REVIEWS · AUSTRALIA
The 10 best australia catamaran cruises you can book right now, each with the per-head price, the hours it runs and how much of that is spent at anchor. Number one is first for a reason.
Join Passions of Paradise from Cairns for a full day at two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew support, borrow prescription masks, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and hear marine talks from guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a. Optional scuba sessions are available for qualified and first-time participants.
“Attention to detail and safety! Excellent adventure. Parker was awesome!”
Spend about nine hours aboard Passions of Paradise’s 25-meter catamaran, visiting two Outer Reef sites chosen for the day’s conditions. Snorkel with guides such as Simon or Parker, try an introductory scuba session, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear a marine naturalist explain reef life.
“The crew were great, really informative and I felt confident with our guide Simon. We did a scuba taster session and enjoyed it so much, we paid for a 2nd one on the same trip. The reefs we visited were amazing and we got really close to them. There was loads of food provided, unfortunately I was too sea sick to eat anything but bread at lunch, but there were lots of fruit and snacks later.”
Board the Spirit of Cairns at Marlin Marina for a 2.5-hour evening catamaran cruise along Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet. You’ll receive a sparkling wine, beer, or soft drink, then enjoy a hot and cold buffet with seafood and local produce, live entertainment, and city lights after sunset.
“Food and staff were lovely. No atmosphere, and music was ordinary. We just kept doing laps beside the wharf, and the lights were very bright, so couldn’t really see the forest and scenery.”
Cruise from Darling Harbour aboard Fantasea Avalon, a fast, purpose-built catamaran with air-conditioned cabins, panoramic windows, and two levels of viewing space. Reach the open ocean in about 30 minutes, then watch for humpback whales and dolphins with an English-speaking crew.
“Saw 4 whales - came close to a boat. Brilliant experience”
Join Sailaway Port Douglas at 4:30pm for a 90-minute sunset sail from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. You will enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink, hot and cold canapés, music, and views of the Coral Sea and Daintree coastline from a modern catamaran.
“It’s a beautiful catamaran . We were happily surprised to get a lovely spread of food and a free drink of choice on arrival . This was a lovely touch . The staff were fabulous and added a friendly vive to the trip . We copped a tropical storm at the end of the trip and got drowned . It added to the fun . That’s the tropics in wet season for you lol. Great fun was had . 1.5 hours is the perfect length for this trip .”
Board Kirralee at Man O'War Steps beside the Opera House for a relaxed one-hour cruise with up to 30 passengers. You will circle the Opera House, pass under the Harbour Bridge, and head toward Darling Harbour while enjoying a grazing platter, soft drink or water, and friendly crew such as Phil, Emily, or Yolanda.
“The easiest 10/10 ever! Stunning views, the service was amazing and such good value for money. The best ending to a trip of a lifetime. Couldn’t recommend this experience enough. I think their names were Adam & Phil (so sorry if I’ve got that wrong) and they were friendly and professional. We loved it so much!”
Spend nine hours sailing from Port Douglas to Mackay Cay on a spacious catamaran with a small group, marine biologist-led snorkeling, reef talks, a glass-bottom boat, and a tropical buffet. Zara’s guided snorkel is especially useful for spotting turtles, giant clams, and Nemo.
“It was all great food, snorkelling, sailing, information and staff. Maybe someone to take a couple of photos of snorkeling to be shared with group ?”
Meet the Temptation Sailing crew at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 90-minute twilight catamaran cruise. Sip one included drink, watch the sun drop over the gulf, and keep an eye out for dolphins. The boat can feel windy and seating is limited, so dress warmly and arrive early.
“It was amazing! The team was lovely and I met very kind people. Thank you 🤍”
You’ll spend 90 minutes aboard the 55-foot Whitehaven catamaran, sailing past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during Vivid Sydney. Enjoy a complimentary arrival drink, indoor and outdoor seating, and a licensed bar. Cruise director Sam may be on hand, with hot canapes and snacks available to buy.
“It was nice to see the lights at night, vivid Sydney. Next time I am doing the Catamaran”
Cruise Sydney Harbour aboard the 35-foot Kirralee during Vivid Sydney. You’ll pass the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Circular Quay, Barangaroo, and Darling Harbour with an experienced skipper and host. Bring your own wine or beer, enjoy antipasto, and dress warmly for the evening breeze.
“The experience was amazing. We can recommend the cruise to everyone. The crew was very professional and friendly. Thank you. We had great time.”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
