Kayaking Surfers Paradise: Sunset on the Nerang River

You paddle past peacocks and swans on an island most visitors never reach.

A 90-minute guided kayak on the Nerang River in Surfers Paradise at sunset, starting from Budds Beach. You paddle through the canals of Surfers Paradise, out to Macintosh Island where peacocks, swans and geese live, and back as the sun sets over the hinterland. The tour includes a sit-on-top double kayak, life-jacket, kayaking instruction and a guide who shares stories about the area and wildlife. Departure times shift with the season: 5:00pm in summer, 4:00pm in autumn and spring, and 3:30pm in winter.

The experience

You meet your guide at Budds Beach and get geared up within minutes: life-jacket, sit-on-top double kayak, and a quick safety briefing before you push off into the water. The paddle winds through the quiet canals of Surfers Paradise, where you see the skyline from a perspective most visitors never get. Your guide shares stories about the area, the waterways and the wildlife as you move through the calm water.

The route brings you to Macintosh Island, a green reserve that sits apart from the bustle of the main beach. A resident community of peacocks, swans and geese lives there and is used to visitors. You'll paddle close enough to watch them. On the way back to Budds Beach, the sun sets over the hinterland, casting the Gold Coast skyline in shades of gold and pink: the kind of moment that's hard to capture in a photo but stays with you.

The tour runs at different times depending on the season so you're always on the water when the light is best. Bring swimwear, sunglasses, footwear that can get wet like thongs or sandals, and a towel. Public transportation options are available near Budds Beach if you're not driving.

What’s included

• A sit-on-top double kayak and life-jacket.
• kayaking instruction and a safety briefing.
• 90 minutes on the water with an experienced guide who shares stories about the area, the waterways and the wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Australian Kayaking Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the time slot that matches the season you're visiting: the departure shifts so you're always paddling when the light is best, and the calm water and leisurely pace suit anyone from age 6 who can sit in a kayak, regardless of fitness level or prior paddling experience.

Traveler reviews

4.18★★★★★★★★★★

22 verified traveler reviews

5 ★15

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★2

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 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 time does the kayaking start in Surfers Paradise?

Departure times shift with the season to catch the best light: 5:00pm in summer, 4:00pm in autumn and spring, and 3:30pm in winter. You meet your guide at Budds Beach a few minutes before to get geared up.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle on the Nerang River?

No. The tour includes kayaking instruction and a safety briefing before you leave Budds Beach, and it's suitable for all fitness levels. The water is calm and the pace is leisurely.

What wildlife will I see on Macintosh Island?

Macintosh Island is home to peacocks, swans and geese that are accustomed to visitors. You'll paddle close enough to watch them as you pass through the reserve.

What's included in the kayaking tour?

The tour includes a sit-on-top double kayak, life-jacket, kayaking instruction, a safety briefing and a guide who shares stories about the area and wildlife. You'll need to bring your own swimwear, sunglasses, wet footwear and a towel.