Two Islands In One Day

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises runs this 8-hour outing from Cairns, pairing Fitzroy Island with Green Island on the same day. Snorkel equipment can be used at both stops if selected at booking. It scores 4.1 from 187 reviews, from A$196 per person. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises runs this trip out of Cairns Marlin Marina, and the pitch is simple: two reef islands in a single day. The catamaran crosses to Fitzroy Island first for roughly two and a half hours of free time, then hops over to Green Island for the longest stretch of the day, three and a half hours, before the run back to Cairns. Total time on the water and islands comes to about eight hours.

At Fitzroy you can take an included glass-bottom boat tour if you selected that option, or pick up snorkel gear that works at both islands. Fitzroy also has rainforest walking trails, and one reviewer called the walk out to Nudey Beach a highlight. Green Island is the softer stop: sandy swimming beaches and a buffet lunch on board the boat if you pay the optional extra. On the sailing home there is a marine biology presentation, and reviewers have described fish feeding at Green Island and a crown-of-thorns starfish talk on the return leg.

It suits travellers who want a broad taste of the reef rather than long stretches in one place. One parent reported the day worked well with a four year old in tow. Confused pier logistics are the main gripe, so read the boarding instructions carefully.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cairns Marlin MarinaHead straight to the vessel named on your digital boarding pass. There is no hotel pickup.
2. Catamaran to Fitzroy IslandThe crossing from Cairns takes 45 minutes.
3. Fitzroy Island free timeAbout 2.5 hours for sightseeing, rainforest trails and the optional glass-bottom boat tour if selected.
4. Optional Fitzroy lunchA boxed lunch is available at extra cost, eaten at your leisure, so it does not cut into the free time.
5. Catamaran to Green IslandA short 30-minute hop between the islands.
6. Green Island free timeAround 3.5 hours in the national park for beaches, snorkelling and walks.
7. Optional Green Island buffetA 45-minute buffet lunch on board Big Cat, at extra cost if chosen.
8. Return to CairnsThe catamaran ride back to Marlin Marina takes 75 minutes, with a marine biology presentation on the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, based on the listing and on what past travellers report.

• Getting the pier right. You board one vessel out and may return on a different one, as several boats share the marina. One reviewer went to the wrong side of the pier, and others asked for clearer signs between boats. Ask staff at the pier if unsure.
• Turtles and whales. Turtle sightings around Green Island come up again and again in reviews, and one party counted nine in a day. One reviewer also reported seeing whales from both islands, though that depends on season and luck.
• Snorkelling options. Snorkel gear works at both islands if selected. If you would rather stay dry, the glass-bottom boat at Fitzroy is an alternative one reviewer chose for exactly that reason.
• Food choices. Lunch is not in the base fare. You can add a boxed lunch on Fitzroy or a buffet on the boat at Green Island, and reviewers found both decent. One reviewer also praised a bar near the Fitzroy pier for its view.
• Walking at Fitzroy. Bring shoes you can walk in. The rainforest trails are a listed highlight, and one reviewer singled out the walk to Nudey Beach. Green Island itself can be walked around in about an hour, that reviewer noted.
• Sun and sea gear. The listing asks for swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks and a camera. Reviewers mention both beach time and boat legs, so pack for a full day outdoors.

Common issues. The repeated complaint is logistics rather than the islands: several travellers said directions at the pier and between boats could be clearer, especially around meeting points and what each option includes. Lunch costs extra whichever version you pick, and there is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to Marlin Marina. One reviewer warned that different trips are accommodated on the same vessels, so it pays to listen to which instructions apply to your booking.

Choosing A Trip