Some travelers have recommended Seastar and Wavelength as excellent choices for snorkeling tours departing from Cairns and Port Douglas, respectively. These operators are praised for providing access to less crowded, healthier parts of the reef.

According to forum posts, Quicksilver and Reef Magic are also popular choices, offering activities like glass-bottom boat tours, which are suitable for non-swimmers. These companies typically provide larger-scale operations that can cater to families and less confident swimmers.

Travelers have called out the importance of booking tours in advance, especially during peak seasons or when on a tight schedule, to avoid the risk of tours being fully booked. Direct booking with the tour companies is advised for potentially better deals and confirmed spots.

For an immersive experience, liveaboard tours like those offered by Reef Encounter received positive mentions. These tours are suitable for both divers and snorkelers, providing continuous access to multiple reef locations over several days.

Some travelers recommended Apex Car Rentals as a reliable option, noting competitive prices and satisfactory service in Cairns. East Coast Car Rentals was also mentioned frequently for offering reasonable rates.

According to forum posts, the cost of car rentals can vary, with some users finding prices high due to increased demand among local tourists. It was suggested that renting away from the airport might sometimes result in slightly cheaper rates. Additionally, Apex offered a car that was about 4 years old at a much cheaper rate than other vendors for a 12-day period.

Travelers have called out platforms like vroomvroomvroom.com.au for comparing different rental options. However, there were reports of limited availability, especially for immediate needs or specific weekend dates, likely due to reduced fleet sizes post-pandemic.

For those unable to find suitable options, it was suggested to check less prominent local companies that might not be listed on major comparison websites but could offer lower rates.

According to forum posts, Wavelength and Seastar are highly recommended for snorkeling tours in Cairns. Wavelength, operating out of Port Douglas, is noted for taking smaller groups to multiple reefs, providing a more intimate and less crowded experience. Seastar has also been praised for its excellent locations and smaller group sizes, enhancing the quality of the snorkeling experience.

Some travelers mentioned that tours like Ocean Freedom offer a great experience with knowledgeable staff and plenty of sea life sightings, including turtles and barracudas. The smaller boats like those used by Wavelength and Seastar are preferred for their less commercial and more personalized approach to exploring the reef.

Travelers have called out that it's wise to book these tours ahead, especially during peak travel seasons or school holidays, to ensure availability. Weather conditions can be unpredictable, and some tours offer flexibility with cancellations, which is an important consideration when booking.

According to forum posts, a suggested family-friendly restaurant in Cairns is Maccas, which features a play area ideal for children.

For budget-friendly afternoon or early evening drinks, some travelers recommended heading to the Night Market area on the Esplanade, where a variety of affordable options are available.

Travelers have called out Tamarind as a high-end dining option in Cairns, noted for its superb quality and atmosphere. This restaurant is located within the Reef Casino complex and has received positive reviews for its cuisine.

For fresh seafood, forum users suggested checking out local markets and seafood vendors, although specific names or addresses were not provided in the posts.

Some travelers mentioned that public bus services are available for transportation to the Kuranda Skyrail. Specifically, bus number 123 starts from Cairns Central Shopping Centre and has several pickup points in the city. The journey to the Skyrail terminal takes about 40 minutes. However, the Skyrail also offers its own bus services, which might be more convenient as they are part of the ticket package and drop passengers back at the train station next to the shopping mall, taking about 20 minutes.

According to forum posts, private transport options such as taxis or Ubers are available for reaching the Skyrail terminal. One traveler noted the usefulness of Uber for returning from the Smithfield terminal to Cairns city, although no specific price estimates were provided in the posts.

Travelers have called out that many choose to book package deals through Queensland Rail that include the train up, Skyrail down, and a bus return to Cairns station. This package is highlighted for its convenience, particularly for those staying near the station, as the bus makes additional stops beyond just the station.

According to forum posts, the weather in Cairns significantly impacts outdoor activities, especially during the wet season (November to May). Travelers have noted that heavy rains and high humidity can disrupt plans, such as visits to the Great Barrier Reef or beach outings. Some users highlighted that activities need to be flexible and possibly booked last minute due to unpredictable weather patterns.

Forum contributors mentioned that during the wet season, ocean swimming is often not recommended due to the presence of stingers, which necessitates swimming in stinger-safe enclosures or choosing locations with pools. Despite this, there are still water activities available, like snorkeling or visiting islands where precautions are taken.

Some travelers suggested visiting Cairns during the dry season (May to October) when the weather is more predictable and conducive to outdoor activities. During these months, the humidity is lower, and there is less rainfall, making it an ideal time for hiking, beach visits, and reef tours.

According to forum posts, several shuttle bus services operate between Cairns and Port Douglas, with Exemplar being one mentioned company. These shuttles cater to various flight times, including early morning departures. Travelers have called out that private car options are available but tend to be more expensive than shuttle services.

Some travelers said that both taxis and Uber are viable options for transfers from Cairns Airport. The journey to the city center is relatively short, around 7 km, making either choice suitable for quick transfers. Additionally, comparing prices between taxis and ride-sharing services on the day of travel is recommended to ensure the best rate.

For those with layovers, luggage storage facilities at Cairns Airport can assist travelers wanting to explore the city without their bags. This service allows more freedom to enjoy short city trips between flights.

According to forum posts, Fitzroy Island is favored over Green Island by many travelers. They appreciate Fitzroy for its infrastructure, good food options, and pretty beaches, making it suitable for families with children. Some travelers highlighted the presence of quiet, shady places for downtime, which adds to its appeal.

Travelers have called out that Fitzroy Island offers good opportunities for walks and has a safer, shallower swimming area which is advantageous for families with kids. It also has a nice pool and is relatively easy to get around, including with a pram. The island also provides a more pleasant boat trip from Cairns compared to other islands.

Some travelers said Green Island tends to be overcrowded and has suffered environmental degradation, impacting the quality of snorkeling due to trampled and ruined coral. Despite some amenities like a crocodile park and semi-submersible rides, the overall traveler sentiment leans towards a less favorable experience compared to Fitzroy Island.

Overall, Fitzroy Island is recommended over Green Island for a more enjoyable and family-friendly experience, offering better facilities and natural beauty.