Your own time on the inlet Boat hire, fishing and BBQ options
Spend time on Trinity Inlet at your own pace with self-drive boat hire from Cairns. A tinny suits a smaller group, while a pontoon offers more room for friends or family. Choose a straightforward hire or compare fishing packages with equipment and optional BBQ inclusions.
Match the boat to your group size and the time you want on the water. Pontoon hire has half-day and full-day options, while the fishing packages distinguish between boat-and-fishing gear and Standard or Deluxe BBQ combinations. Read the selected fare before booking so you know the passenger allowance, equipment supplied and any extras you need to arrange.
Choose your Cairns boat hire
Boat hire and fishing questions
Should I hire a tinny or a pontoon?
The tinny listing is a half-day hire for up to four people. Pontoons offer another layout and a choice of hire or fishing packages. Compare the permitted passenger numbers, facilities and hire duration on the selected fare rather than assuming every pontoon package is the same.
Compare Cairns Pontoon Boat Hire – Half-Day or Full-Day Options and Cairns Pontoon Fishing Packages – Boat & Fish or BBQ Options for the different options.
Is fishing gear included with boat hire?
Plain boat hire and fishing packages are separate choices. Select a fishing package if you want the advertised rods, bait and associated equipment. BBQ food is included only with the corresponding Standard or Deluxe BBQ package.
Do I need a boat licence?
The listed self-drive hire products do not require a boat licence, but the nominated driver must meet the operator’s age and participation requirements. A safety briefing is provided. You must stay within the permitted operating area and follow the hire conditions.
Can we take the hire boat out to the reef?
These products are for the operator’s permitted inlet waterways. Do not assume offshore or island travel is allowed. Confirm the operating boundary, weather conditions and return time at the briefing before you depart.
How do I book boat hire or a fishing package in Cairns?
Choose the boat or fishing package above, then check the hire duration and passenger allowance. Select the date and package through Book Now and read the driver and meeting requirements. Contact our team if you need help choosing a boat or completing the booking.
How much does Cairns boat hire cost?
Compare the total for the boat, hire duration and party size. Plain hire, fishing equipment and Standard or Deluxe BBQ packages have different inclusions. Check any bond, additional charges and return conditions in the selected booking terms before paying.
Should I book a half-day or full-day pontoon hire?
Choose around the time you want on the inlet and the operator’s available hire windows. A full day allows more time for a mix of fishing and relaxing, while a half day suits a shorter outing. Check the permitted area and return deadline; a longer hire does not extend the boat’s operating boundary.