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Top things to do in Cairns

Dry reef tours

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Slide 1 of 13, Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.
Cruise ship and pontoon near Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with snorkelers in clear water.

From Cairns: Fitzroy Island & Moore Reef Tour with Pontoon Activities & at-Island Buffet Lunch by Sunlover

9 hrs 30 mins
1 more

  • Cruise to both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one epic day—two distinct reef environments, one seamless itinerary.

  • Start your day at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a marine playground teeming with coral and tropical fish, before transferring to Fitzroy Island to wander rainforest trails and unwind on white-sand beaches.

  • Snorkel with guidance from marine experts, slip down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours.

  • Enjoy a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before heading back to the beach or reef.

  • Customize your day with optional upgrades like a Snorkel Safari, a Seawalker helmet dive, or a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

More details

  • Cruise to both Fitzroy Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef in one epic day—two distinct reef environments, one seamless itinerary.

  • Start your day at the Moore Reef floating pontoon, a marine playground teeming with coral and tropical fish, before transferring to Fitzroy Island to wander rainforest trails and unwind on white-sand beaches.

  • Snorkel with guidance from marine experts, slip down a 30-meter spiral waterslide into the ocean, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours.

  • Enjoy a premium buffet lunch on Fitzroy Island before heading back to the beach or reef.

  • Customize your day with optional upgrades like a Snorkel Safari, a Seawalker helmet dive, or a visit to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

from
AU$337
Slide 1 of 9, Fitzroy Island ferry docked at lush green island, Cairns day trip.
Fitzroy Island ferry docked at lush green island, Cairns day trip.

Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Best of Island – Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat & Picnic Lunch

7 hrs
2 more
  • Cruise from Cairns to Fitzroy Island on a high-speed catamaran and spend the day exploring tropical rainforest, one of Australia's best-known tropical island beaches, and coral-filled waters.
  • Snorkel straight from the shore using the provided gear and flotation vest, or stay dry with a guided glass-bottom boat tour over vibrant reef gardens.
  • Enjoy a fresh tropical lunch box filled with island-style bites—perfect for a relaxed beachside meal or quick break between swims.
  • You’ll have up to 4.5 hours (10:15am departure) or 6 hours (8:45am departure) of free time to explore the island at your own pace—swim, sunbathe, hike rainforest trails, or just slow down and soak in the serenity.
  • With everything taken care of, this day trip is ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a no-fuss Great Barrier Reef island experience.
More details
  • Cruise from Cairns to Fitzroy Island on a high-speed catamaran and spend the day exploring tropical rainforest, one of Australia's best-known tropical island beaches, and coral-filled waters.
  • Snorkel straight from the shore using the provided gear and flotation vest, or stay dry with a guided glass-bottom boat tour over vibrant reef gardens.
  • Enjoy a fresh tropical lunch box filled with island-style bites—perfect for a relaxed beachside meal or quick break between swims.
  • You’ll have up to 4.5 hours (10:15am departure) or 6 hours (8:45am departure) of free time to explore the island at your own pace—swim, sunbathe, hike rainforest trails, or just slow down and soak in the serenity.
  • With everything taken care of, this day trip is ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for a no-fuss Great Barrier Reef island experience.
from Original priceAU$165.64
AU$135.82

18% off

Slide 1 of 10, Tourists observing marine life through a glass-bottom boat on a Cairns to Green Island cruise.
Tourists observing marine life through a glass-bottom boat on a Cairns to Green Island cruise.

Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

4 hrs - 8 hrs
1 more

  • Get an intro to the reef with a boat trip that includes a snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation while you travel over the water.

  • Check in at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, then board your boat for the short crossing to the island.

  • Travel over reef waters to Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef, taking in ocean views on the way and island scenery once you reach the shore.

  • Take a 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour for views of the reef below as the boat moves over the water near Green Island during your trip.

  • Choose a half-day or full-day cruise to Green Island, and stay on Green Island for 2 or 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails.

  • Upgrade to add a buffet lunch, vegan, halal, vegetarian, gluten-free options available, when you choose the full-day cruise to Green Island.

More details

  • Get an intro to the reef with a boat trip that includes a snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation while you travel over the water.

  • Check in at the Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises desk inside Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, then board your boat for the short crossing to the island.

  • Travel over reef waters to Green Island in the Great Barrier Reef, taking in ocean views on the way and island scenery once you reach the shore.

  • Take a 30-minute glass-bottom boat tour for views of the reef below as the boat moves over the water near Green Island during your trip.

  • Choose a half-day or full-day cruise to Green Island, and stay on Green Island for 2 or 5 hours with a self-guided walk on island trails.

  • Upgrade to add a buffet lunch, vegan, halal, vegetarian, gluten-free options available, when you choose the full-day cruise to Green Island.

from
AU$122
Slide 1 of 8, Aerial view of Green Island surrounded by coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of Green Island surrounded by coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

40 mins

  • Soar over turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and isolated sand cays for an unrivaled bird’s‑eye view of the outer Great Barrier Reef.

  • Enjoy the comfort of a modern, air‑conditioned high‑wing aircraft with spacious, guaranteed window seats.

  • Get expert live commentary and learn more about iconic landmarks like Green Island and Arlington Reef.

  • Capture breathtaking photo opportunities of intricate reef formations, dramatic continental shelf edges, and abundant marine life.

  • Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and photography lovers looking for a unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef.

More details

  • Soar over turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and isolated sand cays for an unrivaled bird’s‑eye view of the outer Great Barrier Reef.

  • Enjoy the comfort of a modern, air‑conditioned high‑wing aircraft with spacious, guaranteed window seats.

  • Get expert live commentary and learn more about iconic landmarks like Green Island and Arlington Reef.

  • Capture breathtaking photo opportunities of intricate reef formations, dramatic continental shelf edges, and abundant marine life.

  • Perfect for families, adventure seekers, and photography lovers looking for a unique perspective of the Great Barrier Reef.

from
AU$239
Slide 1 of 14, Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

[Latest Pontoon] From Cairns: Outer Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities & Lunch by Reef Magic

8 hrs - 9 hrs
2 more

  • Experience a complete reef adventure on the newest all‑weather pontoon at the outer reef, where clearer waters and vibrant coral create a truly immersive setting.

  • Benefit from a friendly, locally owned Cairns crew known for personalised service and access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

  • Enjoy diverse water activities: a glass‑bottom boat tour, talks by a marine biologist, plus the option to add a guided snorkel or an introductory scuba dive.

More details

  • Experience a complete reef adventure on the newest all‑weather pontoon at the outer reef, where clearer waters and vibrant coral create a truly immersive setting.

  • Benefit from a friendly, locally owned Cairns crew known for personalised service and access to premium snorkelling and diving equipment.

  • Enjoy diverse water activities: a glass‑bottom boat tour, talks by a marine biologist, plus the option to add a guided snorkel or an introductory scuba dive.

from
AU$325
Slide 1 of 10, Snorkelers exploring coral at Moore Reef with a cruise ship in the background, Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkelers exploring coral at Moore Reef with a cruise ship in the background, Great Barrier Reef.

[Best-Value] Cairns to Moore Reef Full Day Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities & Buffet Lunch by Sunlover

8 hrs - 9 hrs
1 more

  • The Moore Reef pontoon is equipped with activities suitable for all ages, including a giant waterslide—the only one of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass-bottom boat tours, all snorkeling equipment, and an underwater observatory.

  • Enhance your reef adventure with additional experiences, such as the Seawalker helmet dive or guided snorkel tours, perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

More details

  • The Moore Reef pontoon is equipped with activities suitable for all ages, including a giant waterslide—the only one of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass-bottom boat tours, all snorkeling equipment, and an underwater observatory.

  • Enhance your reef adventure with additional experiences, such as the Seawalker helmet dive or guided snorkel tours, perfect for swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

from
AU$307

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What our guests say

Robert G

Australia
Family
Sep 2026
Green Island was amazing and a fantastic day out for the whole family. The kids absolutely loved it, and we were surprised by just how much there was to see and do throughout the day. There was plenty to keep everyone entertained, while still having time to relax and enjoy the beautiful island. The cruise was easy and enjoyable, and the whole experience was definitely one of the highlights of our Cairns trip. Highly recommend it for families!

Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Samita N

Australia
Family
Aug 2026
We had a wonderful experience with Big Cat Cruises to Green Island from Cairns. The cruise was comfortable, well organised, and the staff were friendly and helpful throughout the journey. The glass-bottom boat tour was a highlight for our family. We loved seeing the beautiful coral, colourful fish, and marine life without needing to snorkel. Green Island itself was beautiful and perfect for a relaxing family day out. A fantastic experience and highly recommended for families visiting Cairns. Thank you Big Cat Cruises for making our day so memorable! 🐠🌴

Cairns to Green Island Full/Half-Day Cruise with Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Yvette S

Australia
Couple
2 days ago
Staff were very friendly. Mae gave great advice about basic snorkeling and I was able to use her tips. The water was beautiful and lots of fish to see. The little snack box we got was tasty and enjoyable. An adjustment to the website to disdisnguish between check in time and the time the boat leaves would be beneficial. It's a bit confusing.

Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Best of Island – Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat & Picnic Lunch

Amit D

Australia
Family
3 weeks ago
Great Boat Ride. Lovely island and amazing food at Foxy's Cafe. Secret Garden and the beach and the overall snorkeling experience etc itself is mesmerizing. Would have given 5 stars if the information provided wasn't incorrect. Our email clearly said check-in starts at 8:45 and boat departure 9:45. We were having breakfast hardly 200M away from the venue all ready to rock at 9:00. And they rang us at 8:35 asking us to be on the terminal in 5 mins otherwise we will miss the boat and our tour will be canceled without any refunds (policy). We left the fully paid breakfast order on the table and rushed to the terminal only to realize the boat had left without us. We showed them our email instructions and they realized the mistake had been made either by them or by headout. Finally checked us in next cruise which left at 10:45. We had to explain our situation at all the stations and experience spots because no one had our names on the manifest. The Sunlover team booked us for the boat ride only but they couldn't add us in the manifest of any other experiences. It just made the day stressful without any fault of us and we ended up getting late for the whole day. Other than this debacle the actual tour and the experience was pretty good.

Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Best of Island – Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat & Picnic Lunch

Selma J

Australia
Couple
Sep 2026
The Capitain had a personality that made me smile. He warned us it could be rough and it was. A few people were sick. 10/10 Cabin crew were very helpful with all sorts of questions and even help with a phone. 10/10 Trip out in the semi sub was nothing to talk about. Literally saw nothing bubbles from propellers😕 But the glass bottom boat ride was very eye opening and the crew member of that was interesting and answered all our questions. 10/10 Always felt safe. Lunch was okay. Prawns we a bit old but eatable and everything else 👍 Would I go again🤔yes and tell others👍

[Best-Value] Cairns to Moore Reef Full Day Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities & Buffet Lunch by Sunlover

Matthew S

New Zealand
Couple
Sep 2026
What a fabulous experience. Loved the reef, staff were very accomodating, and the tour came with a glass bottom boat, and semi-submersible experience. Food was below par though, nowhere near enough variety for a buffet and ran out quickly. Was disappointed with the food. But everything else was terrific!

[Latest Pontoon] From Cairns: Outer Reef Snorkel Cruise with Pontoon Activities & Lunch by Reef Magic

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