Boat Hire on the Gold Coast

Organise a boat hire on the Gold Coast, and explore the region’s unique and extensive waterways, which provide an ideal playground for water activities.

Sheltered from rough seas and strong winds, the canals and waterways are classified as ‘smooth waters’ … which make them ideal, even for beginner boaties!

The extensive canal system on the Gold Coast has resulted in a large number of residents living in waterfront properties.

The first canals in South East Queensland were constructed in 1957, in Florida Gardens (near Surfers Paradise), and canals continue to be designed into new real estate developments on and around the Gold Coast today.

So it’s not surprising there are more than 400km of constructed canals in the region, just waiting for you to explore in your Gold Coast boat hire vessel.

You can tour along the broadwater, and cruise the canals at your own pace; take in the sights, sounds and magnificent waterfront homes; do a spot of fishing; find a picturesque sun-drenched beach to alight for lunch;

or just plain relax and enjoy the soothing effect of water lapping gently at your boat.

If this is your first boat hire on the Gold Coast, you can’t go too wrong with a tinny.

Half-cabins, yachts and speedboats are also available for Gold Coast boat hire and they come in a variety of sizes to cater for different sized groups.

Generally, you’re required to have a boating licence for speed boats only.

Life-jackets are not compulsory on most Gold Coast waterways, however it’s commonsense to ensure they’re provided for everyone on board, so check this when collecting your boat.

And even sheltered canal waters can get choppy at times, so it’s good practice to check and follow safe boating hints and a map - which is generally provided by the operator.

And if you should have passengers aboard who prefer shopping to boating, there are a couple of shopping centres that may be accessed via the waterways – so you could easily drop them off, and return later to collect them.

These include Marina Mirage, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Runaway Bay Shopping Village or Sanctuary Cove.

Note that you’re not permitted to tie your boats indefinitely to the shopping centres’ pontoons – they are made available for quick stops only.

And finally, BBQ pontoons are a popular boat Gold Coast hire option for spending a day relaxing on the water, with facilities that enable you to cook your own lunch.

Following is a short selection of hire operators for Gold Coast boats. Click here for a full list of boat hire operators on the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads.

FAST FACTS

Cost

Costs vary according to the size & power of the boat, and the duration of hire. A BBQ pontoon hire may cost ~$200 half day, or $325 full day. A half cab boat for 4-6 people may cost ~$160-$200 for 4 hours.

Facilities

Varies according to the type of boat – so check with operator re the type of facilities available.

Wet Weather

Suitable in light rain. If you’re a relatively inexperienced boater, ensure you discuss the expected day’s weather conditions with the hire operator, and keep an eye on the weather throughout the day.

Operating Hours

Daylight hours, all year round, weather permitting.

Duration

As long as you like – from 1-2 hours through to a full day.

Handy Hints

- No licence required (except for speed boat and cruiser hire). - Fishing gear may be included in hire cost; check with operator. - Refer to our safe boating hints. - Take hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water. - If you plan to spend a full day on the water, recommend arranging a boat that has a sun protector.

How To Get There

Refer to map references below.

Further Info

Refer tour operator table below.