Green Island is a pristine coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, just 45 minutes by boat from Cairns. The beach shore snorkeling here offers easy, direct access to fringing coral gardens teeming with marine life. The best snorkeling is found underneath the jetty, where staghorn and plate corals shelter a dazzling array of reef fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. The calm, shallow waters off the northern beach are lifeguard-patrolled and ideal for beginners, while the south-east beach (accessed via the island's walking track) offers a quieter, more secluded experience. With white sandy shores and crystal-clear tropical water, Green Island is a world-class snorkeling destination.
Green Island Beach Shore Snorkeling
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.4 sWind Speed 8.8 knPrecipitation 8.4 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Box Jellyfish & Irukandji)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are prevalent in tropical waters from November to April. A full-length stinger suit or wetsuit is essential during this period.
Moderate risk: Marine Stingers (Jellyfish)
Marine stingers including box jellyfish and Irukandji may be present in tropical North Queensland waters. Stinger suits are recommended.
Low risk: Low Tide Shallow Water
Best snorkeling conditions occur at high tide; low tide leaves very shallow water, especially over the reef flats, making swimming difficult and potentially damaging corals.
Low risk: Tidal Currents
Strong tidal currents can flow around the island, particularly near the jetty and channel areas. Swimmers should stay within the marked swimming area.
Low risk: Boat Traffic
Ferries and tour boats use the jetty regularly. Operators are aware of the snorkel zone and exercise caution, but swimmers must stay alert and avoid the vessel channel.
Low risk: Sharp Coral
Coral is extremely sharp and easily damaged. Snorkelers should avoid touching the reef and wear protective footwear or fins.
Low risk: Sun Exposure
The tropical sun is intense year-round in North Queensland. Reflection off the water increases exposure risk.
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Gallery
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Green Island is a coral cay 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns. Ferries depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the Pier Shopping Centre, Cairns. Once on the island, the main beach snorkeling area is directly off the northern beach (lifeguard-patrolled swimming area) and a second snorkeling area via the walking track on the south-east beach.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at the Pier Shopping Centre in Cairns near the Reef Fleet Terminal. Approx. $10-20 AUD for all-day parking, or $1.60/hour for indoor/outdoor parking at nearby lots. All-day parking near Trinity Wharf from ~$3/day.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports