Top Australia On the Water

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.

Maximize your chances of seeing humpback whales by joining this tour from Byron Bay, led by a marine biologist. Head for areas that the whales are known to pass through as they migrate in winter (June–November), watch them as they majestically breach, and listen to them sing by using an underwater hydrophone.

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the outer Great Barrier Reef with a Quicksilver snorkeling cruise from Port Douglas. Board a luxurious catamaran to Agincourt Reef, where you can tailor your day with activities like snorkeling, fish feeding, semi-submersible tours, or the unique Ocean Walker helmet dive. Complete the adventure with a tasty buffet lunch and options to take your exploration deeper with scuba dives for beginners or certified divers alike.

Spend around half the day exploring the coast of Tasmania’s scenic Freycinet National Park on this easygoing kayaking tour. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, don’t worry – all kayaking gear is provided free of charge and participants receive personalized coaching and guidance from the guides on this small group tour. Get striking landscape photos of Freycinet’s forests and mountains from the sea and even disembark at one of the park’s isolated beaches.

The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and beautiful coastal scenery, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. On this daily tour, cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with your guide, and admire unrivalled views over the rugged shoreline. Gaze up at vertical sea cliffs, discover deep sea caves, and spot native albatrosses, eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that transforms seamlessly from bus to boat. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches, past local landmarks like Marina Mirage, and along the glitz of Millionaire’s Row.

Benefit from a full-day sailing tour from Port Douglas to the Outer Barrier Reef to swim, snorkel, and sail in one of Australia’s most famous destinations. Visit the northern portion of the Great Barrier Reef, where coral cays and turquoise ocean are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Includes a buffet lunch, guided snorkel tour, glass-bottom boat tour, and commentary from a marine biologist guide.

Save time spent waiting in line by pre-booking this SeaLink Rottnest Island round-trip ferry ticket from Fremantle. Choose from various morning and afternoon departure times to best organize your day on Rottnest Island, a protected nature reserve affectionately called “Rotto” by locals. Spend the day on the island lounging on white-sand beaches, hiking, quokka-spotting, and more.

Spotting dolphins from land is exciting, but kayaking alongside them is a truly special experience. From Byron Bay, journey along the waters of Cape Byron Marine Park as your local guide leads you to locations that maximize your chances of seeing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat—you might even catch a glimpse of whales and sea turtles, too.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns without giving up your entire day. This streamlined snorkeling tour uses a fast vessel to reach a nearby reef site quickly, so you spend more time in the water and less time traveling. Once there, a dedicated snorkel guide helps you get set up and leads you around the reef—making it an easy, time-efficient way to see vibrant coral and marine life.

Combine lunch and a cruise in one seamless booking, and see Syndey Harbour from its best angle—right on the water. Cruise past landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and catch a glimpse of secluded beaches and towering sandstone cliffs. As you explore, tuck into a delicious buffet lunch.

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!

Escape the city and see Sydney’s marine life up close on a whale-watching cruise from Darling Harbour. Cruise through Sydney Harbour in search of migrating humpback whales, with live onboard commentary and insights into the local marine environment. A small vessel offers a more intimate experience and better viewing opportunities on the water.

Take in a bounty of Melbourne’s highlights along the scenic Yarra River on this narrated sightseeing cruise. Spend a delightful hour aboard a riverboat as you glide under the Princes Bridge and past beautiful river gardens, Herring Island, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and other top cultural attractions.

Reaching the outer Great Barrier Reef requires a boat, gear, and staff who can match the day to your experience in the water. Cruise out from Cairns by catamaran to three dive sites, swimming among the coral and marine life at each. All levels are welcome, with guides on hand whether you snorkel, try an introductory scuba dive, or dive as a certified diver. Buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea are included.

Get active while enjoying the great outdoors and spotting wildlife on this kayaking tour to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. Paddle through ancient mangrove forests and keep a lookout for the dolphins that pass through. Learn about the animals and their habitat from your naturalist guide. No kayaking experience is necessary and the pace will be slow but moderate fitness is recommended.

To truly appreciate the Gold Coast's beauty, you need to get out on the water. Hop aboard an evening cruise to take in views of the coastline from an uncrowded vantage point and enjoy golden-hour photo ops. From Surfers Paradise, pass by Marina Mirage and the Gold Coast Broadwater, snacking on nibbles and soaking up the scenery as you go.

Experience the beauty of Sydney Harbour on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise from Circular Quay. Glide past iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Discover historic sites such as Fort Denison and Garden Island Navy Base, and enjoy stunning views of islands like Clark and Shark Island. Sail by Bradley’s Head, Taronga Zoo, Kirribilli House, Luna Park, and more, with live commentary bringing the sights to life. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this fun and scenic cruise offers a fresh perspective on Sydney’s highlights. Book now for an unforgettable harbour adventure!

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.

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.

Explore part of Australia’s longest navigable estuarine river, the Tamar, and the beautiful Cataract Gorge on this relaxing half-day cruise. Look out for water birds, cruise past vineyards, and get a glimpse into rural Australia. Sample local foods (buffet style) and Tasmanian wine as you chill out on board. This is an ideal tour for travelers who want to slow down and admire the natural scenery.

Seeing Sydney’s highlights from land often means lots of people and limited viewpoints. Beat the crowds by stepping aboard a cruise across Sydney Harbor, passing iconic landmarks alongside lesser-known sights, hidden beaches, and dramatic sandstone cliffs. As you cruise, enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline and shoreline while listening to live commentary.