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Gold Coast cruises compared

Go sightseeing on the water in the Gold Coast with organised cruises and private boat hire options.

Alex Keshen
Alex Keshen

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Experience the Gold Coast, from the water of its canals to its rivers and open ocean. Take your pick from dinner cruises and party cruises, to whale watching and more; watch the sunset behind the mountain backdrop or take a day cruise to one of the many islands. You can even hire an entire boat for a special occasion or corporate event.

Whether you want to book onto an organised cruise or tailor-make your own experience, there are plenty of Gold Coast cruise companies around along with deals and discounts to be had. Costs vary according to length of the cruise and inclusions, but it’s also important to get the best price.

What types of Gold Coast cruises can I book?

  • Dinner cruises
  • Lunch cruises
  • Morning/afternoon tea
  • Wedding and stag/hen packages
  • Corporate cruises, functions and special events
  • Party cruises
  • Sunrise and sunset cruises
  • Day trips and combination tickets

Gold Coast cruise guide: How much does it cost?

Whether you book direct, through an online activities site or a daily deals website, here’s a rough guide to cruises available on the Gold Coast.

Company / activity siteSightseeingLunchDinnerSpecial eventsMorning/afternoon teaPrivate hire
AdrenalineFrom $33ppN/AN/AN/AFrom $29ppFrom $165
Experience OzFrom $29ppFrom $42ppFrom $79ppN/AN/AFrom $195
ViatorFrom $29ppFrom $65ppFrom $79ppN/AFrom $25ppFrom $165
Surfers Paradise River CruisesFrom $20 per adult$25 per adultN/AFrom $59ppFrom $20 per adultFrom $59pp
Wyndham CruisesFrom $33 per adult$59 per adult$79 per adultFrom $39ppFrom $25 per adultFrom $25pp
Gold Coast Canal CruisesN/A$25 per adultN/AContact for details$25 per adultContact for details
Aquaduck$38 per adultN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Gold Coast cruise key facts

  • The majority of cruises in the Gold Coast depart Main Beach or Surfers Paradise and last from an hour up to a full day.
  • Some include snacks and refreshments, others include lunch or dinner, and most have licensed bars on board.
  • Gold Coast boat cruises feature both indoor seating and outdoor decking for eating, sightseeing and sunbathing.
  • Reduced rates are offered for children, concessions and families (usually 2 adults + 2 children) and commentary is nearly always provided, according to the theme.

Day trip cruises from the Gold Coast: Where you’ll go

The Gold Coast is surrounded by islands, and Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island make popular day cruise destinations. Spot dolphins, other sea life and shipwreck sights along the way. On the islands you can enjoy the beaches, wildlife, snorkelling and other water activities while taking in beautiful scenery.

You’ll normally enjoy a BBQ lunch as part of the experience. Check out Experience Oz and Viator for cruises to Moreton Island, Moreton Bay Marine Park and Stradbroke Island.

Gold Coast boat charters

A Gold Coast cruise is a great way to put a unique spin on a special occasion such as a wedding or a corporate event. Many day cruise companies offer their boats out for hire, with or without a skipper and catering – see our table below for an idea of pricing.

Gold Coast boat hire can be tailored for parties, special occasions and corporate events. It can include a DJ, catering and an unlimited bar, amongst other things. There are Gold Coast cruise companies that specialise in organising tailored boat charters, such as Gold Coast Cruises, Cruise GC, Margarita Cruises, Gold Coast Gondolas and Champagne Sailing Cruises.

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