Australia · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Cruises & Boat Tours in Australia That Earn Their Price

181 tours  ·  from $19 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 cruises & boat tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Barbecue Lunch with a View
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as marine biologist Indy provide guidance, while lunch, afternoon snacks, and return wine are included.

“Great experience and they provide amazing reef views, food, service and fun! Well organized, friendly staff, and snorkeling in the reef was magical.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - Two hours across the Coral Sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

2.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Join Passions of Paradise from Cairns for a full day at two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew guides, try introductory or certified scuba, and enjoy a chef-prepared buffet. Marine guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a offer extra insight, while prescription masks, flotation belts, and wetsuits help first-timers feel at ease.

“Great experience, Staff were excellent! Highly recommended! Incredible trip! The”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Thunder Cat turns the journey into part of the trip
Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

3.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,953 reviews · from $164Top rated

Spend about eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ high-speed Thunder Cat, with two snorkeling stops, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, buffet lunch, snacks, and live commentary. The crew, including guides such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, and Jared on different departures, helps first-time snorkelers and confident swimmers alike.

“We went as a young couple and had an amazing day, we were in great hands with the skipper Shannon and the crew Vicky and Trish were super as well. The music, food everything was a vibe, Trish had the whole boat laughing with her jokes. The snorkeling was great as well. Highly recommend the red cat!!!”

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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise - The Blue Bondi Tour and Sydney’s beach culture
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney

Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

4.Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,697 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $51

Use a 24- or 48-hour Big Bus pass across Sydney’s city and Bondi routes, with 23 stops, multilingual commentary, Wi-Fi, and an optional Captain Cook harbour cruise. Add the night tour if offered. Staff such as Pat, Stephen, Gill, and Josh have helped make departures friendly and informative.

“really enjoyed the big bis sydney the commentary was really funky unlike many previous tours”

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Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet - Getting from Airlie Beach to the marina
Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

5.Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,644 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Red Cat Adventures takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and two Hook Island snorkeling sites aboard a fast, stable catamaran. Expect guided walks, reef time, buffet lunch, brownies, fruit, and a friendly English-speaking crew. Guides such as Tristan, Jordy, Jade, Flynn, and Hannah have been praised for keeping the day lively and reassuring.

“I had one of the best days I’ve had in Australia during this tour - everything ran smoothly without a hitch. I was most impressed when I was honest about a certain disability and, instead of ignoring it, they helped to accommodate it and made sure I felt super comfortable. Everything was high quality (boat, food, snorkel equipment etc.), even the friendly tour guides. Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach are so beautiful - you’ve to see it in person! Even off the app I’ve been recommending Red Cat to my other WHV friends”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - What the 80-foot catamaran adds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

6.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192

Sail from Cairns aboard an 80-foot catamaran to two outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Harry, or try introductory scuba with full instruction. The day includes reef tuition, a marine naturalist talk, morning and afternoon snacks, and a hot and cold buffet lunch.

“Great snorkel experience with great support from Corinda if a little nervous. Food fab and plenty of it thru the day. Not over crowded. Would recommend.”

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Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise - A 6:00 AM start and an early Adelaide River cruise
Crocodile Cruises & Encounters, Cruises & Boat Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Darwin

Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

7.Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,119 reviews · from $172

Leave Darwin early for a private Adelaide River crocodile cruise, then spend the day at Litchfield National Park. Swim at Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole, visit Florence Falls and termite mounds, and enjoy lunch, snacks, water, and local stories from guides such as Dylan, Daz, Will, and Damo. Groups are capped at 24.

“Full day adventure, hotel pick up, swimming in some beautiful waterfalls, make sure to pack swimmers and comfy shoes, lunch provided which was delicious, really informative tour guide! Great day, really worth the money.”

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River Cruise - Following the Dickson Inlet and its mangroves
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Douglas

River Cruise

8.River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,980 reviews · from $37

Board Lady Douglas at 44 Wharf Street for a 90-minute cruise through Dickson Inlet and along Port Douglas's waterfront. Captain Richard, Jay, Jake, and the crew share local stories while you look for crocodiles, birds, crabs, mudskippers, and shipwrecks. The fare includes a drink and snack box, with calm water all the way.

“This is a relaxing cruise along the waterways of Port Douglas. We were fortunate to see 3 crocodiles, and the captain ensured we had ample time to take great photos. Listen carefully to the captain's commentary because he shares a lot of knowledge with some great, but subtle humour thrown in.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Wonder Wall and the outer edge of Upolu Reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

9.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom takes you by fast 65-foot catamaran to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours at two reef sites, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, optional certified or introductory scuba, breakfast snacks, seafood lunch, and afternoon treats. A maximum of 75 people keeps the day organized and personal.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

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Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise - From Southgate to Docklands and the lower Yarra
2-Hour Experiences, City Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Melbourne

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

10.2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,804 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Cruise upstream and downstream on Melbourne’s Yarra River, passing Docklands, Southbank, the MCG, Olympic Park, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. GPS-triggered English commentary explains the sights. You can sit inside or use the open back deck, with tea and coffee included. A mid-cruise pause or boat change may occur.

“lovely views Would prefer a 1 hr option as well..as the boat is slow and it gets monotonous towards the end...we hoped off early after 1 hr”

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Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise - The catamaran, seating, and best viewing spots
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Sydney, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Sydney

Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

11.Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,790 reviews · 2h 45m · from $63

Set out from Circular Quay on a 165-minute whale watching cruise aboard a spacious catamaran. An English-speaking guide explains whale behavior as you search Sydney’s coast for humpbacks, dolphins, and possible mother-and-calf pairs. Enjoy broad viewing decks, indoor seating, toilets, a licensed bar, and free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.

“It was a beautiful day on the water. We did get to see some whale activity. The trip was well worth the money!”

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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise - What happens during the one-hour cruise
Crocodile Cruises & Encounters, Cruises & Boat Tours, Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Douglas, Wildlife

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

12.Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,663 reviews · from $25Best value

Spend about an hour on the Daintree River aboard Solar Whisper, a quiet solar-assisted boat carrying up to 24 people. Guides such as Mark and Dave point out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, crabs, and fish. The boat returns to its meeting point near the ferry, and tea and coffee are included.

“Our guide Mark was fantastic. He had heaps of knowledge about all wildlife in the area. We saw Scarface and a baby croc, even though summer at high tide is the hardest time to spot them. The boat was small and quiet, and apparently thRead more”

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Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise - Kings Tableland offers a quieter mountain view
Blue Mountains Day Trips, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Sydney

Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise

13.Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,585 reviews · from $68

Spend about 10 hours exploring the Blue Mountains from Sydney with pickup, a small coach, and a guide such as Bruce or Les. Visit Sydney Zoo, Kings Tableland, Leura, Katoomba, Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades, the Three Sisters, and Scenic World. Attraction tickets cost extra, while the Parramatta River ferry to Circular Quay is included.

“Basic Tour includes transportation and a guide. The zoo and Scenic World are pay as you go options. This is good because you can decide at yhe time. Prices are discounted and entrance is as a group. Our guide Bruce was excellent and provide lots of local information.”

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From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise - Leaving Cairns from Marlin Wharf
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

14.Full-Day Green Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,584 reviews · 8 hours · from $77

Spend eight hours sailing from Cairns to Green Island National Park on a modern catamaran. You can snorkel close to shore, relax on the beach, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. English-speaking crew members, including Zack, Kate, and Andrea on some sailings, keep the day moving.

“The crew are great. I was very sea sick and the crew were empathetic and helpful. Good value for money.”

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Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan - The Gordon River under electric motors
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

15.Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,577 reviews · from $111

Spend about six hours aboard Spirit of the Wild from Strahan, passing Hells Gates and salmon farms before cruising the Gordon River under electric power. Walk Sarah Island with a guide, hear convict-era stories, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet lunch, and choose from main-deck or Premier Upper Deck seating.

“Fantastic experience with history and nature. Staff were wonderful and informative. A beautiful way to travel and immerse yourself in the World Heritage area of the Gordon River.”

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