About this tour
This 10-hour full-day tour departs Cairns by fast catamaran, first stopping at Green Island for 2 hours of reef and rainforest exploration, then anchoring at the Outer Great Barrier Reef platform for 3 hours of activities. Whether you snorkel, use the underwater observatory, or ride the semi-submersible, you'll see pristine coral systems without needing to be a confident swimmer. Lunch, snorkelling gear, and reef talks are included; optional diving, helicopter flights, and underwater scooters are available for extra cost.
Highlights
- 45-minute catamaran ride to Green Island's fringing reef
- Dry viewing via semi-submersible or underwater observatory
- Snorkel the Outer Reef with provided equipment and instruction
- Buffet lunch with fresh prawns and tropical fruit
- Reef education session from onboard marine staff
- Suitable for infants, toddlers, and mixed fitness levels
What to expect
You'll board a catamaran before dawn and motor out to Green Island, a small forested cay ringed by coral. Spend a couple of hours wading or snorkelling in the shallows, then head further offshore to the reef platform—a large, stable vessel with multiple decks. Here you can choose your pace: jump in to snorkel, descend into the glass-bottomed semi-submersible to watch fish and coral pass below, or sit dry in the observatory. Lunch is buffet-style, and crew deliver a short talk on reef ecology. The return journey reaches Cairns by late afternoon.
Good to know
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash shirt. Hotel pick-up isn't included—arrange your own transport to the Cairns wharf. If you dive, avoid flying or ascending above 300 metres for 12 hours (24 if multiple dives). Snorkelling can tire you; mention any medical concerns to crew beforehand. Children under 12 cannot scuba, though snorkelling is open to all ages.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.