On the water · AUSTRALIA BOAT TOURS

Top 15 Australia Boat Tours

103 tours  ·  from $19 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a friend who asked: 15 australia boat tours worth the fare, each with its price, its passenger verdict and the one thing to check before you pay.

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Scenic World: four ways to see the Blue Mountains
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cruises with Open Bar, Ferry Trips, Lunch Experiences, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

1.All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,832 reviews · from $204Our pick

Travel from Sydney to the Three Sisters, ride Scenic World’s railway, Skyway, Cableway, and rainforest walkway, then enjoy lunch and Australian wildlife at Featherdale or Sydney Zoo. Guides such as Kat, Axel, Rin, and Grant lead the small-group day before you return by ferry along the Parramatta River.

“Great guide, very knowledgable. Full day of activities to get to know Australia. Loved to be in the mountains, nature walk, zoo.”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Scuba options for beginners and certified participants
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Boat Trips, Snorkeling Boat Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

2.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

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

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 Indy and Phil explain the sea life, while lunch, snacks, and a return glass of wine are included.

“The staff was great to work with! The day was such a fun experience for someone who had never been snorkeling before. You could snorkel as much as you wanted. Would highly recommend !”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - Choosing between Flynn, Milln, Norman, and Hastings reefs
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

3.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

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

From Cairns, sail aboard Passions of Paradise to two outer reef sites chosen from Flynn, Milln, Norman, or Hastings reefs. Snorkel with turtles, giant clams, parrotfish, and clownfish, join a guided eco tour, or try an introductory scuba session. The day includes equipment, wetsuits or sunsuits, morning tea, and a chef-prepared buffet lunch.

“Amazing trip! The crew were so lovely and encouraging. They made me feel at ease when nervous as snorkelling for the first time. A bonus was they had prescription snorkel googles which were amazing. And being paired with a crew buddy was extra comforting. Callan was my crew buddy and was so friendly and helpful. (Sorry if I’ve spelt his name wrong)”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Hill Inlet Lookout is the best view of the day
Airlie Beach Boat Tours, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Snorkeling Boat Trips, Snorkeling Boat Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

4.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

Red Cat Adventures takes you from Airlie Beach aboard a high-speed catamaran for two reef snorkeling stops, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet Lookout. Expect live commentary, lunch, snacks, and gear, with crew members such as Jet, Hannah, Frankie, and Carlos bringing plenty of energy to the day. Pickup is available from selected meeting points.

“The snorkeling was amazing and the coral was so healthy. All the crew were very friendly, enthusiastic, organized, and helpful. They were very knowledgeable about the reef and emphasized cultural respect and reef protection. They gave us brownies and fruit snacks, as well as a nice lunch that accommodated those with dietary restrictions.”

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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise - The Blue Bondi Tour changes the mood completely
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

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

Explore Sydney on two open-top Big Bus routes covering 23 stops, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Centennial Parklands, Central Station, and Bondi Beach. Use the 24 or 48-hour pass at your own pace, with multilingual audio commentary. Add the Captain Cook cruise, and possibly the panoramic night tour, for a fuller view of the city.

“The 48 hours window should be two days rather then by hour to hour. We could only use it for first day. The bus should consider dropping guests right in front of Opera House. The Blue Line overhead announcements for various stops were after the bus had already departed.”

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Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet - Getting from Airlie Beach to the catamaran
Airlie Beach Boat Tours, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Buffet Experiences, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

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

6.Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

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

Join Red Cat Adventures for an eight-hour Whitsunday cruise with two Hook Island snorkel stops, a guided walk to Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach time, buffet lunch, brownies, and fruit. Crews such as Tristan, Beau, Jordy, Jade, Hannah, and Randall are known for keeping the day friendly and reassuring. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and your swimming clothes.

“Our boat trip exceeded all our expectations. Our guides were both knowledgeable and entertaining, making the experience even more enjoyable. The scenery we witnessed—both above and below the water—was absolutely breathtaking and truly unforgettable.”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - What the catamaran ride is really like
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

7.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

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

Spend about nine hours aboard Passions of Paradise’s 25-meter catamaran, visiting two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites selected for the day’s conditions. Snorkel with guides, try an introductory scuba session, enjoy a hot and cold buffet, and hear a marine presentation. Guides such as Simon, Parker, Harry, and Andi are praised for calm, personal help in the water.

“I thought it was going to be a smaller catamaran with less people and more attention. The trip to the reef was worth it, though. The staffer is very friendly, but the boat is very crowded. If you don't mind the crowds and the non personalized service, it is a good trip. The sales were broken, so we were unable to sail.Which really is a highlight”

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Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise - Litchfield’s three water stops
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Darwin Boat Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

8.Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

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

Spend about 11 hours with Litchfield Escapes visiting Wangi, Florence and Buley Rock Hole, then cruise the Adelaide River for close views of wild jumping crocodiles. Guides such as Dylan, Daz, Damo and Will combine local stories, bush knowledge and humor with lunch, snacks, iced water and transport. The group is capped at 24 people.

“What a great day! Well worth it. The crocodile cruise was interesting and the boat captain was so caring of the crocs. Our bus driver for the day was also fantastic, funny and accommodating.”

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River Cruise - Why tide and weather matter so much
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Port Douglas Boat Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

River Cruise

9.River Cruise

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

Cruise the calm Dickson Inlet aboard Lady Douglas for about 90 minutes. Your skipper points out crocodiles, birds, mudskippers, shipwrecks, mangroves, and Port Douglas landmarks, with commentary from crew such as Richard, Jay, and Jake. A drink and snack plate are included, and the boat returns to Wharf Street.

“Excellent trip. Family run operation. Very relaxed and lots of information give. A must if you are in Port Douglas”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Lunch Between Reef Sites
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Snorkeling Boat Trips, Snorkeling Boat Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

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

Spend about six hours at Upolu Cay and the Wonder Wall aboard a 65-foot catamaran. You can snorkel with a marine naturalist, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or add certified or introductory scuba. Expect guided water time, reef safety support, seafood lunch, and snacks.

“All the crew were professional, fun, and super friendly. I can’t swim at all, and it was my first time swimming in the ocean too, so I was honestly really nervous at first. But the crew looked after me so well, and it ended up being such an amazinRead more”

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Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise - Starting at Southgate beside the Langham Hotel
2-Hour Experiences, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

11.Melbourne: 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. You get English GPS-triggered commentary, tea and coffee, indoor seating, and an open back deck for photos. The crew may change by departure, with Dave and Harry among the praised team members.

“All went as expected, so no recommendations needed. Most enjoyable and relaxing.”

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Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise - The catamaran and where to sit
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching Cruises, Whale Watching Cruises in Australia, Whale Watching Cruises in Sydney

Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

12.Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

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

Cruise from Circular Quay along Sydney’s coast for 2 hours and 45 minutes aboard a spacious catamaran. Your English-speaking guide shares whale facts while you watch for humpbacks, dolphins, and other wildlife. Open decks, indoor seating, hot drinks, toilets, and a licensed bar add comfort, though open water can be rough.

“Loved the rocking and rolling of the boat. The crew did everything they could to find whales and we were very lucky to see a Mum and her calf swimming in the ocean. It was amazing watching them in their natural habitat. The crew were great. I highly recommend booking this excursion with Sydney Whale watching.”

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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise - What you see during the one-hour cruise
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Port Douglas Boat Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

13.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 the quiet solar-electric Solar Whisper. Your guide points out crocodiles by name, along with birds, frogs, snakes, fish, and mangrove life. Small groups, live commentary, tea, and coffee make this a calm, good-value wildlife outing near the Daintree ferry.

“Great trip, guide is very knowledgeable, saw plenty of crocs. Boat only has one row of seats in each side unlike other larger boats which can be 3x3 so everyone gets a good view and the skipper turns the boat so both sides gets close to each croc!”

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From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise - Green Island National Park and its easy beach time
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

14.Full-Day Green Island Cruise

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

You’ll cruise from Marlin Wharf to Green Island National Park aboard a modern catamaran, then choose your pace: swim from the beach, snorkel near shore, or take a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. English-speaking crew members, including Zack, Kate, and Andrea on some departures, help keep the day relaxed and well organized.

“Had an amazing time, the weather on green island was stunning despite it being wet season. You can choose to do self snorkeling or pay for an adventure snorkel depending on your swimming ability. Also the glass bottom boat as very cool with scuba diving also available on the boat ride over. If you pay for the buffet lunch I would advise not to go snorkeling in the morning if you’re wearing stinger suit as it’s annoying getting back on the boat soaking wet. Next time I’ll plan better, but love how you got to choose what you wanted to do once you’re there. We spent the afternoon relaxing on…”

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From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise - Choosing the morning or afternoon cruise
Airlie Beach Boat Tours, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews

From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

15.From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,548 reviews · 7 hours · from $109

Cruise from Port of Airlie through the Whitsunday Islands to southern Whitehaven Beach. You get up to two hours for swimming, walking to the lookout, paddle-boarding, or relaxing on the sand. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, with tea, beach equipment, and stinger suits included. The trip does not visit Hill Inlet.

“Good picnic (bbq sausages, fruit, brownie) and complimentary drinks (coffee & tea). Amazing beach and friendly staff”

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New in Australia Boat Tours

★ 4.9From Hervey Bay: Remote K’gari Tour by Boat with LunchFrom $1831,229 reviews
★ 4.8Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day CruiseFrom $195506 reviews
★ 4.6Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury CatamaranFrom $66342 reviews
★ 4.4Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery CruiseFrom $28926 reviews
★ 4.6River Cruise, Crocodile Spotting, Drink/ SnackFrom $34353 reviews
★ 4.9Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling CruiseFrom $210711 reviews
★ 4.8Port Arthur Tasman Sights with Harbour CruiseFrom $102358 reviews
★ 4.7Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling TourFrom $135469 reviews
★ 4.6Phillip Island: 1-Hour Cape Woolamai Scenic CruiseFrom $34415 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter FlightFrom $2791,003 reviews
★ 4.5Noosa: Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa EvergladesFrom $66906 reviews
★ 4.5Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel CruiseFrom $1521,039 reviews
★ 4.7Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch CruiseFrom $53473 reviews
★ 4.8Melbourne: 4-Course Dinner Cruise with DrinksFrom $138511 reviews
★ 4.1Melbourne: City and Williamstown Ferry CruiseFrom $23343 reviews

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