Discover the spectacular Great Barrier Reef with a scenic helicopter flight and island activities on Green Island, combining aerial views with marine adventures.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Full day (approximately 8 hours)
Fitness Level
Casual fitness needed for snorkeling and island walking, comfortable footwear recommended
Wildlife
History
Green Island was formed by coral over 8000 years ago and has been a part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park since 1975.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including reef protection guidelines and waste reduction to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Cairns Discovery Tours
Discover the spectacular Great Barrier Reef with a scenic helicopter flight and island activities on Green Island, combining aerial views with marine adventures.
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.
Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect your skin and coral reef by using reef-safe sunscreen during water activities.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture vibrant underwater scenes and aerial views without worry of water damage.
Pack Light but Smart
Bring only essential gear for island activities—think lightweight clothing, hat, and snorkeling gear if you have your own.
Check Weather Forecasts
Optimal days for helicopter flights are clear, so review weather reports before booking or heading out.
Swimsuit
Necessary for water activities and swimming in the reef.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong tropical UV rays.
Waterproof Camera
Capture vibrant marine life and scenic views.
Hat and Sunglasses
Shield yourself from the sun during boat and land excursions.