Cairns Sunset River Cruise: Trinity Inlet at dusk

Watch the city skyline fade as the inlet turns gold

A 90-minute sunset cruise through Trinity Inlet near Cairns with a small group of up to 12 guests, a complimentary beverage and light snack, and a captain who shares local knowledge about the region. You can add dinner at OCHRE Restaurant after the cruise, or keep it as a standalone evening on the water. The boat departs from Marlin Marina. You make your own way there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing sunset cruise in Cairns

• Board comfortable vessel
• Enjoy complimentary beverage and snack
• Listen to captain's local stories
• Admire city skyline and mountain views
• Take photos of golden dusk scenery
• Relax during 90-minute cruise

The experience

What makes a sunset cruise work is timing, and this one leaves at the hour when the light stops being ordinary. You board a comfortable vessel at Marlin Marina and spend 90 minutes on the calm waters of Trinity Inlet while the sun dips behind the mountains. The captain shares stories about Cairns' history and wildlife as the city skyline and mangrove-lined channels shift through shades of gold and amber. A complimentary beer, wine or soft drink comes with the cruise, along with a light savory snack.

The group stays small, up to 12 guests, which means you're not competing for a spot at the rail or a chance to ask the captain a question. The water is sheltered and the pace is slow enough that you can actually watch the light change instead of just passing through it. Bring a camera if you want. The golden hour reflections on the water are the kind of shot that reads well later.

If you want to extend the evening, you can add dinner at OCHRE Restaurant to your booking and move straight from the water to a table. Otherwise, the cruise stands alone as a way to ease into your night in Cairns. You'll need to get yourself to Berth A1 at Marlin Marina for departure. Public transport options are available nearby.

What’s included

• Complimentary beer, wine or soft drink.
• light savory snack.
• experienced boat captain sharing local knowledge.
• 90-minute cruise through Trinity Inlet at sunset with up to 12 guests.

Options for this experience

2 options

River Cruise at Sunset, CairnsGuide in English · 17:15

Dinner and Sunset Cruise PackageGuide in English · 17:15Two-course dinner: Aussie Outback Platter main with dessert

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cairns River Cruises

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to watch the sunset from the water rather than shore: the boat's timing catches the light at its peak, and you can add dinner to stay out instead of returning to your hotel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Cairns sunset cruise?

The cruise runs for 90 minutes on Trinity Inlet, timed to catch the sunset as it happens.

What's included with the sunset river cruise?

A complimentary beer, wine or soft drink is included, along with a light savory snack. The captain's local knowledge and stories are part of the experience.

Can I add dinner to the sunset cruise?

Yes, you can book the Sunset Cruise & Dinner Package, which adds a meal at OCHRE Restaurant after the cruise ends, or choose the cruise alone.

How many people go on the cruise at once?

Groups stay small, with a maximum of 12 guests per departure, so you get an intimate experience on the water.

Where do I meet the boat for the Cairns sunset cruise?

The boat departs from Berth A1 at Marlin Marina in Cairns. You'll need to make your own way there. Public transport options are nearby.

Is there a guide on the sunset cruise?

Yes, an experienced boat captain leads the cruise and shares stories about Cairns' history, wildlife and culture throughout the 90 minutes on the water.