• Combine a day of fishing with a day of snorkelling, a day on the Great Barrier Reef the whole family/group will enjoy
• We have two charter boats in Cairns perfect for a combination of snorkelling and fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. Both are fitted with the latest technology in safety and fish finding as well as an undercover decking area.
• The best value private charter snorkelling tour in Cairns on a selection of two private charter boats.

Cairns private charter boats, full day snorkelling & reef fishing just off the Cairns coast on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Up to 16 guests perfect day out for family, friends and any other types of groups

What to Expect

With our Cairns charter boats guests can experience an unforgettable day of private snorkelling just off the coast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Ideal for families, friends, and corporate groups, this full-day boat charter accommodates the following numbers our 3 charter boats.

• Serranidae can carry 1-16 passengers
• Aqua Cat can carry 1-14 passengers
• Blue Whaler can carry 1-12 passengers.

Each designed to offer comfort, space, and a top-tier snorkelling and fishing experience.

Starting from the Cairns Marlin Marina, you’ll enjoy the thrill of visiting two prime Great Barrier Reef locations for some of the best snorkelling on the reef. And if you would also like to try a little bit of fishing, we have over 2,000 GPS fishing marks and advanced fish-finding equipment, our expert crew ensures you get the most out of your day on the water. For an added touch of adventure, you can include an afternoon snorkel or a twilight cruise to make your Cairns charter boat day even more memorable.

Features and Highlights

Private Charter Boat Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour

• Personalised Service: With a cap of 16 guests on the larger vessel (or 12 on the smaller), your group has exclusive access to the boat, crew, and equipment.
• Experienced Crew: Trust our seasoned team with over 15 years of experience fishing the Great Barrier Reef to guide you to the best spots.
• Flexible Schedule: Departing from Cairns Marlin Marina at 6:30 a.m. with a return by 4:30 p.m., this charter offers an ideal day out snorkelling on the reef.

Premium Equipment and Amenities

• Well-Equipped Vessels: All boats feature state-of-the-art fish-finding electronics, spacious shaded decks, swim platforms, and full-sized restroom facilities for your comfort.
• Quality Fishing Gear Provided: All rods, reels, bait, and tackle are included, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm for fishing!
• BYO Alcohol: Bring along your preferred beverages (cans only), and we’ll provide ice on board.

Unique Add-Ons for an Enhanced Charter Boat Experience

• Optional Snorkelling: After a morning of fishing, enjoy an afternoon of snorkelling in pristine reef waters.
• Twilight/Sunset Cruise: Extend the experience with a 2-hour sunset cruise for up to 18 guests, perfect for corporate events or special gatherings.
• Catch-and-Cook Option: Have your fresh catch prepared at a local restaurant (advanced arrangement required).

Catering and Menu Options

• All-Inclusive Meals: Start the day with pastries, tropical fruit, and coffee, followed by a delicious on-board lunch.
• Upgrade Options: Enhance your experience with a breakfast roll or a premium seafood platter featuring chilled tiger prawns, smoked salmon, oysters, and Moreton Bay bugs.

Sample Itinerary

1. 6:20 a.m. – Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina (D Finger behind Shangri-La).
2. 6:30 a.m. – Departure, enjoy a light breakfast as you cruise to the first fishing location.
3. 8:00 a.m. – Begin fishing at Upolu Cay with expert guidance from the crew.
4. 12:00 p.m. – Midday lunch on board, followed by a briefing for the second fishing or snorkelling spot.
5. 2:00 p.m. – Depart from the reef for a relaxing cruise back.
6. 3:30 p.m. – Option for a catch-and-cook experience at a local restaurant or relax on board.
7. 4:00 p.m. – Return to Cairns Marlin Marina.

Why Book A Cairns Private Charter Snorkelling Tour?

• Perfect for Groups: Ideal for corporate events, birthdays, and family gatherings.
• All-Inclusive Service: Includes fishing gear, morning and afternoon tea, and fully catered meals.
• Luxury Vessels: Spacious and well-equipped boats for a comfortable experience.
• Twilight/Sunset Cruise Option: Enjoy an extended experience with a private sunset cruise for up to 18 guests, featuring a tailored dinner menu.

Twilight/Sunset Cruise Inclusions

• Duration: 2 hours, departing at 5:30 p.m. and returning by 7:30 p.m.
• Menu: BBQ chicken tacos, fresh salads, and condiments (optional seafood upgrade available).
• Private Charter: Exclusive access to the boat for your group, with BYO alcohol permitted.

Optional Catering Upgrades

• Breakfast Roll: Enjoy a warm bacon, egg, and cheese roll upon boarding.
• Seafood Platter: Elevate your day on the reef with a chilled platter of tiger prawns, oysters, smoked salmon, and Moreton Bay bugs.

Our Cairns charter boats offer the perfect way to reward a team, celebrate with friends, or simply enjoy a day of fishing, snorkelling, and relaxation on the Great Barrier Reef. With fully customisable options, you can tailor this experience to make it truly unforgettable.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas charter boats.

For luxury yacht charters speak to the crew at YOTSPACE.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go.

Cairns Fishing Charters - Our Private Charter Boats

There is no better way to make the most of your Tropical North Queensland fishing trip than chartering the whole boat for yourself.

We depart from Cairns Marina.

• Check-in at the Cairns Marlin Marina (behind Shangri-La), D Finger at 6:20am, departure/return times can be altered for private charters but we do need to return by 4.30 pm at the latest
• Depart for the reef, travel time is 90 minutes minimum
• Once we find our destination, we will give a short briefing on reef fishing technique
• Lunch on the boat around midday
• Depart the reef for the trip home around 2pm.
• Return between 3:30-4:00pm
• Have your catch cooked at one of our local restaurants (needs to be pre-organised, please advise at time of booking)

Trust our crew, with over 15 years experience they know fishing on the Great Barrier Reef.

With a full day boat charter, you have total exclusive use of the entire fishing boat and the opportunity to tailor your day to suit your group’s needs.

This might involve a flexible departure time and the optional inclusion of upgrading to a swank catering package.(BYO alcohol in cans only)

A day fishing on the Great Barrier Reef is a good option for corporate business functions, Christmas parties, birthdays or for wedding group holidays.

We can cater for up to 14 guests.

This is a full-on nine-hour day private fishing charter that will have you reeling in some fantastic table fish to take home. 

Cairns Charter Boats - Full Day Reef Fishing Private Charter Boat

This is a great charter option for those who may be short on time but would like to go reef fishing and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef whilst in Cairns.

It allows for a morning of fishing our fantastic Great Barrier Reef followed by snorkelling in the afternoon.

You will meet at Cairns Marlin Marina at 6.20am for a 6.30am departure. Times can be flexible however remember the best time to fish is in the morning.

We return to Cairns Marlin Marina no leter than 4.30pm.

After lunch it is time for some awesome snorkelling (optional extra)

If you catch the right type of fish you might be able to enjoy fresh sashimi...

See more Great Barrier Reef private charter fishing boat options.

Why Book A Private Charter Day or Night Fishing Tour in Cairns?

• Perfect for cruise ship passengers
• Fully inclusive
• BYO alcohol (cans only) – ice is provided on-board
• Upgraded catering packages available on request
• Large and comfortable boats
• All ages welcome

Twilight/Sunset Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

5.00pm check in for 5.30pm departure, arrives back to Cairns Marina by 7:30pm

A private twilight charter aboard one of our vessels is a great idea for corporate functions, birthdays, Christmas party’s or any time you want to get a group of friends together and enjoy the calm inlets & waterways of Cairns as the sun sets.

Have exclusive use of the whole boat, the cruise can be tailored to your requirements with catering packages and upgrades available on request.

Inclusions:

• Up to 18 guests
• Dinner and drinks (non-alcoholic) included
• Menu includes: BBQ Chicken Taco's, Salads & Condiments

Optional Extra - Catering upgrades available including Seafood Platter, avaolable upon request.

Note: BYO Alcohol

Catering Upgrades

Breakfast Egg, Bacon & Cheese Roll 

Breakfast upgrade option alongside the included morning tea and buffet meal.
A delicious warm Egg and Bacon roll waiting for you when you board in the morning.

Seafood Upgrade 

Make your day on the Great Barrier Reef extra special with a delicious selection of Chilled local tiger prawns with cocktail sauce, smoked salmon, pacific oysters with citrus & cooked Morton Bay bugs.
Served with cocktail sauce and lemon with a selection of salad including coleslaw, tomato, cucumber, onion & lettuce blend.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Day charter: 6.30am - Return 4.30pm latest
• Sunset charter: 5.30pm - Returns 7.30pm

Departure Instructions

• Day charter: check-in 6.20am at the Cairns Marlin Marina (behind Shangri-La), D Finger for a 6:30am departure
• Sunset charter: check-in 5.00pm at the Cairns Marlin Marina (behind Shangri-La), D Finger for a 5.30pm departure

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Sunset Twilight Cruise: Cairns Inlet

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Not available Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Duration

Day charter: 9 hours approx
Sunset charter: 2 hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Deluxe Seafood Upgrade
• Seafood Upgrade
• Breakfast Combo with Coffee
• Breakfast Combo with Orange Juice
• Sunset Twilight Cruise: catering upgrade to Deluxe Seafood available
• Merchandise: caps, T-shirts, stubby coolers

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Towel
• Cash for beer, soft drinks or merchandise
• Alcohol (no glass, light & mid strength only)

• Kids from the age of 7 and up are more than welcome on board the Cairns Reef Fishing fleet and to have a go at getting a big catch.
• Please contact us if you have younger children travelling with you.
• Children must be supervised at all times.