Top Gold Coast Kayaking Tours

Discover the natural side of the Gold Coast on a guided kayaking adventure through the Broadwater, a unique estuary where the Nerang River meets the ocean. Paddle past hidden sandbanks, mangroves, and islands while spotting and learning about local wildlife including dolphins, stingrays, osprey, and more. Most kayak tours stick to the same route. We’re more like a pelican following a fisherman: always adapting to where the action is. Every day on the water is different, shaped by the tides, wildlife, and the group itself. Expect a relaxed, fun, and genuinely personal adventure with experienced, caring guides who love sharing their passion for nature. Depending on conditions, you may explore Wave Break Island, South Stradbroke Island, Carter’s Bank, or Curlew Island, with opportunities to stop, explore, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery away from the busy tourist areas. Small groups create a more flexible and connected experience, with time to enjoy the journey at a comfortable pace.

The Gold Coast Broadwater is an estuary north of Surfers Paradise, known for sheltered waters, island beaches, and dolphins. Working out where to go and what do there can be hard visiting on your own. With this tour, your guide will get you set up kayak equipment and snorkeling gear for you to visit nearby Wavebreak Island. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin in the area.

Start your day off right with a kayaking and snorkeling tour to South Stradbroke Island from Biggera Waters, south of the Gold Coast. Paddle at a leisurely pace, stopping to snorkel off Wavebreak Island. Visit secluded beaches and enjoy a picnic breakfast on the beach. Your guide shares informative commentary and provides full instruction on kayaking and snorkeling, making this tour suitable for both experienced paddlers and first-timers.

Experience the nighttime enchantment of Mt. Tamborine National Park on this unique evening rainforest walk and glowworm tour. Observe nocturnal wildlife by torchlight with a guided bushwalk through the rainforest, where you’ll come across an ethereal waterfall illuminated by glowworms. Afterward, enjoy dessert with a hot beverage at a mountain top restaurant.

Experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful Surfers Paradise on a tour aboard an amphibious Aquaduck that transforms seamlessly from bus to boat. Bring the kids and hop aboard this unusual dual-purpose vessel for a jaunt along the area’s picturesque beaches, past local landmarks like Marina Mirage, and along the glitz of Millionaire’s Row.

Zip through the waters of the Gold Coast off Main Beach on this group boat trip. This lasts for around forty thrilling minutes, where you’ll have the chance to experience spins, slides, and other fancy jet boat moves. You’ll see Sea World, The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, and Marina Mirage from the water, and hopefully see wallabies and dolphins too.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

Journey into the hinterlands on this 5-hour morning tour of the Springbrook National Park from the Gold Coast. Explore the UNESCO-listed Goondawanna rainforests by mini-van, stopping to walk through the jungle, peek into ancient caves and enjoy views of Mount Warning from the Best of All Lookout.  Visit natural wonders like Purling Brook Falls, Numinbah valley and Rainbow Falls. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people for a personalised experience, and includes light refreshments and hotel pick-up from selected locations.

Spotting whales in their natural habitat can be tricky if you don't know where to look. Skip the guesswork on this whale-watching cruise, which guarantees you will see humpback whales as they migrate past the Gold Coast from June to November or you receive a complimentary second cruise. The tour is led by a marine biologist guide who is passionate about conservation and offers insights into whale behavior that enrich the experience. Includes morning tea and a photo booklet souvenir.

Experience the thrills of parasailing while on the Gold Coast of Australia. First, you’ll receive a short safety training before being outfitted with a harness. Then, soar high above the Gold Coast, up to 400 feet (122 meters) high, and take in aerial views of the coastline. This is available for solo travelers or with one or two partners. Allow approximately 90 minutes for the full experience including briefing and flight time.

Become part of the art at the incredible ArtVo Gold Coast, an art gallery with a difference. Queensland’s first trick art gallery is a fun destination to visit with your family or friends. Be amazed by the skillful art, spread over a huge area, and stop for plenty of photos and selfies. Staff are willing to help out if you need. Pre-purchase your tickets for a smooth arrival.

During your visit to the Gold Coast, learn the basics of surfing with a 2-hour beginning surfing lesson at Main Beach. With gentle waves it is an ideal place to learn to surf, and your lesson includes use of all necessary equipment. Your guide ensures a safe and fun introduction to surfing.

Wave Break Island—located just off Australia's Gold Coast—is a sheltered spot, and its calm waters are teeming with marine life. However, getting there can prove tricky without access to your own boat. Keep your vacation as simple as possible with this organized scuba diving experience, suitable for all levels of experience. Beginners can take advantage of an instructional dive with a guide, and certified divers can skip the instruction to explore independently.

Feel the thrill of catching a wave at one of Australia's most famous surf hotspots when you sign up for this 2-hour beginner surf lesson at The Spit in Surfers Paradise. Master the basics under the guidance of an expert instructor, and have fun in the process. Changing rooms, safe storage areas, and outdoor showers are also available to you.