Dive into a day of tropical adventure with a guided tour to Green Island's coral reefs and a cultural exploration of Cairns city. Experience snorkeling, rainforest ecosystems, stunning stained glass art, and lush gardens all in one seamless journey.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended to comfortably enjoy snorkeling and walking tours with some standing periods on the boat and in Cairns.
Wildlife
History
Green Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, protected since the 1930s, with its rainforest officially preserved as a national park since 1937.
Conservation
The tour operator emphasizes reef-safe practices including banning single-use plastics and promoting education about the reef’s delicate ecosystems to visitors.
Cairns Discovery Tours
Cairns Discovery Tours is a Cairns, Queensland–based tour operator offering a wide range of reef, island, rainforest and city sightseeing experiences. The company arranges day tours to Green Island and Fitzroy Island, scenic helicopter flights to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda rail and Skyrail rainforest journeys, river cruises along Trinity Inlet, dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Cairns, and admission-inclusive visits to attractions such as the Cairns Aquarium and the Turtle Hospital.
Tours include options with hotel transfers, glass‑bottom-boat cruises, snorkeling time on coral cays, self-guided and guided aquarium experiences, and combined city sightseeing featuring St. Monica’s Cathedral, the Cairns Museum and the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Guests can choose half‑day or full‑day itineraries, family-friendly reef excursions, small-group city tours, and specialty evening experiences such as the Cairns Aquarium by Night with dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant.
Cairns Discovery Tours operates from Cairns, providing convenient departures for cruise-ship passengers and hotel pick-ups for select tours. Signature highlights described in tour listings include the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Barron Falls lookout stops, Green Island’s coral cay ecosystem, and aerial reef views on helicopter transfers.
Information on each trip—duration, inclusions, and meeting points—is supplied in the individual tour descriptions. This factual presentation helps visitors compare options and select the right Cairns day trip, whether seeking reef snorkeling, rainforest vistas, cultural city sights or a relaxed island cruise.
Location
Cairns, Queensland
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Tours Offered
15 tours
From Green Island to Kuranda
Key Destinations
Reef & Rainforest
Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda
Trip Lengths
Half-day to Full-day
Options for every schedule
Secure a spot on Green Island, Kuranda, reef flights or a dinner cruise — check individual tour pages for availability and inclusions.
Book Early for Best Seats
Reserve your spot well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a comfy seat on the Reef Rocket catamaran.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the marine ecosystem by using biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling around Green Island.
Bring Waterproof Camera
Capture the vibrant underwater world and island scenery with a waterproof camera or protective case for your device.
Prepare for Tropical Weather
Pack a light rain jacket or poncho as tropical showers are frequent, especially in summer months.
Snorkeling Mask and Fins
Essential for exploring the coral reefs and marine life up close at Green Island.
summer
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Useful to stay dry during unexpected tropical rain showers.
summer
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Needed for city sightseeing and walking the Botanic Gardens comfortably.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin without harming ocean coral ecosystems.
summer