Green Island Resort

We stayed at Green Island Resort for 2 nights (family of 4, 2 kids aged 8 and 10). Things we loved: Hotel staff was helpful and friendly , Dive Shop was great in getting us snorkeling gear, Snorkeling was fantastic, both on the beach side and the jetty side. Things we disliked: Room was old, plaster on ceiling in bathroom was cracked and crumbling, whole room smelled very musty. Food situation is not ideal. We were not prepared for the exorbitant prices for basic food. For example, a tray of chips costs $15. Dinners in the $50 range equivalent to what you would get in Cairns for $25. So, basically, assume you will pay about double for food, and you have no choice, no other food options. I am not blaming the resort for this, it is a remote location where it is much more expensive to deliver the food, limited number of customers, etc, but just be prepared for it. Finally, a few of the things we had hoped to enjoy were not available to us, specifically the glass bottom boat, and the kayaks. The glass bottom boat was all booked up for the times we tried to get, and since we were only there 2 nights, we werent as flexible either. Again, not the resorts fault, but I would suggest booking a time as soon as you arrive to be sure to get on. Kayaks not available the whole time we were there, we were told the tide was too low, which makes sense, but it was just a bummer. Overall we enjoyed our visit though.

Just what we wanted and needed to end a long stay in the country for family.

We stayed in a family room with our 2 daughters aged 6 and 8, with the main purpose being for them to learn to snorkel on the GBR by walking straight off the beach, and every expectation was surpassed. We caught the 10.30am ferry from Cairns so we could spend a full day, and even though our reservation did clearly state that our room check-in wouldn't be until 2pm, it was ready early so we could get changed. All snorkeling gear was included in the price of the room as was life vests for the kids. There were a lot of day visitors between 10 and 4pm, however resort guests can escape to their own pool for some peace if they want. After the last boat has gone, the resort was incredibly peaceful. The kids loved the 5pm fish feeding and we loved the 5.15pm cocktails on the beach! The star gazing was informative too. Our meal at Emeralds restaurant was superb, and the kid options were really good too. We caught the 2.30pm ferry back to Cairns the next day, giving us a full morning to do the glass bottom boat trip and some more snorkeling. A great family experience and will be back.