Private Tour
Gold Coast Skippered Canal Cruise
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Sit back and relax while your guide takes you on a 1 to 5-Hour Sea the Sights Tour of the Gold Coast in-style onboard your own luxurious, unique electric boat, providing the ultimate experience in relaxation, fun and 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 peaceful and serene experience of having a guide onboard. 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. Duration: 1-5 hours skippered cruise for up to 10 people.
Additional Info
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
Tour Guide: Narrative - English
Locations visited will depend on the length of time you have chosen for your tour
Children must be accompanied by an adult
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. All vessels are equipped for all weather boating, we are not obligated to refund if conditions are not to your liking.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Duffy Down Under Boat Hire, Cruises & Tours
Sea the Sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Macintosh, Chevron and Cronin Island’s, Isle of Capri (please note: amount of locations travelled will depend on length of tour chosen) viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million dollars boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide silently 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. We pride ourselves in providing you with quality service as you have entrusted us the task of creating a wonderful holiday experience for you and your guest. Your professional staff will be on hand to assist you to make your day on the Gold Coast waterways a perfect day to remember. Make your Gold Coast Experience an electric one!
Main Beach
Sea the Sights as you pass through Main Beach, Southport, Budds Beach, Paradise Waters, Surfers Paradise, Macintosh, Chevron and Cronin Island’s, Isle of Capri (please note: amount of locations travelled will depend on length of tour chosen) viewing the homes of the rich and famous, million dollars boats, restaurants, helicopters, canals and slide silently 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. We pride ourselves in providing you with quality service as you have entrusted us the task of creating a wonderful holiday experience for you and your guest. Your professional staff will be on hand to assist you to make your day on the Gold Coast waterways a perfect day to remember. Make your Gold Coast Experience an electric one!
What‘s Included
Skippered Sightseeing cruise
Small-group tour (maximum of 10 people)
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Food and drinks for breakfast, lunch or dinner (pre-order catering available to purchase)
Options
Skippered 5 Hour Cruise
Private 5 Hour Skippered Calm Water Canal/River Cruise
Skippered 3 Hour Cruise
Private 3 Hour Skippered Calm Water Canal/River Cruise
Skippered 4 Hour Cruise
Private 4 Hour Skippered Calm Water Canal/River Cruise
Skippered 2 Hour Cruise
Private 2 Hour Skippered Calm Water Canal/River Cruise
Skippered 1 Hour Cruise
Private 1 Hour Skippered Calm Water Canal/River Cruise
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible Experience
P7537BTsarae,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a lovely night with Duffy on their Christmas lights cruise. Vlad, our skipper, was friendly and welcoming from the moment we stepped on board, and he really made the experience feel special. The cruise itself was a great way to see the Christmas lights from the water — so much more relaxed and fun than walking or driving around. The canals and waterfront homes looked fantastic all lit up, and gliding along with good company made it feel like a proper holiday outing. Vlad took his time showing us the highlights and made the whole trip feel smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a unique way to take in the Christmas lights on the Gold Coast, this is a lovely option. We’d happily do it again. 100000000/10 would recommend to anyone looking for something a bit special this Christmas 🎄
All around amazing!
gracekJ5671ZG,,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience, they are easy to get ahold of good communicators and the actual cruise is what you want to make of it. It’s fun informative relaxing and overall a beautiful view the whole way. The drivers are competent and experienced as someone with some fear of boats and open water their skills left me at ease. I would highly recommend this excursion if you’re in the Gold Coast.
Best boat tour/hire in the Gold Coast!!!
492reubens,,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best boat tour/hire you can ever do in the Gold Coast!!! Contacting to organise a time was super easy and the skipper took us on a beautiful cruise. Lovely owners aswell :)
Excellent experience
Wander826746,,Dec 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent and relaxing experience surrounded by beautiful scenery coupled with informative information about the area. Would highly recommend.
A Highlight Day!
BoggyWoggy,,Nov 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was SO MUCH FUN! We loved having the owners as the skippers on the day we got to spend on a boat! They told us stories of local history, showed us GORGEOUS homes along the water front, stopped at the market to nab some lunch, and gave time to relax and enjoy a piece of our vacation in Australia. Highly recommend Nitsa and Gordon's boats!
Perfect Day on the Water
Spoz,,May 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a wonderful few hours out on the water. We originally were going to self drive but last minute were given a skipper (Peter) which was a wonderful surprise. Peters interaction with us all was wonderful, his knowledge of the area superb. Having grown up in the area gave him some more detail into certain properties we went past. We come upto the GC every year to reunite and catch up old friends and do a different boat trip every year. This one has surpassed them all. Thank you Nitsa for organising a wonderful day for us and an extra big thank you to Peter for being our No. 1 Skipper tfor the day.
Must do cruise!
SharonBrown6478,,Feb 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just finished our canal cruise with Skipper Gordon. What a treat! He was knowledgeable and accommodating while giving us some of the history of both Duffy and the Gold Coast. This was, by far, the best way to see the canals and the harbor. Incredible!
Wonderful from booking to docking
799leighs,,Jan 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a blast!! From the moment I booked this, the operator was in touch to ensure we had the best possible experience. I had so many questions and requests and Nitsa was prompt in her responses and beyond accommodating! On the day - coordinating small children, elderly participants with mobility considerations, special custom catering requests - they had it all under control and made everyone feel equally welcome and included. Nitsa was our skipper and she was fabulous - we felt safe in her hands, she was fun and knowledgeable about the area we toured. The experience itself is wonderful. So much fun, so much to see and well, well worth the time and price.
An enjoyable cruise on the canals
Michelle K,,Jan 1, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a canal cruise with Nitza on New Year’s Eve. It was a lovely way to see Surfers Paradise from a different perspective and Nitza was a knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
Quiet Cruise!
thomw309,,Nov 17, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took a nice trip around the waterways. Great way to see a different perspective of the Coast. Would recommend 🙏🏻
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Operated by Duffy Down Under Boat Hire, Cruises & Tours