Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 1 Certified Dive)

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Island and outer reef in one day, with a guided certified dive included: two hours on Green Island, then three hours at Great Adventures' platform at Moore Reef, where you dive while non-diving companions snorkel, ride the semi-sub or visit the observatory. Bring your certification card.

Days

9 hours

Age

12 and over for diving

Group size

Shared catamaran cruise

Start / finish

Cairns / Green Island / Moore Reef platform / Cairns
Cairns, about 5:30pm

Return

Cairns, about 5:30pm

Transport

Return air-conditioned fast catamaran

Meals

Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 1 Certified Dive)

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Included experiences

Green Island — two hours snorkelling and walking the coral cay
Moore Reef — one guided certified dive from the outer reef platform
Semi-submersible — coral tour without getting wet
Underwater observatory — reef talk with a marine biologist
Snorkelling — off the platform on the outer reef

Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 1 Certified Dive)

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO GREEN ISLAND

Check in at the Great Adventures counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront for the early boat, with morning tea, cake and coffee before it leaves. Forty-five minutes later you step onto Green Island for two hours. It is a coral cay about 6,000 years old and only 12 hectares, the one cay on the reef with a rainforest. Snorkel gear is included, so swim off the lifeguard-patrolled beach where turtles graze the seagrass, or walk the rainforest boardwalk. Bring your dive certification card.

MIDDAY: OUT TO MOORE REEF

Late morning the catamaran carries on for about 70 minutes to Moore Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the 2,300 km system World Heritage-listed since 1981. You have three hours on Great Adventures' platform. Your non-diving companions can snorkel straight off the platform with a buoyancy vest and lycra suit, or add an introductory dive or Scuba Doo on the day.

YOUR CERTIFIED DIVE

A dive guide leads your dive and picks the site on the day to suit the conditions. All gear and a wetsuit are supplied. The sites used from the platform reach 10 to 16 metres, with visibility usually 8 to 20 metres. Turtle Sanctuary is named for its green and hawksbill turtles, First Bommie has a coral tower you can swim under and through, and Secret Gardens is known for batfish and coral trout. Boat dives may be possible, depending on the site.

AFTERNOON: THE PLATFORM AND HOME

Between swims, ride the semi-submersible, which leaves the back of the platform about every half hour for a 25 minute glide over the coral with crew commentary. Walk down into the underwater observatory to watch fish, corals and giant clams through the windows, on your own or with a marine biologist's eco reef talk. A marine biologist also runs a fish feeding presentation, and lunch is a hot and cold buffet on the sundeck. With five hours of island and reef, you may not fit everything in. The boat leaves the reef mid-afternoon, with cheese and biscuits on the way back to Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, where you collect boarding passes; boarding closes 30 minutes before departure. Parking is outside or undercover at the pier, and coach transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels can be added for a fee.
Departure time: 8:30am from Cairns; Green Island 9:15am to 11:20am; outer reef 12:30pm to 3:30pm; back in Cairns about 5:30pm.
Minimum age: 12 for scuba diving. Proof of certification is required to dive.
Fitness: Diving can be strenuous; tell the crew about any medical condition. Some conditions, medicines and height limits can rule out in-water activities. The platform, observatory and semi-sub have steps.
Dietary needs: The buffet includes vegetarian dishes and labels its ingredients. Mention other dietary needs when you book.
Please note: After one dive, wait 12 hours before going to 300 metres or higher, including flying; after several dives, wait 24 hours. Stingers can be about from November to April. A fuel surcharge of $10 per adult and $5 per child is paid at check-in.

What to bring

Your dive certification card or logbook (PADI, SSI or digital proof)
Swimwear and a towel
Hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
Comfortable shoes for Green Island
Camera (drones not allowed)
Card or cash for drinks and extras

What is included

Return air-conditioned fast catamaran from Cairns
Morning tea, coffee and cake before departure
Two hours on Green Island
Three hours at the outer reef platform
One guided certified dive, with all diving equipment and wetsuit
Snorkel gear at Green Island and the platform; buoyancy vests at the platform
Semi-submersible coral reef tour
Underwater observatory with a marine biologist's eco reef talk
Reef education and fish feeding presentations
Hot and cold buffet lunch
Afternoon tea and coffee at the platform; cheese and biscuits on the way home

Not included

Fuel surcharge, paid at check-in: $10 per adult, $5 per child
Coach transfers from Cairns or Northern Beaches hotels (extra cost)
Optional extras: second dive, Scuba Doo, guided snorkel tour, parasailing, helicopter flights, Marineland crocodile park

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.