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Cruise Through Gold Coast - Discover, Dine & Relax
Northbound Route
- First ferry: 9:15am from Surfers Paradise
- Last ferry: 5:10pm from Sea World
- Frequency: Every hour
- Popular stops: Surfers Paradise, Home of the Arts, Marine Mirage, Southport Broadwater Parklands, Sea World
Southbound Route
- First ferry: 10:10am from Sea World
- Last ferry: 4:05pm from Surfers Paradise
- Frequency: Every hour
- Popular stops: Surfers Paradise, Home of the Arts, Marine Mirage, Southport Broadwater Parklands, Sea World
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
Northbound Route
- First ferry: 9:15am from Surfers Paradise
- Last ferry: 5:10pm from Sea World
- Frequency: Every hour
- Popular stops: Surfers Paradise, Home of the Arts, Marine Mirage, Southport Broadwater Parklands, Sea World
Southbound Route
- First ferry: 10:10am from Sea World
- Last ferry: 4:05pm from Surfers Paradise
- Frequency: Every hour
- Popular stops: Surfers Paradise, Home of the Arts, Marine Mirage, Southport Broadwater Parklands, Sea World
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
Inclusions
- Relaxing 2-hour calm-water cruise on Nerang River
- Licensed bar on board for drink purchases
- Entertaining live commentary on landmarks
Exclusions
- All drinks (available to purchase on board)
What to bring
- Bring a printed or mobile voucher and treat it like cash, as lost vouchers cannot be replaced.
- Carry a valid photo ID if you have booked a concession fare (Pension/Student card required).
- Consider bringing sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your comfort on deck.
What’s not allowed
- Only registered service animals are permitted on board; pets are not allowed.
- Alcohol not purchased on board is prohibited.
- Smoking is not permitted on the vessels.
Accessibility
- All vessels and piers are fully wheelchair accessible (DDA compliant).
- Prams, bicycles, and surfboards are welcome on board.
Additional information
- Meet at Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf (Appel Park, 10 Ferny Ave) for boarding.
- Tickets are valid only on the selected calendar day; seating is first-come, first-served—arrive early to secure your spot.
- Hourly departures operate daily from 9:15 am to 4:15 pm, with stops at five iconic Gold Coast destinations.
- Some routes may include a mandatory 30-minute service break.
- All drinks are available for purchase at the fully licensed bar; no complimentary beverages are included.
- This is a calm-water sightseeing cruise with entertaining on-board commentary by your captain.
- These tickets can't be cancelled. However, they can be rescheduled up to 0 hours before the experience begins.
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What to bring
- Bring comfortable swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.
- Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Carry a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested.
What’s not allowed
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Large bags and valuables are not recommended on the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- All participants must wear life jackets throughout the activity.
- Under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
- The tour is beginner-friendly and requires only a low level of fitness.
- Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, are likely but cannot be guaranteed.
What to bring
- Bring comfortable swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.
- Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Carry a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested.
What’s not allowed
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Large bags and valuables are not recommended on the tour.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- All participants must wear life jackets throughout the activity.
- Under-18s must be accompanied by a participating adult.
- The tour is beginner-friendly and requires only a low level of fitness.
- Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, are likely but cannot be guaranteed.
Inclusions
- Kayak and snorkel gear with instruction
- Paddle across tranquil waterways
- Wildlife spotting: dolphins, turtles, stingrays
- Snorkel with sub-tropical fish
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Gold CoastCruises in Gold Coast
Why take a Gold Coast cruise?
Skyline views at sunset
See the Surfers Paradise skyline glow on a 2–3 hour sunset or dinner cruise.
All your Gold Coast cruise options explained
Sightseeing cruises
Best for: Relaxed sightseeing with dining
Price: From AU$99
Duration: ~2–2.5 hours
Cruise past landmarks like Marina Mirage, Palazzo Versace, Sea World, the Broadwater Parklands, and luxury waterfront homes—while enjoying a tropical buffet of prawns, chicken, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Recommended experiences:
- Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Lunch
- Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise with Buffet Dinner
Whale watching cruises
Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts & families
Price: From AU$74
Duration: 2.5 hours
Set course to the Humpback Whale migration route from Main Beach and board a vessel with hydrophones, underwater cameras, and marine commentary. Enjoy a 100% sighting guarantee and get close to whales in their natural habitat.
Recommended experiences:
- Premium Whale Watching Cruise by SeaWorld
- Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks
Hop-on hop-off cruises
Best for: Flexible exploration
Price: From AU$45
Duration: All-day access
Explore at your pace with unlimited hop-on hop-off access across five stops: Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands, and Sea World.
Recommended experience:
- Gold Coast Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
Special cruise experiences
Best for: A unique, adventurous experience
Price: From AU$58
Duration: Varied
Choose from adventurous and personalised options — take a dolphin-spotting kayak and snorkel tour, book a private luxury boat with a skipper for your group, or ride the Aquaduck amphibious bus for a city-and-river combo.
Recommended experiences:
- Gold Coast Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkel Tour
- Private Luxury Boat Tour with Skipper
- Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Plan your Gold Coast cruise experience
Timings & best time to go
Getting there
Facilities
Tips
Dining
- Cruise departures: Daily, usually between 9am and 7pm depending on the tour.
- Best time to visit
- Whale season: June–November, with peak sightings from July to October.
- Morning cruises: Calmer seas and clearer visibility for spotting wildlife.
- Evening cruises: Stunning winter sunsets and cooler breezes on the Broadwater.
Find on Maps.
Cruises depart from 3 main points along the central Gold Coast waterfront:
- Sea World Cruises Terminal (Main Beach)
- Mariners Cove Marina (Main Beach)
- Surfers Paradise Ferry Wharf (Appel Park)
By tram/bus: The G:link light rail stops at Surfers Paradise. Buses connect to Main Beach and Marina Mirage, with short shuttle/taxi links available.
By car/taxi: Both Main Beach and Surfers Paradise are a 5–15 minute drive from central hotels. Parking is available at Marina Mirage and near Surfers Paradise wharf. Taxi or rideshare fares range from AUD 10–20.
Getting to your Gold Coast Cruise boarding point
- Wheelchair access is available on select vessels’ lower decks.
- Boarding ramps at Marina Mirage make boarding easy.
- Onboard toilets and baby-change facilities provided.
- Shaded undercover seating keeps you comfortable.
- Open-air viewing decks are perfect for photos and spotting wildlife.
- Choose the right season! June to October for whales, winter evenings for sunsets.
- Use burst mode and keep elbows braced on rails; avoid standing right at the bow during turns to avoid vibration blur.
- For skyline shots, step to the outer deck corner to avoid reflections.
- Take seasickness tablets before departure if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- If no whales show up, your sighting guarantee means a free return trip. Check with your crew on how to redeem.
- Onboard café/bar for snacks and drinks, and buffets included on some cruises.
- Marina Mirage Dining Precinct: Waterfront restaurants and cafes serving seafood, grills, and global cuisines. Open daily.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern: Local favorite for fresh seafood platters and sunset views over the Broadwater.
- Seascape Restaurant + Bar: Beachfront dining with premium seafood and modern dishes across bistro, bar, and rooftop.
- Glass Dining & Lounge Bar: Contemporary Australian cuisine and cocktails in a stylish marina setting.
Gold Coast cruises' visual highlights
See all photos
Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast cruises
What types of Gold Coast boat cruises can I book?
You can choose from various Gold Coast cruises: whale watching adventures with expert commentary, buffet lunch and dinner sightseeing cruises, hop-on hop-off ferry-style tours, high-speed jet boat rides, wildlife kayaking & snorkel tours, luxury private charters, and even the fun amphibious Aquaduck city and river tour. Each experience offers something unique, whether you’re chasing thrills, wildlife, or sunset views.
What’s included in the buffet lunch and dinner cruises?
The buffet lunch cruise aboard Spirit of Elston serves a tropical spread with fresh seafood, salads, hot dishes, and desserts, while the buffet dinner cruise adds a fruit platter, indulgent desserts, and live entertainment to make your evening magical. Both include live commentary and access to AC decks and outdoor sundecks.
Do whale watching cruises come with a sighting guarantee?
Yes! Both the Premium Whale Watching Cruise by Sea World and the Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks include a sighting guarantee. If you don’t spot whales, you’ll usually get a free return ticket.
How far in advance should I book whale watching tickets in peak season?
During the peak migration months (June to October), it’s best to book your Gold Coast boat cruise at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Whale watching is extremely popular, and spots sell out quickly.
Can I upgrade to a private charter after booking a shared cruise?
Upgrades depend on availability. If you’d like to switch to a Private Luxury Boat Tour with a skipper, reach out to our team as early as possible, and we’ll do our best to arrange it.
Are the hop-on, hop-off ferry passes valid all day?
Yes, your Gold Coast HOPO ferry pass is valid for the entire day, letting you explore riverside attractions at your own pace.
Can I combine my ferry pass with Sea World entry?
Currently, the ferry passes are separate from Sea World entry tickets. However, you can pair them easily in your itinerary for a day of fun, both on water and on land.
Is the sunset dinner cruise suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. The buffet dinner cruise offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with spacious seating and entertainment. Children often love spotting the skyline at dusk from the sundeck.
What’s included in the Whale Watching Cruise with Beverages & Snacks?
Along with expert commentary from a marine biologist, you’ll enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits onboard. Hydrophones and underwater cameras bring the whale world even closer.
What’s the difference between the whale watching premium and snacks-inclusive cruises?
The Premium Whale Watching Cruise includes interactive displays, hydrophones, and a marine naturalist, while the Snacks Cruise keeps it casual with refreshments and biologist commentary. Both offer a 2.5-hour offshore adventure.
Where do the Gold Coast boat cruises depart from?
Most sightseeing and dinner cruises depart from Surfers Paradise or Main Beach. Whale watching cruises usually leave from Sea World’s terminal. Exact details will be shared with your ticket confirmation.
From happy customers
Kitt
New ZealandSep, 2025
Very informative, loved that the kids are able to have a go at steering the boat and also get a certificate for doing so.
Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Coral
New ZealandJul, 2025
Sunset and views were amazing. The Crew were oytstanding and so helful and informative. Very enjoyable and everything went very smoothly. Would highly recoment this trip
Aquaduck Gold Coast City and River Tour
George
May, 2021
this was an amazing experince, we loved and enjoyed the training and feeling, will be back to do another flying sky driving jump.
Thank you
Combo Ticket: Aquaduck Tour and iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Rebecca
AustraliaAug, 2025
This was a unique way to see and learn more about Surfers Paradise. We found the tour guides entertaining and informative and loved that the Quack'r Duck could go on water and land.
Quack'rDuck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Wai
Hong KongJul, 2025
We like the captain and the tourists lady. They provide much information about Gold Coast that let me know much about Gold Coast since we are first time here !
It is so fun that the captain always beep the duck sound 'quack quack' 😂😂
Quack'rDuck Gold Coast City and River Tour
Iva
AustraliaFeb, 2024
It was awesome. But the only problem that we had is that we paid to get the video, the guy said he'll send it by email but we still haven't got it.
Gold Coast 45-Min Arro Jet Boat Ride
Judith
AustraliaApr, 2024
I loved being on the river & enjoyed the comentary.
The ticketing failed me. I am a pensioner, but didn,t
notice any option for a discounted fare.
When I got to the ticket office, found thast I should have Paid $35 instead of $45.
Dissapointing!
Jude Edwards
Gold Coast 2 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise