Cairns Adventure Group Cairns River Cruise

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A 75-minute daytime cruise from Marlin Marina into the mangrove estuary of Trinity Inlet, past the navy base and old wrecks, looking for saltwater crocodiles, sea eagles and barramundi. Small boat, calm water, a captain with stories, and several departures a day.

Days

75 minutes

Age

All ages; infants on a lap

Group size

Max 14

Start / finish

Marlin Marina, Cairns / Trinity Inlet / Marlin Marina

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Small cruise boat; make your own way to Marlin Marina

Meals

One soft drink or water

Route

Map of Cairns Adventure Group Cairns River Cruise

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Included experiences

Trinity Inlet — cruise the calm mangrove estuary
Wildlife — look for saltwater crocodiles and sea eagles
Cairns waterfront — pass the naval base and old wrecks
Commentary — history and nature from your captain

Cairns Adventure Group Cairns River Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT MARLIN MARINA

Your cruise leaves from Marlin Marina on the Cairns waterfront, the same harbour the reef boats sail from each morning. Check in about 15 minutes before your departure, and with several sailings a day you can fit it around the rest of your plans. The boat is small, with never more than 14 on board, shaded seats and a toilet. Your captain doubles as your guide. A soft drink or water is on the house, and more drinks are sold on board.

OUT ALONG THE WATERFRONT

The boat slips past the waterfront hotels and the naval base, home port for the Navy's patrol boats in the north. Ahead lies Trinity Inlet, which takes its name from Trinity Bay, named by James Cook on Trinity Sunday in June 1770. Cairns itself began here in 1876 as a port for the Hodgkinson River goldfield, and your captain tells the town's story as you pass the boats left to rot in the inlet's backwaters.

INTO THE MANGROVES

Then the water calms and the mangroves close in. Watch the muddy banks at low water: saltwater crocodiles haul out here to bask, and a big male can pass five metres. Look up too, for white-bellied sea eagles, which nest in the tall trees at the water's edge. Under the surface the tangled roots shelter mangrove jack and barramundi. Barramundi start life as males and most become females as they grow, one of the stranger facts your captain may share.

BACK TO THE MARINA

After 75 minutes you're back at Marlin Marina, with the rest of the day still ahead of you. The Esplanade lagoon and the city's cafés are a short walk away.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Marlin Marina, Cairns. Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Several cruises a day, morning to mid-afternoon. Your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: 75 minutes.
Minimum age: No minimum. Infants can sit on a parent's lap; children 3 to 11 need their own seat. Under 18s travel with an adult.
Fitness: Low. Boarding involves a few steps and there is seating throughout. Pregnant guests are welcome.
Please note: Cruises run in most weather; if conditions are unsafe you are contacted beforehand to reschedule. Each cruise takes up to 14 guests.

What to bring

Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses (with a strap)
Camera or phone
Money for extra drinks

What is included

75-minute guided cruise on Trinity Inlet
Captain's commentary on local wildlife, history and culture
One soft drink or water
Shaded seating and an on-board toilet

Not included

Hotel transfers
Extra drinks (sold on board)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.