Surfers Paradise City Lights Cruise: Gold Coast Waterways

See the Gold Coast lit up from the water, not from the shore

A 1.5-hour evening sightseeing cruise departing daily from Surfers Paradise that takes you through the Gold Coast waterways, past Chevron Island, Paradise Waters and the Broadwater, with live English commentary, complimentary cheese and crackers, and access to an onboard bar. The boat has indoor seating, a covered deck and an open sundeck for night photography.

Step-by-step itinerary

Surfers Paradise City Lights Cruise

• Board the cruise vessel
• Cruise past Home of the Arts and Chevron Island
• View Paradise Waters and Broadwater
• Enjoy commentary on Gold Coast history
• Cruise into Marina precinct past Imperial Hotel and Sea World
• Relax on indoor seating or open sundeck
• Enjoy complimentary cheese and crackers
• See homes of the rich and famous on canals
• Spot local dolphins and sea eagles
• View Surfers Paradise skyline and mansions
• Cruise past Seaworld theme park

The experience

The cruise departs daily from Surfers Paradise and spends 90 minutes on the water, moving through the canals and out to the Broadwater. You'll pass the homes of the rich and famous, the Marina precinct, the Imperial Hotel and Sea World area, while the guide points out the history and charm of the Gold Coast. The boat itself has three levels of seating: indoor cabins, a covered deck area and a large open sundeck, so you can choose where to watch depending on the weather and whether you want to photograph the skyline.

Complimentary cheese and crackers come with your ticket. The onboard bar sells cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks if you want something more substantial as you cruise. Wildlife sightings are common: the local dolphin pod and sea eagles show up regularly, and you'll see boat marinas and the Sea World theme park from the water as well.

The commentary is live and in English, delivered by someone who knows the Gold Coast's history. Children under a certain age must be with an adult, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. Public transport stops are nearby if you're not driving to the departure point.

What’s included

• Complimentary cheese and crackers.
• live English-language commentary.
• access to an onboard bar with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks for purchase.
• indoor seating, covered deck and open sundeck areas.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDepartures at 18:45, 19:15 and 19:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

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 effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Surfers Paradise River Cruises

Is this one for you?You'll join other guests on a shared evening cruise with a fully licensed bar and light snacks included, rather than a private charter. Pick this if you want to watch the skyline and canals without managing your own boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 difference between watching from the open deck versus the covered areas on the boat?

The large open sundeck is best for capturing night photographs and getting unobstructed views of the skyline and water reflections. The covered deck area and indoor seating protect you from wind and spray if the weather turns or you prefer shelter while still seeing the sights.

Will I actually see dolphins and sea eagles on this cruise?

The local dolphin pod and sea eagles are regular sightings on the Gold Coast waterways, so they often appear during the cruise. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the guide will point them out when they show up.

What exactly is included with the ticket, and what costs extra?

Complimentary cheese and crackers are served onboard. Cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar. Nothing alcoholic or beyond the snacks is included in the ticket price.

Where does the boat depart from, and do I need a car to get there?

The cruise departs daily from Surfers Paradise. Public transportation options are available nearby, so you don't need a car to reach the departure point.