The 15 Catamaran Cruises in Australia That Earn Their Price

1.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190Our pick

Join Passions of Paradise at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal for a full day aboard a spacious catamaran. You’ll visit two outer reef sites, snorkel with guides such as Lily or Justin, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and hear marine talks from the crew. Scuba sessions and prescription masks are available.

“Crew were highly trained, efficient, couldn’t have been more helpful. Catamaran was clean, smooth on the seas, spacious for the number of people. Timings were spot on. Great Barrier Reef was awesome ofc & Food was super delicious and well appreciated! Thank you so much :)”

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2.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Cruise from Cairns on an 80-foot catamaran to two Outer Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Corinda, try an introductory scuba session, enjoy a generous buffet, and hear a marine biologist explain reef life on the return trip.

“Lots of rain, which made the journey there very choppy. The crew provided sickness tablets for purchase. Despite the weather, the snorkelling was amazing. The lunch and crew were absolutely great - all committed to making sure everyone is safe and has a great experience”

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3.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 771 reviews · from $466

Join OzSail’s 2-night trimaran voyage from Airlie Beach aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ only commercial sailing trimaran. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel calm reef waters, eat onboard, and sleep at sea. Crew members may include Alex, Ella, Sammy, Dave, Tyler, or Casper.

“The staff really made this trip that much more enjoyable. Beautiful reefs, amazing staff what an experience.”

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4.Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · from $99

Board Spirit of Cairns at Marlin Marina for a relaxed evening on Trinity Inlet. You’ll receive a complimentary drink, cruise Cairns’ waterfront for about 2.5 hours, and enjoy a hot and cold buffet with seafood and local produce. Live music may add to the evening.

“Nice experience. Small and intimate boat. Friendly staff. Food was ok. Good variety, but not the seafood extravaganza as suggested in the ad.”

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5.Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 402 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

From Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour, you’ll ride the air-conditioned Fantasea Avalon to open water in about 30 minutes, then search for humpback whales and dolphins from indoor and outdoor decks. English-speaking crew, tea, coffee, water, and an optional photo service are included.

“Great whale watching experience - lots of active whales to be seen!”

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6.Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 342 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

Set sail from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina for 90 minutes aboard Sailaway’s luxury catamaran. You’ll enjoy Coral Sea and Daintree views, hot and cold canapes, music, and one complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink. Crew names can vary, but skipper Guy and crew George and Martie have recently worked this cruise.

“Great activity! Catamaran was clean and luxurious and good amount of people. Welcome drink was nice and some food to snack on. Definitely recommend as a great way to see the sunset!”

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7.Sunset Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 261 reviews · 1 hour · from $41Best value

Board the catamaran Kirralee at Man O’War Steps for a one-hour loop past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Darling Harbour. You’ll have indoor and outdoor seating, a snack platter, one soft drink or water, and the option to bring your own alcohol.

“Loved the journey. Food and drinks were good. Phil and Juana were awesome. It ended up raining but we had the best time!”

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8.Outer Reef Cruise by Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 182 reviews · 9 hours · from $240

Sail two hours from Port Douglas to Mackay Cay on a custom-built catamaran. You’ll get reef briefings, guided snorkeling with a marine biologist, two reef sites, a glass-bottom boat ride, cay time, buffet lunch, and tea throughout the day. Ask for Zara’s guided snorkel if she is on board.

“Amazing day, top staff, comfy boat and food was brilliant - highly recommend!”

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9.Glenelg Twilight Catamaran Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 155 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Meet the crew at Glenelg’s Marina Pier for a 90-minute twilight catamaran cruise along Adelaide’s coast. Enjoy a drink from the onboard bar, watch the sun set over the gulf, and look for dolphins near the boat. Crew members such as Jerry, Will, Zak, and Quinn are known for friendly service.

“Great experience, how highly recommend. You get to see some amazing sunset views. The host was great, drink of your chosen was included in the package.”

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10.Broome’s Iconic Catamaran Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 120 reviews · 3h 30m · from $109

Board a 42-foot catamaran after a hotel pickup and Cable Beach transfer, then cruise Broome’s coast at sunset with canapés, a grazing board, music, and drinks for purchase. From April to early October, you can use the boom swimming net when conditions allow. English-speaking crew provide the tour.

“Pick up was on time and Xavier was very friendly. The cruise was wonderful. The staff were great and very helpful and looked after us well. Beautiful.night where we even spotted a few humpback whales. Highly recommend.”

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11.Premium Catamaran Vivid Cruise with Welcome Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 104 reviews · 1h 30m · from $63

Board the 55-foot Whitehaven at King Street Wharf for a 90-minute Vivid Sydney cruise capped at 70 passengers. Enjoy a complimentary drink, indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Sam and the onboard team help keep the evening friendly and relaxed.

“Loved this! Beautiful views of the harbour bridge and opera house. I didn't expect fireworks but they were gorgeous, an absolute highlight of the evening. The drinks were tasty and the staff and captain were lovely. Highly recommended. I'll be doing it again next year, wish I'd done it sooner.”

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12.Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 96 reviews · 5h 30m · from $240

Sailaway’s 5.5-hour afternoon cruise takes you from Port Douglas to Low Isles aboard a luxury catamaran. Expect guided snorkeling with a marine naturalist, a glass-bottom boat, island history, tea, scones, canapés, drinks, and a sunset view of the Daintree mountains.

“What we expected from the advertising material. We were not let down in any respect.”

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13.Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 8 hours · from $240

Sail 15 kilometers from Port Douglas to Low Isles on a comfortable catamaran, then spend 4.5 hours with a marine naturalist, guided snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat, heritage walk, reef lunch, and time on the beach. Small numbers make the day personal.

“unforgettable experience. safe, excellent equipament, and crew very kind and professional.”

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14.Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Sail from d’Albora Nelson Bay aboard Imagine, a 54-foot catamaran with covered decks and an onboard bar. Your English-speaking guide searches for migrating humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds during a 3-hour cruise. Tea, coffee, wet-weather jackets, blankets, and seasickness tablets are available.

“Fabulous time out on the water, we saw 2 adult Humpback whales and a calf, and had a large pod of around 30-40 common dolphins come over and play in the boat wake for about 20 minutes. Beautiful scenery, friendly crew and comfortable boat with not too many people onboard. Will do this boat tour again.”

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15.BYOB Sunset Sail in Style Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Join a skipper and host aboard the 60-foot SV Wings III for a relaxed two-hour sunset sail from Coral Sea Marina. You’ll get a tropical welcome drink, antipasto, dessert canapés, tea, and coffee. Bring your own chilled drinks, then settle on the spacious decks or top sundeck.

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