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9Hr Green Island & Pinnacle Reef Tour

From $289

Start Time 08:00

Duration 9hr 45min

  • Sail to an exclusive reef mooring at Pinnacle Reef on the ‘Ocean Free’
  • 4.5 hours split between reef site and Green Island
  • Snorkelling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and buoyancy vest
  • Snorkelling tuition, guided tours, and in-water crew assistance
  • Reef talk by an onboard marine interpreter plus fish feed
  • Transfers between the schooner and Green Island by tender boat
  • Large smorgasbord lunch Tropical afternoon tea
  • Complimentary glass of wine on the return sail to Cairns
  • Tea and coffee available through the day while moored
  • Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees
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About This Experience

This Green Island & Pinnacle Reef Tour offers a more intimate way to experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns aboard the classic ‘Ocean Free’ sailing schooner. With a maximum of 25 guests, you'll enjoy a scenic two-hour sail across the Coral Sea with complimentary tea, coffee and Danish pastries before arriving at one of the reef's most exclusive locations.

Spend your day exploring the vibrant coral gardens and marine life of Pinnacle Reef, a secluded reef site just 1 km offshore from Green Island. You'll also have time to visit Green Island itself, where tropical rainforest meets white sandy beaches, offering the perfect balance of reef adventure and island relaxation.

The Ocean Free Reef & Island Experience
‘Ocean Free’ holds an exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring at Pinnacle Reef, a pristine section of the Marine Park near Green Island. No other operator moors here. With a maximum of 25 guests, your reef experience will feel very personal. You can snorkel straight off the boat into coral gardens, join the crew for a fish feed, or listen to the onboard marine interpreter explain what you're seeing beneath you.
Then you cruise to Green Island, a coral cay with white sand beaches, lush rainforest and the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat for those who want a little extra adventure ashore. You'll have around an hour on the island before returning to the schooner for more snorkelling time on the reef.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For
The small group size and sailing format make this tour ideal for couples, solo travellers, and small families who want something more intimate than a large-vessel reef cruise. 
First-time snorkellers are well supported with equipment, buoyancy aids, and in-water crew assistance. 
Certified and introductory divers will find an exclusive reef site with excellent visibility and minimal diver traffic. 

Are you ready to book this exclusive experience with us?

 

Cruise Details

Location Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Str Cairns

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 07:15 08:00 17:00 9hr 45min
 

  • Sail to an exclusive reef mooring at Pinnacle Reef on the ‘Ocean Free’
  • 4.5 hours split between reef site and Green Island
  • Snorkelling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and buoyancy vest
  • Snorkelling tuition, guided tours, and in-water crew assistance
  • Reef talk by an onboard marine interpreter plus fish feed
  • Transfers between the schooner and Green Island by tender boat
  • Large smorgasbord lunch Tropical afternoon tea
  • Complimentary glass of wine on the return sail to Cairns
  • Tea and coffee available through the day while moored
  • Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees

  • Exclusive reef mooring at Pinnacle Reef; no other operator accesses this section of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Small group experience maximum 25 passengers for a personal, uncrowded reef day
  • Sail on a classic 16-metre schooner; a genuine sailing experience, not a motor vessel
  • Snorkel the living reef straight from the boat with in-water crew support and marine interpreter commentary

Morning Tea (on boarding)
​Coffee and tea
Danish pastries and fresh fruit
Complimentary coffee/tea available while moored at the reef

Smorgasbord Lunch (served on board)
Tasmanian smoked salmon
Prawns
Mixed meat platter
Chicken platter
3 fresh salads
Assorted breads
 

Tropical Afternoon Tea (on return sail)
Cheese platter
​Fresh fruit platter
Cake platter



Beverages
Complimentary glass of wine served on the return sail to Cairns
Additional beverages available for purchase on board: soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Fanta), wine, beer and champagne
BYO alcohol is not permitted — licensed venue, subject to RSA controls

  • Adult Price

    from $289

  • Child (4-14 years)

    from $225

Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St, Marlin Marina, Cairns

Google map - CLICK HERE

Check-in and collection of boarding passes required by 7:15am at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal

Boarding from 7:30am at A Finger, No. 5, Marlin Marina
Vessel departs 8:00am; passengers who fail to check in on time may miss final boarding

  • 7:15am: Check-in and collection of boarding passes at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St.
     
  • 7:30am: Boarding opens at A Finger, No. 5, Marlin Marina. Morning tea served on deck — coffee, tea, Danish pastries and fresh fruit.
     
  • 8:00am: Depart Cairns Marina. Enjoy the 2-hour sail north-east toward Pinnacle Reef.
     
  • Enroute: Arrive at Pinnacle Reef — Ocean Free's exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring, 1 km off Green Island. Reef talk by marine interpreter, fish feed, and snorkelling begins. 4.5 hours between the reef and island.
     
  • Enroute: Tender transfers guests to Green Island National Park beach — approx. 1 hour ashore. Optional: visit Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat (fee applies).
     
  • Midday: Smorgasbord lunch served on board: Tasmanian smoked salmon, prawns, mixed meat and chicken platters, salads and assorted breads.
     
  • Afternoon: Return to the main vessel for additional snorkelling or optional certified/introductory diving at the exclusive reef site.
     
  • 2:30pm: Depart Pinnacle Reef. Tropical afternoon tea served on the return sail — cheese platter, fresh fruit platter and cake. Complimentary glass of wine served.
     
  • 5:00pm: Return to Marlin Marina, Cairns

  • Introductory Dive (available as upgrade)
  • Certified Dive (available as upgrade; dive certification required)
  • Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat entry (optional fee payable on island)
  • Personal expenses and onboard beverages beyond complimentary inclusions

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
  • Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
  • No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
  • A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
  • An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
  • Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
  • Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date. 
  • Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
  • Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee

Ocean Free is a 16-metre monohull sailing boat. The following accessibility limitations apply:
  • No wheelchair or standard pushchair access on board
  • A small, light folding travel pushchair may be possible; please enquire before booking. It can be used on the island, but not on the vessel
  • Infants must remain under parental supervision at all times; crew will assist with in-water activities
  • Older guests must be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving sailing vessel, transfer from the main vessel into the tender, and step from the tender onto the beach
  • Entry and exit from the water is via a step ladder

Where do I park near the Reef Fleet Terminal?
The closest parking options are the Southern Esplanade open-air car park at 1 Spence St (approximately $15 for the day; no height restrictions, suitable for campervans) and the underground public car park at the Shangri-La Hotel next door (approximately $20 if you exit before 6pm, though it fills quickly). Prices are a guide and subject to change.

How long does it take to get to Pinnacle Reef?
Ocean Free takes approximately two hours to sail from Cairns Marina to its exclusive mooring at Pinnacle Reef, located 1 km off Green Island.

Is there shade on the boat?
Yes. The full aft section of the vessel is covered by a canopy, and in summer a forward canopy is also erected. Shaded areas on Green Island are also available. Even in shade, UV reflection from sand and decks means sunscreen should be reapplied regularly.

Can I bring alcohol on board?
No. BYO alcohol is not permitted. Ocean Free is a licensed venue subject to RSA controls. Soft drinks, wine, beer and champagne are available for purchase on board. We recommend waiting until all in-water activities are complete before consuming alcohol.

I'm not a good swimmer, can I still snorkel?
Yes. High-quality buoyancy vests are available for adults and children, and snorkel stations are in the water for you to hold onto. A crew member will enter the water with you if you need extra support. A dedicated crew member maintains a watch over all snorkellers, swimmers and divers at all times.

Will I see sharks on the reef?
Black and white tipped reef sharks are occasionally present at the reef. They are typically smaller than a person, very shy, and pose no threat to humans. Sightings are considered a highlight of the day.

What is the maximum group size on Ocean Free?
Ocean Free carries a maximum of 25 guests, making it one of the most intimate Great Barrier Reef day tours available from Cairns.

Is Ocean Free accessible for wheelchairs or prams?
Ocean Free is a 16-metre monohull sailing vessel and does not have wheelchair or standard pushchair access on board. A small, light folding travel pushchair may be able to be brought and used on the island; please enquire before booking. Guests must be mobile and stable enough to move around a moving vessel and transfer between the schooner and the tender.

  • ​BYO alcohol is not permitted on board. Soft drinks, wine, beer and champagne are available to purchase. The vessel is a licensed venue subject to RSA controls. Alcohol is best avoided until all in-water activities are complete.
  • There is a shaded canopy over the aft section; an additional forward canopy is erected in summer. Apply sunscreen regularly even in shaded areas.
  • Black and white tipped reef sharks may occasionally be seen on the reef. They are small, shy, and pose no threat to humans.
  • Check-in & collection of boarding passes required at 07:15 am. Vessel is berthed at A Finger, no 4 at the Marlin Marina, Cairns.
  • Boarding after check-in is from 7.30am A Finger no 5 Marlin Marina Cairns and we depart at 8am. Passengers who fail to check in on time may miss final boarding.
  • Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.

What to Bring

  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
  • Hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing
  • Camera or phone for photos​

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services

From $289

Start Time 08:00

Duration 9hr 45min

  • Sail to an exclusive reef mooring at Pinnacle Reef on the ‘Ocean Free’
  • 4.5 hours split between reef site and Green Island
  • Snorkelling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and buoyancy vest
  • Snorkelling tuition, guided tours, and in-water crew assistance
  • Reef talk by an onboard marine interpreter plus fish feed
  • Transfers between the schooner and Green Island by tender boat
  • Large smorgasbord lunch Tropical afternoon tea
  • Complimentary glass of wine on the return sail to Cairns
  • Tea and coffee available through the day while moored
  • Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees
Call/Enquire Book Now

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