Day Trips
5–9 hours
Free cancellation
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from
AU$144
per adult
Great Adventures
Great Adventures
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About
With Great Adventures you can explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on any day of your holiday, be it at the spacious outer reef activity platform or the tropical reef and rainforest surrounds of Green Island. Cruises depart daily from Cairns aboard modern fast catamarans. All cruises are accredited with Advanced Ecotourism Certification, ensuring guests have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate this magnificent World Heritage environment.
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Day Trips
3–12 hours
Free cancellation
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from
AU$116
per adult
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
842 reviews
Excellent
396
Very good
226
Average
102
Poor
55
Terrible
63
RaeA007
Cairns, Australia69 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Absolutely amazing day. We have been shouting "Great Adventures" name from the roof tops - from booking experience to boarding the boat, the trip to Green Island and return - everything was fantastic. This was the highlight of our trip and we can't wait to come back and do it all again. The sealife at Green Island was amazing and just right off the beach. The price for food and drinks was very reasonable and we found it to be cheaper than the mainland! And we had use of the island main pool which was lovely. Our 7 year old had such an amazing day of snorkelling, swimming and exploring the island! Thank you to everyone at Great Adventures and Green Island!
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viki B
Adelaide, Australia67 contributions
Oct 2021
We were on a day tour from Cairns on 25 October 2021 with Great Adventures. On arrival we decided to pay for a snorkelling trip with the dive shop. When we fronted up for the afternoon tour we found we were the only snorkellers plus one scuba diver who had his own dive shop escort. Our boat driver and tour guide Craig offered to come in the water with us as my husband and I were the only snorkellers in the afternoon.
What took place over the following hour was nothing short of amazing!!! Craig has worked on Green Island for 25 years and his passion for the reef was very evident. He took us to a bommie a couple of ks offshore from the island and gave us a personal tour, pointing out so many things that we would never, ever have seen had we been on our own.
I am not a confident snorkeller but being able to follow Craig around was just magical and I felt completely comfortable. Craig was an absolute wealth of information about the reef and the marine life.
Thank you Craig for an absolutely unforgettable experience. Until that point we thought we would never be able to top our snorkelling trip earlier in the month from Cape Tribulation but the Green Island experience was unbelievable and we will definitely return and will also take our overseas visitors when they're finally able to visit Australia.
Yes the snorkelling straight off the beach at Green Island is disappointing unless you go out to the end of the jetty but I can thoroughly recommend the snorkelling tour that you book through the dive shop. It was worth every single cent and more. If any of the bosses of Green Island read this review - Craig is a massively under-utilised resource. You should make personal guided Craig small group snorkelling tours a product because he is a living treasure.
Thanks Craig. Viki and Rick Bickerton.
What took place over the following hour was nothing short of amazing!!! Craig has worked on Green Island for 25 years and his passion for the reef was very evident. He took us to a bommie a couple of ks offshore from the island and gave us a personal tour, pointing out so many things that we would never, ever have seen had we been on our own.
I am not a confident snorkeller but being able to follow Craig around was just magical and I felt completely comfortable. Craig was an absolute wealth of information about the reef and the marine life.
Thank you Craig for an absolutely unforgettable experience. Until that point we thought we would never be able to top our snorkelling trip earlier in the month from Cape Tribulation but the Green Island experience was unbelievable and we will definitely return and will also take our overseas visitors when they're finally able to visit Australia.
Yes the snorkelling straight off the beach at Green Island is disappointing unless you go out to the end of the jetty but I can thoroughly recommend the snorkelling tour that you book through the dive shop. It was worth every single cent and more. If any of the bosses of Green Island read this review - Craig is a massively under-utilised resource. You should make personal guided Craig small group snorkelling tours a product because he is a living treasure.
Thanks Craig. Viki and Rick Bickerton.
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ella H
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Was really beautiful. If you're a strong swimmer I advise to ask the older dude at the green island drve shop where to look if you're aiming to see specific fish. We were told where to swim to try see a turtle and saw two of the most beautiful critters out. So lucky. The reef was lovely and heck the food was so good. I strongly recommend eating the carrot cake from green island to the reef they serve.
Standby special is actually a normal special they put on trips that are leaving shortly (eg. In a few days). I booked this and saved $70ish per ticket bringing it down to just a tad over $200 each.
Standby special is actually a normal special they put on trips that are leaving shortly (eg. In a few days). I booked this and saved $70ish per ticket bringing it down to just a tad over $200 each.
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kayzie60
Wodonga, Australia93 contributions
May 2021
A big Thank you to the Captain this afternoon on the 2.00pm Green Island boat back to Cairns for allowing us to board as we were scheduled to come back on the Big Cat at 4.00pm. Your professional crew loading all the bags on/off for your customers compared to the Big Cat where customers had to bring and take off their own luggage.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lils G
Brisbane, Australia29 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This was a hugely anticipated trip for me to see the Great Barrier Reef. It had been a bucket list item for a long time. We did green island and the reef (pontoon) in one day (half day each). The staff are great, friendly and helpful. They worked together to take care of everyone.
On green island we took up the opportunity to do the parasailing and had an amazing time. We got the parasailing package ($60) which gave us a lot of photos. Taken by us (using their cameras) and staff. We got to walk around the island and take photos before going back to the wharf to catch the boat bound for the pontoon. Make sure you have repellent because the mozzies bite on the island. The birds also have no hesitation in helping themselves to your food.
On the pontoon we did the boat (with the observatory below) which was great way too see the reef and marine life without getting wet.
We were grateful for the buffet lunch at the pontoon - basic but it hits the hunger spot. There were hot and cold dish options.
For snorkeling staff prepare you with safety demonstration and all the gear is supplied including the wet suits .
We are really glad we did the two destinations in the one day because we got to do so much in one hit.
Loved it and would highly recommend.
On green island we took up the opportunity to do the parasailing and had an amazing time. We got the parasailing package ($60) which gave us a lot of photos. Taken by us (using their cameras) and staff. We got to walk around the island and take photos before going back to the wharf to catch the boat bound for the pontoon. Make sure you have repellent because the mozzies bite on the island. The birds also have no hesitation in helping themselves to your food.
On the pontoon we did the boat (with the observatory below) which was great way too see the reef and marine life without getting wet.
We were grateful for the buffet lunch at the pontoon - basic but it hits the hunger spot. There were hot and cold dish options.
For snorkeling staff prepare you with safety demonstration and all the gear is supplied including the wet suits .
We are really glad we did the two destinations in the one day because we got to do so much in one hit.
Loved it and would highly recommend.
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richie M
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
July 2021 • Family
Amazing day out. We did the Green island and Outer Reef pontoon package. The crew on the boat were super friendly and helpful. A really big shout out to John (crewman) who made a huge effort to accommodate our daughters allergies and organised a vegan meal at the last minute. Unknown to us, the booking agency didn’t pass on the dietary requirement, they simply said that all diets were catered for. Not really. John was super helpful, made all the ingredients lists available for us to look over, and when it became clear that our daughter couldn’t eat the food, John got straight in the phone and was able to organise a meal for her. Above and beyond!
Green island snorkelling was beautiful, the staff in the dive shop were very helpful.
The outer reef pontoon was even better, despite the wind, the visibility was superb.
Thank you again crew of Great Adventures!
Green island snorkelling was beautiful, the staff in the dive shop were very helpful.
The outer reef pontoon was even better, despite the wind, the visibility was superb.
Thank you again crew of Great Adventures!
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simone A
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Great customer service. We had an issue while on Green Island and they assisted in a very professional manner, and great support. We really loved the trip to the great barrier reef and we highly recommend it.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmi H
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The best company for first- timers to book their snorkelling experience.
The team on the boat to green Island was so friendly and talkative.
The crew informed us about the location on where the briefing was.
After we arrived to the Island we met the diving instructor Luis.
Luis explained everything clearly. He then took my mum and I to the swimming pool to practice how to use the machine.
When we went out to the reef my mum was having trouble with her mouth piece and he was very patient with helping her.
Because we were both nervous being first time scuba divers he stayed with us the whole time under water and showed us the places where all the beautiful fish and turtles were located at. When we signalled we wanted to go up, he got us back up straight away.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone. All the staff are very passionate about their jobs and helping people.
The team on the boat to green Island was so friendly and talkative.
The crew informed us about the location on where the briefing was.
After we arrived to the Island we met the diving instructor Luis.
Luis explained everything clearly. He then took my mum and I to the swimming pool to practice how to use the machine.
When we went out to the reef my mum was having trouble with her mouth piece and he was very patient with helping her.
Because we were both nervous being first time scuba divers he stayed with us the whole time under water and showed us the places where all the beautiful fish and turtles were located at. When we signalled we wanted to go up, he got us back up straight away.
I would highly recommend this company to anyone. All the staff are very passionate about their jobs and helping people.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita bruzzi
5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
This company is usuali an amazing company to ho with.
But today by good Weather they decide to close the top part of the boat… sorry but really disappointed!
Plenty of family that came first to get the best place, we have been told to come downstairs after everyone got seated so each family had to sit separately, even the one with a baby.
Next time advertise!
But today by good Weather they decide to close the top part of the boat… sorry but really disappointed!
Plenty of family that came first to get the best place, we have been told to come downstairs after everyone got seated so each family had to sit separately, even the one with a baby.
Next time advertise!
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudiap
Biggera Waters, Australia94 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
This was one of the most amazing things we have done.
We did the Green Island and outer reef tour. We spent most of our time in the water snorkeling, the reef is just beautiful. The crew were fantastic, very friendly and helpful.
An absolute must do.
We will definitely be returning to do again.
Thank you to all the crew for such a memorable day.
We did the Green Island and outer reef tour. We spent most of our time in the water snorkeling, the reef is just beautiful. The crew were fantastic, very friendly and helpful.
An absolute must do.
We will definitely be returning to do again.
Thank you to all the crew for such a memorable day.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How good is it for someone doing snorkelling for the first time? Or is it a good option to buy the guided snokell tour for $66?
Written 27 April 2019
The snorkeling is easy and lots of fun. I would just do it on your own
Written 29 April 2019
Christine G
Strensall, United Kingdom
As our first time at the reef ; what’s the chance of seeing a great white shark.
Written 5 February 2019
very slim- from what we heard on the local news the Great White sharks were spotted (and i believe there was an attack) to the north of Cairns and also more prevalent along the Gold Coast. Although deadly creatures can be encountered anywhere in Australia, salt water crocodiles were the ones to look out for.
Written 6 February 2019
I bought the 1/2 day trip. I didn’t plan on snorkeling so it was just the right amount of time. We got to the island, took the glass bottom boat tour, had lunch and walked around the island.
Written 11 November 2018
Kazzamizoo
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Hi there, we are a group of 5 adults, 1 child and an infant of 13 months and I'm in the process of booking us a day trip to Green Island in December from Palm Cove.We would like to do the glass bottom boat and also the semi-submersible if possible. Can anyone tell me how convenient these both are with an infant in a buggy please? Thank you.
Written 21 November 2016
Neither of those activities would have the room for a buggy. The space is somewhat limited even for adults if the boats are full. However, your child will certainly enjoy both activities as will the adults. The staff that run these were very accommodating and can help with the logistics. Also talk to the people at the front kiosk of the resort as they are helpful too!
Written 22 November 2016
hello, could you please tell me how much extra the photographs were please, just so i know how much cash to take on board
many thanks
Written 30 October 2016
I bought the entire photo package since it was my first open water scuba diving trip since I earned my certificate. I received a flash drive with all the pictures of me including ones with my roommate in them. It also included several stock pictures that were very nice. Since I did the scuba dive and the helmet dive, there were more pictures. The more you do the more it is worth it. I also had my own water camera, but still bought the package. This once in a lifetime trip was worth the $70 photo package.
Written 2 November 2016
How difficult is it for a senior that uses a cane and has difficulty climbing stairs, to board both the catamaran and the pontoon?
Written 8 October 2016
I believe there was plenty of room to walk up the ramp to the catamaran and plenty of room to walk off to the barge where your adventure begins. I also agree with everyone else's comments.
Written 11 October 2016
Hi we are thinking of coming to cairns July 2017. Is it still warm enough to swim/snorkel?
Many thanks
Elaine
Written 30 July 2016
Hi Elaine, I work selling tours up here in Cairns :) The sea temp is around 25 degrees. Wet suits are available to hire on most Outer Reef Boats for a small cost.
What we have at the moment is sunshine but very high winds (our Tradewinds) on some days. It's very up and down at the moment and day-to-day. Look to book your trip when you arrive around 1 to 2 days prior so you can make sure the conditions are suitable for yourselves and family. There are lots of options, some better in windy conditions such as a stable pontoon option. Hope I have helped!
Written 31 July 2016
I'm a non swimmer. What's available for me?
Written 4 October 2015
Hi Steve P - an excellent question!
The good news is there is a lot for non-swimmers to see and explore.
On the pontoon you have access to: the underwater observatory (inc a guided eco tour), semi-submersible tour, plus you can wander around the pontoon and check out the scenery. There is also an option of purchasing a heli tour.
On Green Island you can access a glass bottom boat tour, go for a self guided eco walk around the island, visit Marineland Melanesia and optional extra's like Seawalker (helmet diving).
Hope that helps. For more information please visit our website or call our reservations team.
Hope we see you on the reef soon :)
Written 13 October 2015
Hi, I will be traveling to cairn in mid dec. safe to do snorkeling or diving with my 14 yr old son. What about those jellyfish stingers? Which is the more convenient train station or town to stay? What does your diving or snorkeling package include. Thanks
Written 12 September 2015
Hi Mummymango,
At certain times of the year (generally November - April) stingers can affect the coastal waters of Northern Australia. Most however are harmless, but a few can cause serious reactions. Serious events are extremely rare out on the reef, away from the coastal waters.
Our crew are conscious of the danger marine stingers and will take appropriate steps to ensure your protection if they believe conditions are such that there is a possibility of encountering these creatures.
Lycra suits are available for hire on board to reduce the possibility of stings and irritations while also offering protection from the sun. You and your son should feel very safe and our staff will be close by if you have any concerns.
Cairns is the most convenient place to stay as our boat leaves from the Reef Fleet Terminal and we do have a bus pick-up service available.
Snorkelling is included in most of our packages and we have certified and introductory dives. There are a number of different options listed on our website (sorry tripadvisor wont let me post the link, but the address is in our profile).
I hope that helps, please let us know if you have any more questions:)
Written 14 September 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.