Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises Two Island Explorer - Fitzroy & Green with Glass Bottom Boat

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Two Great Barrier Reef islands in one day from Cairns: over two hours on Fitzroy Island, with its rainforest walks and a glass bottom boat tour, then over three hours on the coral cay of Green Island.

Days

Full day, about 9 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared catamaran cruise

Start / finish

Cairns / Fitzroy Island / Green Island / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Catamaran between Cairns and both islands

Meals

No meals are listed as included; boxed or buffet lunch can be added

Route

Map of Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises Two Island Explorer - Fitzroy & Green with Glass Bottom Boat

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Included experiences

Fitzroy Island — glass bottom boat tour with a guide
Fitzroy Island — rainforest walks and Nudey Beach
Green Island — about 3.5 hours on a rainforest coral cay
Green Island — swim and walk the boardwalks
Marine biology presentation — on the cruise

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises Two Island Explorer - Fitzroy & Green with Glass Bottom Boat

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO FITZROY ISLAND

Board in Cairns for the 8:30am departure; your check-in details come by email and text the afternoon before. The boat used can change on the day. The sail out to Fitzroy takes about 45 minutes, and on the way you get a presentation on the reef and its marine life. Ahead, the island rises out of the sea, high and green, very unlike the flat coral cay you'll see in the afternoon. Two islands, two kinds of reef: that is what this day is built around.

LATE MORNING: FITZROY ISLAND AND THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT

Fitzroy Island is a different kind of island from Green: a steep, granite continental island, once part of the mainland range, covered in rainforest and named by Captain Cook in 1770. You have about two and a half hours here. Your glass bottom boat tour runs at Fitzroy, with a guide talking you through the fringing reef and what lives on it. Then take a self-guided walk: the short track to Nudey Beach, named Australia's best beach in 2018, or the rainforest Secret Garden walk. A boxed lunch can be pre-ordered to eat here when you like.

AFTERNOON: GREEN ISLAND

At about 11:45am you cross to Green Island, with commentary on the way. Green Island is a coral cay, a low island of sand and broken coral built up by the reef over about 6,000 years, and it is named after Charles Green, the astronomer who sailed with Captain Cook on the Endeavour in 1770. You have about three and a half hours here, with Big Cat at the jetty as an air-conditioned base and a buffet lunch on board if you've booked it. Walk the boardwalks through the rainforest, swim off the beach, or add a semi-submarine ride or a guided Snorkel Safari for an extra cost.

BACK TO CAIRNS

From Green Island you cruise back to Cairns, and the whole day takes about nine hours. On the way in, look back at the two islands: the high dark shape of Fitzroy to the south, and Green Island barely showing above the water.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Cairns marina by the Reef Fleet Terminal, Spence Street. Check-in is at the vessel; the berth and details are sent by email and text the afternoon before.
Departure time: 8:30am.
Duration: Allow about 9 hours.
Minimum age: All ages. Infants under 4 travel free; child fares are for ages 4 to 14.
Fitness: Easy to moderate. The Fitzroy trails are self-guided and you choose how far to walk; the glass bottom boat suits non-swimmers.
Dietary needs: The Fitzroy boxed lunch comes in vegetarian, gluten-free and pork-free versions when ordered ahead; there is no infant lunch.
Please note: The boat used can change on the day.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Cash or card for extras

What is included

Cruise Cairns to Fitzroy Island, Fitzroy to Green Island, and Green Island back to Cairns
About 2.5 hours on Fitzroy Island and 3.5 hours on Green Island
Glass bottom boat tour at Fitzroy Island
Commentary about both islands and a marine biology presentation
Self-guided rainforest walks and beaches
Use of Big Cat as an air-conditioned base at Green Island

Not included

Snorkel gear (this option includes the glass bottom boat instead)
Lunch: a boxed lunch at Fitzroy Island (pre-book) or a buffet on Big Cat at Green Island can be added
Semi-submarine tour and Snorkel Safari (optional extras)
Drinks from the bar on board

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

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 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.

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.