Gold Coast Snorkeling: Kayak & Wave Break Island
Paddle past stingrays and seabirds, then snorkel a subtropical reef at Wave Break Island.
A 2.5-hour kayaking and snorkeling tour on the Gold Coast's Broadwater takes you to Wave Break Island, where you paddle past sandbanks, walk a short bush trail, and snorkel over a rocky reef teeming with fish. All equipment (kayaks, wetsuits, snorkels) is provided, along with a guide who narrates the marine life and local estuary. The tour ends with a picnic of locally sourced snacks and fresh fruit by the water. No experience needed, and children from age 4 are welcome.
What’s included
- All kayaking and snorkeling equipment including child-sized gear.
- wetsuits and hot drinks during winter months.
- dry bags for your valuables.
- a qualified guide speaking English or Spanish.
- digital photos from the tour.
- tasty locally sourced snacks, fresh fruit, and drinking water.
Times
- Monday to Saturday 07:30 10:30 13:30
- Sunday 07:30 10:30
Before you book
Operated by Seaway Kayaking Tours
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour starts with a safety briefing and warm welcome from your guide, then you paddle into the Broadwater with views of the Gold Coast skyline behind you. The route takes about 2.5 hours total, moving across sandbanks where stingrays and seabirds often appear. Your guide shares stories of the estuary and the creatures living below the surface as you paddle: no kayaking experience required, and the pace suits first-timers. Early morning departures tend to be calmer and better for beginners and non-swimmers, while afternoon tours can be more physically active depending on tides and weather.
At Wave Break Island, you'll do a short bushwalk to a rocky reef, then receive a snorkel briefing before entering the water. The reef is shallow and filled with subtropical fish. If you'd rather stay dry, you can relax on the sand while your guide photographs the group. This is where the tour often surprises: dolphins, soldier crabs, or rays sometimes appear on the way back to shore.
After snorkeling, there's a picnic break with tasty, locally sourced snacks, fresh fruit, and drinking water: a highlight many guests mention. All kayaking and snorkeling equipment is included, along with child-sized gear if needed. Wetsuits and hot drinks are provided during winter months. Your guide takes digital photos throughout the day, and dry bags keep your valuables safe while you're in the water. Seats are limited, so booking early is worth doing.
Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose based on the language you're comfortable with. The early morning departure suits non-swimmers and beginners, while the afternoon tour is better if you're comfortable with more active paddling and changing conditions.
Compare the 4 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the water like when I snorkel at Wave Break Island?
Wave Break Island has a rocky reef filled with subtropical fish in shallow water. Water visibility and wildlife spotting depend on weather, winds, rainfall, and tidal currents, so conditions vary from day to day.
Do I need to know how to kayak or snorkel before I book?
No previous swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling experience is needed. Your guide gives a safety briefing at the start and a snorkel briefing before you enter the water, and the tour welcomes first-timers.
What time of day is best for someone who's not a strong swimmer?
Early morning tours are usually calmer and best suited for beginners and non-swimmers. Afternoon tours can be more physically demanding depending on tides and weather, so the morning departure is the better choice if you want a gentler pace.
What's included in the picnic break?
The picnic includes tasty, locally sourced snacks, fresh fruit, and drinking water. Wetsuits and hot drinks are also provided during winter months, and all kayaking and snorkeling gear is supplied.
Will the guide take photos I can keep?
Yes, your guide takes digital photos throughout the tour, and you'll receive them afterward. Underwater pictures are not included, but the guide captures moments on the water and at Wave Break Island.
Gold Coast Snorkeling: Kayak & Wave Break Island
2h 30m · EN · ES
from AU$ 89.10 per person
≈ US$ 63 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.