Tour Overview
The 8-Man Pontoon Hire from Cairns Boat Hire is a relaxed, spacious way to explore the beautiful waterways of Trinity Inlet with family or friends. Designed for comfort and stability, these self-drive pontoon boats allow you to enjoy a full day or half day on the water, cruising past mangrove forests, rainforest backdrops and wildlife-rich channels just minutes from Cairns city.
This experience is all about flexibility. You can spend your time sightseeing, fishing in local hotspots, or simply cruising and soaking up the scenery. Many guests head towards Admiralty Island, while others prefer to anchor in a quiet spot and enjoy a laid-back day on board. With padded seating, shade canopy and easy handling, pontoon boats are ideal for mixed-age groups.
Suitable for all ages and no marine licence required, 8-Man Pontoon Hire is perfect for small groups wanting freedom without the pressure of a guided tour. Optional fishing gear, BBQs and even BBQ lunch packs can be added to tailor the day to your group.
Tour Highlights
- Spacious 8-person pontoon boat with padded seating
- Stable, easy-to-drive design with central console steering
- Half-day or full-day hire options available
- Ideal for sightseeing, fishing and relaxed cruising
- Explore Trinity Inlet and areas around Admiralty Island
- Fuel and life jackets included in the hire rate
- Optional BBQs, BBQ lunch packs and fishing gear available
- Wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat option available
- No marine licence required to drive
Perfect For
- Families with children of mixed ages
- Groups of friends looking for a relaxed day on the water
- Visitors wanting a flexible, self-guided experience
- Fishing groups wanting space and stability
- Sightseeing and wildlife enthusiasts
- Guests requiring wheelchair-accessible boating
Inclusions
Minimum Age & Driver Requirements
- Suitable for all ages
- Driver / hirer must be 18 years or older
- Anyone under 18 must travel with a responsible adult
- Children aged 8 years and under must wear a life jacket
Included
- 8-person pontoon boat hire
- Fuel
- Life jackets for all passengers
- Safety and operating briefing
- Designated operating area map
- Assistance with departure and re-docking
- Shaded canopy and padded seating
Optional Add-Ons
- Skipper hire: (counts toward passenger limit)
- Fishing rod hire
- Bait packs
- BBQ hire
- BBQ lunch packs (standard or deluxe)
Its best to check and confirm optional add-ons pricing prior to booking or arrival.
Itinerary
Check-In
- Arrive 15 minutes before your booked departure time
- Location: Wharf A, Marlin Marina, Cairns (adjacent to the Reef Fleet Terminal)
Half-Day Hire (4 hours)
- Times vary depending on booking availability
Full-Day Hire (8 hours)
- Duration: up to 8 hours, booked in the morning.
During Your Hire
- Cruise Trinity Inlet within the designated operating area
- Sightseeing, fishing or relaxing at your own pace
- Optional BBQ and fishing activities onboard
Return
- Boats must be returned to Wharf A, Marlin Marina by the end of your hire period
What to Bring
- Hat and sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Camera or phone
- Mobile phone (at least one per group)
- Drinks and snacks (BYO welcome)
- Fishing gear, bait or esky (or hire on the day)
Safety Information
All guests receive a full safety and operating briefing before departure, including instructions on boat handling, designated operating zones, and local conditions within Trinity Inlet. A map is provided and boats must remain within the approved area at all times.
Life jackets are included for all passengers and must be worn by children aged eight and under. Swimming is not permitted in Trinity Inlet due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles. All activities are conducted onboard the pontoon.
The experience is self-guided, with staff assisting at departure and return. Guests should arrive prepared with any personal medications or assistance needs, particularly for longer hire periods.