Surfers Paradise Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes of 360-Degree Spins

Spin, slide and skim shallow water for an adrenaline rush that doesn't let up

A 55-minute jet boat thrill ride departing from Surfers Paradise takes you up the Gold Coast Broadwater to Wavebreak and Stradbroke Islands, where a turbo-charged boat delivers 360-degree spins, slides and shallow-water skimming. Life jackets and spray jackets are provided. Lockers keep your belongings dry while you ride. You choose a morning or afternoon departure. Minimum age is 5 years old and minimum height is 100 centimetres.

The experience

The boat leaves Surfers Paradise and heads up the river toward the Gold Coast Broadwater, building speed as the landscape opens up. Once you reach Wavebreak and Stradbroke Islands, the pilot cuts loose: full 360-degree spins that pin you to your seat, sharp slides that throw spray across the deck, and runs so close to the shallows you feel the water beneath you. Fifty-five minutes of sustained adrenaline, no letup, no scenic cruise mixed in.

Life jackets come standard. Spray jackets are on hand for colder days. Lockers keep phones, wallets and anything else dry while you're out there getting soaked. The boat is piloted by a live guide who speaks English and keeps the pace relentless. Children from age 5 ride alongside adults, though anyone with back, neck or heart conditions, or who is pregnant, cannot board. Bring a spare set of clothes and a towel if you have other plans after. You will need them.

Morning and afternoon departures run on the same schedule and the same route. Pick whichever fits your day. Public transport reaches the departure point, and the boarding area is wheelchair accessible, though the ride itself is not suitable for passengers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

• Life jacket and spray jacket (on colder days).
• locker for your belongings.
• 55-minute jet boat ride with 360-degree spins, slides and shallow-water skimming.
• live English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning DepartureGuide in English · 09:30Morning Departure

Afternoon DepartureGuide in English · 12:00, 13:45 and 15:00Afternoon Departure

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 12:00, 13:45 and 15:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 46 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Jet Boat Extreme

Is this one for you?Pick the morning departure if you want the ride early and have other Gold Coast activities planned for the afternoon. The afternoon slot works if you're sleeping in or prefer to end your day with the adrenaline rush. Either way, plan for wet clothes afterward. This is not a gentle water experience.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

1,617 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,551

4 ★47

3 ★8

2 ★5

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What exactly happens on a Gold Coast jet boat ride?

The 55-minute ride starts in Surfers Paradise, cruises up the river to the Gold Coast Broadwater, then reaches Wavebreak and Stradbroke Islands where the pilot performs 360-degree spins, sharp slides and shallow-water skimming runs. The whole experience is built around sustained adrenaline and speed.

Will I get wet on the jet boat?

Yes, spray jackets are available on colder days, but you should bring a spare change of clothes and a towel because the ride delivers sustained water contact, especially during the spins and slides.

What's included with the jet boat ticket?

The 55-minute ride includes a life jacket, a spray jacket on colder days, and a locker to keep your belongings dry while you're on the water.

Should I choose the morning or afternoon departure?

Both departures follow the same route and schedule. Pick whichever fits your day better, since the experience is identical either way.