About this tour
This nine-hour sailing tour limits numbers to 25 guests, giving you genuine breathing room on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll depart Cairns aboard a two-mast schooner, snorkel an exclusive reef site moored just 1km off Green Island, then explore the island's rainforest and beaches by tender. A substantial seafood buffet lunch, marine talks, and a complimentary wine on the return sail round out the day. The small-group model means you skip the queues and actually connect with the reef rather than queue through it.
Highlights
- Two-mast schooner sailing from Cairns to Great Barrier Reef
- Exclusive reef site, no tour crowds sharing your snorkel spot
- Seafood buffet lunch with wine on return journey
- Green Island rainforest walk and white-sand beach time
- Marine interpreter talks during the day
- Optional certified or intro dives to 10–12 metres
- Snorkel tuition and in-water crew support included
What to expect
You'll board the schooner in Cairns and sail to a private reef section where you'll enter the water directly from the vessel with snorkel gear provided. After an hour or two in the water, a tender takes you to Green Island—a protected Marine Park zone—where you can walk into the rainforest, swim from the beach, or simply rest. Lunch is served on board and includes seafood options. The marine interpreter delivers reef ecology talks throughout. On the return sail, you'll get a complimentary glass of wine. The boat operates in most weather (except gale force), so expect movement; if seasickness worries you, take tablets 20 minutes before boarding.
Good to know
Maximum 25 passengers only. Moderate fitness required to move around a moving vessel and transfer via tender. Divers must complete a medical form on board; some conditions or medications disqualify you—disclose upfront if concerned. Hotel pickups aren't included; public transport is nearby. Cancellations get full refund with 24 hours' notice. Infants sit on laps.
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.