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Cairns Boat Hire

from A$209
4 hours
Trinity Inlet
All Ages

Hire a boat in Cairns' Trinity Inlet for a half or full day. Enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, and exploring mangrove creeks, with options to hire fishing rods, Esky, and a skipper. Perfect for up to four people seeking a flexible aquatic adventure.

Key Highlights

  • Explore Cairns' Trinity Inlet and its intricate mangrove forests
  • Opportunity to fish for over 40 species including barramundi and snapper
  • Wildlife watching with chances to see saltwater crocodiles and diverse birdlife
  • Scenic views of rainforest-clad mountains
  • Self-drive with the option to hire a skipper

What’s included

  • Self-drive hire boats (seats up to 8 people)
  • Half day (08:00-12:00 or 12:30-16:30) or full day (08:00-16:30) hire options
  • Optional fishing rods and Esky available for hire
  • Skipper hire available

Overview

Discover Cairns' Trinity Inlet in one of our self drive hire boats and cruise through a network of mangrove-lined creeks and streams. This area is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with over 40 species of fish, saltwater crocodiles, and numerous native birds. The natural beauty of rainforest-covered mountains surrounds the waterway, making it a picturesque spot for your adventure. Choose either a "tinny" seating up to 4 people or a larger ultra stable "pontoon boat" which can accommodate up to 8 passengers. Hire durations include half days from 08:00-12:00 or 12:30-16:30, and full day from 08:00-16:30, providing flexibility for your plans.Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line to catch species such as barramundi, mangrove jack, queenfish, fingermark, salmon, and snapper. Wildlife watchers may spot saltwater crocodiles basking along the banks, while birders can enjoy sightings of local and migratory birds throughout Trinity Inlet. The experience is designed as a do-it-yourself day out, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you prefer, you can arrange for a skipper to handle navigation while you relax and enjoy the journey. Additional equipment, such as fishing rods and an Esky, can be hired to make your trip more comfortable. Bait and ice are available for purchase, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful outing on Cairns' Trinity Inlet. We also have some great fishing and BBQ packages available.

Commonly asked questions.

Cairns Boat Hire offers 8-person pontoon boats and smaller 4-person tinny boats. Both options are suitable for exploring the waterways of Trinity Inlet, with canopy shade and easy-to-use central steering.
No. You do not need a marine licence to drive the boats. The driver must be at least 18 years old, and a safety and boat-handling briefing is provided before departure.
The boats must remain within the designated operating area of Trinity Inlet. A map showing the permitted area is provided during check-in.
No. The hire boats are not permitted to travel offshore to the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island or Fitzroy Island. They are designed for exploring the waterways of Trinity Inlet.
Boats can be hired for a half day or full day. Half-day hire is four hours, while full-day hire is eight and a halfhours.
Yes. Fishing rods, bait, ice and other fishing equipment can be added to your boat hire. Fishing packages are also available that combine boat hire with fishing gear and BBQ options.
Yes. The pontoon boats and tinnies have canopy shade, although passengers should still bring sunscreen, hats and other sun protection as parts of the boat may be exposed to the sun.
Yes. The boats are suitable for families and children. Anyone under 18 must travel with a responsible adult or guardian, and the appropriate life-jacket requirements apply.
No. Swimming is not permitted in Trinity Inlet because saltwater crocodiles are present in the waterways, and marine stingers may also occur. Guests must remain on the boat while exploring the inlet.

Additional info by the operator.

Boat Hire Duration: Half day: 08:00-12:00 or 12:30-16:30 Full day: 08:00-16:30 Equipment Hire: Fishing rods and Esky available for hire Bait and ice available for purchase Skipper hire optional