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If you want a sunset experience on Cairns Trinity Inlet, you will usually be choosing between two main tours:
Both are calm water cruises on Trinity Inlet. The difference is what sort of night you want: a full dinner on a large catamaran, or a relaxed 90 minute sunset cruise with a drink, snacks and commentary. This guide runs through the real world differences so you can pick the option that suits you.
Spirit of Cairns is a large, luxury sailing catamaran that operates a 2.5 hour dinner cruise on Trinity Inlet. Boarding is from around 6.00 pm at A Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, the vessel departs at 6.30 pm and returns at 9.00 pm.
Key points:
The Cairns Sunset River Cruise is a smaller boat experience that focuses on the actual sunset and scenery rather than a full meal. It is a 90 minute cruise, usually departing at 5.15 pm and returning about 6.45 pm.
Key points:
Because the Sunset River Cruise leaves earlier, you are on the water for the full sunset window. In winter this can be the difference between seeing all the colour change or just catching the last glow.
The smaller vessel can also go into narrower tributaries and mangrove channels, which feels closer to the trees, banks and birdlife.
Spirit of Cairns boards at 6.00 pm and departs at 6.30 pm. In summer there is still plenty of light when you leave the marina. In winter you are more likely to get a short slice of sunset at the start, then most of the cruise is about twilight and night time city views.
If your number one priority is a long sunset, the Sunset River Cruise usually wins. If you like the idea of a bit of sunset then cruising with the lights of Cairns and the ranges as a backdrop, the dinner cruise fits that better.
Spirit of Cairns is a dinner product. You get:
The food is good quality buffet style with plenty of choice, and the setting on the water is what makes the night feel special. If your main goal is to have the very best restaurant meal in Cairns, waterfront restaurants like Waterbar and Grill or Dundees will usually offer a higher end a la carte experience. Where Spirit of Cairns wins is the combination of a nice meal, the views and being out on Trinity Inlet for the evening.
The Sunset River Cruise is not a dinner. Inclusions are:
Most people will either eat before the cruise or book a restaurant afterwards. It works well as a pre dinner sunset experience, then you can head into town for your main meal.
Spirit of Cairns feels like a special occasion product. It suits:
Because it is a longer, sit down dinner in a more elegant setting, parents of younger or very active kids sometimes find they spend more time managing their children than relaxing themselves. It is still family friendly, but you need to know your kids and how they handle a 2.5 hour dinner cruise.
One big plus is space. The catamaran has large decks and a full front bow area, so you can get up, move around and take photos together.
The Sunset River Cruise feels more casual and low pressure. It suits:
Most guests stay seated for most of the cruise, listening to the commentary and watching the views, so there is less moving around than on Spirit of Cairns.
Spirit of Cairns departs from A Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, which is further along the marina. There is a longer walk from the main Esplanade and some car parks to reach the vessel. That matters if you do not like walking long distances, are in dress shoes or have mobility issues.
The Sunset River Cruise usually departs from a more central spot on the marina that is closer to the main access points, so it can be a bit easier if walking is a concern.
Pick the Cairns Sunset River Cruise if you:
Pick the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise if you:
If you are still unsure, the simplest way is to think about whether you want sunset plus restaurant, or sunset plus dinner on the boat. From there it becomes an easy choice.
Spirit of Cairns currently operates a buffet style dinner service with a range of hot and cold dishes, including seafood, mains, salads and desserts. Menus can change, so it is always worth checking the current menu at the time of booking.
No. The Sunset River Cruise includes a complimentary drink and light savoury snacks only. It is designed as a scenic sunset and early evening cruise, not a full meal.
Deals and promotions can change during the year. If you are looking for a discount or locals offer on the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise or the Cairns Sunset River Cruise, the best option is to get in touch with your travel dates so we can check current rates and any specials.
Yes. As we also operate I Love Cairns, we can package your sunset cruise with almost any other Cairns tour. That can include Great Barrier Reef trips, island days, rainforest and waterfall tours, adventure activities and more. If you are planning a few tours, let us know what you want to do and we can suggest package options that often work out cheaper than booking everything separately.
Both the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise and the Cairns Sunset River Cruise are calm water trips that show off Cairns from the water, without ocean swell or long travel times. The best choice comes down to how you like to spend your evening.
If you want a full night out with dinner included, and you are happy with a good quality buffet rather than top tier restaurant dining, Spirit of Cairns is the clear pick. If food is your main focus and you want what you would get at places like Waterbar and Grill or Dundees, it can make more sense to choose the Cairns Sunset River Cruise, then book your favourite waterfront restaurant afterwards.
If you are still not sure which way to go, get in touch with your dates, who you are travelling with and what sort of night you have in mind and we can help you match the right cruise to your plans, or build a package that ties in your sunset cruise with the rest of your Cairns holiday.