Green Island

Located 27 kilometres off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef The small island is home to 120 species of native plants; however, the coconuts on the island were planted to provide food for shipwrecked sailors.

These days, it is an amazing place to take a day tour, with activities such as walks and a glass-bottom boat allowing you to discover the beautiful natural environment of the island. The close proximity of the reef means the island also offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving.

What to do

After you’ve taken the 45 minute ferry ride to Green Island from Cairns, here are some of the best things you can do for the day.

Snorkelling

As Green Island is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef waters, water activities are a popular pastime. Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities on the island, offering a chance to get close to all kinds of marine life. Be sure to check out the colourful coral and the tropical fish swimming throughout the waters.

Scuba diving

If you want the chance to explore deeper and further, scuba diving is your best option! Scuba diving is one of the best ways to explore the waters, where you can get even closer to the marine life living here. You never know, you might be swimming alongside ancient sea turtles and reef sharks!

Helmet diving

A unique way to experience life underwater is helmet diving. No diving experience is required, as you quite literally walk along the seabed. It’s a fun and different underwater activity and another great way to check out the underwater world.

Glass bottom boat

If you prefer not to get wet, a glass bottom boat is a fantastic way to see the underwater world and is great for the whole family! You’ll look through the bottom of the boat and see the water creatures swimming by and hiding within the coral.

Canoeing or kayaking

Hire a canoe or kayak and head further away from the island’s shore. You’ll get some beautiful views of Green Island from a distance and might also discover a quiet spot out in the water to relax.

Explore the rainforest

Aside from exploring the water surrounding Green Island, you can check out and wander through the rainforest. Green Island is most famous for being the only sand cay with a rainforest on it within the Great Barrier Reef.

Relax on the beach

Live out your dreams and pretend you’re living on a tropical island! Spend some time relaxing on the beach and overlook the gorgeous, glistening blue waters.

You can join a Green Island tour or pick one of the many Great Barrier Reef tours to explore more of the beautiful reef.