See Cairns from the water Daytime, sunset or dinner
A harbour cruise is a way to see the Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet without spending a full day offshore. Choose a daytime river cruise, a sunset outing or dinner aboard Spirit of Cairns.
The daytime cruise runs for 75 minutes, the sunset cruise for 90 minutes and the Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise for 2.5 hours with a hot and cold buffet. Compare the three trips below, check the departure details and choose your date.
Compare Cairns harbour cruises
Harbour cruise questions
Should I choose a daytime, sunset or dinner cruise?
Choose the 75-minute daytime river cruise for views of the waterfront and mangroves with commentary, or the 90-minute sunset cruise for an evening outing before dinner ashore. The Spirit of Cairns dinner cruise lasts around 2.5 hours and includes a buffet meal. All three visit Trinity Inlet; they are harbour experiences rather than trips to the reef.
Will I see the sunset on the dinner cruise?
That depends on the season and departure time. Sunset can occur before the dinner cruise leaves, so it should not be booked on the assumption that sunset viewing is included. If seeing the evening light is your priority, compare the dedicated Cairns sunset cruise and check the departure for your date. Weather also affects the view.
Are meals and drinks included in a harbour cruise?
The daytime and sunset river cruises include one cold drink per guest, but no dinner. Spirit of Cairns includes a welcome drink and a hot and cold buffet with dessert; further drinks are purchased from the bar. Advise dietary requirements when booking so they can be checked before you travel.
Will a harbour cruise take me to the reef or show me crocodiles?
These cruises stay around the Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet. They do not include reef visits, snorkelling or swimming. The mangroves are wildlife habitat, but crocodile sightings are uncommon and cannot be promised. Choose a reef tour if your main aim is to see coral and tropical fish.