Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour

Imagine gliding across calm waters on a luxurious catamaran, feeling the warm sun on your face, and spotting dolphins, turtles, or even dugongs in their natural habitat. That’s exactly what you get with the Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour, departing from Raby Bay in Cleveland. For around $80.81 per person, you’ll spend roughly 4.5 hours exploring the pristine waters of Moreton Bay Marine Park, an area renowned for its abundant marine wildlife and untouched islands.

This tour is perfect for families, couples, groups, or solo travelers who want a relaxed yet engaging experience. What we love most is the opportunity to try sailing firsthand—taking the helm, trimming sails, and feeling the breeze—plus the chance to swim, paddleboard, or simply lounge on deck with a glass of champagne as the boat gently moves along. The inclusions of tasty antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters elevate the experience, making it feel like a special day out on the water.

One thing to consider: this is a relatively intimate experience with a maximum of 24 travelers, so it tends to book out about 36 days in advance. If you’re not a fan of small groups or want a more private outing, it’s worth planning ahead. This tour suits those looking for a combination of adventure, relaxation, and wildlife—especially if you’ve got an interest in sailing or simply want a scenic day on beautiful waters.

Key Points

• Authentic sailing experience: Learn to sail on a spacious catamaran with crew guidance.
• Wildlife spotting: Expect to see dolphins, turtles, dugongs, and seabirds.
• Water activities included: Paddleboarding, swimming, and floating mats are part of the fun.
• Gourmet inclusions: Antipasto, seasonal fruit, and beverages including wine and champagne.
• Relaxing atmosphere: Sunbathing, sipping drinks, or enjoying the scenery.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with options for kids and seniors alike.

An In-Depth Look at the Moreton Bay Sailing Tour

Setting Out from Cleveland: Ease and Accessibility

Starting at Raby Bay Harbour Park, this tour benefits from being close to Brisbane but feels worlds away in its peaceful waters. The meeting point at Shore Street W is near public transit, making it straightforward to join the adventure without a long drive or complicated planning. Once aboard, you’ll quickly realize the boat, named Aristocat, is spacious, clean, and well-equipped, offering a comfortable platform to enjoy the day.

The Sailing Experience: More Than Just a Ride

Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this experience emphasizes hands-on sailing. The crew, described as friendly and knowledgeable, will guide you through the basics of sailing, with many guests getting the chance to steer the boat or trim the sails. This interactive element makes it especially appealing to those who want a more immersive experience rather than just watching from the sidelines.

One reviewer fondly remembers the calming energy of Darren, who made the whole process engaging and approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, you’ll appreciate the crew’s patience and expertise. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with the water in a way that’s both fun and educational.

Wildlife Encounters: Nature’s Show in the Bay

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to spot marine wildlife. The waters of Moreton Bay are teeming with dolphins, turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and hundreds of migratory birds. Several reviews mention dolphins swimming alongside the boat, delighting both children and adults alike.

A guest noted, “We saw dolphins and 7-year-olds were thrilled at ‘driving the yacht’,” showing how engaging and impressive close wildlife encounters can be. The chance to see these creatures in their natural environment adds a layer of authenticity and value that many travelers cherish.

Water Activities and Beach Breaks: Fun for All Ages

The tour isn’t just about sailing; it offers a variety of water-based activities. Guests can swim, paddleboard, or lounge on the giant floating aqua mat. The boat anchors in beautiful spots like Horseshoe Bay or Peel Island, where you can dive into clear waters or walk along white sandy beaches. Several reviews mention the fun of paddleboarding and the joy of jumping off the boat to swim nearby.

The Anchorages: Peering into Untouched Islands

The voyage includes a dinghy ride ashore, giving guests a chance to explore national park islands. These islands offer white sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing or taking a peaceful stroll. One reviewer called the anchorages “favourite spots,” emphasizing their untouched beauty. The calm waters and natural surroundings make for a relaxing break during the cruise.

Food and Drink: Gourmet on the Go

The included antipasto boards and seasonal fruit platters are more than just snacks—they’re a highlight. The generous and delicious spread offers freshness and flavor that complement the water-based activities. Guests can also bring their own drinks, with a BYO policy that includes wine, champagne, or soft drinks in an iced esky.

While alcoholic beverages are not included** in the price**, the ability to sip champagne or enjoy a glass of wine as you glide across the bay elevates the experience, making it feel a bit more indulgent.

The Crew and Atmosphere: Friendly and Approachable

Multiple reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and professionalism. They’re described as entertaining, knowledgeable, and attentive, making everyone feel comfortable regardless of age or sailing skill. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends.

The small group size—up to 24 guests—ensures personalized attention and a quieter, more intimate experience. Some guests appreciated the calming energy of the crew, which helped them unwind fully.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those seeking a scenic, interactive day—whether you’re interested in learning sailing, wildlife sightings, or just relaxing on the water. It’s perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or couples who want a memorable experience without the crowds. The value for money is high considering all the inclusions, the authenticity of the water activities, and the chance to connect with nature.

Final Thoughts

The Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour offers a compelling blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. From learning to sail on a comfortable, well-maintained catamaran to spotting dolphins and enjoying water-based fun, it’s a well-rounded package that appeals to a variety of travelers.

The tour’s gourmet snacks and BYO drinks give it a touch of indulgence, while the small group setting ensures a personal and engaging experience. Whether you want a serene escape or a hands-on sailing adventure, this tour manages to deliver both with style.

If you’re after a quality day on the water, appreciating Australia’s marine wildlife in an untouched setting, this trip is a fantastic choice—especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and value authentic, memorable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, the tour starts at Raby Bay Harbour Park, which you’ll need to reach via your own transport or public transit, as it’s conveniently located in Cleveland.

What should I bring for the water activities?
You might want to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and floatation noodles, but personal gear is up to you.

Can I participate in sailing even if I’ve never done it before?
Absolutely. The crew is experienced at guiding guests through the basics of sailing, so everyone has the chance to try steering and trimming sails if they wish.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is designed to be family-friendly. Several reviews mention children enjoying the wildlife and water activities, with crew being great with kids.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour’s schedule might be adjusted if the weather isn’t ideal. In some cases, they’ll contact you beforehand to switch to a different time. The tour is non-refundable if you cancel, so check the forecast beforehand.

Are alcohol beverages included?
No, alcohol is not included in the price. However, guests can bring their own drinks, including wine or champagne, to enjoy during the cruise.

In essence, this sailing tour combines scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and hands-on sailing in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. It’s a fantastic choice whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just looking for a relaxing day in Moreton Bay’s calming waters.