Back
Full Day Reef Fishing Share Charter
from A$340 per person
9 hours
A full-day reef fishing charter offers an incredible adventure on the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef, targeting iconic species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Small & Large Mouth Nannygai, and Spanish Mackerel.
Cairns Reef Fishing offers a full-day shared reef charter out of Cairns - a relaxed but action-packed fishing adventure on the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned angler, it's a chance to spend a day at sea chasing iconic reef fish in a fun, social and well-supported environment.
Shared charters are a great option to get out to the reef without the hassle of organizing a large group. You'll share this trip with people from all walks of life-from families with children (10 years+ is recommended) to avid fishermen and curious tourists. It's a fantastic day out on the reef!
We will travel approximately 90 minutes to reach the fishing grounds, which are within a 50-kilometer radius of Cairns.
Lunch is served around midday, and after a fantastic day of fishing, we return to the marina between 3:30 and 4:00 pm.
Your catch will be cleaned, iced down, and bagged for you to take home or to your favorite restaurant for cooking. The all-inclusive price covers everything: food, fishing gear, and all reef taxes. We also provide bottled water for the day. Just bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and cash to purchase drinks, or feel free to bring your own drinks (no glass and mid strength).
- All fishing gear - rods, reels, bait, tackle - plus bait and rigs supplied by crew.
- A full day on the reef: usually a 9-hour charter (check-in early morning, return mid/late afternoon).
- Morning tea, a cold buffet-style lunch, and refreshments; bottled water provided onboard.
- After fishing: your catch cleaned, bagged and iced - ready to take home or (if you prefer) have cooked at a local restaurant.
- Safety, comfort, and guidance - experienced skipper and crew, a fully equipped and purpose-built fishing vessel, and gear/instructions even for first-timers.
Start: Cairns Reef Fishing
Check-in time & departure
- Check-in is early (around 6:00am) at the Cairns Marlin Marina.
- The boat departs shortly after, so punctual arrival is important.
- Recommended for ages 10+, as reef fishing can be physically demanding.
- Suitable for beginners and experienced anglers - crew provide full instruction.
- Departure is from Cairns Marlin Marina, with a specific berth provided in booking confirmation.
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Light jacket (it can be cool on the water)
- Camera/phone
- Sea-sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness
- Optional: small esky/cooler in your vehicle for taking fish home (the crew bags & ices your catch)
- Conditions vary - the ocean can be calm or choppy.
- In windy conditions the tour may adjust fishing locations or, rarely, be cancelled for safety.
- You can keep most legal-size fish you catch.
- Your fish is cleaned, filleted and bagged by the crew.
- Some Cairns restaurants will cook your catch for dinner (on request).
- Some species are protected or seasonal - the crew will advise what must be released.
- Morning tea and lunch are included.
- Guests with special dietary requirements should notify the operator at the time of booking.
- All rods, reels, bait and tackle are supplied - no need to bring gear.
- You are welcome to bring your own rod if you prefer, but check with the operator first.
- Stable, purpose-built reef fishing vessel
- Shaded areas, toilet, and seating
- Professional skipper and crew onboard all day
- Approximately 9 hours (full day), returning mid-afternoon.
- It's recommended to reconfirm your tour 24 hours before departure, especially during periods of variable weather.
