Top Australia & the Pacific On the Water - page 10

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the UNESCO–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former penal colony.

Combine a relaxing sunset cruise on an outrigger canoe on Bora Bora's lagoon with a romantic dinner at a top-notch restaurant during this evening experience. Sip a glass of included sparkling wine while watching the sun sink below the tropical horizon, then sit down at one of the island's best restaurants for an intimate dinner overlooking the lagoon. Restricted to over-18s only.

Marvel over colorful corals and schools of tropical fish on this half-day tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. Set sail for a thrilling cruise around the Low Isles by luxury catamaran, including a delicious afternoon tea served onboard. Enjoy free time to swim or snorkel at the beaches or join a guided snorkeling tour or glass-bottom boat cruise, and learn more about the reef’s myriad sea life. This cruise is limited to 33 passengers and includes hotel pick-up and snorkeling gear.

The wide, blue Clutha River is flanked by glacial terraces and stunning New Zealand bush. Speed down the river on this jet boat trip through Upper Clutha Valley, take photos of the towering Southern Alps, and thrill at the river’s long winding stretches and switchback corners. This exciting 1-hour 15-minute excursion shows you parts of New Zealand’s South Island you can’t get to any other way.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a catamaran during this evening sail around Vaitape. Relax on the provided chaise lounges while music plays over the on-board sound system, sip a glass of Chilled Drinks, and munch on included snacks. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel's dock.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the full experience including briefing and flight time.

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.

Experience Cape Tribulation on a half-day snorkeling adventure. After a convenient pickup at your hotel, board a sturdy ocean safari vessel and head for the cape. Throw on your gear and dive in, watching for sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams, brilliant coral, starfish, and tropical fish as you swim along the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at the Daintree Rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage site—from the water.

Enjoy a guided kayaking tour from Adelaide that gives you the chance to see the Port River dolphins up close. Receive a kayaking lesson from the expert guide, then set out for the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail and the dolphin sanctuary. Travel in a small group with a maximum of 14 people, winding through mangrove-lined waterways to see native wildlife and scuttled ships. Learn about the region from the informative guide on this family-friendly tour.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a Cairns jet boat ride. As you zoom across the waters of Trinity Inlet, hang on tight while the experienced boat captain performs spins and other maneuvers to make sure you stay cool in the splashing water. Admire landmarks from the boat, and keep your eyes open for marine life—you may get lucky and spot a crocodile. It’s a great way to spend 35 minutes in Queensland’s tropical heat.

Enjoy an exhilarating half-day sailing cruise on Sydney Harbour aboard a luxury yacht with an experienced captain. Take in stunning views of Sydney's waterside landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Mrs. Macquaries Chair, Fort Denison, Watsons Bay, Sydney Heads and more. Anchor in a secluded bay in Sydney Harbour National Park with time for beach walks, swimming, snorkeling and a delicious lunch with Australian wine and beer. This small-group tour is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience with your knowledgeable captain.

Enjoy a relaxing yet activity-filled day on Magnetic Island. Learn about the island's unique biodiversity from local guides with over 40 years of experience. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddle boards are provided so you can explore the underwater environment of Magnetic Island’s fringing reef. This fun, personalized tour suits all ages and abilities.

Don’t miss out on anything during your trip-of-a-lifetime to Bora Bora. Let local insiders bring you to the most beautiful spots on the island’s famous lagoon, including the aquarium snorkeling site where you will encounter amazing marine life. Book a tour aboard the former race vessel Vitamin Sea, a 40-foot catamaran. With just a few other passengers on board, head to the crystalline waters of Paradise Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a magical “floating bar” experience.

Adventure-seeking travelers will love riding both a jet ski and a quad bike on this handy combo tour. On a full-day excursion you’ll see the highlights of Moorea’s sea and land while having fun. Spend half a day touring the coastline on a jet ski, stopping to snorkel at beautiful spots. Spend the other half taking the backroads on a quad bike, stopping at viewpoints and tropical fruit plantations.

Explore the powdery white sand and turquoise waters of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands on this full-day speed boat cruise around the islands. You’ll have plenty of time on the famous Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch picnic, swimming, and snorkeling, with a lesson if necessary, and also stop at Hill Inlet. The crew will also share stories and facts about marine life, aboriginal culture, and local history along the way.

Your underwater experience is limited when snorkeling off the beach in Moorea, so join a guided snorkeling tour by boat to access coral gardens and other snorkeling spots you couldn’t otherwise reach. Your guides take you out to the best places for snorkeling with rays, sharks, and amazing colorful fish. The small group size means you get personalized instruction. Refresh with a provided tropical fruit platter, too.

The Great Barrier Reef is an unmissable attraction that every snorkeler should have on their bucket list. Cross it off yours with the help of a guide to show you their favorite spots on this group snorkeling tour. And with a complimentary lunch and GoPro photos to help you capture the memories, there’s nothing to worry about apart from keeping your eyes peeled for the wildlife under the waves,

Departing directly from Noumea's cruise terminal, this half-day tour offers a chance to see the wild side of one of the world's largest lagoons. Head to Signal Island, a quiet white-sand island which few tourists take the time to visit. Swim in water frequented by turtles and see colorful corals and reef fish. Arrive back in Port refreshed in the early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to see the sights in Noumea.

Combine a reef and rainforest experience on this day trip to Green Island. Located just 45 minutes from Cairns via catamaran, this island is home to over 120 plant species and colorful birds. While there, take a self-guided walk to discover some of the island's flora. Day visitor facilities include a pool bar, restaurant, and shops. Food is also available for purchase.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

Sample the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, without having to buy or rent equipment, with this outdoor adventure. Hop on a sea kayak and paddle your way over to Wave Break Island for a guided snorkel over a rocky reef and a short bushwalk. Spot dolphins and stingrays, then enjoy tasty, locally sourced snacks before returning to shore.

Sail the Bay of Islands on the traditional tall ship “R. Tucker Thompson,” built like a 100-year-old schooner. Help hoist the sails or relax as you explore secluded bays and beaches. Enjoy morning tea with freshly made scones, a BBQ lunch, and drinks from the licensed bar. A return ferry ticket from Paihia to Russell is included if needed.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise offshore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from onboard your comfortable boat, and watch live underwater footage streamed directly to your mobile device. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

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