Shaded Tinny, Up To 4 People

Cairns Boat Hire puts you behind the wheel of a shaded tinny for four to eight hours on Trinity Inlet, launching from the Marlin Marina. No marine licence is required, just a driver's licence and a minimum age of 18. The boat and fuel come with the hire, while rods, bait, ice and an esky are optional extras.

Overview

This is a self-drive tinny hire on Trinity Inlet, the estuary that sits just minutes from central Cairns. You take the boat out yourself, up to four people aboard, and spend either a half day or a full day on the calm waterways between the mangrove-lined tributaries, with rainforest-covered hills behind you. No marine license is needed, but the driver must hold a driver's license and be at least 18 years old. If you would rather not drive at all, an experienced skipper can be hired to take the helm for you.

The inlet is a favourite local fishing spot. Depending on what is biting, you might target barramundi, mangrove jack, golden snapper, grunter, bream, estuary cod or flathead. Rods, bait, ice and eskies are not in the base hire, but all are available for hire or purchase at an additional cost. Even without a line in the water, the inlet works as a wildlife cruise: birds and fish are common, and saltwater crocodiles live in the system.

The boat itself is set up for a relaxed day, with shade, bench seating, pillows and a simple central console. Reviewers have called it good value and a relaxing afternoon on the water, and several praised the friendliness of the staff. It suits couples, friends or small families who want an unhurried day out and are happy to bring their own food and drinks.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Marlin MarinaMake your own way to Berth A1, Marlin Marina, Cairns. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Choose your optionHalf-day or full-day hire must be selected at the time of booking. If you have not brought your own gear, fishing rods, bait, ice and eskies can be hired or purchased for an additional cost, and a skipper can also be hired to drive.
3. Explore Trinity InletTake the boat through the inlet's calm waterways and mangrove tributaries. Fish for species such as barramundi, mangrove jack and flathead, or cruise and watch for birds, fish and crocodiles.
4. Return the boatBring the tinny back to the marina at the end of your half-day or full-day hire, refuelling covered by the operator.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what to carry on board to how the fishing can vary with conditions.

• Bring your own food. Food and drink are not included and are not sold as part of the hire. Pack lunch, snacks and plenty of water for a full day on the water.
• Sun protection. The listing recommends a hat, sunscreen and a camera. The boat has shade, but the tropical sun in Cairns is strong on open water, so cover up regardless.
• Choose your length. You must pick a half-day or full-day option when you book. Half-day suits a shorter outing, while a full day gives you more time on the water.
• Conditions vary. One reviewer found the river too muddy to fish and spent the time driving the boat instead. Conditions on the inlet can affect the fishing, so it helps to be open to simply cruising and enjoying the scenery.
• Relaxed pace. Several travellers described the experience as relaxing and good value. You set your own route and speed, so it works for people who want a quiet afternoon rather than a structured tour.
• Who can drive. No marine license is required, but the person at the console must be 18 or older and hold a driver's license. Anyone else can ride along, up to the four-person maximum.

Common issues. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to get yourself to Berth A1 at Marlin Marina. Food and drink, fishing rods, eskies, bait, ice and a skipper all cost extra on top of the base hire, which can add up if your group arrives empty-handed. The boat holds a maximum of four people, which rules out larger groups. One reviewer found the water too muddy to fish and ended up enjoying the boat handling instead, and another felt the experience was only average.

Choosing A Charter