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Let’s Go Fishing. No boat, no worries, the team at Cairns Boat Hire have you covered! Located at the Marlin Marina, these guys have a range of 4 person tinny boats and 6 and 8 person pontoon boats available for hire. There’s no license needed, just you and your crew heading out for some fishing fun in Trinity Inlet. They have rods and reels for hire, and you can BYO bait or pick-up one of their packs for maximum convenience. They also have eskys, ice and cold drinks. Choose a half or full day hire, and if you’re making a day of it, opt in for their BBQ lunch pack. We’ve hired boats from these guys a few times, to take visiting family and friends for half day expeditions in Trinity Inlet. They are super nice to deal with and while our catch of the day won’t break any records, there’s always plenty of memories made. The boats are suitable for all ages and have a canopy to provide sun protection.
We took a pontoon boat out for half a day. The pontoon boats are stable in the water and comfortable on board, with lots of space to easily move around. You can cast from all sides and when we went, our son and his mate both landed some black bream.
Fishing is pretty popular in Cairns (and I feel that’s an understatement), and there’s nothing better than being out on the water with family and friends. For boatless peoples, Cairns Boat Hire can make that happen, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because the weather is so fine, you want to get out there and wet a line. Even better there’s no license or experience needed, but the ‘driver’ of the boat must be aged at least 18 years old. We’ve hired the tinny and the pontoon boats and for us it’s the pontoon boats every time, because we appreciate the extra space and comfort. Trinity Inlet is a great place for boating beginners, because the water is mostly protected from waves and current, in most conditions. It’s also a really beautiful place to explore, with a labyrinth of mangrove forests and plethora of boats anchored up in the Inlet. The Cairns Boat Hire people have everything you need for a great time on the water.
“While I’m not a fishing fanatic, my son and all his mates are obsessed with it, and I do enjoy being out on the water, so this is a great way to tick all those boxes. I love the fact that the Cairns Boat Hire team make it all just too easy for you. Bring your own rods, reels, bait, ice, drinks and snacks, or hire theirs. Half day or full day. Pick the boat that suits your needs, get a briefing and off you go. In addition to the fishing, there’s lots to see in Trinity Inlet, from the navy ships to the private boats, white boats, barges, tugs, pontoons and more. I love the mangroves too, they have such architectural roots and as you enjoy the serenity, you can hear the clicks and pops from the crabs that live amongst them. It’s actually surreal that within 25 minutes of leaving the marina, with its reef boats and hive of activity, you can transport yourself into a completely different world where the pace is slower and time is measured in the casts and spinning of reels.” – Julie Johnston
Trinity Inlet is the port for Cairns and departure point for most Great Barrier Reef and Island tours. For most people without boats, your interaction with Trinity Inlet is limited to boardwalk views. In fact, some people never know the true size and scale of Trinity Inlet, which extends around 9km ‘back’ from the Marlin Marina. The size of this substantial waterway is matched with its beauty, which is best appreciated by boat – enter Cairns Boat Hire. You can take the pontoon and tinny boats up the inlet and ‘around the bend’ to explore some of the mangrove lined channels. You do have to remain within a designated area, which is for your safety, but this does not impact your ability to explore this impressive tidal basin. The maze of mangrove forests provide shelter from currents and waves and are an ideal place to cast a line. Over 40 species of fish have been recorded in Trinity Inlet, including barramundi, mangrove jack, grunter, trevally, bream and more. We’ve been out a few times and have caught fish every single time. While we haven’t landed the big names, we’re just happy having fun and catching bream and whatever else takes the bait.
We’ve always opted for the half day hire, and usually choose the morning session, so we’re back for lunch. The half day morning hire is from 8am – 12pm and the afternoon hire is from 12.30pm – 4.30pm. Included with the boat hire rate is the boat and life jackets, as well as a briefing from the Cairns Boat Hire crew and tips on the best spots to go fishing. As we’ve mentioned, you can also opt in to hire rods, reels and an esky and they have bait and ice available for purchase. They’ve also got BBQs for hire with or without BBQ lunch packs. It’s a good idea to take sunblock and insect repellent and make sure at least one person has a mobile phone, in case you need to call in with questions or queries during your time on the water.
No. You do not need a boat license to hire their tinny or pontoon boats. However, the driver must be at least 18 years old.
You can choose from 4 person tinny boats or 6 and 8 person pontoon boats. Pontoon boats offer extra space, comfort and stability, while tinnies are great for smaller groups.
Cairns Boat Hire operate from the Marlin Marina in Cairns, with easy access to Trinity Inlet. Just keep your eyes peeled for the River Cruise Boats and Jet Boats, they are all a part of the same organisation.
You can choose a half-day or full-day hire. Half-day sessions run 8am–12pm or 12.30pm–4.30pm.
Fishing gear is not included in the hire price, but rods, reels, eskies, bait and ice are available for hire or purchase. You can also bring your own equipment.
Yes. You can BYO food and drinks, or hire a BBQ and even order a BBQ lunch pack for your trip.
Yes. The boats are suitable for all ages and come with life jackets. Just pick the boat that best suits your needs and group.
You’ll need to stay within the designated safe boating area in Trinity Inlet. This still allows you to explore mangrove-lined channels and sheltered fishing spots.
Over 40 species have been recorded, including barramundi, mangrove jack, bream, grunter, trevally and more.
Bring sunblock, insect repellent, snacks, drinks, a hat and a mobile phone. If you’re fishing, you’ll need rods, reels, bait, and an esky, unless you plan to hire them.
I enjoyed going on the pontoon boat with my friend and family, because we got to move around the Inlet and go where we want and we caught a lot of fish. The boat was very comfortable with lots of space to freely move around which is great when you’re fishing. I liked fishing in the Inlet and the mangroves were really cool to look at and all of them were different. We went for half a day and that was plenty of time. My highlight of the day was getting to spend time with my family and friend and having fun.
No marine license needed to drive the boats, which have a top speed of 10 knots. Pick the boat that best suits your needs and group size. Half and full day hire rates available and all rates include the boat as well as life jackets and briefings. You can rent multiple boats, if you have a big group. Cairns Boat Hire is a great option for those wanting to spend some time on the water in Trinity Inlet. Please remember this marine environment is an active saltwater crocodile habitat. Remember to be ‘safe’ at all times, staying on the boat and not leaning over the water to retrieve the catch of the day, in case you become the catch of the day.
© I Love Cairns 2025
