Green Island

[Bocadude85]

We will be docked in Cairns for two days and we were thinking about doing a over night on Green Island. Has anyone ever done this? Is it worth the cost?($750 a night). We want to spend as much time as possible on the reef and this seems like the best way to do so. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[cjm66]

We will be docked in Cairns for two days and we were thinking about doing a over night on Green Island. Has anyone ever done this? Is it worth the cost?($750 a night). We want to spend as much time as possible on the reef and this seems like the best way to do so. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

We did the day trip to Green Island as part of a land holiday and there were lots of us day trippers - meaning that the resort guests shared the main beach and one of the resort pools with us and 100s of others. There were other beaches you could walk to and boat trips for snorkeling and fishing, organised by the Resort for its live in guests at additional cost. However Green Island is not on the outer barrier reef, where the best coral and varied marine life can be seen and if you have two days in Cairns, I would investigate booking a specialist snorkeling tour from Cairns to the outer reef. If you want a less strenuous day or prefer a combination of snorkeling and submersible viewing you could consider one of the larger boats that go to the pontoons. Cheers Colleen

[M&Dcruisers]

I've booked the Green Island Resort for three days this coming November. I read a lot of reviews before booking, some were good and some were bad. I booked Green Island because the reviewers said the resort/island becomes blissfully quiet when the day trippers leave. I also made sure I would stay there on weekdays, when there are fewer daytrippers. I also wanted the experience of staying on a small island without the hooplah of tourism. I hope I will enjoy it.

[Aussieflyer]

As cjm66 says, the best coral is on the outer reef not round Green Island. We have visited both several times and the outer reef wins hands down every time. The experience after the day visitors leave might be special but for a different reason from the coral.

[Bocadude85]

Thanks everyone for all the info. We were planning on taking a day trip to the outer reef for some snorkeling. From what I can tell a day trip to the outer reef is offered from Green Island.

[Aussieflyer]

Not sure if the cruises to the outer reef leave from there as we have always gone from Port Douglad, Cairns or when more south Mackay. Look for the amount of time you will have at the reef as the more the better IMO.

[Aussieflyer]

Oops - drafted iPhone. It should read Port Douglas!

[partymarty4878]

While Green island is beautiful and the service at the resort is great - the room isn't anywhere near the standard you'd get for that kind of money on the mainland.

 

I'm not saying it's not a great resort, and not saying don't do it. Just be happy with the idea that you are paying a premium price for the luxury of staying on the Great Barrier Reef.