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Gold Coast Cruise Timings

Your Gold Coast cruise timings guide

  • Cruises depart daily from Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, with durations ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on the tour. Fore more info on boarding poits, click here.
  • Whale watching cruises run seasonally from late May to October, while sightseeing, ferry, and dining cruises operate year-round.

Whale breaching near tour boat on Gold Coast whale watching excursion.

Seasonal schedule (May–October):

  • Daily departures: 8am, 9am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Guaranteed sightings, with marine naturalist commentary and on-board interactive displays.
Dinner cruise guests enjoying drinks and food on the Gold Coast with city lights in the background.

Year-round schedule:

  • Buffet lunch cruise: Departs 12pm (check-in 11:40am), returns 2pm. (Duration: 2 hours)
  • Buffet dinner cruise: Evening departure (varies by season, usually 6:30pm), returns around 9pm. (Duration: 2.5 hours)
  • Aquaduck city & river tour: Multiple departures daily from 9:45 am to late afternoon – Duration: 1 hour
  • All sightseeing cruises include live commentary, sundeck views, and licensed bars on board.
Hop On Hop Off Cruise on Gold Coast waterway with city skyline in background.

Year-round schedule:

  • Operating hours: Daily, 9:15am to late afternoon
  • Frequency: Hourly departures, 7 days a week
  • Stops: Surfers Paradise, HOTA, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands, Sea World
  • Duration: Flexible, unlimited rides all day with a single ticket
  • Great for exploring riverside attractions at your own pace.
Group enjoying a jet boat ride with Gold Coast skyline in the background, Australia.

Daily schedule:

  • Jet Boat Ride: 45 minutes, multiple departures daily
  • Dolphin Kayak & Snorkel Tour: Morning 7:30am – 10:30am (with breakfast); Midday 11am – 2pm
  • Private Luxury Boat Tour: Departure times tailored to guests – Duration 2 to 3 hours
  • Perfect for thrill seekers or private celebrations with custom departure options.

How long do Gold Coast cruises take?

Aquaduck tour vehicle on water with Gold Coast skyline, Australia.
  • Sightseeing Cruises: Most sightseeing cruises last 2 to 2.5 hours. The popular buffet lunch cruise runs from 12pm to 2pm.
  • Whale Watching Cruises: Allow 2.5 hours, plus 20 minutes for check-in. Runs daily during the season (late May – October).
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry: Valid for the whole day with unlimited rides. Boats depart hourly, so you can spend as much or as little time at each stop as you like.
  • Special Experiences: Activities like the Aquaduck or dolphin kayaking range from 1 to 3 hours.

Plan your cruise here.

Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast cruise timings

Most Gold Coast cruises operate throughout the day, starting with serene morning departures around 9-10am, followed by midday sightseeing slots, and finishing with sunset cruises in the late afternoon. Evening dinner cruises often begin around 6–7pm.

More reads

About Gold Coast cruises

Plan Your Gold Coast cruise

Gold Coast cruise boarding points