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Cairns Dinner Cruises are the ultimate in waterfront dining. This 2.5 hour cruise includes a complimentary glass of bubbles or cold drink on arrival, a delicious buffet dinner showcasing fresh, local produce and of course, the calm water cruise. The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise vessel has two exterior decks, providing uninterrupted views and a fully air conditioned interior with table and chair seating. During the 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 of the Dinner Cruise is to provide a relaxed pace, as you ease from day to night. 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. Before returning to Marlin Marina you’ll head out to see the lights of the Cairns Esplanade.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise tour is family friendly, if your child/ren are aged 4 years old and above. If you have infants aged 0-3 years old, they are welcome on board, but please note there are no high chairs or changing facilities. The tour price includes the cruise, a hot and cold buffet dinner and 1 x welcome drink for each participant. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. There is a child price for those aged 4-14 years old. Maximum 80 guests.
Cairns Dinner Cruises are the ultimate in waterfront dining. 2.5 hour cruise. Delicious buffet dinner showcasing fresh, local produce. Sunset over the water. Maximum 80 guests.
What We Love About This Cairns Dinner Cruise. This Cairns Dinner Cruise provides the ultimate waterfront dining experience, with a relaxed vibe and an impressive hot and cold buffet dinner. It’s a very relaxing 2.5 hour cruise, with ever-changing views of Trinity Inlet and the Cairns waterfront. The crew were attentive and friendly. There was enough space for everyone to spread out. It’s just a really lovely way to end your day, with family-friendly prices and times. Read our Cairns Dinner Cruise Review.
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Spirit of Cairns is owned by an international company, which runs a number of Cairns tours. The Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise operates every day and has a 6.30pm departure time. This tour has Adult and Child Prices, but please note it does not have high chairs or changing tables, so may not be suitable for babies and infants. Departures are from Marlin Marina, immediately opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise takes place aboard Spirit of Cairns, a 26m sailing vessel with 2 exterior decks and a large air conditioned interior. It has a licensed bar and table and chair seating for all guests. Leaving Marlin Marina, the dinner 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. It’s a peaceful place and the perfect backdrop for a Cairns sunset dinner cruise. Everyone receives a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival. Additional beverages can be purchased during the cruise, at additional cost. There’s live music on every cruise from Sunday through to Thursday.
The Cairns waterfront includes the Esplanade, Marlin Marina, hotels, cafes and breweries, as well as the Navy base, Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal and other commercial activities. You’ll see all of this on the Cairns Dinner Cruise, and watch it transform from light to night and come alive with beautiful city lights. The Spirit of Cairns has exterior decks and large interior windows, ensuring everyone enjoys uninterrupted views of the Cairns waterfront during the cruise.
Trinity Inlet is the central focus for the marine operations of this tropical port city. The Marlin Marina is where the reef day boats and marine tours depart from. Deeper into the Inlet you will discover mangrove forests, which create an important habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. Mangroves have adapted to life in a tidal marine environment, developing 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.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise operates daily with a 6.30pm* departure from Marlin Marina. The dinner cruise lasts 2.5 hours. The below itinerary is based around the ‘usual’ Spirit of Cairns 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 at Cairns’ 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 welcome drink and hot and cold buffet dinner. There is live music on the cruises from Sunday through to Thursday (not on Friday or Saturday nights). Bring additional funds for additional drinks or souvenir purchases. *Please note departure time varies with the time of year, to maximise the sunset component of the dinner cruise. In winter months the cruise has a 6.15pm departure with a 5.45pm check in. Exact times will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Arrive at the Spirit of Cairns boat, which is located on A Finger of Marlin Marina, adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal. The boat has sign-writing and is easily identifiable. Walk to the end of A-Finger, where you will see the Sunlover Reef Cruises boats moored, then turn left and walk to Spirit of Cairns.
Be welcomed aboard by the crew and receive a cold beverage (choice of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink). Explore the exterior decks and/or find yourself a table in the air conditioned interior.
Spirit of Cairns departs the marina and commences its journey into Trinity Inlet. Along the way you’ll pass by some of Cairns’ waterfront hotels and bars, as well as the Cruise Liner Terminal, Navy base and commercial shipyards. The sailing boat heads deep into the Inlet, leaving the city behind for a while.
Dinner is a hot and cold buffet, showcasing fresh local produce and flavours, including seafood. Some of the dishes are: local prawns, smoked salmon canapes and oysters, salt and pepper squid, peri peri chicken, sweetcorn ribs and garlic roast potatoes. Guests serve themselves and once dinner is complete, a delicious dessert selection is available. Highlights include fresh tropical fruits, churros dipped in chocolate, chocolate mousse and more. Full menu provided in the FAQs on this page.
During the 2.5 hour cruise Spirit of Cairns explores Trinity Inlet and the Cairns waterfront. It’s calm water cruising designed to showcase the local area. Sunset is a highlight, watching the golden lights change as the sun sets behind the rainforest mountains that surround Cairns.
Once the Cairns Dinner Sunset Cruise is finished, you’ll be retuned to Marlin Marina where you can continue your evening.
Yes, it’s a good idea to book the Cairns Sunset Dinner Cruise in advance. Spirit of Cairns takes a maximum of 80 guests and with 1 daily departure, this tour does sell out. Once you know your dates, best to lock it in.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise departs Marlin Marina and takes you into Trinity Inlet. Along the way, enjoy views of some of Cairns’ waterfront hotels, Cruise Liner Terminal and the Navy base. You travel into the Inlet and then along the Cairns waterfront.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise is 2.5 hours in duration. It departs from Marlin Marina at 6.30pm. You should arrive 30 minutes prior to your booked departure time.
Generally speaking ‘no’ you won’t get seasick on a Cairns Dinner Cruise. This is a calm water cruise in the sheltered waters of Trinity Inlet. That being said if you are worried about this, then take preventative medication prior to travel.
Yes, the Cairns Dinner Cruise tour is family-friendly, especially if your child/ren are aged 4 years old or above. Infants and younger children are welcome, but please note there are no high chairs or changing table facilities. Infants and toddlers aged 0-3 years are free of charge. There is a Child price for children aged 4-14 years old. There is no Family Rate.
The Cairns Dinner Cruise has a hot and cold buffet, featuring mains and desserts. The exact menu is subject to change as the focus is on showcasing fresh local produce. The menu at the time of writing this tour (August 2026) is as follows.
COLD SELECTION
HOT SELECTION
Please note all menu items are subject to change without notice. Please contact us when booking with any special dietary requirements.
The hot and cold buffet dinner has dishes suitable for vegetarians. If you have specific allergy or dietary requirements, please advise at the time of bookings and a minimum of 48 hours prior to travel.
© I Love Cairns 2026
