CAIRNS is better know for its world record black marlin, monster crocodiles and giant tiger sharks.

But officials can now add the unofficial crown of "Zumba capital of the world" to the list.

More than 3000 people filled an inner-city park on Tuesday night to set a new mark for Guinness World Records.

Local Zumba fans, part of a popular fitness movement of dance exercises with moves like the "booty roll'', defied the odds and the elements to smash the previous record of 2012 participants set in London.

Under thunderous skies, the official tally of 3105 people completed the world's biggest 30-minute beginners class.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier said it was a great coup for the tropical tourist mecca.

"It shows what we can do when we set our hearts and minds to do something.''

The current world record for the Largest Zumba class is 2012 people set at Twickenham in the United Kingdom last year.

Cairns officials are confident the record will be officially recognised next month.

Last year Cairns fell short in a world record attempt of most ukulele players.

It fell short by just 40 for most simultaneous strummers playing the ukulele against the record of 851 held by London.

Cairns has the world's biggest captive crocodile on Green Island, has held various black marlin world records, and sparked outrage when the biggest tiger shark ever caught by a teenager was hung up on a weighing hook for display.

Originally published as Booty rolls boost Cairns' Zumba record