Green Island – Big Cat Cruises

The check in at the Big Cat Cruises counter at the Cairns reef fleet terminal is organised and hassle free. The journey on Big Cat Cruises out to Green Island is around about forty five minutes and the time passes very quickly as the scenery is beautiful and there is more than enough going on onboard to keep you enthralled. Big Cats catamaran ride is so smooth that you’ll hardly feel a thing and if you do think you suffer from seasickness then this is a perfect short water crossing for you to get to the Great Barrier Reef. The Big Cat Cruises crew will conduct on board presentations about the different types of coral that you will see during your days snorkelling and also the species of fish and other marine life that inhabit these corals over the course of the day. The Big Cat Cruises team will give you safety briefings and show you how to use your snorkel equipment and point out the area’s on Green Island where there are life guards on duty to ensure everyone is swimming along nicely. Pool noodles and flotation gear can be borrowed from the beach hut on Green Island. If you are going to be scuba diving or helmet diving you will be asked to fill in the medical forms on the boat and then given instructions, safety tips and gear once you arrive on Green Island.

Upon Big Cats arrival at Green Island there are many things to do so make sure you leave time to see everything. If you have chosen the all inclusive Big Cat package the buffet lunch is served on the boat starting at eleven thirty but be sure to be back on board Big Cat before one o’clock as that is when the crew put the lunch away and prepare the Big Cat for the homeward journey to Cairns. Green Island is an absolutely brilliant showcase for aquatic life. There is a beautiful resort on the island accompanied by all the activities one could wish to do on a tropical island. There is scuba diving, helmet diving, semi submersible submarine, glass bottom boat, snorkelling, shopping, day spa, restaurants and cocktail bars and a pool area to just laze about. Green Island is relatively small and can easily be walked around in about an hour or more for those wanting to explore. At low tide much of the coral close to shore are exposed which means if you are snorkelling you can go out for the better part of a kilometre. Take a pool noodle and place it under your arms so you can be out snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef for hours just drifting along at your own pace.

Big Cats glass bottom boat ride takes around twenty minutes or so and gives one a terrific idea about the diversity of marine life in and around the Great Barrier Reef. You go out into the deep blue sea where the coral and marine life thrive in the deeper colder waters. The fish feeding attracts all kinds of different species to the boat so make sure your camera is ready because there are so many great photo opportunities. The glass bottom boat marine interpreter is informative and will point out and name the types of coral and fish as you cruise over the ocean floor just above the reef. Big Cats yellow semi-submarine is a fun ride as well showing you many more of the same fish from the glass bottom boat. The perspective is totally different as you are cruising alongside the fish and they do not see you as a predator so the opportunity to see more fish and Green Sea Turtles is far greater so we do urge you to try the Big Cat yellow semi submarine. If you have decided to skip all the activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving and helmet diving make sure that you take both boat tours as they are both great ways to see the reef and surrounding marine life without getting your hair wet.

Snorkelling around Green Island is an excellent way to see the fish and other creatures of the Great Barrier Reef. The shallow waters that surround the island make snorkelling a good idea even for the most novices of swimmers. As you get off the Big Cat and walk onto the jetty the best area to snorkel is immediately on your right. Here you may even have the chance of seeing a small shark. Nothing that could really harm anyone, so don’t be shy dive right in. Just off the lifeguard patrolled area is also a pretty good spot to see small fish and underwater life. On a low tide this area ok but you will need to go out from the beach quite a long way to see bigger fish and more diversity of creatures so a flotation vest or pool noodle is recommended.

Helmet Sea walking from the pontoon platform placed out in the deeper water is a fascinating experience to say the least. Underwater about fifteen feet or so there is an abundance of aquatic life for the enthusiasts. Here you get the chance to wander along the ocean floor while still breathing normally without scuba tanks. Be sure not to lean over or you will have a face full of water. Keep your back straight and you will have no worries. You may even get the opportunity to touch some live coral or sea creature and maybe a suckerfish will glide past to touch. There is resident giant Maori Wrasse that comes up nice and close so you can pet them as they swim alongside you like puppy dogs. You can move about with relative freedom guided by your experienced dive instructor. An underwater photographer will be among your Helmut diving group snapping shots while the fish are swimming amongst you.

Helmut Sea walking is a great way to see the depths of the ocean without even getting your hair wet.

Scuba diving is a little similar but different at the same time. Experienced swimmers are required for scuba diving and the instruction process is a bit more intense. You are less restricted for space while scuba diving as opposed to sea walking as you stay in a small area.

Much of the same things will be seen while doing both types of diving so if you are a poor swimmer and don’t want to get your hair wet then we recommend the helmet dive. For the most complete experience be sure to sign up with Big Cat for your first dive or even for certified dives. You will be required to fill out medical forms and show your certified divers card and then the Big Cat Cruises crew will help you with the rest. The fish are exciting to see in action especially when it is feeding time. Enjoy a Green Island diving experience and you won’t be disappointed as you get to go out to the deeper colder waters and this is where the best of the coral and marine life lives.

There are many exciting activities to do on a Big Cat Green Island cruise. Be sure to do as much as possible as this will certainly make for the most well rounded experience. The boat ride back will be a very relaxing well-deserved break from the fun filled day you have just had with Big Cat Green Islands Cruises.

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Additional Information

Included in price:

Optional extras able to be purchased or hired:

For diving, medical, height and age restrictions apply; must be 12 to 70 years.

What to bring:

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, shirt to swim in (slip, slop, slap) cash or credit card for snorkel deposit, cash for drinks and snacks. Film, sunscreen and souvenirs available for sale on board. Snorkelling deposit: $30 "Refundable Deposit" is required for the hire of snorkelling gear — cash or credit card imprint.

Fitness level required:

Low

Disabled access:

No

Child policies:

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Current Prices
  Fri, 03 Sep Sat, 04 Sep Sun, 05 Sep Mon, 06 Sep Tue, 07 Sep Wed, 08 Sep Thu, 09 Sep Fri, 10 Sep  
Green Island Reef Cruise - Half Day PM 1pm $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00

The Tour Specialists tip

Everyone loves a day trip to Green Island; it’s just perfect for all age groups from babies to grandmas and grandpas. Lots to do and see, plenty of shade, swimming pool, shops and restaurants. We highly recommend you spend a lazy day on this gorgeous little island. We love it as locals and love to spend the whole weekend over here as a little getaway.

Make sure you go and see the huge crocodile and turtles; you will love it.

Christina — the tour specialists consultant





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