Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour

Imagine cruising across calm waters on a spacious catamaran, soaking up the sun, and spotting dolphins, turtles, or even dugongs along the way. That’s exactly what the Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour offers—an experience designed to blend adventure and relaxation in one of Australia’s most beautiful marine parks. While it’s a short, half-day trip, the memories you’ll create and the scenery you’ll witness make it a surprisingly rich outing.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, the chance to actually steer a large catamaran under expert guidance is genuinely memorable. Then, there’s the variety of activities—from paddleboarding and swimming to beach strolls—that cater to all ages. Lastly, the onboard food and drinks, including antipasto and seasonal fruit platters, elevate the experience from a simple boat ride to a true mini getaway.

One potential consideration is the group size—maxing out at 24 people, it’s quite intimate but still large enough to require some patience during busy moments. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of active engagement, scenic beauty, and laid-back leisure, perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for a rewarding day on the water.

Key Points

• Balanced Activities: Learn to sail, swim, paddleboard, or relax—something for all.
• Wildlife Spotting: Dolphins, turtles, dugongs, seabirds, and other marine life are common sights.
• Inclusive Experience: Suitable for all ages and skill levels, with friendly, accommodating crew.
• Value for Money: At $78.25, guests receive a full afternoon of activities, food, and scenic views.
• Authentic Maritime Fun: Hands-on sailing experience combined with leisure options like champagne on the net.
• Beautiful Locations: The tour explores pristine islands and tranquil bays perfect for sunbathing or strolling.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Departure from Raby Bay and Setting Sail

Your adventure begins at Raby Bay Harbour Park in Cleveland, a charming spot with easy access and nearby public transportation. The tour kicks off at around 1:00 pm, giving you a relaxed afternoon on the water until approximately 4:30 pm. You’ll be on a large catamaran, known as Aristocat, which boasts a reputation among reviewers for being big, clean, and beautiful—a perfect platform for a memorable day.

Learning to Sail and Taking the Helm

One of the standout elements of this trip is the chance to learn the basics of sailing. The experienced crew takes the time to guide guests through trimming sails and steering, making the experience accessible even for complete beginners. Multiple reviews highlight how friendly and skillful the crew is—“very good at their job” and “wonderful, friendly and entertaining” are phrases that come up repeatedly. For many, especially those who have always wondered what it’s like to handle a boat, this hands-on opportunity is a highlight.

Relaxing with Champagne and Food

While some guests choose to take the helm, others prefer unwinding. You can sip champagne or bring your own drinks in the iced esky, enjoying the luxury of relaxing on the front net with a glass in hand, as the boat glides effortlessly over the water. The onboard antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters are well-loved, with many reviewers remarking on how plentiful and delicious the food is—“yummy and plenty to go around”.

Activities and Anchorages

The tour visits some of Moreton Bay’s most scenic spots, including Horseshoe Bay and Peel Island. Here, guests can swim, stand-up paddleboard (weather permitting), or lie on the sandy beaches of islands within the marine park. The floating aqua mat, pool noodles, and snorkel equipment are provided, ensuring that everyone can find a way to cool off or explore the underwater world.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife spotting is another major perk. Many guests have reported seeing dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and stingrays—which are often called “callers of this bay” by those familiar with the area. Seabirds and migratory birds also frequent the waters, adding to the natural beauty of the experience. Reviewers mention that Darren and Lyn (the crew) are very knowledgeable and engaging, often pointing out these creatures and sharing interesting facts.

Beach Landing and Strolls

A key part of the tour is landing ashore at one of the unspoiled national park islands, perfect for sunbathing or a casual walk along pristine beaches. This provides a tangible sense of escaping the world’s hustle, with the peace and quiet of the island making it easy to unwind.

The Food and Drinks

While the tour does not include alcoholic beverages, guests are encouraged to bring their own. An iced esky is provided for chilling drinks, and glasses are available onboard, including for wine or champagne. The antipasto and fruit platters are generous and well-reviewed, making the cruise feel like a mini picnic on the water. Many reviewers emphasize that the food was plentiful and delicious, adding to the overall value of the experience.

The Crew and Boat Quality

Guests repeatedly praise the friendly, professional, and knowledgeable crew. Darren and Lyn, in particular, are noted for their warm service and sense of humor—making the sailing lessons enjoyable rather than intimidating. The catamaran Aristocat itself is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, with plenty of room for everyone to relax or participate actively. Its design and condition contribute significantly to the sense of luxury and safety, especially appreciated by families and first-time sailors.

Pricing and Overall Value

At $78.25 per person, this tour offers excellent value. It includes sailing lessons, activities, food, and scenic cruising—all within a relaxed 4.5-hour window. Many reviews highlight how much they enjoyed the diverse activities, the natural beauty, and friendly atmosphere for the price. It’s a good option for travelers who want a well-rounded, fun, and scenic day without breaking the bank.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a laid-back yet engaging day. It’s perfect for those who enjoy nature and wildlife, as well as people curious about sailing but who prefer a safe, guided environment. If you’re after a mix of activity, relaxation, and scenic beauty, this trip checks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

The Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour delivers on its promise of a relaxing, activity-packed afternoon in one of Australia’s most stunning marine parks. The chance to learn sailing, spot wildlife, and enjoy delicious food makes it a well-rounded adventure suitable for many types of travelers. The crew’s warmth and knowledge add a genuine touch of hospitality that keeps guests coming back.

While the absence of alcohol included might be a downside for some, the option to bring your own drinks and the high-quality food onboard more than compensates. The intimate group size ensures a personal experience, and the beautiful scenery will leave you with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

All in all, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and engaging water adventure that combines learning, leisure, and wildlife encounters, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it caters to families and children are welcome. Many reviews mention kids having a great time, especially with activities like paddleboarding and swimming.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your own drinks in the provided iced esky, along with sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for water activities. The tour provides snorkel gear and paddleboards if weather permits.

Can I participate in sailing?
Absolutely. The crew encourages guests to learn how to sail and take the helm, making it a hands-on experience. Whether you’re a novice or experienced, everyone can engage.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, a maximum of 24 travelers ensures a comfortable and personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, including antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters, coffee or tea, use of paddleboards and snorkel equipment, a giant aqua mat, and glasses for drinks.

Are there any additional costs?
Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be BYO. Soda or pop are also not included.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable. If you cancel or change your booking, your paid amount will not be refunded, so plan accordingly.

In summary, this tour offers a fantastic blend of sailing, wildlife, scenic spots, and leisurely activities. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a memorable day on the water, it’s a well-priced, authentic experience that promises more than just a boat ride—it’s a true taste of Moreton Bay’s natural beauty.