Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise
5

Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise

By Surfers Paradise River Cruises
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
See Australia's Gold Coast from a different perspective—out on the water—during a cruise from Surfers Paradise. With an easy-to-find meeting spot, multiple tour times , and a short duration, this guided tour is perfect for travelers pressed for time. Plus, you can also enjoy morning tea or afternoon nibbles, depending on which option you book.

Ages 0-99, max of 50 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Audio guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Multiple tour times to fit anyone’s schedule
  • Snacks are included
  • Learn about the Gold Coast's history and culture from on-board commentary
  • Get a larger picture of the area from the water's vantage point

  • Snacks included
  • Fun facts commentary
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Restroom on board
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

When booking, choose between morning, afternoon, or sunset tour options to suit your vacation itinerary. Make your way to the departure point in Surfers Paradise prior to your departure time and step aboard to meet your captain and crew. Find a spot on the open sundeck, a covered deck area, or in the indoor seating area. Cruise out past Chevron Island and the Paradise Waters and out to the Broadwater while listening to commentary from your guide on the history and culture of the Gold Coast. In the Marina Precinct, pass the SeaWorld area and the Palazzo Versace. Your guide fills you in on what local wildlife and sea birds to look out for so you can snap photos. The morning and afternoon tea cruises include snacks. Your Gold Coast cruise ends back at your departure point.

Start:
  • The Moorings, 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
    Please arrive 30 mins prior to departure time.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8142P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Infants must be included in the booking
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8142P1

    Currently unavailable
    This product is unavailable to book via Tripadvisor.
    Explore other options
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • The Moorings, 63 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
      Please arrive 30 mins prior to departure time.
    • Pass by
      Surfers Paradise
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Surfers Paradise River Cruises
      2,362
      Australia
      Joined in February 2011
    • 840sharynk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Stunning city lights.
      What a really beautiful evening. The lights where stunning, so many awesome photos. The staff where great. Nice and friendly, the captain let the children have a drive of the vessel. Ohh and the cocktails where yummy with delicious self serve snacks. A must do activity if your in surfers paradise.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • Camper11239594409
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Disappointed
      Great night boat trip, but it did say there would be a commentary THERE WAS NOT. It did say there was a drink and some nibbles. THERE WAS NOT. Very disappointed
      Written 24 January 2025
    • teodorak214
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great way to spend the evening
      Really fun way to see the city. Cruise was lovely and the snacks + drinks were really nice as well. Overall worth the money for a nice evening.
      Written 18 January 2025
    • simonbR7377KY
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful experience!
      The Gold Coast City Lights Tour was one of the many highlights of our trip. The City Lights were very pretty with some amazing opportunities for some nice photos.
      Written 13 January 2025
    • Rod B
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A sunset cruise in the rain
      A very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The weather was wet and windy, but we still had a great time. Would have been good to know who owns the mansions being pointed out, but I guess privacy precludes this. Overall very good value for money.
      Written 11 January 2025
    • 340hazims
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best family activity at the Gold coast
      One of the best experiences we had on the Gold Coast! Captain Pete, Abby, and Cecelia were amazing. They made us feel welcome, comfortable and ensured we had a wonderful time during the incredible night cruise. Pete’s wealth of knowledge and experience was impressive, and my children absolutely loved him. This will be a must-do whenever visiting the Gold Coast. Thank you, Pete, Abby, and Cecelia!
      Written 9 January 2025
    • ankurk312
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Night cruise
      found the commentary very informative along with fun. Staff was courteous its bit expensive though and could do few better things in that price range
      Written 4 January 2025
    • Cruiser03559549917
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An Unforgettable Boat Adventure!
      The boat ride was absolutely wonderful! It was comfortable, and the food and drinks were delicious. The crew and captain were friendly, entertaining, and displayed great manners. A special highlight for our 6-year-old was getting to sit in the captain's seat, which she adored! Thank you for such a memorable experience!
      Written 31 December 2024
    • X7541RDwendyk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing cruise
      We had a wonderful evening for our daughter’s birthday, Pete & the crew were so lovely, Pete’s commentary was so good & his jokes were funny too, snacks & drinks were great Recommend it to everyone We like to support local family businesses 👍
      Written 15 December 2024
    • K782LKrichardl
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great time with amazing views
      Great night cruise with captain Pete and his crew. Amazing city views. Nice evening hanging out with family and friends. Would recommend even for the locals 😁. Visiting family here and what a nice way to spent the evening
      Written 14 December 2024
    • harrisandfamily
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      A great relaxing activity
      It was a great experience. Very friendly staff. Smooth sailing. Beautiful views of the city and the sunset. Recommended for family.
      Written 7 November 2024
    • pheobea822
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Was relaxing and very affordable!
      Commentary was great, not too in your ear and was quite humorous. Drinks were cheap with a moderately wide variety to choose from. The operators were very welcoming and even let us have a go steering the boat 🤯Amazing service in surfers paradise, wonderful family owned business for great prices and million dollar views 🥰 will definitely recommend to friends and family!
      Written 26 September 2024
    • Shane E
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The city at night👌
      The city at night was amazing, the staff lively and friendly and the captain was funny and informative. They have drinks for adults and kids also light snacks. Family run business love supporting them. My kids loved it special thanks to the captain 😉
      Written 8 September 2024
    • MurrayC301
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Repeat clients
      Very happy with the cruise and friendly staff. Recording was broken but captain and helper did a great job. Our third trip.
      Written 27 August 2024
    • 776gailt
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Such a relaxing 1& 1/2 hrs
      A very relaxing canal cruise. Staff on board really lovely and attentive. Only thing I could say is “turn up the commentary”. There is so much information on it, but just couldn’t hear it all. Highly recommend for 1 & 1/2 hrs of easy, relaxing cruising
      Written 20 August 2024
    See all 2,362 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    We perform checks on reviews.
    Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
    Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
    When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
    Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
    Learn more about our review moderation.
    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles598 reviews
    Excellent
    494
    Very good
    87
    Average
    12
    Poor
    2
    Terrible
    3

    VijayFN
    Auckland, New Zealand120 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2024 • Friends
    Surfers Paradise River Cruises offers an enchanting journey through the picturesque waterways of the Gold Coast.

    The highlight of Surfers Paradise River Cruises is undoubtedly their stunning views. Whether you're cruising during the day or at night, you'll be treated to breathtaking sights along the Nerang River. The skyline of Surfers Paradise, with its towering skyscrapers and vibrant lights, creates a mesmerizing backdrop that enhances the overall experience.

    The boats themselves are comfortable and well-maintained. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to choose their preferred vantage point. The knowledgeable and friendly staff further elevate the experience, providing insightful commentary about the landmarks and history of the area.

    One of the aspects I appreciate most about Surfers Paradise River Cruises is their variety of offerings. They have sightseeing cruises for those looking to relax and take in the scenery, as well as themed cruises for special occasions like sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and even party cruises for those in a celebratory mood.

    The pricing is reasonable considering the quality of the experience and the amenities provided. It's a great option for both tourists looking to explore the Gold Coast and locals wanting a unique perspective of their own city.

    In conclusion, Surfers Paradise River Cruises offers a delightful journey filled with stunning views, comfortable amenities, and friendly service. Whether you're a visitor or a resident, it's a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Gold Coast from a different angle.
    Written 13 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear VijayFN, Thank you for your perfect review and for choosing our river cruise. We're glad to hear about your experience and we look forwarding you seeing you again. Take care!
    Written 7 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Theresa M
    Harlow, UK17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2023 • Couples
    We were welcomed aboard and enjoyed cheese and crackers before our cruise along the waters of the Gold Coast began. Cap'n Pedro's (Salty Pete) dry caustic humour kept the narration witty and interesting. We really enjoyed the tranquility, and ability to move around the craft to get the best views of the City , the millionaire mansions and the expanse of waterfront. We would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the parts of the city that roads can't touch. A great trip.
    Written 17 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear Ardessio1, Thank you for giving us a perfect rating and for recommending our cruise to other travellers. I’m sure our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your tour. Take care!
    Written 29 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    The Travel Dude
    Auckland, New Zealand72 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2024 • Family
    Surfers Paradise River Cruises was an absolute delight! From the moment we arrived, Tarn greeted us with a warm smile and efficiently handled our booking at the check-in. Her friendly demeanour set the tone for the excursion, making us feel instantly at ease.

    Once aboard, Lou welcomed us with open arms, taking care of us with a smile. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Lou was a fellow Kiwi, hailing from just 2 kilometres away from our home in Auckland. This connection added an extra layer of warmth and familiarity to the journey, making us feel right at home.

    As we settled in, Captain MJ took the helm, providing expert commentary that enriched our understanding of the landmarks and history along the Nerang River and Gold Coast Broadwater.

    As we cruised, Lou made sure my wife and I were well taken care of, offering a variety of refreshing drinks and delicious nibbles. While I took on the responsibility of driving, my wife indulged (graciously!) in a couple of strawberry daiquiris, adding an extra layer of enjoyment (giggles!) to our leisurely journey. Lou's attentive service ensured that we could both fully relax and savor every moment of the cruise.

    The afternoon river cruise exceeded our expectations, thanks to the exceptional hospitality of Tarn, Lou, and Captain MJ. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Gold Coast.
    Written 17 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear TheTravelDude99, Thank you for your review and for recommending our river cruise to other travellers. We're very happy to hear our cruse exceeded your expectations and our staff went above and beyond with customer service. We look forward to seeing you again. Take Care!
    Written 7 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Edgar A
    Penang, Malaysia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2023
    The professionalism of the captain and crew member was exceptional. The captain was very jovial, witty with words and had a great sense of humour. The boat itself was clean and well maintained. The route chose also was very good as it covered most of the best parts of the waterways. I would strongly recommend this tour to others especially for families with children.
    Written 3 July 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear 199edgara, Thank you for such a positive review. Our crew do work very hard and we are glad this is shown on our cruise. We will pass on the kind comments to them, thanks again and we hope to see you in the future. Kind regards!
    Written 8 July 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    BelC0001
    Sydney, Australia1,024 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Couples
    Went on a morning cruise many years ago and repeated the trip again - the experience did not disappoint.
    Sitting on the upper deck, we were given more than ample warning each time the vessel was to go under one of three bridges, to duck heads! A cruise boat attendant came upstairs each time to check that all tourists were obeying instructions to duck heads and hats safely below each bridge - this morning cruise was at high tide and there was little room for error.
    Complimentary tea, coffee and small cakes/biscuits was provided.
    A great way to view very expensive canal residential properties, which are best seen from the water not from the road. On display were each property's private jetty and various watercraft tied up to each. Also on display was the Surfers Paradise landscape of apartment and hotel skyscrapers.
    Written 23 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear BelC0001, Thank for your review and for choosing our river cruise. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness to support our family owned local business and for recommending our cruise. We look forward to seeing you in future. Kind Regards!
    Written 26 August 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Nancy R
    Ringwood, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2023 • Couples
    Had a very relaxing cruise with this company last week. The weather was beautiful, the water was calm and the ride was smooth ( no sick bags here!) 😉
    Saw the Surfers skyline from a different angle and heard some interesting facts about what we passed from the captain, 👨‍✈️ who gave a very informative and humorous commentary ( he even lets you take the wheel!)
    We had coffee and cake, and though it was a bit early for cocktails, they were extremely well priced!
    Next time I’m up from Melbourne, I’d do it again.
    Written 23 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear nancyrO2689VZ, Thank you for your 5* review and for choosing our river cruise. We're glad to hear you had a great time on board and enjoyed our morning cruise. We look forward to seeing you again, when you're back on the Coast. Take Care!
    Written 9 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Daniela v
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022 • Friends
    Friendly crew, entertaining talks about the area and relaxing vibes. Enjoyed the cruise a lot. Many kids on board were allowed to sit in the captain's chair and navigate for a bit. Weather was bad but we could sit inside and still got nice views of the surroundings
    Written 19 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear J9337LQdanielav, Thank you for your review and for choosing our river cruise. We're glad to hear that you had a pleasant time on our cruise. We look forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards, Surfers Paradise River Cruises.
    Written 21 October 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Peter O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Couples
    Enjoyed a delightful morning cruise as part of our wedding anniversary celebrations. Would highly recommend anyone to enjoy a cruise o the Gold Coast waterways, with excellent commentary from Captain Pete ably assisted by the beautiful Georgia. We will be returning for another cruise
    Written 3 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear peteroH8855SY, Thank you for your review and for recommending our cruise to other travellers. Our crew do work very hard and we're glad this was shown on our boat. We will wait for you to return. Kind Regards!
    Written 9 September 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ann P
    Gold Coast11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    June 2023 • Solo
    The best canal cruise you could ever go on. The service is wonderful and so friendly. The Captain is funny and friendly and explains the trip so well. The lady serving drinks and organising everything is outstanding and so friendly and the price is just unbelievable so affordable and you'll just love it. Definitely recommend you go.
    Written 19 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Dear 937anniep, Thank you for your 5* review and for choosing our river cruise. Our crew do work hard and we're glad this was shown on your cruise with us. Take Care!
    Written 25 June 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    jonanabi
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2022 • Family
    We did the morning cruise. Absolutely it. The staff are so welcoming & friendly, & the captain has very funny commentary. They even let my 6 month old son have a drive of the boat 😂 Highly recommend supporting this fabulous family run business.
    Written 2 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hi jonanabi, Thank you so much for your positive review. We really appreciate your feedback and will pass your kind comments onto our crew. Kind regards, Surfers Paradise River Cruises.
    Written 2 August 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Showing results 1-10 of 598
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise provided by Surfers Paradise River Cruises

    All Surfers Paradise HotelsSurfers Paradise Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Surfers Paradise
    All things to do in Surfers Paradise
    Day Trips in Surfers ParadiseAmusement Parks in Surfers Paradise
    RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars