“The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea.” – Isak Dinesen. And on the Gold Coast, life revolves around the water. From the rolling surf breaks that draw wave riders from around the world to the hidden underwater gems teeming with marine life, there’s something for everyone.
Spend the morning cruising along the Broadwater, the afternoon snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and the evening watching the sunset from a luxury yacht. If you’re ready to make a splash, here are some of the best water experiences to try.
Thrill-Seeking Adventures on the Water
For those who love the rush of speed, height, and excitement, the Gold Coast offers water adventures that will get your heart racing.
Jet Ski Safaris: Speed Across the Gold Coast Broadwater
📍 Accessibility: Just a 10-minute drive from Broadbeach
Feel the rush of the wind and salt spray as you explore the Gold Coast Broadwater on a jet ski safari. These guided tours take you past luxury waterfront homes, through mangrove channels, and into open waters where you can pick up speed and embrace the thrill of the ride. For those looking for an adrenaline-packed experience, Jet Ski Safaris Gold Coast offers its 1.5 hours best-selling tour.
The experience begins with a practice ride on a 1km track, allowing riders to gain confidence before setting off on an unforgettable safari. Heading 20km north, the journey winds past scenic islands, golden beaches, sandbars, and lush mangroves, offering breathtaking views along the way.
In addition, a stop at a tropical restaurant on South Stradbroke Island provides the perfect chance to relax and refuel before the return trip—another 20km of adrenaline-fueled adventure back to the starting point.
Parasailing Over Surfers Paradise: A Bird’s-Eye View of the Coastline
📍 Accessibility: Surfers Paradise is just a 7-minute drive from Broadbeach.
Meanwhile, for those who love adventure with a side of breathtaking views, parasailing over Surfers Paradise is the ultimate experience. Lift off from a speedboat and soar over 100 meters above the ocean.
Capture the panoramic views of the Gold Coast skyline, golden beaches, and deep blue waters. This scene is truly perfect for solo flyers or tandem rides as parasailing offers a unique combination of adrenaline and tranquility.
Jet Boating: High-Speed Spins and Wave Jumps
📍 Accessibility: Just 7 minutes from Broadbeach.
If sharp turns, heart-racing speeds, and drenching splashes sound like fun, jet boating on the Gold Coast is a must-try. Departing from Surfers Paradise, these high-powered boats perform 360-degree spins, fishtail maneuvers, and wave jumps, giving passengers an adrenaline-pumping ride across the Broadwater.
It’s an aquatic rollercoaster with stunning coastal views. Book an adventure with Jet Boat Extreme for a high-speed tour through the Broadwater.
Relaxing & Scenic Water Experiences
Not all water adventures have to be high-speed—sometimes, the best way to enjoy the ocean is by floating, paddling, or cruising.
Sunset Cruises: Unwind on the Gold Coast Canals
📍 Accessibility: Cruises depart from Marina Mirage, a 10-minute drive from Broadbeach.
After a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than a luxury sunset cruise along the Gold Coast canals. Step aboard a catamaran or private yacht and enjoy champagne, gourmet platters, and the soft glow of the evening sky as you glide past waterfront mansions.
Many cruises depart from Main Beach and Marina Mirage, offering a laid-back yet luxurious way to experience the Gold Coast lifestyle. Experience a tranquil evening on the water with Spirit of Gold Coast, which offers scenic sunset cruises from Marina Mirage.
Whale Watching (Seasonal: June – November)
📍 10-minute drive from Broadbeach
From June to November, humpback whales migrate past the Gold Coast, offering a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. Join a whale-watching tour with Sea World Whale Watching and witness these majestic creatures breaching and tail-slapping in their natural habitat.
Family-Friendly Water Activities
Looking for a way to keep the whole family entertained on the water? Read on!
GC Aqua Park: A Floating Playground for All Ages
📍 Accessibility: A 15-minute drive from Broadbeach.
For families and groups looking for high-energy fun, GC Aqua Park in Southport is the place to be. This giant inflatable water obstacle course features slides, climbing walls, balance beams, and trampolines, providing hours of action-packed entertainment.
Safe for kids and exciting for adults, it’s the perfect way to cool off while testing your agility and endurance. You can book your session at GC Aqua Park for a day of fun on the water.
Wet’n’Wild: Splash into a Water Wonderland
📍 Accessibility: A 25-minute drive from Broadbeach.
No trip to the Gold Coast is complete without a visit to Wet’n’Wild, Australia’s biggest water park. With thrilling water slides, giant wave pools, and kid-friendly splash zones, there’s something for everyone.
From the high-speed Tornado and Kamikaze slides to the more relaxing Lazy River, it’s a full day of aquatic adventure that the whole family will love. Plan your visit by checking out the latest attractions at Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast.
Snorkeling at Wave Break Island
📍 Accessibility: Tours depart from Main Beach, 10 minutes from Broadbeach.
For a fun and interactive underwater experience, snorkeling at Wave Break Island is a must. Just a short boat ride from Main Beach, this marine hotspot is home to over 50 species of fish, making it a fantastic place to explore without needing scuba diving experience.
Tour Highlights
- Snorkeling tour departs from 95 Marine Parade, Southport (Aqua Adventure Centre)
- All necessary equipment provided
- Enjoy a short 15-minute boat ride to the site
- Choose to snorkel, swim, or unwind on the beach
- Up to 1.5 hours of in-water fun
Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Tallebudgera Creek
📍 Accessibility: A 15-minute drive from Broadbeach.
For a peaceful way to connect with nature, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Tallebudgera Creek is a must. This calm, crystal-clear waterway is surrounded by lush national parkland, making it perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Keep an eye out for turtles and stingrays as you glide through this tranquil oasis. If you’re keen to try, All Coast Paddle Board Hire offers rentals and lessons to help you get started.
Kayaking to South Stradbroke Island
📍 Accessibility: 15-minute drive from Broadbeach.
For those who love a mix of exercise and exploration, kayaking to South Stradbroke Island offers the best of both worlds. Just a short paddle from the mainland, this island is home to secluded beaches, native wildlife, and pristine lagoons.
Many guided tours, like those offered by Seaway Kayaking Tours, include a picnic stop on the sand, making it a relaxing yet adventurous half-day escape.
Your Water Sports Gold Coast Await!
The Gold Coast is truly a playground for water lovers. Feel the rush of soaring high above Surfers Paradise on a parasail, the thrill of racing across the Broadwater on a jet ski, or the pure serenity of gliding through crystal-clear waters on a stand-up paddleboard.
Prefer something slower? Hop on a sunset cruise, cocktail in hand, and watch the sky melt into pastel hues. Every splash, every wave, every adventure is waiting for you. So, what’s calling your name first—speed, serenity, or a little of both?
Where to Stay – Aegean Mooloolaba
After an action-packed day out on the water, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to kick back, unwind, and relive the day’s adventures. That’s where Boulevard Tower comes in. Nestled right on the beachfront in Broadbeach, this spacious and family-friendly retreat provides the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience.
Instead of a crowded high-rise hotel, Boulevard Towers offers a peaceful, absolute beachfront escape—just moments from top restaurants, shopping, and world-class water activities. Sounds like the perfect way to end the day, right?
Book your stay today and make your Gold Coast getaway one to remember!
Image credit: Jet Ski Safaris
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