See the Surfers Paradise skyline glow on a 2–3 hour sunset or dinner cruise.
Spot humpback whales(guaranteed sightings), plus dolphins and turtles. Book a Gold Coast whale watching cruise.
Dance under the stars on a lively party boat with a DJ, bar, and unbeatable Broadwater views.
Enjoy a Gold Coast river cruise with buffet lunch or dinner, live entertainment, and drinks onboard.
Covered decks and indoor seating make every cruise comfortable year-round.
Whale watching cruises: Whale watching season typically runs from Jun-Nov. These tickets start at AU$74 and sell out weeks in advance, so book 2-3 weeks in advance. These cruises typically last for 2.5 hours and guarantee a whale sighting, have inclusions of snacks, interactive displays, covered seating, and onboard commentary.
Dinner cruise vs Lunch cruise: Lunch cruises start at AU$99 and include a tropical buffet and sundeck seating, with live commentary and great views of the city. These cruises last 2 hours. Dinner cruises last slightly longer, around 2.5 hours, and include live entertainment onboard, a buffet dinner & nighttime views of the city. These cruises start at AU$129 and have a more festive vibe that may suit couples or larger groups of friends.
Duck tours: Unlike a regular sightseeing cruise, Duck tours combine a city tour through Surfers Paradise with a river cruise, and are a fun option for all ages - especially kids. Aquaduck tours start at AU$58 and include fun perks such as a Captain’s Certificate for kids.
Private boat hires: Private boat tours can accommodate up to 3 guests, and include a professional skipper, drinks, and onboard entertainment. This 1-hour private tour is perfect for small groups or couples to enjoy a private tour of the Gold Coast waterways.
Accessibility: Except for the dinner cruise and a few whale watching cruises, most other cruises are not accessible by wheelchair. Please check the tour details carefully before making your booking to avoid unpleasant surprises.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Find on Maps.
Cruises depart from 3 main points along the central Gold Coast waterfront:
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.
Catch the unforgettable sight of humpbacks breaching and leaping as they migrate along the coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, your Gold Coast HOPO ferry pass is valid for the entire day, letting you explore riverside attractions at your own pace.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Warner Bros. Movie World
Dreamworld
Enjoy a luxury whale watching cruise aboard a 34-meter superyacht with open ocean views, expert commentary, and a Marine Biologist on board.
