Surfers Paradise Sunset Cruise: Gold Coast Waterways

Sunset on the Broadwater: Marina Mirage, Sea World, and the canals in one cruise

A 1.5-hour sunset sightseeing cruise departing daily from Surfers Paradise, taking in Marina Mirage, the Broadwater, and Sea World while a live guide shares the history and facts behind the Gold Coast's waterfront. Cheese, crackers and savoury nibbles are included. Drinks from the fully licensed bar are available to purchase, including cocktails, beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset sightseeing cruise in Surfers Paradise

• Depart from Surfers Paradise
• Cruise past Chevron Island and Paradise Waters
• Enjoy commentary on local history and properties
• Cruise into marina precinct and past Seaworld
• Observe local birds and wildlife
• Relax on indoor and sundeck seating
• Enjoy complimentary snacks and nibbles
• Purchase drinks from fully licensed bar
• Capture sunset views and photos

The experience

The boat leaves Surfers Paradise and heads into the canals past Chevron Island and Paradise Waters before opening out to the Broadwater. You'll pass the Imperial Hotel and the Sea World precinct, with time to spot local birds and wildlife along the way. The guide provides commentary on the people, properties and history that shaped the Gold Coast, so the waterfront stops being just scenery and becomes a story.

The vessel has two levels: an indoor seating area, a covered deck, and a large open sundeck designed for capturing sunset photos. Complimentary snacks (cheese, crackers and savoury nibbles) come with your ticket. The fully licensed bar sells beer, wine, champagne, cocktails and soft drinks if you want something cold in hand as the light changes. Two toilets onboard mean you don't have to plan around facilities.

The whole cruise runs 1.5 hours, which is long enough to feel unhurried but short enough to fit into an evening without eating up your whole day. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew can answer questions about what you're seeing as you pass through.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour cruise through the Gold Coast Broadwater.
• snacks including cheese, crackers and savoury nibbles.
• live guide commentary in English.
• access to indoor seating, covered deck and open sundeck.
• two onboard toilets.
• friendly crew to answer questions about the sights.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 17:00, 17:30 and 17:45

Book up toStart time

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

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Audio 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?At 1.5 hours, this cruise fits into an evening without consuming the whole night: long enough to unwind and watch the light change over the water, short enough to leave time for dinner or drinks on shore afterward. The fixed departure time and included snacks mean there's nothing to arrange beyond showing up at the dock.

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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 the indoor seating and the sundeck on this cruise?

The vessel has two levels: an indoor seating area and a covered deck for shelter, plus a large open sundeck. The sundeck is the spot most people head to for sunset photos and unobstructed views of the waterfront.

Do I need to bring my own drinks, or can I buy them onboard?

Snacks are included in your ticket price, but drinks are available to purchase from the fully licensed bar: beer, wine, champagne, cocktails and soft drinks are all sold onboard.

What exactly does the guide talk about during the cruise?

The live guide shares commentary on the history of Surfers Paradise and the Gold Coast, highlighting interesting facts about the people and properties you pass, as well as pointing out local birds and wildlife along the waterways.

How long is the cruise, and what time does it depart?

The cruise runs 1.5 hours and departs daily from Surfers Paradise at sunset. The exact departure time shifts with the season, so confirm your booking for the specific time on your date.

Is this cruise accessible if I use a wheelchair?

Yes, the vessel is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also wheelchair accessible. If you have specific mobility questions, mention them at booking.