Cairns is the gem of Queensland and one of the best starting points for exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This tropical city sits on the northeast coast and serves as a gateway to reef tours, scuba diving adventures, and overnight sailing trips.

By boat in Cairns, you can explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, home to vibrant coral gardens, sea turtles, reef sharks, and countless tropical fish. Popular spots like Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and Michaelmas Cay are just a short ferry cruise from Cairns and offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities.

For a more immersive experience, book a liveaboard trip to reach outer reef sites such as Agincourt Reef and Ribbon Reefs, where the marine life is even more diverse and untouched. Along the coastline, enjoy scenic cruising through Trinity Inlet, where you might spot crocodiles and mangrove forests, or head north toward Palm Cove and Port Douglas for serene waters and coastal views. Whether you’re diving, fishing, or simply soaking up the tropical scenery, exploring Cairns by boat reveals the region’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

The Best Accommodation Options in Cairns

Hotels in Cairns

Boating in Townsville, Queensland

Townsville, a few hours south of Cairns, offers access to Magnetic Island and the scenic waters of Cleveland Bay. Boat rentals and fishing charters are popular here, giving visitors a chance to enjoy calm bays, marine life, and coral reefs away from the busier ports.

Magnetic Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville and is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Horseshoe Bay and Alma Bay are ideal anchor points for day trips, picnics, and swimming.

The Best Accommodation in Townsville

Boat Tours & Overnight Sailing Trips for the Whitsunday Islands

Exploring the Whitsunday Islands is one of the most iconic boating experiences in Australia. With 74 tropical islands scattered across turquoise seas, the Whitsundays are a dream for sailors, divers, and adventurers alike.

Start your trip in Airlie Beach, where you can book bareboat charters, crewed yacht rentals, or multi-day sailing tours. Spend your days snorkeling coral gardens, kayaking through lagoons, and relaxing on world-famous beaches like Whitehaven Beach.

The region’s pristine beauty is protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park, ensuring clear water, healthy reefs, and abundant marine life.

Top boating and fishing spots:

  • Hook Passage & Nara Inlet – excellent for anchoring and fishing.
  • Haselwood Island – known for snorkeling and coral viewing.
  • Shute Harbour – popular starting point for fishing trips.

For those seeking a mix of land and sea, try the Ngaro Sea Trail, which combines kayaking, hiking, and boating routes through the islands’ best landscapes.

The Best Accommodation Options in Airlie Beach

Most accommodations are within walking distance of the marinas, restaurants, and tour operators, making Airlie Beach the ideal base for Great Barrier Reef adventures.

Tips for Renting Boats and Choosing Reef Tours in Cairns and the Whitsundays

  1. Book Early During Peak Season – The dry season (May–October) is the most popular time to visit; book your boat rental or tour several weeks in advance.
  2. Choose the Right Charter Type – In the Whitsundays, experienced sailors can rent bareboat charters; in Cairns, most reef trips are crewed and guided.
  3. Check Weather and Marine Conditions – Monitor forecasts before setting out; cyclone season runs from November to April.
  4. Respect Marine Park Regulations – Use approved moorings and follow GBRMPA rules to protect coral reefs.
  5. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Avoid sunscreens with harmful chemicals that damage corals.
  6. Compare Tour Inclusions – Check for meals, snorkeling gear, reef fees, and photography services before booking.
  7. Try an Overnight Reef Experience – Liveaboard trips offer more dive sites, night snorkeling, and sunrise views from the deck.

From Cairns’ world-class reef tours to Airlie Beach’s sailing adventures in the Whitsundays, Queensland’s northern coast is a paradise for ocean lovers. Whether you’re diving among coral formations, fishing in calm bays, or cruising between islands, every moment on the water reveals another layer of Australia’s natural beauty.

Plan your trip early, pack your reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready to experience the Great Barrier Reef — the ultimate boating destination in the world. Browse Getmyboat to find the best deals on all sorts of boat charters and on-water experiences across Tropical North Queensland.