Green Island

Green Island is one of the few coral cays on the Great Barrier Reef with rainforest growing on it, formed over six thousand years from coral debris accumulating on a reef platform, and its proximity to Cairns has made it the most visited reef island in Australia. Day boats arrive mid-morning, and visitors snorkel directly off the beach onto the surrounding reef, walk the short forest circuit, or take glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible trips. A small resort operates for overnight guests, and Marineland Melanesia on the island keeps crocodiles including Cassius, one of the largest in captivity. The island's ring of reef holds turtles, rays and reef fish close to shore.

What you actually see

• The beach snorkelling - reef and marine life reachable straight from the sand.
• The rainforest cay - a rare vegetated coral cay with a short forest walk.
• The glass-bottom boats - coral viewing without getting wet.
• Marineland Melanesia - the crocodile and marine display on the island.

When to go

April to October for the dry season and clear water; stinger season from November to May requires suits for swimming. Boats arrive and depart on fixed schedules, and the island is busiest between eleven and three.

Honest expectations

The island is small and can feel crowded when several boats are in. Snorkelling near the beach has suffered from years of visitation and coral bleaching, and better reef is further out. Costs mount quickly with transfers, gear hire and add-ons.

Nearby

Cairns is the departure point; Fitzroy Island lies south in the same bay.