Top Australia & the Pacific On the Water

Go on an adrenaline-filled rafting excursion down the Kaituna River on a half-day adventure tour from Rotorua. The river tumbles past a subtropical rainforest lining a deep canyon. Raft over Tutea Falls—a thrilling experience for first-time or experienced rafters. The tour operates in all seasons and there are several departure times daily so you can choose one that suits your schedule.

The whole family will enjoy this day trip on the lagoon in Bora Bora, soaking up the sights and experiences. Don a snorkeling mask and fins and start your exploration in the shallow waters, looking at the colorful tropical fish, coral, and stingrays. Graduate to the open ocean and keep an eye out for different types of shark. Refresh after this adventure with a buffet lunch of local dishes will be served on the beach.

Spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying some gentle active adventures on Rarotonga’s favorite Muri Lagoon. Aboard a glass-bottom boat, spend the afternoon floating over the turquoise waters, stopping to snorkel at the reef along the way. Stop on dry land for a barbecue lunch and some island-style fun and entertainment. Transfers from along Rarotonga’s Ring Road can be provided for an extra fee.

Experience the thrill of seeing saltwater crocodiles on a jumping crocodile cruise down the Adelaide River about an hour southeast of Darwin. A great way to come face to face with these magnificent creatures, this cruise also offers visitors the chance to learn about the ecology of the river and its incredible inhabitants. Great for wildlife lovers, this Indigenous-owned tour company focuses on sustainable interactions and has been endorsed by the NT Parks & Wildlife for its animal ethics policies.

Experience one of the South Island’s finest natural attractions on a Milford Sound cruise, boarding straight from the sound. A more intimate experience is guaranteed because the boat is only filled to half its capacity. Get up-close views of New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins while enjoying complimentary coffee, tea, and biscuits as you listen to the skipper’s narration.

Settle in the Taboo sailing catamaran and head out into the beautiful lagoon waters surrounding Moorea on this excursion. Spend hours swimming and snorkel with all sorts of tropical fish, blacktip sharks, stingrays and more. After you've worked up an appetite, nibble on tropical fruits and sip cocktails.

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Learning to surf on your own means guessing at technique and trying to access equipment—difficult to arrange on vacation. Book a small-group lesson at Bondi Beach with a local instructor to cover surf and safety basics, warm-up, paddling, catching waves, and standing up. All the gear is included, so you can turn up and get straight in the water.

Once you’ve had your fill of beach lounging and cocktails by the pool, explore another side of Moorea in a tour of the wildlife-filled Moorea Lagoon. See more than you would snorkeling from the beach as your boat takes you out to where stingrays, black-tip reef sharks, turtles, and many tropical fish can be found—with snorkeling gear provided. Look out for dolphins, too.

Let seafaring experts show you the best of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands by land and by water on this adventure cruise. With 144 different isles, it can be hard to know where to start, but your captain and crew know all the best spots to swim, snorkel, and spot marine life. Hop off at two hand-picked islands for a hike to panoramic lookout points and see the famous Hole in the Rock.

Maximize your chances of spotting native Australian wildlife on this full-day tour from Darwin to Corroboree Billabong, where saltwater crocodiles and native birdlife are abundant. Step aboard a shaded, open-sided boat designed for optimal viewing, with live commentary helping you spot and understand the wildlife around you. The day also includes a stop at the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre, lunch, and round-trip hotel transport—so you can experience the Top End’s wildlife without the planning, driving, or guesswork.

Discover the Fiji Highlands on this adventure-packed tour. First, take a longboat ride up the scenic Navua River, which offers views of cascading waterfalls, tropical rainforest, and picturesque island scenery. Then, visit a Fijian village to observe how the locals live. Following that, you’ll float downstream on inner tubes over gentle rapids. A riverside lunch is also included.

End a day in paradise–Surfers Paradise– in style and comfort with a memorable sunset cruise through the spectacular waterways of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise canals. Sit back and relax on the vessel's open sundeck or inside, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks from the bar, as the sun goes down.

The Mamanuca Islands can only be reached by boat, so take the stress out of transport planning by having everything organized for you. After a Denarau Island hotel pickup, board the boat and head to Mana, Monu, and Mondriki islands. Visiting multiple islands in one day means you make the most of your trip. Enjoy free time to swim and snorkel, and refuel with a delicious Fijian buffet lunch.

Snorkel through Bora Bora's coral reefs and lagoons on this guided snorkeling tour. With a guide to point out the marine life and all equipment included, you'll learn about the underwater ecosystem in an enjoyable way. Even beginners can experience the lagoon's wonders with the guide's instruction; sights may include manta rays, anemone fishes, and moray eels.

Ideal for thrill seekers, this experience lets you take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River canyons. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Animal lovers won't want to miss the opportunity to see humpback whales on their migration through Moorea. Between July and November, there is the possibility of seeing the whales and their young, and even swimming with them if the conditions are good. High-tech equipment allows the crew to listen for whales, increasing your chances of finding them.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Enjoy a full day to unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands: postcard–perfect Whitehaven Beach. A private boat takes away the stress of ferry timetables—keeping the trip relaxed and unrushed. Have ample free time to swim far from the crowds, enjoy beach activities, walk to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, and take a guided hike to Hill Inlet for amazing views. Protective stinger suits are provided to keep you safe, and you can refuel with the included lunch and snacks.

Inject some thrills into your sightseeing as you whip down Central Otago’s Clutha River at high speeds on a thrilling jet boating experience. Race around Lake Wanaka and down the winding river, through rapids and tunnels, tight channels and tighter corners, on this compact and comprehensive journey that’ll get you back to shore in time for your afternoon or evening plans.

Get access to an incredible encounter with marine life on this ultimate snorkel with sharks encounter in Fiji. It's a hassle-free day with a full itinerary organized for you—you are picked up from your hotel and taken by boat to Kuata Island. This tour is suitable for all skill levels, including first-time snorkelers, and you get a full safety briefing. After an amazing shark encounter, lunch is included too.

Spend a full day on Fitzroy Island with fast catamaran transfers from Cairns and plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Cruise from the Marlin Marina to the island, then enjoy up to seven hours to snorkel the surrounding reef, view marine life from a glass-bottom boat, relax on the beach, or walk rainforest trails within the national park. Choose from a range of packages, including simple transfers or options which include snorkeling or glass-bottom boat activities, depending on your interests and budget.