Locals-approved guide to relaxing, touring, and partying with the top Gold Coast cruises
Visiting a new place can be overwhelming. There are many locations to visit in such a short time. And we’re not talking about the long wait lines and exorbitant prices—yet!
While the Gold Coast has no exception to these problems, people have found various ways to enjoy their trip to the fullest.
One of these nifty solutions is cruises. The city’s winding canals, rivers, and waterways make it easier to visit its top attractions and even catch monumental occasions.
So, whether you’re touring the city or enjoying its accommodations, the best cruises on the Gold Coast will provide everything you need.
Top-rated cruise ships on the Gold Coast
Hop on a journey on the Pacific with luxury and a sense of adventure aboard some of the best cruise ships on the Gold Coast.
From leisure tours around the islands to grand ventures into the deep seas to watch migrating whales, there’s no stopping the fun with these fantastic cruisers.
Sightseeing cruises
Sightseeing cruises are among the best ways to enjoy and admire the Gold Coast’s beauty. With its winding canals and scenic beaches, people can visit most of the city’s main attractions in one trip.
Popular tourist spots include Wave Break Island and South Stradbroke Island, where visitors can admire the impressive man-made structures and gorgeous greenery.
The stunning buildings and residential areas along Nerang River also provide a better glimpse into the city’s varied culture and lifestyles.
Others even offer lunch and fun little activities on board while the tour guide introduces each location to passengers.
Surfers Paradise River Cruises
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Location: 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5570 3733
Hours: Everyday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Surfers Paradise River Cruises is one of the few cruising services in the city offering river tours. Customers are guaranteed a unique experience as they travel across the beautiful waterways, rivers, and canals.
For one, the company has different cruise routes and themes depending on the time of day.
People can enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour cruise along Marina Mirage, Gold Coast Broadwater, and SeaWorld’s southern tip while indulging in complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and cakes.
By noon, they can admire the unique architecture and wave to locals while passing through Surfers Paradise waterways and Gold Coast canals with the Midday Cruise package.
The midday cruise even has free cheese and crackers to keep people’s bellies full throughout the hour-and-a-half ride.
If you want to take a picture of the sunset, River Cruises has a dedicated package for that, too. The cool breeze and views along Surfers Paradise canals and Marina Mirage are the perfect way to unwind.
Then, by evening, travel the same route again to admire the vibrant city while sipping on a beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink atop the sundeck with the City Lights Cruise package.
Pro tip:
The city is prone to sudden weather changes, with hot, sunny days and heavy rains. To avoid spoiling your mood, an umbrella ensures you can see the city’s beauty regardless of the weather.
Hopo Sightseeing Cruises
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Location: Ferry Stop 2: Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5655 3528
Hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Another way to explore Surfers Paradise’s sprawling streets and canals is through the Hopo Sightseeing Cruises.
People can take a two-hour leisure cruise across five iconic landmarks, luxury homes, and wildlife spotting. These include the suburb’s glitter strip, the Home of the Arts cultural center, Marina Mirage, and SeaWorld for the final terminal.
The cruise stops at each location, allowing people to explore and admire the beauty of each tourist spot.
Best of all, customers won’t need to hurry their tours, as a cruising vessel stops at each location every hour. And yes, a day pass ticket can be used once for all stops.
Visitors can complete their journey with Hopo’s several water adventure combo packages if the sightseeing cruise isn’t enough.
Pro tip:
The Sea World entry and GC Aqua Park are particularly popular during summer as a fun way to beat the heat. If you plan to visit the attractions during this season, bring plenty of patience for the long waiting lines.
Sunset and dinner cruises
Of course, sightseeing isn’t the only activity you can enjoy while cruising the Gold Coast waterways.
You can indulge in mouth-watering delicacies aboard floating restaurants on sunset and dinner cruises—a perfect romantic getaway for couples to unwind and admire the glimmering coastal city.
Surfers Paradise is notably beautiful at night with city lights and the busy streets shimmering on the calm waters of Nerang River.
Another popular spot is the Gold Coast Broadwater, where passengers can take a leisurely cruise alongside brightly lit amusement parks and magnificent waterside hotels.
Gold Coast Gondolas
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Location: 60-70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected], 0419 790 221
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
You don’t need to visit Venice to experience a romantic gondola date because the Gold Coast has something similar.
Gold Coast Gondolas offers up to two hours of relaxing cruises along the city canals (don’t worry, they’re clean) with optional gourmet dishes for dinner.
Customers can even hire the gondolas for a beautiful sunset proposal for only $760. The package includes a complimentary bottle of sparkling Chandon, a rose bouquet, and a red carpet.
If that’s not enough, you can up the ante with the company’s Ultimate Romantic Experience for a limo ride and a 1.5-hour dinner cruise with mains, desserts, champagne, roses, and chocolates.
The Ultimate Romantic Experience package is available for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, honeymoons, and other intimate celebrations.
Pro tip:
Of course, couples aren’t the only ones who can enjoy Gold Coast Gondolas’ services. The company also offers a Dinner Cruise for Four, perfect for friends and families to enjoy a relaxing meal on the water.
Adult rides cost $575, while family trips are $475.
Champagne Sailing Cruises
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Location: 60 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected], 0412 794 643
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Of course, not all sunset and dinner cruises operate in shallow waters. Champagne Sailing Cruises rents its yacht for an open-sea trip far from the congested cityside areas.
For $45 per person, customers can enjoy a 1-hour cruise along the Gold Coast Broadwater and beyond to admire the beautiful Marina Mirage, the Versace Hotel, or the warm sunset glow.
The trip to South Stradbroke Island is the voyage’s highlight, as passengers can spot local wildlife and even catch delicacies from the sea.
Couples can also choose the exclusive two-hour voyage for amazing hinterland and sunset views for $469. The package even comes with two complimentary glasses of sparkling wine and an optional dinner menu.
Pro tip:
Customers can bring their food without additional fees, but they need to advise the captain before boarding.
Whale-watching cruises
Whale-watching has always been the main highlight of visiting the Gold Coast. Thousands flock to the city between June and October to spot the migrating humpback whales during their mating season.
As such, it’s only natural that various cruising services have emerged over the years to offer people a chance to meet the majestic creatures up close.
Some even went beyond and provided an educational adventure to help protect the whales for future generations. Others offer a more luxurious experience far from the crowd.
No matter how you want to experience whale-watching on the Gold Coast, there’s a business ready to cater to your specific needs.
Boattime Yacht Charters
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Location: 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected], +61 477 667 644
Hours: Everyday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Customers won’t need to worry about crowded spaces when riding with Boattime Yacht Charters.
The 100 ft tri-deck catamaran Mermaid Spirit can hold up to 100 passengers in one trip, while the 110 ft superyacht Sun Goddess can carry 35 more.
Both yachts are retrofitted with bars, kitchens, and other facilities to make people’s trips comfortable and enjoyable.
With its size and capabilities, passengers can rest assured that their cruise can brave the Pacific’s strong swells for a close encounter with the whales.
Pro tip:
Customers can still rent the yachts outside whale-watching season. The yachts are also popular party cruises, thanks to their spacious decks and access to panoramic ocean views.
Guests can have BBQ and champagne parties exclusively for four hours. Selecting the premium package even allows them to customize the charter’s course, dining, and activities.
SeaWorld Cruises
– Media credit: seaworldcruises
Location: Sea World Cruises Terminal, Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected], +61 (07) 5539 9299
Hours: Everyday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
When it comes to comfort and accessibility during whale-watching on the Gold Coast, nothing can beat SeaWorld Cruises.
For one, passengers are guaranteed to board the most modern cruising vessels and complete accommodations.
The vessels boast state-of-the-art whale-detecting underwater hydrophones, interpretative displays, marine naturalist guides, and a waterfront Deck Cafe for light refreshments.
The company ensures that its reputation as the city’s most experienced cruise company is reflected in its services. SeaWorld Cruises even has a 100% payment return policy if no whale is spotted throughout the 2-hour journey.
People can still enjoy their time with Sea World Cruises outside of the whale migration season.
The company operates daily to provide buffer lunch and dinner cruises, providing customers with stunning sights across Broadwater and Surfers Paradise, blending with delicious gourmet food.
Its local prawn dishes are particularly popular among customers for their freshness and the various ways to prepare them.
By night, people can also enjoy live performances from local bands as they admire the stars and city lights from the cruise’s open-air deck.
Pro tip:
SeaWorld also offers special event packages to complete celebrations with a nice meal aboard their fully air-conditioned cruises. The event packages include Australia Day, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Spirit of Gold Coast
– Media credit: spiritofgoldcoastwhalewatching
Location: 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: [email protected], (07) 5572 7755
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Besides SeaWorld Cruises, Spirit of Gold Coast is Queensland’s premier whale-watching cruising service.
Customers are guaranteed a safe close encounter with the marine life aboard Spirit’s fully-equipped 24-meter super catamaran.
Experienced local crews also operate all of its vessels, ensuring that the trip’s safety is in capable hands.
Like SeaWorld, the company has extended its services outside the whale migration season.
People can enjoy local delicacies while admiring the green island landscapes and the glimmering buildings along Broadwater with Spirit’s Sunset Dinner and Discovery Lunch packages.
On Fridays, the catamarans serve as a waterfront club to offer passengers a memorable nighttime cruise filled with music, party, and colorful lights.
Pro tip:
If you have kids with you who are prone to seasickness, alert the crew ahead so they can provide sick bags to avoid mess on the deck.
Of course, you can also give the kids seasickness medicines like Scopolamine and Cyclizine at least an hour before the trip. Just talk to your children’s doctor before giving them any medication.
Island day cruises
Several Gold Coast maritime services offer island day cruises, which allow passengers to get close to and interact with the attractions.
Wave Break Island is the most popular destination with its bountiful waters, lush forest, and consistent waves.
Surfers, fishers, and divers are guaranteed to have a fun day exploring the island. Plus, it gives them a chance to socialize and bond with locals.
Horizon Cat Cruises
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Location: Marina Mirage Marina, 74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach
Contact: 0408 125 312
Hours: Everyday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
People can sail, swim, and party along hidden coves and beaches on the East Coast for hours with Horizon Cat Cruises’ private charters.
The 39-foot catamaran’s spacious open-air deck can accommodate up to 30 people, making it perfect for BBQ parties, champagne celebrations, or relaxation under the warm sunset.
People can enjoy and experience the Gold Coast’s beauty with the customizable route for $550 per hour.
The catamaran even has boat toys, paddle boards, and lily pads to accommodate various party ideas and explorations.
Customers won’t need to worry about the food, as Horizon Cat offers exclusive on-board catering services, with local seafood dishes and a fine-dining menu.
Of course, people can also rent the Horizon Cat’s private charter for work events and romantic proposals. Best of all, the company accepts late-minute reservations.
Pro tip:
Its services often receive more attention during New Year’s and Christmas, when people look for new ways to spend their holidays relaxing and away from the crowds.
To avoid sudden issues on the big day, reserve your schedule with Horizon Cat Cruises months ahead.
Gold Coast Cruises
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Location: Pier F 10 Sanctuary Cove Marina, The Prom, Hope Island
Contact: [email protected], +61 416 199 935
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
As a private charter-for-hire, people can explore and enjoy each stop when booking Gold Coast Cruises. Its famous private charter cruises can hold up to 40 people, making it suitable for corporate events and holiday celebrations.
Passengers are also afforded a licensed onboard bar, digital entertainment system, cocktail finger food, fine dining, and a dance floor to bust down their moves.
Customers can have a bespoke menu for special occasions and preferences.
Besides touring cruises, Gold Coast Cruises stands unique for specializing in hosting wedding events on board.
The cruise even has a Deluxe Wedding Cruise package for couples who want to hold their ceremony and reception while visiting the city’s man-made and natural attractions.
Among the wedding cruise’s popular stops are Sanctuary Cove’s World Class Marina, the lush hinterlands along Coomera River, and luxury houses in Broadwater.
The package lasts for 4 hours and can accommodate up to 80 passengers. The lower deck has a bar and a dancing floor for post-wedding celebrations.
Of course, customers won’t need to worry about the reception and catering. The $16,990 package includes a “semi-naked” wedding cake, a three-course buffet, and hand-crafted desserts.
Pro tip:
To ensure the charter’s quality, you can request a virtual tour of the vessels. You can even further customize your package options during the tour for a small additional fee.
The customized private charter trips are particularly popular for birthdays, wedding receptions, and New Year’s Day celebrations.
Life hacks for choosing the best cruise ship for you
Still confused about which cruise to choose? Don’t worry; we’ve got a few nifty tricks to help you pick the best water adventure.
Whether it’s planning your reservations at the right time or considering amenities suited to your needs, there are many ways to make your trip to the Gold Coast more memorable and fun.
Check the amenities
Each cruise offers a different experience and accommodations. Whether for celebrations or simple sightseeing, decide which services suit your preferences and budget.
The best way to find the right cruise is to look at the amenities included in the package.
Sightseeing packages on the Gold Coast should have spacious open-air or panoramic decks to admire the attractions in their full glory, while party cruises work best with onboard bars and sound systems.
For private charters, check for complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear to maximize your water adventure.
Plan for the season
Some cruise packages are limited to a specific season. If you want to experience everything Gold Coast has to offer, it’s best to mark these months ahead.
For whale-watching tours, humpbacks are the most active from August to September, as the larger males finally arrive to feed and reproduce.
Several businesses also offer special discounts around Australia Day—a perfect chance for visitors to catch the annual fireworks display comfortably from the boat.
If it’s for special occasions, sightseeing and dinner cruises have dedicated packages during Valentine’s, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.
Get ahead with early booking
Reserving a month or two ahead should be enough for off-season dinners and sightseeing cruises.
For much-awaited occasions like whale watching, however, you might need to purchase the tickets at least three months before if you’re visiting as a group.
An early reservation ensures that you can secure the best seats on the cruise and avoid getting separated.