Jet Ski to South Stradbroke Island: Tipplers Resort & Wildlife

Pilot your own jet ski past dolphins and sea eagles to an island resort.

A one-hour jet ski safari on the Gold Coast where you operate your own machine under guide instruction, traveling roughly 35 kilometers to South Stradbroke Island. You stop at Tipplers Resort to see local wildlife and the island landscape, then return past Surfers Paradise skyline. Safety briefing, life jacket and photographs are included. Minimum age to ride solo is 16, or 8 as a passenger with an adult.

The experience

Tipplers Resort sits on South Stradbroke Island, reachable only by water, and this tour gets you there in control of your own jet ski. You'll cover roughly 35 kilometers of the Gold Coast waterways in an hour, which means speed and distance without the usual tour-boat pace. The route passes white sand beaches and open water where dolphins often appear, along with dugongs and Brahmany Kites nesting at the water's edge. A live English-speaking guide leads the group and ensures the route stays safe.

Before you leave, the operator runs through a safety briefing and operational instructions. Life jackets are provided and mandatory. Current-model jet skis are built for comfort on longer rides. Riders must speak fluent English, be able to swim, and weigh no more than 180 kilograms combined per machine. Solo riders need to be at least 16. If you're riding tandem, one rider must be 18 or older. Children from age 8 can ride as passengers with an adult.

The stop at Tipplers Resort is the centerpiece: a chance to step off the water and walk the island while the guide points out the local wildlife and island life. On the return leg, you'll see the Surfers Paradise skyline across the water. Photographs are free. GoPro rental and refreshments are available to purchase on the day.

What’s included

• Jet ski hire and a live English-speaking guide.
• safety briefing, operational instructions and life jacket.
• free photographs of your ride.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (8 to 15 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

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 due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Surfers Paradise Water Sports

Is this one for you?One hour leaves room for other Gold Coast activities the same day, but the ride itself is the main event. This is not a quick add-on. You'll need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim, and solo riders must be at least 16.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 15 years). Children under 8 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.

Can I ride a jet ski if I've never done it before?

Yes. The operator caters for absolute beginners through to experienced riders and provides a full safety briefing and operational instructions before you leave. A live guide leads the group throughout the hour.

What wildlife might I see on the water?

Dolphins often frolic in the waterways, and dugongs live in these waters year-round. Brahmany Kites, also called sea eagles, nest high along the water's edge and are commonly spotted on the route.

How far is the ride from the Gold Coast?

South Stradbroke Island is roughly 35 kilometers from the mainland across the Gold Coast waterways. The full route takes one hour, including the stop at Tipplers Resort.

What's included in the price?

Jet ski hire, a live guide, safety briefing and operational instructions, life jacket, and free photographs are all included. GoPro rental and refreshments are available to purchase separately on the day.

Is there a minimum age to ride?

Children from age 8 can ride as passengers with an adult. To ride solo, you must be at least 16 years old. If riding tandem, one rider must be 18 or older.