Cairns dinner cruise: Cairns Harbour sunset by catamaran

A Cairns dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Cairns catamaran is a great way to see the sunset over the city, and enjoy a three course meal along the Queensland coastline.

A Cairns sunset dinner cruise isn’t generally what people come to far north Queensland for. They tend to be more interested in Great Barrier Reef trips, heading to underwater observatories or top snorkelling spots.

However, a Cairns dinner cruise can be a lovely way to spend the evening. To skip the explanation and just book a Cairns sunset dinner cruise, click here.

Trip-booster! 8 great day trips from Cairns to power-up your holiday

Kuranda combo package – take the Kuranda Scenic Railway up and the Skyrail cable car down.
Green Island tours with beach time, glass bottom boat and snorkelling. (Or pick a Fitzroy Island trip instead).
Moore Reef day tour – with underwater observatory, snorkelling gear, glass bottom boat & semi-submersible cruises.
Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with snorkelling stops at two excellent spots on the Reef.
Cape Tribulation rainforest day tour – with Mossman Gorge Aboriginal cultural experience and Daintree River crocodile-watching cruise.
Atherton Tableland waterfalls and rainforest tour – including wildlife-spotting and a swim in a volcanic lake.
Outback 4WD tour – visiting Chillagoe Caves, Aboriginal rock art and Granite Gorge.

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Spirit of Cairns cruise departure time

The Spirit of Cairns cruise departs from the Marlin Marina at 18.30, although guests are asked to get there half an hour beforehand. The vessel is a sleek catamaran, capable of travelling under sail.

This Cairns dinner cruise lasts around two-and-a-half hours, gliding around Cairns Harbour while offering panoramic views of the waterfront. In the background, the green, rainforest-covered hills complete the frame while the Spirit of Cairns heads into Trinity Inlet.

Save time queuing – Book these Cairns attractions in advance

From the air: Outer Reef helicopter flight | Sunrise hot air balloon ride | Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
At night: Sunset dinner cruise | Pub and club tour | Aquarium by Twilight experience.
For wildlife: Birdworld Kuranda | Kuranda Koala Gardens | Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome | Cairns Aquarium | Rainforestation Nature Park
For culture: Cairns Museum tickets | Street art walking tour | City and surrounds highlights bus tour.
For thrills: AJ Hackett giant jungle swing | High speed jet boat tour | Barron Gorge white water rafting | Mulgrave River tubing.

Cairns dinner cruise menu and drinks

The three course meal is served on board the boat, with the menu including fresh seafood, local meats, and a range of vegetarian options.

There’s a complimentary sparkling wine, beer or soft drink provided upon boarding, but otherwise drinks are not included in the price. You can, however, buy them from the bar.

This sunset cruise might not be what you came to Cairns for, but it is a good option for something to do in the evening that goes a little beyond dining and hitting the pubs.

Cairns sunset

It’s also a good way of discovering just how impressive the coastline around Cairns is. And, of course, being on the water, you get to watch the sun set over the city.

At the time of writing, these Cairns sunset dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Cairns cost $119. Bookings should be made online.

Other fun Cairns tour options include tubing on the Mulgrave River (BOOK HERE), snorkelling around Green Island (BOOK HERE) and white water rafting through Barron Gorge (BOOK HERE).