- Telephone
- Email
Cairns Boat Hire
Hire a boat today and explore the waters of Cairns’ Trinity Inlet, with its mangrove forests and tributaries, perfect for fishing, wildlife watching and enjoying the scenery. What you’ll find when you head out cruising is a labyrinth of creeks and streams, a biodiversity hot spot providing habitat for over 40 different fish species, saltwater crocodiles and more. For fishing fans, cast your line and try to land a jack, barramundi, queenfish, fingermark, salmon, snapper and more. Wildlife watching is great too, with many birds flying in and around Trinity Inlet, whilst the backdrop of rainforest covered mountains completes this tropical landscape. Pontoon boats for 8 passengers, or tinny boats for 4 passengers. This is the ultimate do it yourself adventure (or if you would prefer, you can hire a skipper).
Half day or full day hire rates. Fuel included. No license required but you must be 18+ to drive. Also hire bait, tackle and BBQs.
CAIRNS BOAT HIRE FOR FISHING AND RELAXING
PONTOON BOATS
Our pontoon boats provide a stable and comfortable ride. Centre console driving system. No boat license required. Canopy cover and padded seats. Our pontoon boats take a maximum of 8 passengers. 1 pontoon boat is wheelchair accessible.
TINNY BOATS
For couples and friends, our tinny boats are the perfect solution and can carry up to 4 passengers. Canopy cover, comfortable seats. No boat license required, but you must be over 18 years of age to drive.
ALL THE EXTRAS YOU NEED
If you’re on holiday or just don’t have the kit we’ll hook you up with rods and bait, eskys and ice. We’ve even got BBQs if you want to cook up a storm while boating.
FUN FOR EVERYONE
As far as a do it yourself adventure goes our Cairns Boat Hire ticks all the boxes. Jump on board, cruise the calm waters, throw a line or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. Fun for everyone.
Cairns Boat Hire Rates and Information
Our Cairns boat hire and self-guided fishing tours are suitable for most people, of all ages. You do not need a boat license, but the driver must be aged over 18 years. You can hire a skipper for an additional $50 per hour (included in the passenger count). Safety briefings and equipment are provided. You can choose between half day (4 hours) and full day (8 hours). Boat pick up and drop off is to our berth at Cairns’ Marlin Marina. If you’re concerned about your ability to participate, please contact our office.
Rates and Tour Duration
-
Tinny Boats – Half Day$209
-
Tinny Boats – Full Day$300
-
6 Man Pontoon – Half Day$239
-
6 Man Pontoon – Full Day$350
-
8 Man Pontoon – Half Day$269
-
8 Man Pontoon – Full Day$395
-
Rates are Valid to31/03/27
Additional Information
-
Infants & ChildrenAre Welcomed. Children aged 8 years and under must wear a life jacket, which is supplied.
-
IncludesBoat hire and fuel.
-
Optional ExtrasSkipper, Fishing Rods, Bait, Ice and BBQ.
-
What To BringA hat and sunsmart clothing, sunblock, insect spray, snacks and drinks. Your camera, sense of adventure and a smile. (Option for BYO fishing gear).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book this today?
Yes – our Cairns Boat Hire has half day and full day booking options, so pending pending availability and the time of inquiry, this can be booked on the day of travel. The morning session is 8am – 12pm; the afternoon session is 12.30pm – 4.30pm. The full day hire is 8am – 4.30pm.
Do I need a boat licence?
No – you don’t need a marine licence to drive, but you must be at least 18 years of age. Information on boat handling and the waterway will be provided to you, prior to departure. If you prefer you can hire one of our Skippers to accompany you on your cruise, at a rate of $50 per hour in addition to the boat hire rate. This service must be pre-booked and is subject to availability. Please note that the driver / hirer must always keep the hire boat within the designated area of operation in Trinity Inlet; a map will be provided at check-in.
Where do we pick up and return the boat?
The boats are collected from and must be returned to Wharf A, Marlin Marina Cairns (which is adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal). Check-in is 15 minutes prior to your booked departure time. Anyone under 18 years of age must travel with a responsible guardian or adult.
Where can I operate the boats?
You can operate the boats within the designated area of operation, in Cairns’ stunning Trinity Inlet. At check-in our crew provide a briefing and map of this area. The tidal estuary is abundant in wildlife and fish including mangrove jack, estuary cod and barramundi. It’s a great location for fishing, sightseeing and enjoying the great outdoors! For more information on the Trinity Inlet please visit www.wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au
Can I take the boat to the reef?
No, you must remain in the designated area of operation in Trinity Inlet. We do not hire boats suitable for heading out to the reef, or offshore islands including Fitzroy and Green Island. Our boats operate within the very large and diverse Trinity Inlet and you will be supplied an area of operation map clearly marking out the area you can navigate at check in.
Is safety gear and briefing provided?
Life jackets and safety briefings are provided.
How many people can the boats take?
Options include 4 passenger tinnies and pontoon boats up to 8 passengers (capacity depends on boat type).
What should I bring?
A hat, sun block, insect repellent, sunglasses, a smile on your dial and camera. At least one person should have a mobile phone, in case you need to contact us. You are welcome to BYO drinks and snacks, rods and bait, ice and esky (or we can prepare and provide that for you, with some great packages available). Children under 12 are required to wear a life jacket, these are supplied to you. Be aware that you will not always be fully shaded from the sun so you may also need other sun protection as well.
Can I bring my own tackle/bait/fishing gear?
Yes of course! If you do not have your own gear, we have a range of equipment available for hire. For more information, check out our Fishing Packages.
What can I add on to my hire?
We have a range of fantastic Fishing Packages you can choose from, all designed to allow you to reel in the good times, with less work and more fun. These packages are perfect for families and friends on holidays, celebrating a birthday or just keen to spend some time on the water. Options include Fishing Gear (rods, bait, esky & ice); Fishing Gear & a Standard BBQ pack; Fishing Gear & a Deluxe BBQ pack.
What happens if the weather changes?
If we deem the weather to be unsuitable for boating, we will offer you the opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund. This decision will be made on the morning of your departure so please contact our office between 8am and 9am for an update. If you want to cancel your booking, then you must provide at least 24 hours notice to Cairns Boat Hire, failure to do so will result in full payment being due.
Are there any accessible boats?
We offer an accessible 8 person pontoon boat available for full and half day hire. Boat Hire is self-guided and if assistance is required, it may take up to 1hr (depending on location) for a staff member to reach the guests. Guests should come prepared with any resources/ medications they may need and ensure guests travelling with them are able to provide care if needed.
Can we swim off the boat?
No. Trinity Inlet is a very active saltwater crocodile environment and marine stingers may also be present. It is very dangerous to swim here. Please ensure you stay on the boat at all times.
Industry Memberships
Travel Awards
