Boasting beautiful sun-filled days and plenty of fun spots to play, the Gold Coast is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re there for a day, a week or longer, you’ll find no shortage of wonderful ways to stay busy. Naturally, you’ll want to make the most of the gorgeous coastline and stunning waterways. To help you #TravelWell here are the Gold Coast’s best water sports and water-based activities.
Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.
1. Fly Boarding
If you’ve ever watched Iron Man and thought, ‘I wish that was me!’ then Fly Boarding is the activity for you. Connected to a jet ski, water and air propel you high above the world below, giving you the feeling of flying or having superpowers. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of it but with the team from Gold Coast Watersports there to cheer you on and give you tips, you’ll be soaring in no time. Be warned: it’s highly addictive and incredibly fun!
We booked out Fly Boarding adventure here
Need good food recommendations? Read our guide to the BEST places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast!
Need good food recommendations? Read our guide to the BEST places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast!
Need good food recommendations?
the BEST places to eat and drink on the Gold Coast!
2. Lunch Cruise
Lunch Cruise
Set sail on the luxurious Spirit of Elston for an unforgettable lunch cruise through the picturesque Gold Coast Broadwater. Departing from Surfers Paradise, this 90-minute sightseeing and dining experience offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Sea World, HOTA, and the mega-yachts of Marina Mirage. As you glide along the serene waters, relax on the open-air top deck or enjoy the comfort of the air-conditioned cabin with panoramic windows. A gourmet buffet lunch awaits, featuring ocean king prawns, succulent roast chicken, ham off the bone, and fresh salads. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail or wine to complete the experience.
Book your buffet lunch cruise with Sea World Cruises here
3. Parasailing
For the very best views of the Gold Coast turn yourself into something of a human kite with a spot of parasailing! You’ll soar some 300ft above the glittering waters of the Gold Coast’s Broadwater, suspended from ropes and harnesses attached to a colourful parachute. This experience will still get your heart pumping and allow you to see the GC from a brand-new angle without needing to exert yourself! Best of all, it’s an accessible experience so be sure to chat to the team if you use a wheelchair or have questions about accessibility.
We booked our parasailing experience here
4. Kayaking
In addition to its world-famous beaches the Gold Coast boasts 450km of waterways! An afternoon paddle with Australian Kayaking Adventures is the perfect way to experience a slice of paradise. Timed around the sunset, the tour allows you to enjoy the GC in a range of different lights from the glittering blue afternoon to sun-drenched, golden hues and sparkling twilight. Led by a local, you’ll learn about the local area and visit Macintosh Island. The team also run a range of other tours to choose from.
Australian Kayaking Adventures
perfect
We booked our sunset kayaking adventure here
sunset kayaking adventure here
Did you know? The Gold Coast has the highest concentration of theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere! Book your tickets here.
Did you know? The Gold Coast has the highest concentration of theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere! Book your tickets here.
Did you know?
5. Duffy Boat Hire
Slow down the pace and explore the pristine waterways from the comfort of your very own Duffy boat! Owner, Gordon, likens the experience to a day spent floating around in your living room and I have to agree. The boats are incredibly easy to drive and there’s no licence or experience needed, they’re also exceptionally cosy and pet-friendly. Make a day of it by choosing a designated driver and bringing a platter and a few drinks to share or hire a skipper! You can also do what we did which is to boat to a waterfront restaurant.
We booked Duffy Down Under here.
6. Jet Ski Safari
Spend a few hours hurtling along the water on a Jet Ski Safari with the team at Jet Ski Safaris! Offering a range of tours from 30 minutes up to 2 1/2 hours, there’s sure to be one perfect for your itinerary. From exploring the Broadwater to spotting dolphins near South Stradbroke Island, you’ll love this super fun activity. The team will kit you out with all the safety gear you need and bring up to speed with how to ride the jet ski’s safely!
Book your Jet Ski Safari here
7. Sunset Sailing
Ready to feel fancy? Of course you are! Nothing will make you feel more elegant than stepping aboard a stunning catamaran and taking off into the sunset with Sailing in Paradise. This beautiful experience is all kinds of freeing and decadent, complete with glasses of bubbles, cold drinks and a spectacular platter to share. You’ll get to cruise along the Broadwater in the warm afternoon light and enjoy the twinkling lights of Surfers Paradise as you make your way back. Best of all, you won’t get boat sick!
We booked our sunset sail here
Bonus Tips
You may also like to book these great activities which we’ve yet to experience but have heard GREAT things about:
- Whale Watching Cruise
- Duck Gold Coast City Tour and River Cruise
- Scenic Helicopter Flight
- Jetboat Ride
- Surfing Lessons
- Hydrofoil Lessons
- Snorkelling Tours
- Scuba Diving Tour
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Find and book more great watersports on the Gold Coast here!
Duck Gold Coast City Tour and River Cruise
Find and book more great watersports on the Gold Coast here!
Stay at Meriton Surfers Paradise
Where to Stay
Planning a trip to the Gold Coast? Booking.com and Agoda.com are fantastic websites for finding accommodation on the Gold Coast and surrounds. Below are a few of our recommendations and options worth looking into:
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise