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Cairns Sunset Cruises are the perfect way to end your day. During this 90-minute calm water cruise you’ll enjoy the changing lights over the water and rainforest mountains, while exploring the mangrove forests of Trinity Inlet and Cairns waterfront. The focus on the sunset cruises is to provide gentle exploration, with an unhurried pace. Departing from Marlin Marina, you’ll head down into Trinity Inlet, taking in the sights of the Cairns waterfront and Navy precinct, before exploring the quiet stillness of the mangrove forests. Your captain and skipper provides commentary along the way, providing information on local history and talking about the unique flora and fauna of this marine habitat. Before returning to Marlin Marina you’ll head out to see the lights of the Cairns Esplanade. With a maximum of 14 guests on each cruise, this is not mass tourism but more of a personal cruise experience.
The Cairns Sunset Cruise tour is suitable for all ages and is family friendly. The tour price includes the cruise, your captain and commentary, as well as 1 x cold drink for each participant. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Infants and those aged under 2 years old can sit on a parent/s lap and are free of charge. Children aged between 2 – 11 years old have their own seat and child price.
Cairns Sunset Cruises are the perfect way to end your day. Enjoy the changing lights over the water and rainforest mountains, while exploring the mangrove forests and Cairns waterfront. 90 Minutes. Maximum 14 guests.
Get a free action camera rental when you book tours departing Cairns through us valued at over $750, we’ll lend you a GoPro camera to use for the duration of your tours. Numbers are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Get in touch with us to claim this deal today.
The Cairns Sunset Cruise takes place aboard a stable pontoon-style vessel, fitted with a shaded canopy and retractable awnings so guests can enjoy uninterrupted views from every seat. Leaving Marlin Marina, the cruise travels through the calm, protected waters of Trinity Inlet, passing the Cairns waterfront and Navy base before continuing deeper into this unique marine environment. Here mangrove forests line the waterways, against a backdrop of towering rainforest mountains. Although Trinity Inlet is close to the city, it quickly feels peaceful and remote, particularly as the boat enters the smaller tributaries surrounded by mangroves. Listen for the natural clicking and popping sounds of this thriving ecosystem, which provides an important nursery habitat for many species of Great Barrier Reef fish. Throughout the cruise, your captain and guide shares commentary about the inlet, its environment and the local plants and wildlife.
Trinity Inlet supports a rich variety of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles, fish, crabs, snakes, frogs and numerous bird species. As this is a natural, untamed environment, wildlife sightings vary from cruise to cruise and cannot be guaranteed. Please note: while saltwater crocodiles do live within the inlet, sightings are relatively uncommon and often depend on the weather and tides. You are unlikely to see one on a Cairns Sunset Cruise. Travellers particularly keen to see crocodiles in the wild may have a better chance on a Daintree Rainforest tour that includes a river cruise. You will often see birdlife on the Cairns Sunset Cruise tour, as well as flying foxes (native fruit bats). At certain times of the year, moon jellyfish may also be visible drifting through the inlet.
The mangrove forests surrounding Trinity Inlet create an important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, while also supporting aquatic species such as fish, crabs and shellfish. Adapted to life in a tidal marine environment, these remarkable trees have developed specialised ways to cope with regular exposure to saltwater. Their dense growth and distinctive aerial roots make them one of the inlet’s most striking natural features. Although located well away from the Great Barrier Reef, the mangroves are closely connected to the wider marine ecosystem. They provide valuable shelter and nursery grounds for many fish species during the early stages of their lives. During the Cairns Sunset Cruise, you will see different areas of the mangrove forest while your captain and guide explains how these plants survive and thrive in such challenging conditions.
The Cairns Sunset Cruise operates daily with a 5.15pm departure from Marlin Marina. The sunset cruise lasts 90 minutes (and follows the same itinerary as the Cairns River Cruise, regarding locations and features). Please note the below Cairns Sunset Cruise tour itinerary is based around the ‘usual’ Cairns Adventure Group itinerary. However, please note that exact times and order of activities can change pending season, weather and other circumstances. The start and end point for the tours is the CAG Marine Centre at Marlin Marina. Whilst it is calm water cruising, if you are worried about motion sickness, we strongly suggest taking some preventative medication before setting out. The tour is fully guided and the ticket price includes 1 cold drink. Bring additional funds for additional drinks or souvenir purchases.
Arrive at the Cairns Adventure Group Marine Centre, located on A Finger of Marlin Marina, immediately adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal. The centre is easily identifiable with prominent signage. You will see the Sunset Cruise tour boat and also the CAG jet boats. You will either be given your complimentary drink at the start of the cruise, or at the half-way point in Trinity Inlet.
You depart the marina and commence your journey into Trinity Inlet. Along the way you’ll pass by some of Cairns’ waterfront hotels and bars, as well as the Navy base and commercial shipyards. The pontoon boat tracks deep into the Inlet, leaving the city behind and so begins your exploration of the waterways.
As you cruise you will see many different private and commercial vessels, which are moored in Trinity Inlet. Your captain and guide will provide information on some of the more prominent boats. A highlight of the Cairns Sunset Cruise is heading into one of the Inlet’s many tributaries, where you’ll be surrounded by the magical mangrove forests. Here the waterway is narrow. You feel more connected to your surroundings and aware of the living landscape that surrounds you.
The cruise operates in a loop, returning the same way you came. Before heading to the CAG Marine Centre, the boat will take you to the waters in front of the Cairns Esplanade where you can enjoy the city lights. Once the Sunset Cruise is finished you can continue your Cairns holiday, perhaps having dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, with waterfront views.
Yes, it’s a good idea to book the Cairns Sunset Cruise in advance. The pontoon-style boat takes a maximum of 14 guests, and there’s only 1 tour per day, so this tour does sell out. Once you know your dates, best to lock it in.
The Cairns Sunset Cruise departs Marlin Marina and takes you into Trinity Inlet. Along the way, enjoy views of some of Cairns’ waterfront hotels and the Navy base. You travel into the Inlet and explore some of the tributaries and mangrove forests.
The Cairns Sunset Cruise is 90 minutes in duration. It departs from Marlin Marina at 5.15pm. You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your booked departure time.
Generally speaking ‘no’ you won’t get seasick on a Cairns Sunset Cruise. This is a calm water cruise in the sheltered waters of Trinity Inlet. The pontoon-style boat is low to the water. That being said, if you are worried about this, then take preventative medication prior to travel.
Yes, the Cairns Sunset Cruise tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. Infants and toddlers aged 0-2 years are free of charge, if seated on a parent/s lap. There are also Adult and Child prices, making it affordable for families.
No, you cannot swim during the Cairns Sunset Cruise tour. The tour travels in Trinity Inlet, which is home to a healthy population of saltwater crocodiles.
Yes, the Cairns Sunset Cruise tour does operate in the rain. It has zipped awnings to provide protection from the elements. If there is severe weather and any tour changes, you will be contacted directly.
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