Be a boat captain for a day with a leisurely cruise through the Gold Coast’s scenic canals. Even without experience or a boating license, you can pilot a canopy-covered vessel with room for up to 10 friends or family members and plenty of amenities. You decide where to go and when to stop, enjoying unparalleled views from the water of Gold Coast luxury homes, beaches, and marine life.

Hire a boat for a personalized Gold Coast crusie
Spend up to 4 hours exploring canals and beaches at your own pace
Onboard extras include music hookups, lounge seating, and an ice chest
No experience necessary; safety training provided

What's Included

Safety Equipment

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Duffy Down Under Boat Hire, Cruises & Tours
Arm A, 60/70 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
Departure Point: Mariners Cove Marina 60-70 Seaworld Drive, ARM A Main Beach, QLD Australia Directions: Please check in at our office which is located on the Dock at Main Waterfront area, (at the base of the bridge heading away from Fishermans Wharf Tavern). We will then direct you to your vessel.

Start time

Opening hours

Select your preferred tour option to see hours.

View tour option

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Gold Coast (Pass By)

Main Beach (Pass By)

Surfers Paradise (Pass By)

Labrador (Pass By)

Runaway Bay (Pass By)

Broadwater (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Self-Drive: Must be able to speak and read English. Guest will be required to sign customer Responsibility form.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. At our discretion in the event of inclement weather as safety needs to be in the forefront of our minds if conditions are less than ideal we will be happy to re-schedule the tour to a date and time suitable to you/the customer or a skipper can be provided at an additional charge. All vessels are equipped for all weather boating, we are not obligated to refund if conditions are not to your liking.
Near public transportation
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travellers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

5.0

34 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 34 reviews

Great family day out.

Michael_H, July 2023

We had a fantastic experience. The staff we're amazing and extremely helpful. It was a great way to explore the Gold Coast.

Response from Host, July 2023

Thank you Michael for taking the time to provide a review, we are delighted that you had a fantastic experience with us. Staff are the back bone of small family businesses, and we are thankful to pass on your kudos to Frany who was on deck for your departure! We look forward to welcoming you back onboard in the not too distant future.

Fun experience

thiam_s, June 2023

Excellent services and accommodating! Special mention to my skipper Francesca who is very knowledgeable and making the trip more assuring!

Response from Host, June 2023

Thank you Thiam for taking the time to provide a 5 Star Review of your experience with us. We are delighted that your Skipper Francesca made the cruise that more enjoyable for you. We hope to see you again, on your next trip to the Gold Coast! Safe travels

Great, easy way to see the waterfront that cannot be viewed from a car

Philip_Y, Apr 2023

Nitsa was wonderful, gave us a very detailed briefing of the recommended route as well as how to drive the boat. The boat was very comfortable, clean, shaded, easy to maneuver, and tops at 6 knot which is the speed limit at many areas. She also made sure we know where Nicole Kidman and Jackie Chan had their waterfront houses. We booked 2 hours and wished that we had booked 3.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thank you Phillip & Irene for taking time time during your holidays to provide a review. It was my pleasure to meet both of you!, such a lovely couple and learned so much from you too! It means so much to us that you enjoyed your time on the water with us, & we hope to see you again on your next visit to thr GC⚓️ have a safe trip home

Our own cruise

LyntonWilliam_S, Mar 2023

Being able to travel the Gold Coast waterways at a relaxed pace . The Duffy staff were attentive and made sure thaat we were well briefed to maximise our enjoyment

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Lynton for taking the time to provide a 5 star review. Nothing pleases us more than hearing you were relaxed & your got the opportunity to travel at your own pace! I will pass on your compliments to Nicky, I know this will mean a lot to her. Thank you and we do hope to welcome you onboard again in the future.⚓️

2 hour boat ride through Gold Coast canals

Matt_C, Mar 2023

What a great way to experience the canals at your own leisure, own pace, with your own company and with the option of taking your own food and drinks (alcohol too). Highly recommend this as an activity to do in Gold Coast, we had two hours of high enjoyment.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Matt, for sharing your experience with us. We were delighted to have you both onboard., travelling at your own pace just the two of you enjoying your surroundings. Hopefully we can welcome you onboard again in the not too distant future⚓️

Best family boat

Leidy_R, Jan 2023

Gordon was amazing, he driving all the way as we have no experience driving boats and while he explained everything that we asked him! Thank you so much, my family and I loved it.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thank you Leidy so much for providing a review of your experience with us, and we are delighted that you and your family loved it! Hopefully you gained boat skills with Gordon onboard & would feel comfortable for next time on your own! Happy New Year to you and your family.

very good option for...

Quan_Z, Dec 2022

very good option for family with kids Friendly staff and reliable and quiet boat Highly recommend it

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Thank you Quan for taking the time to review your experience with us. We are thrilled that you found our staff friendly and that you had a nice time onboard with your family. We hope to welcome you back onboard in the not too distant future. On behalf of the Duffy Team, may we wish you and your family a cracker 2023!

Great views...

Jagtarsingh_K, Nov 2022

Great views taking a family photo with a great city view Also got to see couple of movies stars houses.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Thank you very much Jagtar for providing a 5 star review, it was lovely to meet your family and the fun you had onboard, dancing and driving the boat. Hope to see you again on your next trip to the Gold Coast.

Great way to explore

Joanna_E, Oct 2022

Thank you - excellent communication, instructions and understanding. Our family enjoyed the peaceful explore around GC. Great way to see the area without the stress of parking or driving. Loads of space on board - very comfortable and secure. Canopy helped with the odd shower and the sunburn!

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you Jo for taking the time to review your experience with us. We are so delighted that you and your family enjoyed your time onboard. You did a great job too, navigating the canals, go girl! Hopefully we will have the opportunity to welcome you all back in the not too distant future! Ahoy for now

Well worth it!!

Andrea_R, Mar 2022

It was a beautiful day in a beautiful part of the world and the boat was a perfect way to enjoy the day. Try easy to drive and very comfy with everything you need for sn awesome day out. Price was very reasonable too but would like the prices advertised in AUD rather then USD

Response from Host, Mar 2022

Thank you Andrea for taking the time to provide a review. It certainly was a beautiful day, we are delighted that you enjoyed your time with us. This is the 1st time I heard that you found the prices in USD instead of AUD. I have checked everywhere that I can, I only see our prices in AUD. If you can share insight on where you found them in USD, I will endeavour to sort it out straight away. Thanks once again, we look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the not too distant future.

Enjoyable day out

Rhonda_R, Feb 2022

Lovely 3 hours cruising around the canals looking at some beautiful homes and boats. Electric motor so lovely and quiet. Comfortable seating and easy to operate. Toilet stop at the Isle of Capri which looked a great place to have lunch but we had our own food.

Response from Host, Feb 2022

Thank you Rhonda for taking the time to provide a review, we are delighted that you found our boats comfortable and easy to drive. Isle of Capri is a wonderful spot and Duffy Boat friendly. We hope to welcome you back onboard in the not too distant future. Have a lovely afternoon

Easy to organise. Owners very friendly engaging. Relaxing and great family experience

Jo_M, Sept 2021

Spacious clean boat. Relaxing experience for all the family. Owners were very professional organised and friendly. Great Father’s Day activity

Response from Host, Dec 2021

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our experience, we love having you onboard and hope to welcome you back in the not too distant future.

Family day out

Chhoeuth_W, July 2021

Enjoyed our cruise, definitely look forward to booking again. The kids loved it! Great way to spend time with family and friends

Response from Host, Dec 2021

Thank you for taking the time to review our experience and we are so happy the kids loved their time on the water. We hope to welcome you back in the not too distant future!