GC by water

Written By fiona guthrey

We firmly believe the GC is a boating paradise, and experiencing it from the water is undoubtedly one of the best ways to enjoy it.

From luxury yachts and catamarans to whale watching tours, eco cruises, kayaking, jet boat rides, BBQ pontoons, picnic boats and even a tropical island day trip, there is an option for every budget, mood and level of sea legs.

Why the Water Wins

On land the Gold Coast is buzzing. On the water it is a different world, calm, breezy and with views you just cannot get from shore.

  • Cruise past waterfront mansions, secret sandbanks and lush mangrove islands

  • Spot dolphins in the Broadwater and humpback whales on their migration

  • Paddle through crystal clear creeks and hidden mangrove forests

  • Anchor up for a swim or lunch at a beach only accessible by boat

From Splurge to Save

Ultra Luxe: Private Superyacht Charter

Perfect for once in a lifetime celebrations, VIP events or anyone who likes their Champagne served on a private deck with crew at the ready.

From: $10,000+ per day

Whale Watching (May to November)

Eco Friendly Cruising and Nature Tours

Swap engines for eco friendly exploration and get closer to the Gold Coast’s wild side.

  • SeaGold Coast Eco Tours – seagoldcoastecotours.com.au – Small group Broadwater cruises with dolphin, turtle and bird spotting plus island stops

  • Cooly Eco Tours – coolyecotours.com.au – Southern Gold Coast and Tweed marine adventures including Cook Island turtle snorkelling

Guided Kayaking Tours

  • Australian Kayaking Adventures – australiankayakingadventures.com.au – Budds Beach to hidden canal routes and Broadwater dolphin sightings

  • Go Vertical SUP and Kayak – goverticalsup.com.au – Main Beach and Broadwater tours including sunset paddles

  • Tallebudgera Creek – Calm turquoise waters backed by Burleigh Headland National Park

  • Currumbin Creek – Pelicans, wooden bridges and sandy coves

From: $65–$150pp

Party on the Water

For when the occasion calls for a floating dance floor, a stocked bar and a soundtrack to match the sunset.

  • Rosie Boat – rosieboat.com.au – Stylish timber boat with lounge seating and BYO options

  • YOT Blue – yotblue.com.au – Sleek 80-foot motor yacht with multiple decks, premium bar service and space for up to 58 guests

  • AHOY Hire Boats – ahoyhireboats.com.au – Easy self-drive party pontoons perfect for casual celebrations

From: $150 per hour (self drive) to $2,500+ half day crewed charters

Luxe Life: Private Yacht or Catamaran Charter

From: $1,500+ half day

Mid Range: Duffy Boats, BBQ Boats and Coasting Around

From: $150–$300 (2–3 hrs)

Budget Friendly Fun: GoBoat Picnic Cruise

From: $99 per hour

Sandbank Hopping and Straddie Lunch

Boat hire:

Adrenaline Hit: Jet Boats

From: $69–$99pp

Day Trip: Moreton Bay and Tangalooma Wrecks

Perfect for snorkelling, turtles, dugongs and a tropical island vibe without the passport

Departures: Mariner’s Cove, Main Beach (or Brisbane pick up)
From: $199–$249pp including ferry, activities and lunch

Where to Launch or Join

  • Mariner’s Cove, Main Beach – Superyachts, charters, eco tours, whale watching, jet boats, Moreton Bay trips

  • Coolangatta Tweed Heads – Cooly Eco Tours

  • Sanctuary Cove and Hope Island – Northern yacht departures

  • Surfers Paradise – Jet boats, river cruises, kayaking

  • Isle of Capri – GoBoat

  • Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks – Kayaking and SUP tours

  • Tipplers Passage – Lunch stop

Skip the traffic. Grab your crew. Hit the water.

Because the Gold Coast from a boat? That is the real insider magic.

 

fiona guthrey
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