Best of · CAIRNS ISLAND HOPPING TOURS
The 12 best cairns island hopping tours you can book today, with the per-head price, how long the day runs and how many landings you get. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Take Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for four-plus hours of beach time, snorkeling, and rainforest walks. Choose a picnic lunch, snorkel gear, or glass-bottom boat ride, then add guided kayaking, snorkeling, or a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre visit on the island.
“I enjoyed snorkeling at Fitzroy Island. Definitely recommend it and worth the money”
Take the air-conditioned Reef Rocket catamaran from Cairns to Green Island in about 45 minutes. Choose snorkeling gear or a glass-bottom boat tour, then spend roughly two hours around the island, with beach time, coral gardens, rainforest, showers, and a pool bar available.
“I liked how efficient the crew were, it was a very smooth and easy drop off and pick up.”
Take a catamaran from Cairns to 600-year-old Green Island, then choose between snorkel gear or a glass-bottom boat tour. You get about 2 hours and 15 minutes ashore for the beach, rainforest walk, and reef views before returning to Cairns.
“This was a great experience, the boat was not overcrowded and the guides onboard were all so friendly. The beach was absolutely beautiful, definitely recommend.”
Spend nine hours aboard a 16-meter schooner with a small group of up to 25 people. Snorkel an exclusive reef site, add a beginner or certified scuba session, visit Green Island, and sail back with wine, cheese, fruit, and cake.
“Fantastic and the crew was excellent Mat, Marie & Paul”
Board a catamaran at Cairns’ Marlin Wharf and spend six hours on Green Island. Snorkel with supplied gear, walk the rainforest boardwalk, and choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. Lunch is available with selected options, but hotel transfers and scuba activities are not included.
“Amazing experience, everyone was very special and attentive with us, I highly recommend booking with this perfect team!”
Take Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for a self-guided day among coral beaches, rainforest tracks, and clear water. Choose transfers only, or add a picnic lunch, snorkel gear, and a glass-bottom boat ride. You set the pace, with about 4.5 hours ashore.
“The boat river over was great. The glass bottom boat tour was a little short--could have been longer. The lunch was great and Rain Forest was easily trailed out so that we could tour at our own pace.”
Cruise from Cairns to Moore Reef for snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible viewing, an underwater observatory, and the reef’s only waterslide. After a tropical buffet at Fitzroy Island Resort, spend two hours swimming or walking in the national park. Marine staff such as Candella and Morgan help first-time snorkelers feel at ease.
“Super fun! They offered so many different activities once at the reef, both paid and free options. The lunch was great as well and crew were very friendly and helpful.”
Fly over Cairns, Green Island, Palm Cove, and Arlington Reef on a 40-minute Reef Hopper flight, then cruise to Green Island with Big Cat. Your day includes a buffet lunch, snorkel hire or a glass-bottom boat tour, island walks, and fish feeding.
“Flight with GSL aviation pilot Dave, was amazing!! Highlight of our trip! Cruise to green island was good overall. It was hard to hear the safety demonstrations and island info on the boat going there. There was confusion about what I had picked out of snorkelling and glass bottom boat. Was told I’d have to pay extra to do both yet the party of 3 men that were served after me got to do both for free with no extra charge. Green island was beautiful, one lot of snorkel gear was broken though. Buffet lunch was fine, could have had more of a variety of Australian cuisine though rather than…”
Spend about 2.5 hours at Fitzroy Island and 3.5 hours at Green Island on this 8-hour Big Cat cruise from Cairns. Snorkel at both islands, follow Fitzroy’s rainforest trails, or choose a glass-bottom boat tour. Lunch and some equipment options cost extra.
Take a 45-minute catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Your $106 package includes a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkeling gear, a rainforest walk, and pool access. Add scuba, Seawalker, kayaking, or a helicopter flight if you want more action.
“I liked the Glass bottom boat. everything else was not worth the money. too many people in a tiny space.”
Take the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for a self-guided day among rainforest trails, beaches, and clear water. You get about eight hours on the island, with snorkeling equipment available if selected. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and a towel, since lunch and drinks cost extra.
“The crew was so incredible. My partner and I spent a good chunk of the day unwell from sea sickness and they all took such good care of us - including fellow guests. The enthusiasm from the team as highlighted in many of the reviews with wavelength really made the experience so much better.”
Take the 8:00 AM ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, join the 10:00 AM guided snorkel safari, then spend five hours on your own with beaches, rainforest trails, and lunch options. English-speaking guide Elisa earns special praise for her helpful reef guidance.
“Enjoyed the snorkeling tour, staff were really helpful & pointed me in the right direction. The ferry could do with a bit of TLC but all good”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
