Snorkel And Glass-Bottom Boat Included

The Quicksilver Group runs this seven hour Great Adventures day at Green Island with snorkel gear and the glass-bottom boat both included. It rates 4.2 across 410 reviews. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

This full day out from Cairns packs a fast catamaran crossing to Green Island, snorkelling, and a glass bottom boat tour over the reef into one booking. The run by The Quicksilver Group lasts 7 hours, starting and finishing at the Reef Fleet Terminal on Spence Street. Check-in happens at the Great Adventures counter, where you collect a boarding pass, and the listing asks travellers to arrive 45 minutes before departure.

Once on the island the day is largely yours. Snorkel gear is included, along with a self guided island walk, use of the day visitor facilities, and access to a swimming pool reserved for Great Adventures guests. Morning tea and coffee are served on the catamaran until it leaves Cairns. Reviewers describe a busy but enjoyable rhythm: snorkel first, take the glass bottom boat, then eat, swim or walk the island before the return sailing.

Turtles, reef sharks, giant clams and plenty of fish appear again and again in traveller accounts. Hotel transfers are not part of the package, so you make your own way to the terminal.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at CairnsCollect your boarding pass at the Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, 45 minutes before departure.
2. Fast catamaran to Green IslandReturn fast catamaran transfers are included. Reviewers describe the crossing as taking about 45 minutes on a twin hulled vessel, with tea and coffee served until the boat leaves Cairns.
3. Glass bottom boat tourAn included tour over the reef. Travellers report seeing giant clams, coral, turtles and fish through the window.
4. SnorkellingIncluded use of snorkelling equipment. Some reviewers suggest starting in the shallows if you are new to it, and note that lycra or stinger suits are hired separately.
5. Island timeOptional extras and free time. Use the self guided island walk, the day visitor facilities and the Great Adventures swimming pool. Food and drink on the island are at your own cost, and reviewers mention guided snorkel tours offered at an extra expense.
6. Return sailingThe catamaran brings the day back to the Reef Fleet Terminal, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from what the ticket covers to how the island pace works.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included. You need to be at the Great Adventures counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, 45 minutes before departure to collect a boarding pass.
• Bring or hire. Snorkel gear is included but reviewers point out that lycra or stinger suits are not, and one traveller recommends hiring one because marine stingers can be present.
• Fitness and pace. The listing notes snorkelling can be strenuous and suggests telling crew about any medical conditions. One reviewer advises staying in the shallows to get comfortable if you have not snorkelled before.
• Crowds and size. The tour runs with a maximum of 300 travellers. Reviewers call it a busy day and the island can feel lively.
• Food and extras. Only morning tea and coffee are included, served until departure from Cairns. Food and drink on the island cost extra, and a few reviewers mention outlets, including ice cream sellers, closing by mid afternoon.
• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and wind can affect conditions, as one reviewer found on the return crossing. The operator will offer a different date or a full refund if weather cancels the trip.

Common issues. Hotel transfers are excluded, and with up to 300 travellers the day can feel crowded. Food and drink on the island cost extra, and some outlets shut by mid afternoon. One reviewer also found the island amenities tired, with decaying decking and dilapidated toilets, and one wished for more time on the island overall.

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