A short, 45-minute catamaran from Cairns lands you on Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with rainforest and easy-access reef life. The Seawalker helmet dive lets non-swimmers walk the seafloor amid tropical fish, followed by optional snorkel or glass-bottom-boat exploration.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The fast catamaran pushes away from Cairns with the harbor shrinking behind you; in just 45 minutes the open sea opens into a rim of pale sand and the low-profile silhouette of Green Island. Salt and sunlight carry the island's small rainforest toward you, and the reef—six thousand years in the making—waits in shallow turquoise.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–9 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to stand in chest-deep water and walk short distances on uneven, sandy seafloor; some mobility required for boarding the vessel.
Wildlife
History
Green Island is a coral cay formed over roughly 6,000 years and hosts the only rainforest on a reef cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Conservation
The island operates within Marine Park rules—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and follow guide briefings to minimize impact on fragile reef systems.
Reserve your spot on the Seawalker Helmet Experience and Green Island Combo from Cairns today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check in early
Arrive to the Reef Fleet Terminal and collect your boarding pass 45 minutes before departure to allow time for briefing and paperwork.
Complete medical screening
Fill out the mandatory medical questionnaire and disclose medications—certain conditions can preclude participation.
Protect from sun and reef-safe lotion
Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a broad-brim hat and UV shirt for time on deck and the island paths.
Post-dive altitude rule
Do not fly or travel to altitudes above 300 m for at least 12 hours after the helmet dive.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preventing harm to coral and marine life.
summer
Swimwear and quick-dry coverup
Easy to change into for the helmet dive and provides sun protection between activities.
summer
Motion-sickness medication or bands
Helpful if you’re prone to seasickness on the 45-minute catamaran crossing.
Light waterproof jacket
Wind and spray on the deck can be cool; a packable shell keeps you comfortable.
winter