it again.

My girls are 7&8, great swimmers but a bit nervous of fish, this was perfect. The boat ride over on the Big Cat Reef Rocket was a bit bumpy but hey, it's the sea, get over it and the boat has free seasickness tablets We did the semisub tour first that was great, it takes half an hour and the fish know there is a feed coming so swarm around the boat and it's very exciting for the kids We then got in the water from the sandy beach and went snorkelling, there were lots of fish to see and a great introduction for beginners. My girls want to go back and do more. Perfect When we got back to Cairns there was a great free outdoor water public lark, also worth checking out

Crew are helpfull, boat ride is enjoyable. Caterring to the asian market.look elsewhere for a better barrier reef experience.

Spent my 40th birthday on Green Island and spent a wonderful morning snorkelling off the beautiful beach, the marine life just here was incredible. Then signed up with the dive team. They went out of their way to check my Padi registration, as I didn't have my card or log book, and enable me to complete the certified dive with a dive master and just one other diver. Took us out on an incredible dive where the highlights were a Hawksbill turtle, a pair of Giant Sweetlips, giant clams and so many more. Lunch on board was plentiful and all very good. We took our own snorkelling gear and then could enjoy the glass bottom boat as well which was also very good, saw three more turtles and some very big fish at the feeding site. I would recommend taking snorkel gear with you so you can do this as well. Brilliant day and would recommend to anyone!

This place really is beautiful. On the recommendation at my accommodation I took full day trip on the 11am fast boat. You leave later in the morning & this boat stays later at the Island yet arrives back at exactly the same time as the big cat meaning you have almost as much time on the island. I didn't bother with the lunch on the boat, instead took snacks & bought lunch there. This is a tourist island, with several boats arriving each day, so prices are geared to take advantage of that ($50 to hire beach chairs & umbrella?!) however there is plenty to see and do and I would definitely return. The staff on the boat were friendly & helpful & the bonus - a whale popped up right next to the boat!

We took the Green Island tour on a gorgeous July day. The morning boat had seen whales on the ride to Green Island and we watched for them on our trip, but were unsuccessful. We took the glass bottom boat and mini sub rides along with snorkeling. It was a great way to spend the afternoon!

This is a must do in Cairns. Took the big cat for a enjoyable boat trip out to Green Island. I had the choice of a glass bottom tour at the island or snorkeling. I went on the glass bottom boat and took my own snorkeling gear. You can also hire snorkeling gear on the island. There are cafes and a restaurant on the island to buy food and drinks. The best snorkeling is near the bend in the jetty. I saw lots of colourful fish and a large gopher. Had a great day out.