Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

Thinking about exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns? This sailing tour offers a relaxed way to see one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, combining reef snorkeling, island time, and a scenic sail home. We’ve looked into what makes this experience stand out—and what might give you pause—so you can decide if it fits your travel style.

What we really like about this tour is its small group vibe, with only 25 guests maximum. That means fewer crowds and more personalized attention from the crew. Plus, the mix of sailing, snorkeling, and island time makes for a well-rounded day. On the flip side, the 9-hour duration means you’ll want to be ready for a full day out—longer than some quick reef trips. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation, and who appreciate a more intimate, well-organized experience.

Key Points

• Small group size provides a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.
• Expert crew and naturalist guides enhance the experience with good commentary and support.
• Exclusive reef site means fewer crowds and better chances to see marine life.
• Includes snorkeling, diving, and island time for a full-day adventure.
• Comfortable sailboat with plenty of space and a scenic route back.
• Good value considering the mix of activities, meals, and boat amenities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour Experience

Setting Sail on a Classic Schooner

From the moment you step aboard this 16-meter sailing boat, you’ll notice the attentive crew and the cozy, classic vibe of the schooner. Many reviews mention how the crew makes a real effort to ensure everyone feels comfortable. As you set out from Cairns, you’ll enjoy a relaxing sail, with the crew offering complimentary tea, fresh fruit, and Danish pastries. This start feels laid-back yet welcoming, setting a pleasant tone for the day.

One of the standout features here is the sailing aspect itself—this boat is powered by wind whenever possible, offering a peaceful, engine-free journey at times. It’s a different pace from larger, motorized tours, and many guests appreciate the slower, more scenic approach. You can even take the helm or help hoist the sails if you feel like it, which adds a bit of hands-on fun.

The Exclusive Reef Site

The highlight of this tour is reaching a permit-held, Green Zone reef site—an exclusive area that no other operators have access to. This means you’ll snorkel and dive in waters free from the crowds that often swarm popular reefs. The reef here is described as a vibrant coral garden, full of colorful fish, stingrays, turtles, and even shy reef sharks.

Guides are knowledgeable naturalists who offer complimentary snorkeling tours, making even nervous or first-time snorkelers feel at ease. One review mentioned how the crew is “super friendly and knowledgeable,” which really helps when you’re exploring these underwater worlds for the first time. For those interested in diving, an optional personalized scuba experience is available, with small groups and a dedicated instructor, making it suitable even for beginners.

Snorkeling and Diving

You’ll spend about 4.5 hours at this exclusive reef site, which is ample time to see a variety of marine life and enjoy the vibrant coral. The reef is described as a “pool,” which is perfect for comfortable snorkeling. For those new to snorkeling, crew-assisted tours help you get comfortable, and the shallow depth (10-12 meters) allows you to see the reef’s many colors and creatures clearly.

Certified divers can expect small groups with dive guides, and all divers need to complete a medical questionnaire on board. The tour doesn’t offer deep or drift dives, but the depth is ideal for most recreational snorkelers and beginner divers.

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Lunch and Island Break

After a morning in the water, you’ll enjoy a hearty smorgasbord lunch featuring Tasmanian salmon, prawns, meats, chicken, and salads. Guests consistently praise the quality and variety of the food, which is a nice perk after a busy morning. The boat’s food is a sizeable part of the experience—many reviews mention how good the meals are, with some even calling it “great value” for the inclusions.

Post-lunch, a short tender ride takes you to Green Island, where you get about 1.5 hours of free time. You can walk around, relax on the beach, or check out local attractions like Marine Land Melanesia, where crocodiles are kept in captivity. Whether you lounge on the sand or explore the island, this break offers a chance to unwind before the afternoon snorkeling session.

Afternoon Reef Snorkeling

Back at the reef site, you’ll have another 1.5 hours of free time for snorkeling. Many guests find this a perfect way to revisit favorite spots or see different marine life. If you’re lucky, you might catch sight of sharks or turtles again, as some reviews have noted.

Scenic Sail Home with Tasting

As the day winds down, the crew switches off the engines (when wind permits) and sets sail back to Cairns. This part of the journey feels especially peaceful—many reviews mention the relaxing atmosphere, with cheese, crackers, wine, and sweet treats served onboard. It’s a lovely way to reflect on your day and soak in the scenery, with the wind in your hair and the sounds of the ocean all around.

The Full Itinerary Breakdown

• Start from Cairns at one of two locations, either the Reef Fleet Terminal or Ports North.
• Sail for about 2 hours on the schooner, enjoying the gentle sea breeze.
• Reach the reef for approximately 4.5 hours of snorkeling, diving, and exploring the marine environment.
• Lunch on the boat — a generous spread of fresh, high-quality food.
• Transfer to Green Island for 1.5 hours of free time—walk, relax, or explore.
• Return to the reef for another 1.5 hours of snorkeling.
• Sail back to Cairns for around 1.5 hours, enjoying wine, cheese, and sweet treats.
• Drop-offs are available at the same locations you started from.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert crew and guides are frequently praised, with many reviewers highlighting their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness. The small group setting enhances this, making it less overwhelming and more tailored to individual needs. The fact that the reef site is exclusive and permitted means you’ll avoid the crowds that often spoil the experience at busier reef spots.

The balanced itinerary—sailing, snorkeling, diving, island time, and a scenic return—means you get a well-rounded day without feeling rushed. Plus, the included meals and snacks are consistently rated highly, which adds good value to the overall experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

While this tour offers many positives, it’s worth noting that it lasts roughly 9 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable spending most of the day outdoors and on the water. It’s not ideal for those with mobility issues, as moving around the boat and water access steps are required. Also, travelers should bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and towels, as well as be prepared for a full day of activity.

Since alcohol is served onboard, it’s a good idea to have a moderate approach—many reviews mention enjoying the wine and cheese while relaxing, but you should be comfortable with the idea of drinking in a boat setting.

Is This Tour Good Value?

Considering the inclusions—snorkeling, diving, meals, island transfer, and scenic sailing—the overall value is quite good. Guests often comment on the quality of the food and the personalized approach of the crew. Compared to larger tours that might be more rushed or crowded, this experience delivers a more intimate and relaxed vibe, which many find worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sailing tour is ideal for travelers who want a combination of adventure and tranquility, with a preference for smaller groups and personalized service. It’s perfect if you’re interested in snorkeling and diving but prefer a less commercialized atmosphere. Those who enjoy sailing or simply relaxing on a scenic boat ride will also appreciate the slower pace and beautiful views.

It’s less suited for people with mobility issues or very young children, as the boat involves steps and water access. Yet, for active travelers who want a meaningful and memorable day at the reef, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the snorkeling is appropriate for beginners, especially with crew-assisted tours. No previous experience needed, and the shallow depths make it easier to see marine life comfortably.

How long do we spend on Green Island?
You get about 1.5 hours on Green Island, which is enough to walk around, relax on the beach, or visit local attractions. It’s a good short break rather than a full island exploration.

Can I snorkel again in the afternoon?
Absolutely. If you’re back on time for the second reef session, you can snorkel again in the afternoon, giving you more opportunities to see marine life.

Are meals included?
Yes, a generous buffet lunch is served on board, featuring fresh seafood, meats, and salads. Snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day.

What is the crew like?
Guests consistently praise the crew for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Many reviews highlight how they make nervous snorkelers comfortable and support everyone’s needs.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it is suitable for those comfortable on boats and in water. The minimum age for diving is 12, and the tour involves some walking and water access, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, towel, and possibly a light jacket for the sail back. Leave valuables at the hotel or in lockers if available.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, relaxed way to experience the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island, this sailing tour delivers a solid package. The combination of small group intimacy, expert guides, and exclusive reef access makes it stand out among Cairns reef tours. While it’s a full-day commitment, many reviews suggest that the quality of the experience, the excellent food, and the scenic sail make it worthwhile.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a bit of everything—snorkeling, diving, island time, and a peaceful sail home—without the crowds or rushed schedules. If you value comfort, good service, and unique access, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

In short: This tour is a fantastic choice for those who want a memorable, intimate day on the reef with plenty of support and comfort, especially if they’re eager to see marine life in less crowded conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: