Cairns: Green Island + Moore Reef Activity Platform Combo

Planning a trip to Cairns and wanting a full, authentic taste of the Great Barrier Reef? This Green Island & Moore Reef combo offered by Great Adventures promises a well-rounded day of underwater wonder, island relaxation, and unforgettable sights—all in just one day.

While it’s priced at around $197 per person and boasts a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews, it’s important to understand what to expect—both the highlights and the possible limits. We’re here to give you a straightforward, honest look at how this excursion can fit into your Aussie adventure.

Three things we love about this tour: the chance to snorkel in shallow reef zones, the comfort of a modern cruise, and the variety of activities available at the Outer Reef Platform. One consideration: if you’re looking for extensive island exploration, the two-hour stop on Green Island might feel a little short.

This tour suits those who want a balanced reef experience—great for snorkelers, families, or first-timers eager to see the reef without too much fuss. Let’s dive into the details.

Key Points

Convenient two-in-one experience: Visit both Green Island and Moore Reef in a single day, saving time and transportation hassles
Variety of activities: Snorkel, semi-submarine tours, and optional extras like scuba or helicopter rides
Comfortable cruise: Modern catamaran with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and onboard amenities
Full day of discovery: Approximately 8 hours, including travel, island stopover, and reef exploration
Value for money: Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, semi-sub tour, and eco talks—making it a comprehensive reef day trip
Limited free time on Green Island: Only 2 hours, so explore quickly if you want more island time

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Itinerary Unfolds

Morning Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins early, with a must-visit check-in at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal by 7:30 am. Once there, you’ll exchange your voucher for a boarding pass and step aboard the air-conditioned catamaran. The boat departs sharply at 8:30 am, so punctuality is key.

The journey to Green Island takes roughly 45 minutes, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy some tea and coffee on board. The vessel is modern and spacious, designed for comfort even if the seas are a bit choppy—many reviewers note the smooth ride, making seasickness less of a concern.

Green Island Stop (2 Hours)

Once ashore, you’ll have 2 hours to explore. Green Island is a lush rainforest island with calm beaches perfect for relaxing or light exploration. Many guests highlight the snorkelling opportunities here, which are included in the package, along with gear.

What makes Green Island special? It offers a quick, accessible taste of the reef’s shallow coral gardens—ideal for families or beginners. As one reviewer shared, they saw turtles and a small shark during snorkelling, and appreciated the calm environment for young snorkelers. However, some noted that the time is just enough for a quick splash, so if you’re eager to explore more of the island itself, this might feel a bit rushed.

Transition to Moore Reef

After your island visit, the tour continues with a cruise to the Outer Reef Activity Platform—a spacious floating base moored at the reefs’ edge. The boat ride from Green Island to the platform takes about 1.5 hours, giving you views of the reef from the boat—something many find awe-inspiring.

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The Outer Reef Platform (3 Hours)

Once at the platform, a variety of activities await. You can stay dry and discover coral and marine life from the semi-submarine or the underwater observatory, both of which are included and highly praised for their knowledgeable guides and clear explanations.

For those eager to get wet, snorkelling is a big draw—and many reviews mention seeing turtles, abundant fish, and coral. One reviewer noted the reef at Moore Reef is quite shallow, which is safe and easy for beginners but can lead to some careless behaviour. For example, a guest mentioned teenagers standing on coral chasing a turtle—a reminder to treat the reef gently.

Optional Extras

While not included in the base price, activities such as scuba diving, underwater scooters, or helicopter flights are available for an extra cost. Several reviewers expressed that these add-ons are worthwhile if you want a more immersive or elevated perspective of the reef.

Lunch and Wi-Fi

A buffet lunch with panoramic views is served on the platform, featuring a variety of dishes designed to satisfy all tastes. Many comments commend the quality and quantity of food, making it a satisfying break during your reef adventure.

Throughout the day, Wi-Fi is available, which is handy if you want to share your photos or check messages—something appreciated by travelers who want to stay connected.

What You Need to Know

Included in the Tour

• Return-trip air-conditioned catamaran cruise
• Tea and coffee onboard
• 2 hours on Green Island
• 3 hours at Outer Reef Platform
• Snorkeling gear
• Semi-submarine reef tour
• Eco reef talk
• Buffet lunch
• Wi-Fi

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Additional food and drinks (available for purchase)
• Optional extras like diving or helicopter flights

Practical Tips

• Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen
• Cash is handy for souvenirs or extra purchases
• Drones are not permitted, so plan accordingly
• The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years, and proof of certification is required for certified divers

Duration & Timing

The whole experience lasts about 8 hours, making it a full but comfortable day. The vessel departs at 8:30 am and returns in the late afternoon—perfect for fitting into a Cairns itinerary.

Accessibility & Considerations

While the tour isn’t suited for wheelchair users, it is ideal for active travelers comfortable with boat rides and water activities. The short island stop means less walking and exploring, which keeps it manageable for most.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One guest praised the smoothness of the boat and the knowledgeable guides on the semi-submarine tour, saying, “The guides made reef discoveries fun and educational.” Others appreciated the swift gear handout at Moore Reef, noting it saved time and kept the day flowing.

However, some pointed out the limits of the time on Green Island, remarking that if you want more island exploration, a full-day Green Island trip might be better. A reviewer also mentioned the shallow reef at Moore Reef, which leads to more casual snorkelling and some unintended coral contact—something to keep in mind if careful reef interaction is a priority.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This combo tour is excellent for first-time reef visitors, families, or travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable reef experience. If you’re looking for a balanced day—with boat travel, reef exploration, and island time—it’s a solid choice.

It’s especially well-suited for those who prefer guided activities like semi-submarine tours and wish to stay dry while still seeing marine life. The included lunch and comfortable boat make it a convenient, all-in-one package.

Who Might Want Something Different?

If your main goal is extensive island exploration, you might find the 2-hour Green Island stop limiting. For avid snorkelers or divers eager for longer underwater sessions, other tours offering full-day reef dives or more island time might suit you better.

Also, for travelers wanting more adventure, the optional extras like heli rides or scuba dives can be a worthwhile investment, but they do come at additional costs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Great Barrier Reef, combining ease with adventure. The modern vessel, inclusive activities, and good food make it a value-packed choice for many travelers.

Its focus on guided reef experiences and comfortable cruising ensures you’ll see plenty without feeling overwhelmed. While the time at Green Island is brief, the reef platform provides enough opportunity to snorkel, learn, and enjoy the vibrant marine life.

If you’re after a family-friendly, educational, and scenic day trip from Cairns, this combo ticks most boxes. It’s particularly suitable for those new to snorkelling or who prefer a less physically demanding reef adventure.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
You need to check in by 7:30 am at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal; boarding begins at 8:00 am, and the vessel departs promptly at 8:30 am.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.

How long is the boat ride?
The journey to Green Island takes around 45 minutes; the trip from Green Island to the Outer Reef Platform is about 1.5 hours.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, semi-submarine reef discovery, and an eco reef talk are included. Additional activities like scuba diving require extra arrangements.

Can kids participate?
Yes, kids are welcome. The minimum age for scuba diving is 12, with proof of certification required for certified divers.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash for extras. Drones are not permitted onboard.

Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided onboard for sharing your photos or staying connected.

How long is the stop at Green Island?
Approximately 2 hours, which is enough for a quick snorkel and some island relaxation.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options?
The buffet lunch generally caters to various tastes, but it’s best to check specific dietary needs in advance.

What if I want to upgrade or add extras?
Optional extras like helicopter flights or scuba dives are available at additional cost—book in advance if interested.

The Cairns Green Island & Moore Reef combo offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef’s highlights in one day. It balances comfort, activity variety, and scenic beauty—ideal for those seeking a memorable, hassle-free reef adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: