We were walking back down the pier toward the boat, wrapping up what had already been an amazing day, when we saw it. Just below the surface of that impossibly clear blue water — a full grown blacktip reef shark, cruising slowly through the exact spot we’d been snorkeling hours earlier. We stood there watching until it disappeared. Then, just as we were about to board, a few sea turtles drifted up near the boat — unhurried, unbothered, completely at home. It made me think of the turtles we see back home, and how no matter how many times I’m near one, they still stop me cold.
That was the end of our day on Green Island with kids. But let’s back up.
Green Island is one of the most accessible ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns — and for families with young kids, might be the perfect introduction to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Why Green Island for Families
Green Island is a coral cay sitting right on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and being up in Cairns, experiencing it felt non-negotiable. Matt had snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef once before when he studied abroad in Australia, but for the rest of us this was a first. For a family with younger kids, Green Island made the most sense — we could snorkel at our own pace, relax on the beach in between, grab snacks, and never feel rushed or trapped on a boat all day.
That’s also why we chose a full day trip over a half day. All-day boat tours exist and might be the right call for some families, but for ours — with a three and six year old — having the island under our feet and the freedom to set our own rhythm was the right choice.
How We Booked It from Cairns
We booked through Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises, choosing the full day tour departing to Green Island from Cairns at 9am and leaving Green Island at 3:45pm. At the time of our visit, the full day cruise was $122 AUD per adult (14+), $61 AUD per child (ages 4-14), and free for children three and under. There’s also a family rate of $305 AUD for two adults and two children, which is what we booked and found very reasonable — especially given the exchange rate worked in our favor as Americans at the time. Prices may have changed since our visit so we’d recommend checking their website for current rates and availability. At the time of writing, the full day cruise includes your choice of a glass bottom boat tour or snorkel gear at no extra cost.
Getting to the Departure Point in Cairns
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal, which is easy to find and walkable from most accommodations in central Cairns. Arrive a little early so you have time to check in and get settled before boarding. Hotel transfers are available for a fee if you’d prefer, and if you’re driving, parking is available at the Pier Shopping Complex and Shangri-La Hotel for a fee as well. We’d recommend confirming transfer and parking options directly with Big Cat when you book as details may have changed since our visit.
The Boat Ride From Cairns to Green Island With Kids
It was a beautiful day so we headed straight up to the top deck for the fresh air and unobstructed views on the 45-minute ride out from Cairns. On the way back the kids had had enough sun so we moved inside where there’s air conditioning — both options are good depending on the day and your kids’ energy levels. The crew gives snorkeling instructions and safety tips on the way out, which was helpful for our youngest since it was his first time. He never quite got the hang of the full snorkel gear, but with his goggles on he was happily dunking his head underwater and spotting fish — which felt like a win for a three year old.
The Beach and Island
The beach sits on both sides of the pier. We started on the right side — a smaller, quieter stretch with calm water that made it easy to get straight into snorkeling. After that we moved to the left side, which has a much larger beach area where we spent the afternoon playing in the sand, cooling off in the water, and ordering fries from the snack shack. There’s also a short rainforest walk on the island that we really enjoyed — a quiet, shaded path that was a nice change of pace from the beach and gave us a chance to just slow down and take it all in. Green Island even has the Green Island Resort, which I’d seriously consider for a night or two on a future trip — I can only imagine how peaceful it gets once the last boat leaves for the day.
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef at Green Island With Kids
The water was a little chilly — the breeze made it feel cooler than expected — so the kids got in for about 15 minutes before they’d had enough. We headed out toward the area near the docked pier, which seemed to be the sweet spot. We spotted damselfish, clownfish, and parrotfish weaving through the seagrass and coral along the seabed. It was genuinely beautiful, even in a short window. Once the kids were done, Matt and I were able to take turns going back out on our own to explore a little more of the reef while the other stayed back with them.
One important planning note: if you’re visiting between November and May you’re in jellyfish season. Lycra suits are available to rent through Big Cat to protect against stingers — worth knowing before you book.
And then on the walk back to the boat — the shark. The turtles. The kind of ending you couldn’t have planned.
Eating Vegan on Green Island
We packed sandwiches and plenty of snacks since we weren’t sure what we’d find on the island. It was the right call — there is a restaurant on the island (the Emerald Restaurant has vegan options according to Happy Cow), but with our kids being picky we didn’t want to bank on one or two options they might not touch. The fries from the snack shack were a hit though, and honestly that was enough for them.
What to Bring to Green Island
- Dry bag
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Towel
- Swimwear
- Snorkeling gear if not renting or not included in your tour
- Snacks and lunch
- Cash or credit card for extras on the island
What Else Is Available on Green Island
We stuck to the beach and snorkeling, but Green Island offers a lot more if you want to make a fuller day of it. We can’t speak to these personally, but here’s what’s available through Big Cat or on the island:
- Snorkel gear rental, life vests, and flippers if not included in your booking
- Lycra suits for rent during jellyfish season (November through May) to protect against stingers
- Semi submarine
- Green Island Diving Adventures
- Buffet lunch and bar
- Seawalker
- Wunyami Cultural Walking Tours
- Helicopter tours
- Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat and Gift Shop
What We Talked About With Our Kids
Our kids were three and six on this trip. They’re not going to come home and write a paper on coral bleaching. But we talked about it anyway — simply and honestly, the way we do back home in Kauai when we’re out on the water. The reef is struggling. It matters. We try to model that respect every time we’re near the ocean, and we hope that one day they’ll look back on a day like this one and understand a little more of why. The small moments — like watching them pick rubbish up from the beach unprompted — are reminders that they are absorbing more than we realize.
Is Green Island Worth It for Families?
Yes — strongly. The snorkeling tour on Green Island was one of the highlights of our time in Cairns and I’d recommend it without hesitation. The kids had fun, though if we’re being honest they weren’t completely blown away — partly because growing up in Kauai means they already have a lot of this beauty in their backyard. But that’s a pretty good problem to have, and I’d still do it again in a heartbeat. The full day timing was exactly right. Not too long, not rushed. And if a blacktip reef shark cruising past on your way out sounds like a good ending to a day — Green Island will deliver.
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