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Brisbane Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Brisbane Cruises & boat tours

Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

1. Moreton Island: Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Discover Moreton Bay Marine Park and learn about marine life from an onboard marine naturalist on this cruise. Go on a guided snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma wrecks and keep an eye our for the dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles that call this glamour area home. Choose from a tour where you meet the boat at the Rivergate Marina or with pickup from the Gold Coast or Brisbane. Throw your swimwear into a bag and set sail to uncover miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. Departing daily from Brisbane, cruise in luxury to Moreton Bay Marine Park aboard the modern, air-conditioned catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II. Here enjoy the freedom to do as much or as little as you please with all activities included and no local fees. Dive in and snorkel the fifteen shipwrecks that have been deliberately sunk just off the coastline with an abundance of spectacular coral formations and colorful marine life that needs to be seen to be believed. No experience is required and all equipment and water safety items are provided. Afterwards, join our naturalist guides in a fish-feeding session with the 200 species that frequent the area. Satisfy your appetite with a gourmet tropical buffet featuring ocean king prawns, and quench your thirst with a glass of local wine, craft beer or frozen cocktail. Take the time to relax, enjoy free island time on the pristine white-sand beach. Kayak on sheltered crystal-clear waters, join a game with complimentary beach sporting equipment, or simply kick back and soak in the serenity. Watch out for some of Queensland’s best marine wildlife in this area that is home to one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia. Feel the joy of seeing them jump and play in turquoise waters. Search for six of the world’s seven species of sea turtles and herds of shy and gentle dugongs in one of the world’s remaining strongholds for this species. Get help from the onboard marine naturalists that have been working with these incredible animals for over a decade and have the experience to give you the closest wildlife encounters possible.

From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

2. From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

Enjoy a day on Moreton Island on this full-day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Relax on the cruise on the way, enjoy a delicious lunch, then take part in fun outdoor activities like kayaking and sand tobogganing. Be picked up from a centrally-located meeting point in Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Sit back and relax on the air-conditioned drive to the boat's departure point. Board a spacious boat with an outdoor area and a covered seating area. Enjoy ocean views as you cruise across Moreton Bay. Discover a vibrant underwater world as you follow your guide on a snorkeling tour around shipwrecks. Have the chance to spot turtles, fish, and rays. Stop to savor a sandwich lunch on the beach before taking a guided tour in a glass-bottom kayak. View the underwater wonders of the Tangalooma Wrecks as you paddle over crystal-clear water. Explore the area on the island that is known as "The Desert." Ride in a rugged 4X4, and experience the exhilaration of sand tobogganing at speeds of over 40 miles per hour. Admire the Gheebulum Coonungai National Park that covers most of Moreton Island.

Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch

3. Brisbane: River Cruise with Lunch

Discover Brisbane from the water with this river cruise complete with lunch at one of the city's most popular eateries. Departing from South Bank, set out on a 1.5-hour cruise to explore some of Brisbane's most important sights. During your cruise, see sights such as the South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, New Farm Park, and the Brisbane riverside homes. The sights will be accompanied by an informative commentary about the region as well as a morning tea to satisfy your onboard cravings. The morning cruise will last for 45 minutes until you reach your first port of call. After a short walk from the landing dock, arrive at the Breakfast Creek Hotel where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Choose from a range of dishes such as rump steak, panko calamari, and Caesar salad. From here, you will once again board the boat to cruise back to the dock at South Bank within the luscious Parklands.

Brisbane: Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea

4. Brisbane: Sightseeing River Cruise with Morning Tea

Experience the original sightseeing cruise on the Brisbane River, as you sip your morning tea. During this 1.5 hour guided tour, you will be entertained by informative commentary, while taking advantage of  fantastic photo opportunities. Board the MV Neptune at the City Botanic Gardens River Pontoons. These are located on the river at the City Botanic Gardens. Access off Alice Street through the gates at either Albert St or Edward St. Cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights, including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the city center, and the Story Bridge.    Enjoy this interesting, cost-effective, and informative tour of Brisbane’s distinctive river scene, ideal for both locals and visitors. Available year-round, you don’t want to miss out on this beautiful and relaxing tour.  

Brisbane: 1.5 Hour River Sunset Cruise

5. Brisbane: 1.5 Hour River Sunset Cruise

Board your boat for the evening at 5:45 PM and set off along the scenic Brisbane River at 6:00 PM. Purchase a drink from the onboard bar, then sit back and relax as you gaze at the city skyline. Gently cruise along the river, admiring the many bridges along the way, including the impressive Story Bridge. Marvel at the beautiful Kangaroo Cliffs, and watch the city be transformed with color as it lights up at night. Along the way, listen to relaxing music, take in the sights of the city, and soak up the memories of this unforgettable experience. The cruise ends at 7:30 PM, back at the dock.

Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise

6. Brisbane: Midday River Sightseeing Cruise

Discover Brisbane on a fun city cruise and learn all about the area from a local guide. See the highlights of Brisbane and snap great photos along the way. Enjoy informative commentary of your guide while taking advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities.  Cruise past Brisbane’s most iconic sights including the city center, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park, and the Story Bridge. The commentary will tell you some of the history of Brisbane and point out the historical and contemporary landmarks of the city.

Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

7. Brisbane: Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

See the amazing humpback whale and enjoy an onboard fresh lunch on this exciting, 5-hour whale watching cruise near Brisbane. Marvel at the magnificent humpback whale in one of the world’s best whale watching destinations, Moreton Bay. Enjoy a tasty lunch aboard the Eye-Spy catamaran whilst watching the whales - an experience you're unlikely to forget in a hurry!

From Brisbane: Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise

8. From Brisbane: Tangalooma Dolphin Feeding Day Cruise

When you check in at the wharf, the staff will communicate all tour times of the day to guests. Then travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic ferry ride. You may choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after approximately 75 minutes and spend some time exploring at your own leisure. Have full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and, of course, the beach! If you have selected the desert safari tour, travel by 4WD vehicle to the Tangalooma Desert. With this thrilling and bumpy 4WD bus tour, getting there is half the fun. When sand tobogganing, you can reach speeds of up to 40km per hour. If you have chosen the marine discovery cruise, you’ll journey along the coastline in search of dolphins, dugongs, green sea turtles, rays, and more. The purpose-built discovery boat provides unobstructed views of Moreton Bay’s intriguing marine life. Enjoy full eco commentary, provided to explain the habitats and behaviors of the local marine creatures. The "Discover the World of Dolphins" presentation at the Eco Centre at 3:15 PM is optional. Watch this or simply explore the island at your leisure until sunset. Then, make your way to the jetty for the wild dolphin feeding program. Witness a majestic pod of dolphins visiting the shallow shore and see them play together until it’s time to be fed. Follow an expert into the shallow water and hand-feed fish to a wild bottlenose dolphin. You will be assisted by the Dolphin Care Team, consisting of Eco Rangers and dedicated staff who operate under strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the dolphins. At approximately 7:00 PM, leave the island and travel back to Brisbane, arriving at 8:15 PM.

From Brisbane: Dolphin-Watching Day Cruise with Snorkeling

9. From Brisbane: Dolphin-Watching Day Cruise with Snorkeling

Experience the best of Moreton Island and Tangalooma Resort on this day trip from Brisbane. Check-in at the wharf, where the staff will advise you of the day's tour times. Travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride. Enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride to Moreton or on the return journey. Arrive at this beautiful island after an approximately 75-minute journey and spend some time exploring at your own leisure. Enjoy full access to the various pools, cafes, restaurants, bars, and the beach. The snorkeling experience takes you to one of Australia's best snorkeling locations, The Wrecks, which is home to a large variety of reef fish, coral formations, and marine life. Visit the Eco-Center for a presentation on the world of dolphins. Head to a B&B bar to enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, best paired with the sunset. Make your way to the jetty to see a family of wild dolphins as they grace the shores of Tangalooma Island Resort for their nightly feed. Then, return to the wharf to depart for Brisbane at approximately 7:00 PM. After the 75-minute return journey, you will arrive back in Brisbane at approximately 8:15 PM.

Brisbane: Classic Day Cruise to Tangalooma on Moreton Island

10. Brisbane: Classic Day Cruise to Tangalooma on Moreton Island

When you check in at the wharf, the staff will advise all tour times of the day to guests. You'll then travel from Brisbane to Moreton Island on a scenic boat ride. You may choose to enjoy a complimentary beverage either on the boat ride over or the return journey. Arrive at beautiful Moreton Island after a 75-minute boat journey. If you have selected the desert safari tour, you’ll travel by 4WD vehicle to the Tangalooma Desert. With this thrilling and bumpy 4WD bus tour - getting there is half the fun. Get a look at the real Moreton Island, the world's third largest sand island. You can choose to participate in the exhilarating sport of Moreton Island sand tobogganing, reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour. Perfect for everyone from beginners to thrill-seekers as you can choose your own pace. If you have chosen the marine discovery cruise, you’ll journey along the coastline in search of dolphins, dugongs, green sea turtles, rays and more. The purpose-built discovery boat provides unobstructed views of Moreton Bay’s intriguing marine life. Enjoy full eco commentary, provided to explain the habitats and behaviors of the local marine creatures. Throughout the day, you’ll also have a full access to the resort facilities including pools, restaurants and bars. Then, head back to the wharf to depart for Brisbane at 4:00 PM. After the 75-minute return journey, you will arrive back in Brisbane at 5:15 PM.

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What people are saying about Brisbane

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 152 reviews

Most of all, I was impressed by all efforts from staff, they really consider people's safety. I feel safe during the whole journey even though I'm a bit afraid of water. I joined the programme by myself, but it was still very enjoyable. You can explore and catch beautiful sea life with lovely and professional staff. I bet it is one of the best experience you can get in Brisbane.

Everything from start to end was fantastic. Pick up location in Gold Coast was central and easy to get to. Activities were amazing from snorkelling in ship wreaks to sand boarding in the desert. Staff are very friendly and encouraging. Lunch and equipment provided was great. Long day from Gold Coast but well worth the travel.

Everything was so well organised for our trip to Tangalooma. The staff were friendly and extremely helpful and there was never a dull moment. I would definitely recommend.

Great variety of activities. Secured area to leave our things while in the water. Delicious lunch. All the guides were so helpful and professional keeping us safe.

Lots to do on Tangalooma, cruises, snorkeling, swimming in the sea, dolphin watching, 4x4 riding etc. A brilliant day out