Best Boat Trips Around the World — Our Top 8

1.Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,522 reviews · from $82Our pick

Board at Southbank for a narrated Brisbane River cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Enjoy three hours with koalas, kangaroos, platypus, birds, and reptiles, then return by boat. Dennis and the crew are praised for friendly service, with snacks and drinks available onboard.

“Very good tour and cruise. Lots of koala and other wildlife. The smell of eucalyptus is strong but nice.”

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2.Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,397 reviews · 5h 30m · from $81

Cruise from Southbank to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary aboard Mirimar II, with commentary from captains such as Robby and Robert. You get three hours for koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, raptors, and sheepdogs, then return by boat. Food, drinks, and koala encounters cost extra.

“Everything was great! Lovely & informative boat trip & the sanctuary was amazing with lots of animal interaction. 5*”

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3.Island Hopper Day Cruise – sailing to wildlife sanctuary island – 6 hr cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · from $139Top rated

Join Luke and the Barefoot Sailing Adventures crew for a six-hour catamaran cruise from Paihia. Sail among the Bay of Islands, stop for two hours at a wildlife sanctuary, and choose between snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, a bush walk, or a quiet beach break.

“Wonderful all female crew, gorgeous island (definitely do the walk to the other bay!) we saw a huge stingray while snorkelling and fell asleep as we sailed by wind home. A perfect day”

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4.Motuara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour and Dolphin Cruise from Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 180 reviews · from $104

Cruise from Picton into Queen Charlotte Sound with guides such as Bella, Andy, Will, or Cam, watching for dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Walk predator-free Motuara Island, use supplied binoculars, and enjoy hot drinks, biscuits, and local wine on afternoon departures.

“It was absolutely great, we saw many different birds, including one penguin and many dusky dolphins that were jumping out of the water. Marine biology specialist Bella and Skipper Andy were a great team and displayed expertise regarding tRead more”

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5.Prague: Boat Ride to the Zoo and Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 135 reviews · from $74

Cruise from central Prague past Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre, and Dancing House, then explore Prague Zoo at your own pace. Your guide provides the zoo ticket, map, snack, drink, and return transport ticket. Guides include Marta, Martin, Asif, and Dillon.

“Trip was good, however the transportation back wasn’t explained well and we were left to figure it out on our own”

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6.Emmen: Wildlands Adventure Zoo and Rimbula River Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 88 reviews · from $32Best value

Spend a full day at Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen, moving from the butterfly-filled Jungola jungle to the Rimbula River boat, Serenga’s safari truck, and Nortica’s polar animals. You also get Animazia, animal presentations, and rides for one $32 admission.

“Amazing time for the family with lots of things to do. We loved the trail with the bridges and can’t wait to return!!!”

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7.Taronga Zoo Entry & Sydney Harbour 2-Day Hop On Hop Off Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · from $61

Use a 2-day Captain Cook ferry pass to explore Sydney Harbour at your own pace, with stops at Taronga Zoo, Manly, Watsons Bay, Shark Island, and Darling Harbour. Your pass includes one-day entry to Taronga Zoo, recorded commentary, and views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

“The cruise was easy and timely. Cruises were clean and seem in good condition. Good ports. Highly recommend.”

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8.Vltava River Boat Trip and Zoo Entrance Ticket in Prague

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 11 reviews · from $78

Meet at Charles Bridge at 11:15 for a short tram ride, a Vltava boat trip with refreshments and city commentary, then walk to Prague Zoo. Your guide provides entry, a zoo map, and a bus ticket. Guides have included Zdenik, though names are not guaranteed.

“The river boat trip unfortunately was a huge waste of time. It took more than an hour to get to the zoo during which almost 30 mins were spent waiting at the various locks along the river. We could have gone to the zoo ourselves instead of this.”

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