Gold Coast: Kayak & Snorkel Tour to Wave Break Island

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.71 (357 reviews) 80% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/19

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 24

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Kayak Broadwater’s calm waters then snorkel reefs near Surfers Paradise

You’ll paddle from Gold Coast’s city edge into calm Broadwater waters, guided by locals who know every current. Snorkel rocky reefs at Wave Break Island among colorful fish, then relax with snacks and drinks as you watch city towers shimmer across the bay. Expect laughter, salt on your skin, and maybe a new favorite view.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel at Wave Break Island

Travel 20 minutes from Surfers Paradise
Paddle towards Wave Break Island
Spot dolphins and stingrays
Snorkel at Wave Break Island reef
Relax with snacks and views
Paddle back to departure point

The Experience

I’d never actually paddled a kayak before this Gold Coast kayaking & snorkelling tour — honestly, I was a bit nervous about tipping over. But our guide, Tom, just grinned and handed me a dry bag for my phone (“Trust me, you’ll want photos”). We pushed off from the sand and right away the city faded behind us. The water was glassy that morning, except for the splashes from our paddles and these weird little pops — maybe fish? Or just my imagination running wild.

It only took about twenty minutes to reach Wave Break Island but it felt like we’d crossed into another world. There were a couple of pelicans eyeing us from the rocks. Tom pointed out how the colors change in the Broadwater — blue-green where it’s deep, almost gold over the sandbanks. He also told us stories about dolphins showing up sometimes (no luck for us that day, though I swear I saw something move out there). The air smelled salty-sweet and I kept getting distracted by sunlight flickering on the water.

Snorkeling was… honestly colder than I expected at first (they gave us wetsuits because it’s winter), but once I put my face in, I forgot everything else. There were these schools of tiny silver fish darting around and some bigger ones with bright stripes — one nibbled my finger when I tried to point it out to my friend. Afterward we sat on the rocks with snacks (Tim Tams and fruit) and hot tea. My hands were still shaking a bit from excitement or maybe just the cold, but looking back at Surfers Paradise across the water made me feel oddly peaceful. It’s funny how close everything is here but it feels far away when you’re floating like that.

What’s included

Your morning includes all kayaking and snorkeling gear (with wetsuits if it’s chilly), snacks like fruit and Tim Tams plus bottled water or hot drinks in winter. You’ll get digital photos taken by your local guide along with use of dry bags for your valuables before returning to shore together at the end of your Gold Coast adventure.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Seaway Kayaking Tours