The Northern Tip of Green Island offers the most reliable snorkeling on this 6,000-year-old coral cay, where the fringing reef meets a shallow sandy lagoon just 27 km offshore from Cairns. This is the prime spot for encountering green sea turtles, which graze on seagrass beds near the jetty and cruise through the crystal-clear shallows. The protected northern lagoon is calm, easy to wade into from the beach, and perfect for beginners — you can stand up whenever you need a break. Parrotfish, surgeonfish, and wrasse swarm the coral gardens, and blacktip reef sharks are occasionally spotted gliding along the sandy bottom. The island's rainforest backdrop and the turquoise water create a postcard setting that feels remote yet remains the most accessible Great Barrier Reef experience from Cairns.
Green Island Jetty (under-jetty snorkel)
It's a go.
Showing last known conditions
Last evaluated

The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Stinger Season (Jellyfish)
Stinging jellyfish (including box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical QLD waters, typically November to May.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinger jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in these waters from November to April. A full-length stinger suit or wetsuit is essential during this period.
Moderate risk: Box jellyfish (stinger season)
Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) may be present in warm coastal waters, typically November to May. Stinger suits are recommended during this period.
Moderate risk: Irukandji jellyfish
Marine stingers including Irukandji jellyfish are present in tropical Queensland waters during the warmer months.
Moderate risk: Stinging jellyfish (marine stingers)
Stinging jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) may be present in the water, particularly during the warmer months from November to May.
Low risk: Tidal Currents
Outgoing currents between the cay and the reef edge can be strong, especially during falling tides.
Low risk: Sharp Coral
Sharp coral formations and reef cuts are present just off the beach; wearing reef shoes is recommended.
Low risk: Sun Exposure
High sun exposure with reflected UV off the water surface; dehydration and sunburn risk.
Low risk: Boat traffic around jetty
Ferries, tour boats, and water taxis regularly approach and depart from the jetty. Operators are aware of the snorkel zone, but swimmers must stay alert and keep clear of vessel traffic.
Low risk: Reduced visibility in wet season
Visibility can decrease significantly on low tide or after rain/runoff, especially during the wet season (December–March).
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Strong tidal currents can develop around the jetty piles, particularly during outgoing tides. Snorkel on incoming or high tide for best conditions.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Green Island lies on the inner reef where tidal currents can sweep around the cay, especially near the jetty and at changing tides. Snorkelers should be aware of outgoing tides.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic around the island, particularly near the jetty and ferry docking area, requires vigilance from snorkelers.
Low risk: Boat traffic near jetty
The jetty area and northern tip can have boat traffic, including ferries and water taxis. Stay within marked swimming areas.
Low risk: Sun exposure
Tropical sun is intense year-round. Reflection off the white sand and water increases UV exposure significantly.
Low risk: Sharp encrustations on jetty pilings
The jetty's steel and concrete pylons are encrusted with sharp coral and barnacles; contact can cause cuts.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Located 27 km offshore from Cairns in the Great Barrier Reef. Take a ferry from Cairns Marina (The Pier Shopping Centre) — earliest departure ~8:30 am, latest return ~4:30 pm. Half-day and full-day ferry/tour options available. The snorkel entry is a beach access point right next to the jetty.
Park at The Pier Shopping Centre car park (approx $10-20/day), a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Snorkeling the jetty is free, but you must pay for ferry transfer (~$100 pp for transfer only) or book a tour. Parking at the Cairns Marina is approx $10–20/day.
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Queensland
No nearby spots yet.
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
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.