Top Australia & the Pacific On the Water - page 5

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef usually means snorkeling or diving, which rules it out for anyone who'd rather stay dry. Ride a glass-bottom boat over the reefs near Airlie Beach instead, watching the coral, reef fish, and turtles through the hull. Commentary covers the marine ecosystem as you go.

Challenge yourself against the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall and enjoy outdoor adventure on this Kaituna River white-water rafting trip from Rotorua. Hop into your raft in the Kahikitea Forest and take to the waves with a guide. Navigate steep canyons through native forest and test your nerve over 14 challenging rapids. Splash, paddle, and roll through New Zealand’s spectacular scenery with all safety equipment and hotel transfers included.

French Polynesia’s Moorea Lagoon boasts crystal waters home to diverse marine life, with native flora and fauna flourishing in hidden coves. On this tour, paddle across the lagoon by transparent kayak and gaze over the vibrant coral reefs below. With your guide to lead the way, hit the most beautiful corners of the lagoon, snorkel among the sea turtles and rays, and gain insight into traditional Polynesian culture.

Rarotonga offers many opportunities to swim in the sea among the fish and other sea life. But if you want to improve your chances of swimming with turtles, a sea scooter safari is the way to go. With a sea scooter you can whizz through the water much faster than with leg power alone. Be amazed at the colors and variety of the sea life you’ll encounter in the sheltered waters of Rarotonga.

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.

Travel by air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns Marina to our Moore Reef Pontoon located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, perfectly positioned and equipped for you to explore this reef that is teeming with colourful coral and fascinating fish. Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass bottom boat tours, all snorkelling equipment, underwater observatory, fish feeding presentation, an enclosed ocean pool for kids and buffet lunch. The pontoon also features an upper sundeck to relax in the sun and look out over the turquoise waters in between activities. This is where you'll find the waterslide - the only theme park waterslide on the reef! Dial up the adventure and add on optional extras like include Introductory or Certified diving, Seawalker Helmet dive, Guided Snorkel Tour or even a Scenic helicopter flight.

Escape into nature on this cruise along the Noosa River to Australia's Everglades in Cooloola National Park. Gain deeper insight into the flora, fauna and natural history of the area with live commentary as you go. Perfect for first-timers to Noosa who want to explore their surroundings at a leisurely, relaxed pace.

Control your own adventure when you rent and drive your own boat in Bora Bora. Choose from a half or full-day rental and explore the idyllic coastline as you wish. Stop to snorkel at a coral garden, anchor at beautiful beaches, and relax in the shade as you admire the views from your boat. You’ll be given a detailed map and helpful itinerary suggestions. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Carved in the 1970s by a master Māori carver, the Mine Bay rock carvings are a striking Taupō attraction. They’re also impossible to access on foot. Hop aboard a replica steamboat and sail out to the carvings. Learn all about the history and the myths behind the carvings from your crew, and enjoy pristine views of Lake Taupō and beyond, including the nearby volcanoes Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe.

Make the most of your time in Fiji with a full-day boat excursion. Sail in a tall ship to beautiful Kadavu Lailai in the Mamanuca Islands. Enjoy a traditional kava welcome ceremony, then spend free time sunbathing, snorkeling, or exploring the tropical waters by kayak, paddleboard, or on a glass-bottom boat tour. A barbecue buffet lunch with drinks keeps you going all day long.

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.

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines, and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: With full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

See some of Perth’s top sights from the water on a leisurely Swan River cruise. As you depart the city center, admire Perth riverfront attractions like the Bell Tower and Kings Park, and glide past pretty suburbs to reach Fremantle, located where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Choose a departure time when booking.

Relax and admire the sights of Sydney Harbour on a leisurely two-hour cruise. Sit out on the deck or inside in the comfy lounge or at a reserved table as you sip cocktails and snack on a charcuterie board with Australian cheeses. Take great photos of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and other landmarks as you sail past. On the weekends listen to live music on board.

Enjoy unobstructed views of Sydney Harbour's landmarks from a 35-foot (10.5-meter) catamaran during this evening cruise. Sail past the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sky shifts from sunset colors to city lights. Light snacks and soft drinks or water are provided on board, and you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic beverages with no corkage fee. Settle in and enjoy the views without the hassle of battling the crowds on land.

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.

Cruise the scenic bays of Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings during this boat tour. Listen to informative commentary about the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the area. Admire the impressive views of the snowy volcanoes of UNESCO World Heritage–listed Tongariro National Park. See the Māori Rock Carvings depicting the legends of the local Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribe. Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

Snorkel confidently at night by taking a small-group guided tour from Moorea’s Temae Beach. The lagoon comes alive with different creatures after dark, and these can be difficult to spot at night without a guide. Enjoy an experience that many people overlook and get unique insights into Moorea’s marine biodiversity.

Hop on board the only glass-bottomed boat on Moorea on this chilled out half-day tour. You’ll be taken around the beautiful lagoon to three different snorkeling spots, where you can immerse yourself in the warm tropical waters and get up close to the colorful fish and coral. Enjoy lunch on a private island that most visitors don’t get to access. A fun day for the whole family.

Make the most of your time in New Zealand's Bay of Islands with a half-day boat tour—the perfect way to experience the area from a vantage point on the water. Cruise by 144 subtropical islands, and visit natural rock formation, Hole in the Rock, plus Cape Brett Lighthouse. Head out on a bush walk on Motuarohia (Roberton) Island and take in scenic views of the area from the island's lookout point. As you travel the waters of the bay, keep an eye out for native wildlife and marine life, and enjoy onboard commentary.

Experience the magic of sailing Sydney Harbour—without fighting the crowds on dry land—during a twilight cruise aboard a restored historic tall ship (traditional sailing vessel with rigging). See the city from a new perspective as it lights up for the evening, and sail past must-see landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. While onboard, enjoy an included dinner—saving you from finding a restaurant after the cruise ends.

Watch the sunset from the deck of a luxury catamaran on a relaxing evening cruise from Port Douglas. Admire the coastline during golden hour for epic photos, and enjoy being outside when temperatures have cooled. Your captain steers your vessel to prime viewpoints for watching the sunset and the Coral Sea, the Low Isles, and the gorgeous coastline around Port Douglas.

Enjoy a full-day cruise around Fiji's Mamanuca Islands aboard a catamaran. Admire the views as you sail and stop at deserted sand cays and reefs to swim, relax, and snorkel. With snorkeling gear provided and gourmet buffet lunch with beer and wine, this is the best way to see these islands and take home memories to last a lifetime. Open to kids aged five and up.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jet skier, this fun three-hour jet skiing tour can be tailored to your needs. Ride solo or with a guide and explore around the coastline of Moorea. Stop to swim with rays, tropical fish, and sharks. Enjoy the views while you zoom around on a thrilling adventure.