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Green Island – More Than Just Snorkelling

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Jordan Squire

Green Island is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Cairns and a favourite day-trip destination for locals who want to get away from the city and enjoy the natural beauty of a coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island is a great destination to see colourful corals, fish, rays, reef sharks and especially turtles, with most people choosing to grab a pair of fins and a mask and jump in to explore the reef while snorkelling. While most people imagine themselves spending the whole day snorkelling while on Green Island, it’s well worth noting that there is far more to do than just go snorkelling!

We’ve put together a little list of some of the other, lesser-known activities available on Green Island that you should check out next time you visit this slice of paradise off the coast of Cairns. If you’re keen to check out Green Island in person and enjoy all the amazing activities and natural surroundings, give us a call on 07 4059 5959.

 

Wind Surfing

If you like the idea of flying across the surface of the water powered only by the wind at your back, then Windsurfing is a must-do for you! Green Island is a fantastic location to windsurf, with ideal conditions available all year round and beautiful azure waters to practice in – just watch out for Sea Turtles coming up for air!

Lessons are available for first-timers or those needing a refresher in the sport, and all the equipment you need is complimentary for Green Island Resort guests.

Kayaking and Canoeing

If you’re less about flying across the surface and more about cruising at a relaxed pace, then a kayak or canoe is perfect for you! Pop down to the Beach Hire Hut to hire one (complimentary for Resort guests) and then enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you paddle your way around the island.

Paddling is a perfect way to explore at your own pace and take in the serenity of Green Island.

Cassius – The World’s Largest Captive Crocodile

Green Island is home to the largest Saltwater Crocodile in captivity anywhere in the world! Weighing in over 1 tonne and reaching 5.5 meters in length, Cassius is truly a modern-day dinosaur and is a must-see for anyone who visits the island. Cassius was captured in the Northern Territory back in 1984 and was trucked over 3000km to Green Island where he has lived for the last 33 years – scaring many tourists in his time!

Come and see Cassius plus many more more creatures big and small at Marineland Melanesia.

Island Walks

Of the 300 sand cay islands on the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is the only one with a rainforest. There are lush walking tracks through the rainforest and variety of beach environments that make for the perfect place to take a walk and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are over 120 species of plant life to see plus an array of birds that call the island home. You may also spot turtles, large rays, dolphins and whales at certain times of the year, as they swim in the coral lagoons surrounding the island.

Guided walks are available daily at 3pm or you can grab a self-guided eco walk booklet and explore at your own pace.

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Once you’ve seen the reef from below, you simply have to see it from above! The amazing colours and sheer scale of the Great Barrier Reef from the air is a mind-blowing sight that is well worth the additional cost of the helicopter flight. Green Island is home to a heli-pad and scenic reef flights are available as well as helicopter transfers to and from the mainland – a great option for those that suffer from seasickness!

Jump on board a Green Island helicopter flight, sit back and relax and enjoy the amazing birds-eye view of the world’s largest coral reef system below! Please note, if you’re wanting to do a scenic flight once you’re at Green Island, this needs to be booked in advance as the helicopter is not always at the island.

Give us a call on 07 4059 5959 to book your helicopter tour or transfer.

Plus much more!

There is so much to see and do on Green Island! Some other activities include Seawalker underwater-helmet walking, parasailing, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, massage salon, fish feeding and stargazing, plus more!

The best way to experience all the amazing things Green Island has to offer is to book a few nights stay at the Green Island Resort. Enjoy the serenity of the island with a glass of champagne after all the day-trippers head back to the mainland in the afternoon, and be first in the water as the sun rises to see the greatest diversity of marine life – perfect!

We have some awesome Green Island Resort packages available too – check them out here!

Boat Transfer & Day Trip Options

Green Island Resort guests receive complimentary return catamaran transfers from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, but if you’re just wanting to go over for the day there are a range of tour boats and helicopter scenic flights that depart daily to Green Island providing a range of options to get there.

Get in touch with us to organise a Green Island tour or transfer to the island that suits you!

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Great Adventures

GBR Helicopters

Ocean Free

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you experience the wonder of Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef!