Two Islands, One Day

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises visits both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in one day, with over six hours on the reef between them. It rates 4.1 across 187 reviews. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

Two reef islands in a single day is the pitch here, and Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises delivers it with over six hours on the water split between Fitzroy Island and Green Island. You check in at Cairns Marlin Marina, ride a catamaran out to Fitzroy, then hop across to Green Island before the return leg to Cairns. Total time is around eight hours. There is no hotel pickup, so getting yourself to the marina at 1 Spence Street is part of the deal.

At Fitzroy Island you get roughly two and a half hours for the rainforest walking tracks, snorkelling off the shore, or the glass-bottom boat coral viewing tour, depending on the option booked. Reviewers consistently describe the two islands as very different from each other, which is the main appeal: one day, two distinct slices of the Great Barrier Reef.

The vibe is closer to a well-run ferry and activity service than a guided walking tour, and several travellers say exactly that. It suits independent people, families with young children who can snorkel from the beach, and anyone who wants maximum reef variety without an overnight stay. It suits you less if you want one base for the whole day, since you change vessels several times.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cairns Marlin MarinaCheck in at 1 Spence Street, Cairns City. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to the marina.
2. Catamaran to Fitzroy IslandThe outbound crossing takes 45 minutes, with commentary from the crew on the way.
3. Fitzroy Island free timeAround 2.5 hours for rainforest walks, snorkelling or the glass-bottom boat tour if that option is selected. A boxed lunch here is optional and costs extra.
4. Catamaran transferA 30 minute boat ride links the two islands.
5. Green Island free timeAbout 3.5 hours on the island for swimming, beach time and walks. A buffet lunch on board Big Cat is optional and carries an extra fee.
6. Catamaran back to CairnsThe return crossing takes 75 minutes, with a marine presentation on the way home.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, drawn from the listing and from what repeated reviewers reported.

• Getting there. You make your own way to Cairns Marlin Marina at 1 Spence Street. One reviewer went to the wrong side of the pier, and several mention confusion about where to meet each boat, so allow time and ask staff at the pier.
• Bring the basics. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen and water. Both islands involve shore time in the sun, and food is not included unless you pay for a lunch option.
• Snorkelling. Snorkel gear usable at both islands is included when that option is selected. Reviewers report sea turtles at Green Island in numbers, plus rays and plenty of other marine life, and one family found shore snorkelling manageable for a four year old.
• Pace and walking. Fitzroy has rainforest trails and the popular walk to Nudey Beach, which one reviewer called a highlight.
• Boat changes. You go out on one vessel, board others for the different legs, and return on another. Several reviewers found the switching and instructions between boats confusing at first, so listen carefully to the crew.
• Weather luck. One reviewer still had a great day despite wind, but conditions affect the water. Whales were spotted from both islands by one party, and turtles appear in many reviews, though sightings can never be promised.

Common issues. The recurring complaint is logistics rather than the islands themselves: multiple reviewers describe unclear instructions at the pier and between boats, especially around meeting points and what is included. One reviewer felt the day operated more like a ferry service than a tour, and another would have preferred more time at Fitzroy for the walks. Lunch costs extra at both islands, and hotel pickup is not included. One reviewer found Green Island busy with limited natural areas to explore despite the longer stay there.

Choosing A Tour