Gold Coast Boat Hire Guide: Best Party Spots, Routes & Cruise Ideas
Planning something fun? Like, a milestone birthday, bucks or hens party?
Then there’s no better place for a memorable day than a boat on the water. With 300+ days of sunshine, epic skyline views, and those ridiculously blue water, the Gold Coast was made for partying on the water. But you need to decide where the best spots are.
That’s where we come in! Forget planning headaches - we’ve broken down the best spots, so you can focus on the important stuff, like who’s in charge of the playlist!
The heart of the action: cruising The Gold Coast Broadwater
First up, let’s talk about the Broadwater. Think of it as the ultimate playground for anyone on a boat. It’s the massive, calm stretch of water that separates the mainland from the spit, and it’s where all the magic happens. The water is protected, the views are incredible, and it’s home to the best destinations for a day of fun. Whether you’re planning a chill family day or a wild bucks party, the Broadwater is your go-to.
Wave Break Island: the ultimate party & swim destination
Best for: Hens parties, bucks parties, milestone birthdays, swimming & water sports.
If you’ve seen photos of Gold Coast boat parties, they were probably taken at Wave Break Island. This place is iconic for a reason. It’s a man-made island with calm, turquoise water and a pristine beach that’s just begging for you to anchor down and dive in. It’s the perfect spot to throw a floatie in the water, crank the tunes, and soak up the sun.
What makes it so good is the vibe. You get the feeling of being on your own private island, but with the stunning skyline of Surfers Paradise as your backdrop.
Pro tip: Catamaran skippers often beach right on the sand. You can then get straight off to play a game of beach cricket, explore, or just find their perfect spot to chill on the shore.
Recommended boats: You can’t go wrong with hiring a catamaran here. They have heaps of deck space and easy-to-use steps for getting in and out of the water. Check out our best Gold Coast catamaran hire options here.
The glamour route: Surfers Paradise & Main Beach by boat
If your party is more about the vibe and the views than getting your hair wet, then this is the route for you. Cruising past the iconic skyline, multi-million dollar homes, and the superyachts at Marina Mirage is all about the 'wow' factor. It’s your chance to live the luxe Gold Coast life for a day.
The sunset cruise: a classic Gold Coast experience
Best for: Sunset cruises, corporate events, romantic outings, impressing clients.
Is there anything better than watching the sun go down with a drink in hand? Doing it from your own private boat with the Surfers Paradise skyline lighting up in front of you is pure Gold Coast. This route is all about soaking in the incredible views and capturing that perfect shot for your socials. It’s sophisticated, seriously impressive, and shows off the glamorous side of the Goldie.
Pro tip: For the absolute best photos, time your cruise to be passing the heart of Surfers Paradise about 15 minutes after the sun has set. This is when the sky glows and the city lights really start to shimmer on the water.
Recommended boats: A motor cruiser is perfect for this, but if you really want to make a statement, you can’t go past a luxury superyacht. Explore your options for motor cruisers and superyachts here.
The explorer's path: navigating the Nerang River & canals
Want to see a different side of the Gold Coast? The Nerang River and the surrounding canals offer a more relaxed, insider's perspective. It’s less about the open water and more about exploring the waterfront neighbourhoods, seeing how the other half live in their insane mansions, and enjoying a chilled-out journey.
Best for: Family get-togethers, relaxed birthday parties, sightseeing.
The best thing about this route is how smooth it is. The canals are super protected, so even if it’s a bit windy on the Broadwater, you’ll be cruising in calm waters. It’s a fantastic all-weather option that lets you see a side of the city most people miss.
Pro tip: This route is perfect for a BYO lunch or BBQ. Find a quiet spot to anchor, put on some tunes, and just enjoy the peace and privacy of your own floating venue.
Recommended boats: For a laid-back cruise with a bigger group, a spacious event boat is a great choice. Find the right event boat for your party here.
Plan your perfect itinerary: cruise ideas by occasion
To make it even easier, here are a couple of ready-made plans for a legendary day out.
The ultimate Gold Coast hens party itinerary
Start your afternoon at Marina Mirage, then cruise over to Wave Break Island for a few hours of swimming, paddleboarding, and games on the beach. Anchor for lunch and pop the champagne, then finish with a slow sunset cruise back past the Surfers Paradise skyline. It’s the perfect mix of fun and glam. Find your perfect party boat here.
A corporate cruise route to impress
Depart from a central Surfers Paradise jetty and cruise north up the Nerang River, taking in the impressive waterfront homes. Enter the Broadwater for stunning skyline views as the sun begins to set, then anchor in a quiet cove for networking over drinks and canapés. It’s professional, but way more memorable than a stuffy conference room. See our corporate cruise options.
Frequently asked questions about Gold Coast boating
Do I need a boat licence to hire a boat?
No! All our boat hires come with a fully licensed skipper and crew. Your only job is to relax and have a good time while they handle the rest.
Can you swim in the Gold Coast Broadwater?
Absolutely! The Broadwater has some beautiful, calm spots for swimming. Wave Break Island is the most popular and safest spot, and our crews know all the best places to anchor.
Can we bring our own alcohol and food on the boat?
Yes, the huge majority of our boats are BYO-friendly, which is great for keeping costs down. If you want to go all out, many also offer fantastic catering and beverage packages so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Ready to find your perfect Gold Coast party boat?
You've got the destination ideas, now it's time to find the perfect boat. Explore the Gold Coast's best selection of party boats, from luxury cruisers to spacious catamarans, and get an instant quote online.
