Aboard · AUSTRALIA BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Tours in Australia

51 tours  ·  from $19 a head

Reef boats north, harbour sailings south, and whales down the whole east coast between June and November. The 15 below compare pontoons and small catamarans on the reef, and the dinner sailings under the Sydney bridge.

All Inclusive Blue Mountain,Scenic World,Lunch,Koalas,ferry - Scenic World: four ways to see the mountains
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, 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, enjoy a dietary-friendly lunch, visit Featherdale or Sydney Zoo, then return by ferry. Guides such as Kat, Grant, Rin, Axel, and Tom are praised for clear commentary and friendly care.

“This tour had an outstanding itinerary. Our tour guide Kat was knowledgeable, funny, accessible and really made our experience feel special. She checked in with our group throughout to make sure everyone's needs were accommodated. Read more”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - First water session at Saxon or Norman Reef
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling 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

Spend about eight and a half hours aboard Evolution, traveling from Cairns to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with provided gear, enjoy a barbecue lunch, and add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight. Marine guides such as Indy and Phil may add useful reef insight.

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - The catamaran ride is part of the experience
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, Passions of Paradise takes you by fast catamaran to two outer reef sites selected from Flynn, Milln, Norman, and Hastings reefs. Snorkel with crew support, try an introductory scuba experience, enjoy a fresh buffet lunch, and learn about reef life from guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a.

“It’s an experience of a lifetime! Everything went smoothly and you’re well taken care of. Very grateful for all the support received.”

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Blue Mountain: Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World - Starting early from Sydney
Australia Boat Tours, Lunch Experiences, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Blue Mountain: Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World

4.Small-Group Tour with Lunch & Scenic World

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,009 reviews · from $137

Spend 10 hours exploring Scenic World, the Three Sisters, and a rainforest boardwalk with a local English-speaking guide such as Kat, Rin, Jay, or Tony. The small-group option includes lunch, your choice of Featherdale or Sydney Zoo, and a ferry ride to Circular Quay.

“Tom was an amazing guide. He is very informative not just in where we are going, but what life in Australia is.”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet walk
Airlie Beach Boat Tours, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

5.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

Spend eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ fast catamaran, Thunder Cat, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and two fringing reef snorkeling sites. Expect live commentary, a buffet lunch, snacks, mask and snorkel hire, and an upbeat crew such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, or Jared.

“Great experience the crew was very nice and it was everything perfect the view the 🪸 the food it was value for many tks”

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Sydney: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Cruise - The Red City Route, from Circular Quay to the central sights
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

6.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 to see Sydney on two routes with 23 stops, onboard commentary in eight languages, and optional Captain Cook cruise access. You can add a 1.5-hour night tour, visit Bondi Beach, or hop off near the Opera House, museums, gardens, and harbour.

“It's an excellent way to get to know the city of Sydney and a bit of its history. I recommend this activity!”

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Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet - Two snorkel stops around Hook Island
Airlie Beach Boat Tours, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Buffet Experiences, Full-Day, Tour Reviews

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

7.Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

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

Spend eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ fast, stable catamaran, visiting two Hook Island snorkel sites, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet Lookout. Guides such as Tristan, Beau, Jordy, and Jade are known for friendly help, reef knowledge, and good music. Lunch, brownies, fruit, equipment, and hotel transfers are included.

“Flynn and Jett looked after us so well on our trip. We had the best time on the boat with the choppy conditions. The visit to Hill Inlet was great and the snorkel spots were beautiful. We saw beautiful parts of the reef and fish too. The food provided was lovely and there was plenty for everyone. Flynn and Jett were knowledgeable and lots of fun to have as guides. We loved this tour 😊”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - The ride aboard the 25-meter catamaran
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Catamaran Cruises, Tour Reviews

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

8.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

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

Cruise from Cairns aboard a 25-meter catamaran to two Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Harry, try introductory scuba from age 12, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear a marine biology talk on the ride home.

“No complaints. Phoebe was very good and helpful in rough seas. Food was good. Safety review good. All crew friendly.”

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Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise - Litchfield National Park beyond the crocodiles
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Darwin Boat Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews

Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

9.Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

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

Start early from Darwin for a private Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, then visit Litchfield’s magnetic termite mounds, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Buley Rockhole. Guides such as Dylan, Daz, Will, and Damo combine local stories, safety advice, humor, lunch, snacks, and plenty of iced water.

“Such a fantastic day! Our guide did everything from driving the bus and boat to preparing the meal. He was goofy and exactly what we wanted for an authentic Aussie tour! Highly impressed by Dylan. My partner and I agreed this was the best tour we’ve ever been on. We also saw many crocs and a lot of other awesome wildlife.”

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River Cruise - First stretch: crocodiles, birds, crabs, and mudskippers
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Port Douglas Boat Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

River Cruise

10.River Cruise

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

Join Lady Douglas from 44 Wharf Street for a calm 90-minute cruise through Dickson Inlet and along Port Douglas’ waterfront. Skippers including Richard, Jay, and Jake share local stories while you look for crocodiles, birds, crabs, and mudskippers. A drink and snack plate are included.

“Great value professional staff great scenery we saw three cross smooth sailing absolutely spectacular”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Upolu Cay offers a gentler reef setting
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Cairns Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

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

Board the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran in Cairns for a full day at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You’ll get reef briefings, guided snorkeling with a marine naturalist, a glass-bottom boat tour, buffet lunch, and optional certified or introductory scuba at extra cost.

“Great tour! Experienced instructors, well managed snorkeling & diving, and safety being maintained all the way. Plus the food is good : )”

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Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise - Finding Berth No. 2 at Southgate
2-Hour Experiences, Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, City Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Tour Reviews

Melbourne: 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

12.2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise

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

Cruise upstream and downstream from Southgate, passing Docklands, Southbank, sporting venues, Herring Island, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. GPS-triggered English commentary explains the sights. You can sit inside, take photos from the open back deck, and enjoy tea or coffee during the two-hour trip.

“We had a great time on the cruise, sun was shining and crew were very friendly.”

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Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise - The ride out, and what the 165 minutes really means
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Australia, Whale Watching Trips in Sydney

Sydney: Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

13.Whale Watching Adventure Cruise

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

From Circular Quay, you’ll cruise Sydney Harbour and the open coast for 165 minutes aboard a spacious catamaran. A live English-speaking guide explains humpback behavior while you watch for whales, dolphins, and possible breaches. Bring warm layers and motion-sickness tablets for rougher seas.

“Fantastic boat ride and lots of whales spotted! Great value for money”

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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise - Why the solar boat changes the experience
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, Port Douglas Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife

Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

14.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-assisted Solar Whisper. Your guide, possibly Mark or Dave, points out crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, crabs, and fish while tea and coffee are served. The small boat carries up to 24 people and returns to the meeting point.

“Great experience and knowledgeable host! We spent an hour on the river and spotted 5 crocs - thanks to our boat captain who knew exactly where to look!”

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Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise - Sydney Zoo gives the day an early wildlife stop
Australia Boat Tours, Boat Tours, River Cruises, River Cruises in Australia, Sydney Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Blue Mountains Day Tour Including Parramatta River Cruise

15.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 by small coach. Visit Sydney Zoo, Kings Tableland, Wentworth Falls or Leura Cascades, Leura, Katoomba, Scenic World, and the Three Sisters, then take a ferry to Circular Quay. Zoo and Scenic World admission cost extra.

“Very interesting & enjoyable, Bruce was the perfect tour guide, under the circumstances with weather conditions.”

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New in Australia Boat Tours

★ 4.52-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling WineFrom $48539 reviews
★ 4.5Providence Whitsundays Tallship Sunset SailFrom $63389 reviews
★ 4.4Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with SnorkelingFrom $137640 reviews
★ 4.72-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with MealsFrom $460389 reviews
★ 4.6River Torrens Popeye Sightseeing CruiseFrom $19949 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin and Ships Graveyard CruiseFrom $62375 reviews
★ 4.84-Hour Guaranteed Wild Dolphin Watching CruiseFrom $63349 reviews
★ 4.9Thunder Thrill Jet Boat RideFrom $41372 reviews
★ 4.4Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner CruiseFrom $77342 reviews
★ 4.5Watching Cruise Including Lunch or BreakfastFrom $74878 reviews
★ 5.0Whale Watching Boat Trip in SydneyFrom $99571 reviews
★ 5.0Brisbane Whale Watching Cruise from Redcliffe or Sunshine CoastFrom $114997 reviews
★ 5.0Freedom 3/4 Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching CruiseFrom $125919 reviews
★ 4.22-hour Express Whale Watching CruiseFrom $63756 reviews
★ 5.0Drover’s Sunset Cruise includes Smithy’s Outback Dinner and ShowFrom $121665 reviews

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