Gold Coast Boat Hire Self-Drive with No License Required
Description
Sea the Sights and stand out from the others - experience the thrill of being your own captain onboard our fleet of affordable, unique electric boats for hire, providing the ultimate experience in relaxation, fun & soft adventure. Our custom built boats are safe, and are particularly good for those people who have never been on a boat before. When you glide across the water, you'll be treated to a totally different boating experience, silky smooth and whisper quiet, your senses will thank you! Truly unwind and feel at one with the shimmering waters as you enjoy the ease to maneuver your vessel. From the moment you embark, your tour will encompass all of what the Gold Coast is famous for; cruising the the magnificent canals, showcasing some of the Gold Coast prestigious real estate, spectacular skyline and wildlife. Cruise between 1-4 hours to a maximum of 10 passengers. PLEASE NOTE: All Self Drive Boats need to be returned prior to Sunset. Skipper required for Sunset Cruises.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Enjoy this calm water river/canal cruise at our own pace, your own time. Upon arrival you will be provided with a 15-20 minute safety briefing, operational instructions, route maps, which will allow you to explore the Gold Coast waterways. Once briefing is completed, you will put yourself in the Captain's seat, and we will cast you away. You will have the pleasure to navigate your way silently along the Broadwater for an relaxing, enjoyable, fun time on the water, while basking in our spectacular coastline. Sea the sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Chevron and Cronin Island’s viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million $ boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide under bridges like you are in Venice. Plenty of photo opportunities, while taking in the picturesque sites. Grownups and kids alike will be delighted with the marine life, such as sea eagles, fish, pelicans, and on occasion, dolphins and turtles.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and are most welcome
- Wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- For Self-Drive you must be able to read and understand English & a Map. A signed contract is required. As a matter of safety, if we deem it necessary a Skipper will be required at an additional cost (minimal)
- We reserve the right to provide a Skipper at an additional cost (minimal) if conditions do not suit Self Drive as a matter of safety
- All Self Drive boats must be back before Sunset. Skipper is required for Sunset Cruises, please book accordingly
- All weather boating - We do not cancel due to rain, unless we deem it unsafe. 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 (subject to availability) 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.
- No fishing or beaching of our vessels, no swimming on Snug Classic -Swim Ladder only onboard our Limo on the Water vessel, swimming is at your own risk
- You are more than welcome to bring your beloved pet if you wish
- If in doubt of your capacity to Captain a Boat, please consider booking a vessel with a Skipper. The Skipper will still let you drive, but will be on hand to teach you how to safely navigate the waterways
- You are more than welcome to bring your own food and beverages onboard.
Reviews(58)
It would be difficult to overstate the enjoyment we had when we took our 6 year old grandson for a Gold Coast cruise with Duffy Boats. Reasonably priced very comfortable boats that are very easy to navigate in. At the end of our 2 hour tour, I was already thinking of my next trip. And, WOW seeing the magnificent mansions on the waterways. How the other half lives!! Thank you Nitsa.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Don. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your Gold Coast cruise with us, especially sharing the experience with your 6 year old grandson. I remember thinking what lovely grandparents you and Gayle are bringing your grandson across Australia on your own, those memories are truly special. It’s great to know you found the boats comfortable, easy to navigate, and good value, and we agree the waterfront mansions never fail to impress! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another great adventure! Merry Christmas and all the best for 2026
Nitsa was awesome! Super friendly and made sure we knew/had everything necessary for a chilled trip around the river sights. Even lent us a speaker so we could play our tunes. Would highly recommend.
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a 5 Star Review. We're thrilled to hear you had a great time on the cruise and I appreciate your kind words. We hope to see you again in the not too distant future for another chilled adventure!
The boat was in good condition and ready for us to walk on board as soon as we arrived. The instructions were easy to follow and everything went well. The map could have been easier to read but we figured it out with no problems. Highly recommended for a fun time with friends and family.
Thank you so much for your 5 Star Review Phillip. We’re glad to hear the boat was ready and in great condition for your trip, and that the instructions made everything smooth for you. We appreciate your feedback on the map and will definitely look into making it easier to read. It was so nice you were able to catch up with your family here in Australia and you had a fun time with them onboard, that’s exactly what we aim for! Hope to see you again on your next trip down under!
It was an amazing experience to get to navigate the canals by your self the children really enjoyed it, would definitely recommend. They were fast and professional.
Thank you Taylor so much for the wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you and your family had an amazing time navigating the canals, it’s always great to know the kids enjoyed it too! We appreciate your kind words about our team and your recommendation. Hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!⚓️
Great new location. Easy to find and plenty of parking options. A great morning with our parents cruising the canals. Easy to drive, great maps and instructions. Friendly and helpful staff. Repeat customers and on our GC must do list
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed our new location and had a great morning out on the canals with your parents. It means a lot to us that you found everything easy and enjoyable, from the parking options and instructions to our friendly team. We love welcoming back repeat customers, and we’re honoured to be on your Gold Coast must-do list! Looking forward to seeing you again soon on a return visit across the ditch!
We had a wonderful morning just on the water ways seeing the river houses. Even got to see a dolphin when we finished. Highly recommended to do this.
Thank you so much, Claire, for taking the time to leave such a glowing review! We’re delighted to hear you had a wonderful morning exploring the waterways and riverfront homes, it’s truly one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Gold Coast from a unique perspective in our Eco-Friendly Electric Boats! Spotting a dolphin is always such a special treat! We’re so lucky to be able to see these amazing creatures in their natural environment. We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure on the water during your next visit to the Gold Coast. Happy Travels.
This was the highlight of our trip. Paul was a fantastic guide, such a beautiful and peaceful boat ride. We will definitely book again when we visit the Gold Coast again
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your time with us was the highlight of your trip. Paul will be so pleased to know you enjoyed the boat ride as your guide. We truly appreciate your kind words and can’t wait to welcome you back on the Gold Coast for another peaceful cruise! 🌊⛵
Nitsa knows the entire canal incredibly well. It was fun to hear all the stories she shared with us. Our friends, pups, and families all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The boat was tranquil and comfortable. Nitsa also took some amazing portrait shots of us and our pups. It was truly a relaxing and joyful experience. Thank you Nitsa~
Thank you Jenifer for taking the time to provide a 5 Star Review. We so enjoyed having you, your fur babies, (yes all 5 of them) family and friends onboard with us. The fur babies were very content and comfortable onboard and they were so excited to get on the boat! It was my pleasure to ensure, you all were able to relax and enjoy your time on the water. We look forward to seeing you again in the not too distant future! Hugs to the well behaved fur babies
We had a great time doing this. Took our own nibbles and drinks and had a fun and relaxing afternoon cruising around. A map is provided of the canals.
Thank you Nicky for sharing your experience whilst onboard our Duffy Boats with a 5 Star Review. We are so happy that you had a fun and relaxing time touring our canals. It’s perfect being able to bring your own food and beverages onboard. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in the bit too distant future⚓️
The lady was so nice, she shares lots of information about Gold Coasts , and make the whole journey joyful and we all had great time.
Thank you Tonghan for taking the time to provide a 5 star review. We are thrilled that Nitsa was able to share helpful information and make your experience on the Gold Coast memorable. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another great adventure⚓️
