Top Queensland On the Water - page 7

See more in less time on this 2-day tour that takes in the wonders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, as well as the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. On day one, roam through Daintree on custom-built 4WD vehicles while your local guide shares their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. Then on day two, sail to the outer Great Barrier Reef and jump off board to snorkel snorkeling.

Halfway up the Queensland coastline you’ll find Great Keppel Island, a protected hideaway smack in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. On this day trip from Keppel Bay Marina near Yeppoon, take a short ferry ride out to Great Keppel Island and explore the island at your own pace. Enjoy a tranquil bush walk, sunbathe, or immerse yourself in crystal-clear water.

You’ll probably see some turtles, and you will see some amazing sea life when you snorkel around Cook Island on this small group tour. You’ll hop on a boat for a short ride out to the island, where you’ll have around four hours to look for stingrays, wobbegongs, leopard sharks, and so much more. Photos will be available of your adventure, too.

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking on UNESCO-listed K’gari on this full-day trip from Hervey Bay. Spot dolphins, swim with turtles, then discover the island’s wild side on a bush walk. After the included buffet lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon kayaking or snorkeling the island’s beaches and bays. Even look out for migrating humpback whales between mid-July and October.

Climb aboard the only commercial sailing trimaran (3-hulled boat) in the Whitsunday Islands for an unforgettable 2-night voyage through the islands that lie between Queensland's coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Check off multiple stops—including remote locations few travelers get to visit—and drop anchor to visit pristine beaches and snorkel among vibrant marine life.

Hop aboard the high-speed catamaran and enjoy more time to spend scuba diving and snorkeling the outer Great Barrier Reef. This dive cruise from Port Douglas provides beginning and certified divers access to three different dive sites along the Agincourt Ribbon Reef. Bonus: you might swim in the natural habitat of seasonal dwarf minke whales. Lunch is provided.

Take to the waves at one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches on this full-day surfing adventure from the Gold Coast or Byron Bay. Master the basics or brush up on your skills with the help of an expert instructor, then put it all into practice on the beaches of the Tweed Coast. This intensive learn to surf experience includes two 1.5-hour lessons, round-trip transfers, lunch at Fingal Head Lighthouse and professional souvenir photos.

Sail out to sea on a 3600 series 36 ft. cougar catamaran and learn how to catch some of the most famous deep sea fish off the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy a stable, comfortable experience captained by a crew of professionals—ideal for inexperienced or nervous sailors. A covered deck makes sure you’re safe from the sun in the heat of the day, and full bathroom facilities are available on deck.

Experience the magic of a tropical Northern Queensland sunset from Townsville, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail from the Townsville Yacht Club and Marina and watch the sky change to hues of pink, yellow, and orange as the sun sets over the azure waters. Toast your romantic evening with a glass of sparkling wine—two drinks per person are included.

Wave Break Island is one of the best places for snorkeling on the Gold Coast, home to over 50 different fish species. Marvel at the island’s underwater wonders on this 4-hour snorkeling tour and dive in to swim and snorkel amid schools of exotic fish. Hotel pick-up and round-trip transfers are included.

Experience the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef with Great Adventures. From our spacious Outer Reef platform, discover vibrant coral and marine life. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike can snorkel or dive, explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible, or enjoy a breathtaking 10-minute scenic helicopter flight.Enjoy morning tea, afternoon tea, and a delicious hot & cold buffet lunch. Optional activities like scuba diving and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are available for an additional fee. Enhance your visit with a 2-hour stop at Green Island before the Reef Pontoon. Explore the rainforest, relax on sandy beaches, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters—all gear is provided.

Experience the marine life of the Great Sandy Strait and K’gari on a morning dolphin-watching tour from Hervey Bay. Ride aboard a smaller boat that allows for a more personalized experience as you look for two dolphin species, sea turtles, and other animals. The tour includes time for boom-netting and a swim at K’gari (in the warmer months), and morning tea is served on board.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to spot whales in the wild so close to the Gold Coast. Just a twenty-minute cruise off shore, the Australian Whale Sanctuary is prime humpback whale habitat. Get great views of the creatures (when conditions are right) from on board your comfortable boat. This easy 2.5-hour trip can fit into busy itineraries.

Sail to picturesque Moreton Island, a renowned location for spotting dolphins, turtles, and dugong just over an hour from Brisbane. This private all-day eco-cruise includes a buffet lunch, beach time, and a guided snorkel tour at the Tangalooma Wrecks, with all equipment provided.

Embark on a full-day adventure to the pristine coral cay of Low Isles on this Great Barrier Reef sailing and snorkeling cruise from Palm Cove. Travel aboard a luxury catamaran with marine biologist guides, and snorkel straight from the white sandy beach among famous coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, giant clams and green sea turtles Experience the reef another way on a glass-bottom boat tour, and explore the island on a guided nature walk. Your full-day tour includes a delicious buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and round-trip hotel transport from Palm Cove.

Set sail for the Whitsundays on-board an authentic 62-ft gaff rigged schooner and spend the day swimming and snorkeling around the islands. Admire the famous powder-white sands of Whitehaven beach, jump off to take in the views from Hill Inlet and dine on a delicious lunch on-board. Finish your adventure snorkeling amid vibrant corals and schools of brightly colored fish and keep a look out for unique varieties like parrot fish and humphead wrasse.

Enjoy an evening under pink Queensland skies on this sunset sail around Hervey Bay, with beautiful views of UNESCO World Heritage–listed K’gari. Leave the logistics to the experts, with hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, all-inclusive drinks—including sparkling wine—and delicious finger foods all included. All you have to do is relax and soak up the view.

Discover the glittering waters and sandy beaches of the Gold Coast on this 2-hour luxury sailboat cruise. Sip a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and tuck into appetizers as you set sail along the Gold Coast Broadwater, passing waterfront landmarks like the Marina Mirage, Wave Break Island and Surfers Paradise. Alternatively, upgrade to include a delicious 2-course lunch on-board and indulge in a lavish seafood platter. This small-group tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

HV Stillwater is a hybrid powered catamaran designed for comfort and inclusivity. You will enjoy panoramic views and silent smooth cruising when under electric propulsion, whilst enjoying spacious comfortable lounge seating on board. Included is a welcome beverage (alcoholic or non) and shared light nibbles platter for the 90 min cruise. Additional beverages can be purchased on board. Pickup locations are Elysium Jetty at Hastings St, or Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville before heading upriver to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Noosa River.

Zip through the waters of the Gold Coast off Main Beach on this group boat trip. This lasts for around forty thrilling minutes, where you’ll have the chance to experience spins, slides, and other fancy jet boat moves. You’ll see Sea World, The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, and Marina Mirage from the water, and hopefully see wallabies and dolphins too.

Some call Hervey Bay the Whale Watch Capital of the World for the migrating humpbacks which glide through between July and late October. Marvel at these playful 44-ton (40-tonne) mammals from the comfortable MV Amaroo catamaran with guaranteed sightings (conditions apply). While packages include morning or afternoon tea on board.

Start your day with a swift 45-minute catamaran journey to the breathtaking Green Island, where you'll have 2 hours to discover its vibrant coral reef and lush rainforest. Then, continue the adventure with 3 hours on Great Adventures' spacious activity platform, moored at the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef. With a wide range of activities available for all ages—whether you're a swimmer or prefer to stay dry—you can snorkel, dive, or explore the reef from the underwater observatory or air-conditioned semi-submersible. Looking for even more excitement? Optional extras like scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, and the unique Scuba-Doo underwater scooter are also available for purchase on the day.

Experience the wildlife and wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on a 45-minute cruise from Kuranda. Set sail down the Barron River, through the heart of the wet tropics rainforest and discover the region’s natural wonders with entertaining onboard commentary. Along the way, look out for freshwater crocodiles, turtles and water dragons, as well as a wide range of exotic birds.

Leave the crowds on land and immerse yourself in the underwater world off the Gold Coast in search of turtles and other marine life on this small-group boat tour from Chinderah, south of Fingal Head. Cruise to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, the foraging grounds of a large number of turtles. Then jump off board to snorkel and look out turtles, rays, and temperate species of fish.