Day Cruises in Australia and the Pacific

Embark on a 3-hour cruise of Doubtful Sound in New Zealand, starting from Te Anau or Manapouri. You'll travel by coach to Manapouri Lake for a short boat ride, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass. En route, stop for alpine views of the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, before taking in the dramatic landscapes, soaring peaks and wildlife of Doubtful Sound.

See an abundance of birds, crocodiles and other wildlife on this day trip from Darwin with a 2.5-hour Corroboree Billabong cruise. You'll board a shaded, open-sided boat for optimal wildlife viewing along the Mary River Wetlands, home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocs as well as 30 species of birds. Hear commentary from your guide throughout the full-day tour, which includes an informative stop at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre as well as lunch and round-trip hotel transport.

Enjoy time aboard a sailing yacht on Waitemata Harbour. Your 1.5-hour Auckland cruise sets sail from Viaduct Harbour, passing the Auckland Bridge, Westhaven Marina and Devonport while you listen to informative commentary on the sights. Relax as you take in the views or help the crew sail the vessel - it's up to you.

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don't miss this day trip from Cairns. You'll spend five hours at two different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included on board the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome!

Follow the century-old tradition of delivering mail and supplies throughout the Bay of Islands - called a 'cream trip' - on this full-day cruise by catamaran from Paihia or Russell. See the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, spend time on one of many Islands that maker up the Bay of Islands, and search the waters for whales, seals and other marine life. On board the multi-level vessel, an informative crew points out natural landmarks, local homes and secluded bays. Stroll the island, relax on the beach or opt to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat (own expense).

Experience the thrill of jumping crocodiles on an Adelaide River cruise during this 5.5-hour tour from Darwin. Observe primeval saltwater crocodiles - commonly referred to as 'salties' -  as they leap from the water to snatch food that your boat guide dangles from above. See interactive displays at Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre and visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve during your visit to the Top End. Hotel transport is included.

The Brisbane River, flowing directly through the city after which it's named, is the longest river in South Queensland. Take a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise along the river, seeing iconic sights including Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane City Center, and Story Bridge in a short amount of time. Fit a morning or afternoon departure into your vacation schedule.

Explore Fremantle on a full-day craft beer tour that includes a boat cruise along the Swan River from Perth. Visit three bars that feature great beers from Western Australia, soak up the suds with a tasty pub lunch, and get to know the history of Fremantle along the way. Includes beer tastings, lunch, and scenic cruise on the Swan River.

If you can't wait to discover the wonders that made the Tasmanian Wilderness a UNESCO World Heritage Site, get a head start on this afternoon Gordon River cruise. Traveling on a state-of-the-art quiet catamaran, soak up views of rare Tasmanian trees, sample leatherwood honey, and see Hells Gates, where river and ocean meet. Upgrade for premier upper deck seating with afternoon tea and free-flow hot drinks.

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea as you float down the Brisbane River on a traditional paddle wheeler. Sip sparkling wine and tuck into a delicious spread of savory rolls, scones, sweet treats and handmade chocolates, accompanied by live music. Pass landmarks like the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Wheel of Brisbane on a romantic 2-hour cruise, and spot attractions like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Queensland Maritime Museum.

Cruise around Sydney Harbour while learning about Australia's indigenous culture from the Aboriginal hosts and crew. On board, hear stories of the Cadigal, Guringai, Wangal, Gammeraigal, and Wallumedegal people and learn the Aboriginal names and meanings of Sydney landmarks. After arriving at Clark Island, which is known by the Aboriginal people as Be-lang-le-wool, you'll learn about their fishing methods and food gathering techniques.

Take an evening cruise from Strahan to Bonnet Island to see a colony of fairy penguins, aka little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species. Disembark the boat on the island for a glimpse of the penguins waddling along the rocky shore as they return to their nests for the night. You'll also spot the Bonnet Island lighthouse from the boat, where you'll enjoy an evening snack of cheese and fruit.

Experience nature is at its best on a 40-minute Bay of Islands cruise followed by a kayak excursion. Paddle past mangrove forests to a wondrous waterfall, with the option to depart in the morning, afternoon or at sunset. If you'd like, opt for a paddleboard instead. You'll view birdlife and learn the cultural history of the Maori people with commentary by a knowledgeable guide.

Get a peak into Australia's dark past with a guided tour of Goat Island. Visit this convict stockade-turned-national park with an informative local guide and take an entertaining walking tour. take Take a cruise through Sydney Harbor, enjoy a delicious champagne lunch, and explore the country's history as a penal colony - all on one fun and fascinating excursion.

Set sail around Waitemata Harbor on-aboard a professional America's Cup racing yacht and experience the thrill of sailing a world-class boat. Accompanied by a professional sailing crew, go head to head with another sailing team in a mock competition, and get hands-on as you pick up speed and try to out-manoeuvre the opposition.

Spend six hours on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a comfortable catamaran to a mooring off of Upolu Cay. Take a glass-bottom boat to Upolu Cay, then have time to snorkel or scuba dive. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Reef, for more water time, including a guided snorkeling tour.

Get whisked away to Castaway Island by high-speed catamaran and spend five hours at this idyllic tropical destination. Laze on a palm-fringed beach; swim in the resort pool; snorkel amid coral beds; or make use of water sports such as kayaking, banana boats, and windsurfing (additional charge). Enjoy a beachside restaurant lunch and relax with a tropical drink while you're entertained on board. You'll travel via the Mamanuca Islands from Denarau Marina, including round-trip hotel transport.

Glide past the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse and Devonport Naval Base on a cruise from Waitemata Harbour. Your tour includes morning or afternoon tea.

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning or afternoon cruise from Strahan to the Gordon River. You'll pass by natural landmarks like Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean, and see Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Select a seating category and departure time when booking. The morning tour is longer at 6 hours, while the afternoon tour is just 3.5.

Get around Sydney with a hop-on hop-off ferry pass that is valid for three days. Take as many rides as you like, cruising between eight stops including Circular Quay and Darling Harbour in central Sydney, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay, Shark Island and Luna Park, next to Sydney Harbour Bridge. Bonus: comes with admission to Taronga Zoo and a round-trip ticket for the fast ferry to Manly.