Cairns Travel Forum

Hi,
I am thinking of a day trip from Cairns to either Green Island or Fitzroy Island. Would prefer an island with a better beach for snorkelling and more corals and marine life. Which island is better for that? I am also very concern about Jellyfish in December, is it safe to snorkel from these islands?

I will also be going for 1 or 2 the barrier reef trips, so this island trip is something extra that I will like to do too.

Thanks :)

Hello,
I personally wouldn't recommend to go to either Island. Once you have done the outer reef trip you have seen the best.
I always recommend the Quicksilver trip. I have done this many. many times and still think it's great. There are others but having only been on Quickie I would stick to that.You really only need to do one reef trip.
No, in December you can't go swimming at the beaches, unless you swim in the stinger net area. The Life Guards are continually checking the netted area for stingers and they always have a notice board if beach is closed.
You wouldn't be able to swim at the Islands either.
You can swim at the outer reef, the Quicksilver hire out stinger suites to wear. These are blue suites that cover the body. They make sure everyone is aware of the dangers etc. Don't let this stop you going to the outer reef.
Quickie goes out everyday, even Christmas Day, unless it is very bad weather, once again they let you know.
December can have rain and then perfect weather, all depends on the weather God's. When it rains, it's still hot:)
It is moving closer to the real wet season in December.But you can do everything you want to.
Insstead of doing an Island day trip, I would suggest that you go up into the Atherton Tablelands for a day trip, lovely lakes, waterfalls and scenery.
Also a day trip ( self drive trips are great) to Cape Tribulation is a must.
Mossman GOrge is wonderful, especially when it's a little wet as you see the gorge in full swing and walking under the rainforest canopy is wonderful.
Botanical Gardens in Cairns are great.
There is a wonderful pool at the Esplanade in Cairns that you can swim at. This area is great to have a BBQ or just go for a walk along the boardwalk.
Visiting the northern beaches is also nice. Palm Cove is lovely. They have stinger net areas there.
Port Douglas is worth a visit also, yep stinger nets there as well.
Check out my Port Douglas Page also Cairns page, plus other VTer pages on this area. You will get some good info.
Have a great trip:)

Thank you for you kind advise Anne. Will do as you have suggested.

Hi Some years ago we took the outer reef day cruise and it was fantastic. 3 or 4 days later we took the ferry to Green Island and were disappointed with the coral etc, although my wife had an experience, she looked down and a stingray was underneath her , then looked up to see a shark in front of her, did she move.

Point being, go to Green Island first and you will enjoy it. Follow up with trip to outer reef.

Good Luck,
Mike

Thanks for your replies Mike and Heather :)