Australia · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
A good half of this country only makes sense from the water. The 15 below run from an hour on Sydney Harbour to a full day on the outer reef, each priced and clear about how much swimming time you actually get.
Spend a full day at two Great Barrier Reef sites from Cairns, with snorkeling, optional scuba, BBQ lunch, marine guides, and a scenic flight upgrade.
“Everyone on board was very friendly. Very lovely cruise to two spots of barrier reefs. Amazing experience”
Review of Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise, with two outer reef stops, snorkeling, scuba, lunch, safety, and practical booking tips.
“Great experience, Staff were excellent! Highly recommended! Incredible trip! The”
Spend eight hours from Airlie Beach exploring Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and two Great Barrier Reef snorkeling sites by fast catamaran.
“I had such an incredible time on the snorkeling cruise! The entire experience was well-organized, fun, and relaxing from start to finish. A thank-you to Hannah, Tracy, and Captain Dan — they made the trip truly special. Saw many beautiful fish and incredible coral. The staff were super friendly, helpful, and attentive throughout the day. Everything went smoothly, the atmosphere was upbeat, and the crew’s energy made it even more enjoyable.”
See Sydney and Bondi Beach by open-top bus, then add a harbour cruise for Opera House views, flexible stops, and easy city bearings.
“, it would be better if they said what stop you were at when you were coming up to the stop rather than when it left the stopnice journey in both routes”
Cruise from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and two reef sites with snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and eco-focused guides.
“This day trip was great and Frankie and Dan were great leads”
Review of Passions of Paradise’s Cairns reef cruise, with two Outer Reef sites, snorkeling, scuba, lunch, practical tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Amazing experience, get to see plenty of fish and coral - just like out of finding nemo! Staff are very friendly and the lunch was excellent! Marine biologist talk on the way back to shore was also very insightful. Great trip which is worth every penny!”
See jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River, swim at three Litchfield waterfalls, and enjoy lunch on an 11-hour Darwin day tour.
“Very well organised from the pick up to the drop off & everything in between. Dylan was very knowledgeable, confident & personable. Thoroughly enjoyed the complete tour package & the delicious lunch! Thank you for a great day & an awesome experience Dylan & team. Phil & Trish 12th September 25”
Cruise Port Douglas’s calm Dickson Inlet aboard Lady Douglas for crocodiles, local history, wildlife, snacks, and a drink in 90 relaxed minutes.
“Commentary was good. Happy that we saw a couple of crocodiles, the staff were lovely and enjoyed the drink and nibbles.”
Spend six hours at two Great Barrier Reef sites from Cairns, with guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, lunch, and optional scuba.
“The best boat trip I've ever been on! Highly recommend! We opted for the 2 scubadives. Boarding 7:30 for 8am departure. Pastries, fruit and hot drinks were available on board. Lovely boat, clean and decent space for everyone. We had an intro talk for the scuba while we were making our way out to the first reef. The first dive lasted around 25 minutes. We had one instructor to 2 people and they linked arms and guided us around the reef. We saw a shark and various other fish. Then there was time for snorkeling and a glass bottom boat trip. Whilst snorkeling we saw a turtle and jellyfish. Lunch…”
Cruise Melbourne’s Yarra River for two hours, with skyline views, city landmarks, gardens, commentary, tea, coffee, and open-deck photos.
“All went as expected, so no recommendations needed. Most enjoyable and relaxing.”
Review of Sydney’s 165-minute whale watching cruise, with harbour views, live commentary, hot drinks, sea conditions, and practical booking tips.
“It was a beautiful day on the water. We did get to see some whale activity. The trip was well worth the money!”
Cruise the Daintree River on a quiet solar boat, spotting crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and fish with an expert guide.
“So amazing!! 10/10 would recommend, I would even go do this again if I was to go back. The owners are so lovely and the tour guide was great, so lovely and informative. Saw multiple crocs in their natural environment and some birds and frogs. And great views of the forest and mangroves.”
See Sydney Zoo, Wentworth Falls, the Three Sisters and Scenic World, then return by Parramatta River ferry on this 10-hour Blue Mountains tour.
“No good weather so we couldn't see the three sisters and waterfall. However I was looking forward to a Maramata cruise, but the guide refunded my transportation fee and told us to take a public transportation boat back from Olympic Park. Is this a cruiseIt's so embarrassing and absurd that I feel like I've just wasted money and time today.”
Review of the full-day Green Island cruise from Cairns, with snorkeling, reef viewing, beaches, lunch options, practical tips, and value advice.
“I loved every part of the experience — the peaceful walk through the national park, followed by a refreshing swim in pristine waters. Next time, I’d definitely give snorkelling a go. The buffet lunch was delicious, and the glass-bottom boat experience was unforgettable. Our guide was truly amazing, sharing his knowledge of the coral reef while entertaining us with his dry wit and having us giggling throughout the trip. Seeing wild green sea turtles in their natural habitat was the perfect highlight. Well worth the price — I would definitely recommend it”
Review the six-hour Gordon River Cruise from Strahan, with quiet electric cruising, Sarah Island, lunch, seating choices, and practical tips.
“The day was perfect. Staff were exceptional and so friendly. They knew what they were talking about. Lots of information. Boat was really tidy and very comfortable”
Pick a coast, a rock or a vineyard.
