Green Island Day Trip from Cairns: Big Cat Cruise Review

The Green Island cruise we booked

Our 13 April 2026 trip used Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises. We booked a full-day Green Island cruise from Cairns through GetYourGuide.

The package available to us included return travel, a glass-bottom boat, snorkelling equipment and buffet lunch. Product names and inclusions can change, so select by the list of inclusions rather than by the headline alone.

Breakfast beside the Reef Fleet Terminal

We ate at Blu Marlin Bistro before check-in. It opens early beside the same waterfront terminal, so there was no second taxi ride between breakfast and the boat.

The Eggs Benedict was filling enough for the active day ahead. We still worked from the voucher's check-in time, not the later departure time.

The restaurant and terminal entrances are close, but separate. Our breakfast review shows the opening hours, waterfront seating and the meal in more detail.

Blu Marlin Bistro Cairns Review: Breakfast Before a Reef Trip

Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal and berth 4

Inside Reef Fleet Terminal, operators have separate counters. We found the Big Cat desk, showed the booking information and received the day's boarding documents.

Do not join the first line you see: several reef companies check in at the same time. Match the operator name on the voucher to the counter sign.

Our boarding pass showed the selected activities and meal. We checked those details before leaving the desk, while staff could still correct any mismatch.

Boarding Big Cat and leaving Cairns

The large catamaran waited at Marlin Wharf. Staff scanned the pass before we crossed the gangway.

Inside, the main cabin had rows of padded seats, tables and windows. This was the calmer place to sit out of the wind.

The upper deck gave a wider view and more breeze. Sun protection matters even before reaching the island.

Cairns marina receded behind us as the vessel moved through Trinity Inlet.

Beyond the harbour, the water colour changed over the reef. The ride can still move, so follow your own medical advice if you are prone to seasickness.

Announcements on our sailing were made in English. A Japanese-speaking team member was also available that day, but that is not an inclusion English-speaking travellers need to rely on.

Arriving at Green Island

The long jetty appeared first, followed by the low forest and pale beach around the island.

After disembarking, we walked along the jetty towards the island facilities. Tour staff explained the meeting points and return time.

Looking back from the jetty revealed the shallow water and beach on either side.

We noted where Big Cat was moored before moving to the first included activity.

Glass-bottom boat over the reef

Our glass-bottom boat departed from the Big Cat side of the jetty. Staff checked participants before boarding the smaller vessel.

Passengers sat along both sides of the viewing panels. The best view was down through the centre rather than over the side.

A sea turtle passed below us. It was visible for only a short time, so keeping the camera ready helped.

Schools of reef fish moved across the coral while the guide explained what we were seeing.

The viewing window also made the water depth and changing seabed easier to understand for anyone not snorkelling.

This activity worked well for our mixed-age family because everyone could see reef life without entering the water.

Buffet lunch aboard Big Cat

Our selected package included a buffet served on the main vessel. Hot dishes were laid out first.

Staff opened the counter in a set lunch window, and passengers queued through the cabin.

Salads and cold sides gave us a lighter option before going back into the water.

Lunch is not included in every Green Island fare. Check whether your product includes a meal, gives a voucher or leaves food entirely at your own expense.

Snorkelling from the beach

The marked snorkelling area began close to the beach, making entry easier than jumping from a boat.

My father was over 70 and still enjoyed entering the calm shallows at his own pace. That does not replace an individual swimming and health judgement.

The clear water let us see the bottom before swimming farther out. We stayed inside the supervised area and followed the day's conditions.

From shore, Big Cat remained visible beyond the beach and jetty.

Return equipment with enough time to change, walk the jetty and meet the boarding deadline.

The return cruise to Cairns

On the return trip, a marine biology presentation introduced animals and reef features we had seen during the day.

The talk gave us something to follow while the vessel crossed back towards the mainland.

We reached Cairns with time for dinner. Staying centrally made the walk from the terminal back to our hotel straightforward.

For the same first-hand Big Cat product, GetYourGuide's Green Island cruise page is the clearest place to compare the current activity choices and meal inclusion.

What to pack and check before booking

• Swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes
• Reef-safe sun protection, hat and drinking water
• Any personal seasickness plan or medication
• Voucher showing operator, check-in time and selected activities
• Waterproof protection for phone, camera and documents

Check weather, marine conditions and operator notices close to departure. Activity substitutions or restrictions can be introduced when conditions require them.

Summary

Big Cat gave our family a balanced Green Island day: reef views without swimming, time in the water, lunch and an easy return to Cairns. The glass-bottom boat was especially useful across different ages.

The product name is less important than the selected inclusions. Confirm the check-in time, activities, meal and equipment before booking.