FerryConnect

Australia

Cairns → Green Island

A 45-minute catamaran transfer from Cairns to Green Island, a coral cay inside Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with rainforest boardwalks, snorkelling off the beach and glass-bottom boat tours.

⏱ About 45m🚢 1 operator📅 2 departures daily from Cairns
Book with Great Adventures→

Cairns to Green Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Cairns to Green Island takes About 45m across the Coral Sea (Great Barrier Reef), operated by Great Adventures. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 2 departures daily from Cairns.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: green-island.com.au · How we verify

Return crossing: Green Island to Cairns

Great Adventures also sails Green Island to Cairns, taking About 45m. Return transfers leave Green Island at 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Cairns to Green Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

2 departures daily from Cairns, 2 returns from Green Island

Published departure times

  • 8:30am
  • 10:30am

Return: Return transfers leave Green Island at 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Great Adventures timetable →Check prices & book on Great Adventures →

Source: Great Adventures Green Island ferry page. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Cairns and Green Island

📐 15 Nautical Miles
Cairns⇄Green Island
⏱ About 45m · 📐 15 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚓ Operator website

Ready to cross from Cairns to Green Island?

Book your crossing with Great Adventures: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book with Great Adventures→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Great AdventuresAbout 45mAir-conditioned fast catamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

15 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Check in at the Great Adventures counter inside Cairns’ Reef Fleet Terminal for boarding passes.
  • Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from CairnsCairns → Fitzroy IslandAbout 45m · Fitzroy Island Resort (Fitzroy Island Flyer)More ferries in AustraliaGeelong → Devonport (Tasmania)10h – 11h (day or overnight) · Spirit of TasmaniaMore ferries in AustraliaSydney (Circular Quay) → Manly18m – 30m · Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast FerryMore ferries in AustraliaCape Jervis → Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)45m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaFremantle → Rottnest Island25m – 30m · Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest IslandMore ferries in AustraliaKettering → Bruny Island15m – 20m · SeaLink
⚓ Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal guide⛴ All ferries from Cairns🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Cairns to Green Island?
The crossing typically takes About 45m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Cairns to Green Island ferry sail?
2 departures daily from Cairns, 2 returns from Green Island. This is the pattern published in the Great Adventures Green Island ferry page (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Cairns to Green Island?
Great Adventures operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Cairns to Green Island ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Cairns to Green Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Cairns to Green Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Cairns from Green Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 15 nautical miles (roughly 28 km).