Cairns Reef Fishing & Snorkeling Private Charter Boat | Day Or Night | Heli-Fishing Option

Cairns Reef Fishing & Snorkeling Private Charter Boat | Day Or Night | Heli-Fishing Option

The Cairns Fleet of Private Charter Boats

We use three specially built fishing vessels, designed to optimise your fishing experience in Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef.

We offer the largest range of private charter fishing boats in Cairns and the largest fishing tour options on the Great Barrier Reef. 

• ACat - This vessel is surveyed to carry up to 30 people, however for passengers comfort this has been capped to 15.
• BW - This slightly smaller vessel is registered to carry 24 passengers, but this number is capped at 12 for passengers comfort.
• RRun - This vessel can accommodate larger numbers but is capped to 8.

So, depending on how many guests are travelling and availability on the day you can select to do the below options with either of the above fishing boats - unless stated otherwise.

Our fleet of fishing boats are equipped with the finest gear and modern electronics, providing a quality fishing experience.

All fishing rods, reels, handlines, lures and bait are provided.

Huge undercover deck areas provide shade from the warm Cairns climate, and there is plenty of seating.

Full sized toilet facilities are also on board, as well as eskys for your drinks (cans only please).

Large refrigerated ice boxes are on hand to keep your day’s catch fresh for your dinner table that night – it doesn’t get any fresher than that!

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

• Flexible departure times
• Fully inclusive
• BYO alcohol (cans only) – ice is provided on-board
• Upgraded catering packages available on request
• Large and comfortable boats
• All ages welcome

Full Day Reef Fishing Private Charter Boat

There is no better way to make the most of your Tropical North Queensland fishing trip than with a Full Day private fishing charter out of Cairns with a crew that have been fishing these waters for a lifetime.

We are champions at fishing charters on the Great Barrier Reef.

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

You can even add on a private scenic helicopter transfer to meet the boat out on the Great Barrier Reef!

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

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

Please note soft drinks and a few light beers are available for purchase.

Duration: 9 hours (approx).

Full Day Reef Fishing & Snorkelling 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 reef whilst in Cairns.

It allows for a morning of fishing our fantastic Great Barrier Reef species, and then you can enjoy an afternoon snorkelling around the stunning Green Island.

Snorkel equipment supplied.

It is also a good choice for a group that isn’t too serious about their fishing.

You will meet at Cairns Marlin Marina no later than 8:00am (as recommended by the tour operator), and from there the boat cruises out to Arlington Reef, an enormous reef system about 1 hour offshore, famous for its Coral Trout and Red Emperor.

After lunch (cold meats, salads, fresh bread rolls & sliced fruit) the boat heads over to Green Island for some snorkelling amongst some of the Great Barrier Reefs iconic fish species.

Please note soft drinks and a few light beers are available for purchase.

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

If you’re not a snorkelling sort of person, you do have the option of exploring Green Island for a stroll amongst the islands own rainforest and you can even visit the world’s largest crocodile in captivity called Cassius at the Marineland Melanesia.

Duration: 9 hours (approx).

Half Day Reef Fishing OR Snorkelling Private Charter Boat

 You can choose between a morning or afternoon private charter.

The morning option departs Cairns Marina at 7:30am and returns at 12:30pm whereas the afternoon one departs at 1:00 and return at 6:00pm.

RRun is used for this private charter option so a maximum of 8 guests is allowed on board. 

Snacks and water are supplied as well as either your fishing gear or snorkel equipment.

Duration: 5 hours (approx).

Evening BBQ & River Cruise Private Charter

With a maximum of 15 guests this is perfect for a get together with some friends, a work function or a Christmas party.

This option gives you exclusive use of the boat for 3 hours.

Night Reef Fishing Private Charter Boat

If you’re looking for a more unique private fishing boat charter experience, then a night time fishing charter is definitely the way to go.

This is one of only a few boats offering night time fishing in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.

Departing at 4:00pm you will head out to the fertile fishing grounds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with the mountains to your back as the sun dips down behind them making the sky come alive with a pallet of colours for your entertainment as it disappears to make way for the moon and the stars.

This nine hour fishing boat charter keeps you fishing into the very early hours of the morning, returning to Cairns Marina around 1:00am (approx).

Please note fishing gear is included

Your evening will include some reef fishing in the initial hours, before heading out to deeper water as the sun goes down.

During these hours, large fish species like Sweetlip, Nannygai and Red Emperor come to life as they prey on smaller fish.

Dinner and snacks are provided and you can also order more gourmet style food upgrades if your group desires.

Night fishing on the Great Barrier Reef is an exciting adventure as all the predators of the deep are out and about looking for prey so there is a lot of activity going on and a lot of competition for food.

Duration: 9 hours (approx).

Extended Reef Fishing Private Charter Boat

For the serious anglers out there...

This private fishing charter option departs Cairns at 5:00am and return at 5:00pm and is all inclusive.

Your catch of the day will be cleaned gutted and packed ready for your to take home if you wish to.

Upgrade Your Private Charter to the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Experience... Add a 25 Minute Helicopter Flight

If you truly want the most deluxe Great Barrier Reef fishing experience possible, why not upgrade your private fishing charter to include a helicopter ride to the reef?

The view of the Great Barrier Reef from above must be one of the most spectacular sights in the world and you will gain a renewed appreciation for this amazing ecosystem before you start your day of exciting fishing.

Choose to fly out and meet your private charter boat on the reef and then return on board the boat, OR if you really want to spoil yourself, you can fly out to the reef and fly back to Cairns as well.

The boat journey takes about 90 minutes and the scenic helicopter flight is 25 minutes, so it’s also a good option if you’re running short of time and need to get back to Cairns earlier than normal.

The upgrade to the helicopter flight also includes an upgraded lunch to a delicious smorgasbord seafood lunch on board the boat.

Note that price listed online is for maximum 6 to 8 guests (weight dependent).

What’s Included:

• 25 minute helicopter sightseeing tour to/from the Great Barrier Reef
• 3.5 hour fishing tour aboard the BW
• Delicious smorgasbord seafood lunch
• Wine , Beer, Soft Drinks and water
• All fishing equipment and tuition
• Your catch cleaned for you or it can be taken to a local restaurant
• 25 minute helicopter tour return to Cairns OR 90 minute return cruise aboard the fishing boat

Departure Times

Depart Cairns Heli Base 11:00am - Arrive Moore Reef Pontoon 11:25am Transfer to vessel BWhaler

Return via helicopter to Cairns Heli Base arrive Cairns 4:45pm

OR Return via boat to Cairns Marlin Marina arrive Cairns 6:00pm

See more private charter fishing boat options