A hundred-plus kilometres of sheltered broadwater and a coast of marinas — this is one of the easiest places on the east coast to get on the water, in a boat, with other people, for the afternoon. These are the eight operators, with what each one is, how long it runs, what it costs, what's included, and where to book.
First, a Word on the Broadwater
The Gold Coast Broadwater is a long, sheltered waterway: calm water, islands in the middle, a skyline to the south and a headland to the north. Most of these boats run on it — which means the water is flat, the trip is relaxed, and the sun goes over the water on the way back. Prices below are per boat (not per person) for the private charters — split five ways, a 3-hour sail is a small number per head. Book a week or two ahead in summer; the sunset slots go first. Sun protection is the one thing nobody packs enough of. Sun Sailing
Sun Sailing
Type: private catamaran charter (Marina Mirage, Main Beach). A 30-foot catamaran, crew, and a relaxed 2–4 hour run over the broadwater. Duration/price: 2 hours from about $549 (up to 4 people); 3 hours from about $990 (up to 10); 4 hours from about $1,500; a high-tea sail (about 2.5 hours, up to 22 people) about $1,200. Included: skipper/crew, drinks and snacks, snorkelling gear, a glass of fizz. What it's for: the classic sunset sail — a small group, a flat afternoon, the light at the end. Sun Sailing
Sailing In Paradise
Type: group catamaran charters (Marina Mirage, Main Beach). Three Seawind catamarans (up to 42 guests), skipper and crew on every boat. Duration/price: from about $480 an hour; Spirit of Gwonda (up to 30 guests) about $1,450 for 3 hours; Oceans (up to 26) about $1,550 for 3 hours; Island Time (up to 42) about $2,100 for 3 hours. Included: skipper and crew, catering options, a glass of bubbly, and the run over the broadwater. What it's for: the group charter — a family of 30, a company offsite, a wedding party. Sailing In Paradise
Crystal Blue Yacht Charters
Type: luxury yacht charters (Mariner's Cove, Main Beach). A five-yacht fleet (up to 400 guests), from a 40-footer up to a 92-foot ship — the coast's proper charter fleet. Duration/price: from about $4,200 an hour (varies by yacht). Included: the yacht, the crew, and the run — a full-day, overnight or private charter. What it's for: the big one — a corporate day, a wedding, a full-day charter with catering. As the crew put it: the Gold Coast is more fun on the water. Crystal Blue Yacht Charters
Gold Coast Luxury Boat Charters
Type: luxury boat charters (Marina Mirage, Main Beach). MV Bacchus (62-foot, up to 47 guests) and a catamaran (MV Naveah). Duration/price: the Bacchus about $600 an hour, 3 hours from about $2,250; the catamaran from about $575 an hour. Included: skipper, music, BBQ options, a champagne toast on board. What it's for: the mid-size private charter — a corporate day, a family of 40, a sunset with a big deck and a long menu. Gold Coast Luxury Boat Charters
Celebrate By Sail
Type: small sailing yacht (Runaway Bay Marina, Southport). A Catalina “Stella Maris II”, up to 7 guests — a quiet, calm-water sail on the broadwater. Duration/price: sunset and romantic sails (about 2–3 hours) and a 3-hour learn-to-sail course (you finish with a competent-crew certificate; pricing per booking). Included: the boat, the instructor, the calm-water run; you're the crew. What it's for: the romantic sail and the “learn to actually sail” option — a small group, a quiet afternoon, a real skill at the end. Celebrate By Sail
Sea World Cruises
Type: cruise boats (Sea World, Broadbeach). The park's cruise fleet: a dolphin cruise and an eco cruise — a boat out over the calm water, back by late afternoon. Duration/price: about 1–2 hours (check current pricing and times with the park). Included: the cruise, the commentary, and the dolphin watching on the water. What it's for: the family option — pair it with a full day at Sea World (the aquarium is the main thing; the cruise is the afternoon). Sea World Cruises
Aqua Adventures
Type: sailing and diving school (95 Marine Parade, Southport). The “learn” option on the coast: snorkelling, scuba courses and sailing, run as a proper school — a small group, a real instructor, a real skill. Duration/price: day courses from about $150 (check current pricing). Included: the gear, the instructor, the water. What it's for: the “I want to be able to do this myself” option — a scuba course, a sailing intro, a proper snorkel day. Aqua Adventures
See Moreton
Type: full-day island tour (Gold Coast and Brisbane). A 7.5-hour day out to Moreton Island: snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, a buffet lunch, beach time, SUP, and the drive back. Duration/price: 7.5 hours; about $159 (child) to $749 (family package); Gold Coast hotel transfers available. Included: the full day — the wrecks, the lunch, the beach, the board, the transfers. What it's for: the “island day” option — a proper day off the coast, without driving it yourself. See Moreton
Choosing and Booking
By what you want: a sunset sail — Sun Sailing (2–3 hours, about $549–$990) or Gold Coast Luxury Boat Charters (3 hours, about $2,250). a group — Sailing In Paradise (up to 42) or Crystal Blue (up to 400). a romantic, quiet sail — Celebrate By Sail. learn to sail — Celebrate By Sail (the certificate) or Aqua Adventures (the school). a family day — Sea World (the dolphin cruise) or See Moreton (the full island day). Book a week or two ahead in summer; the sunset slots go first. And whatever boat you're on — the broadwater is flat, the light is the point, and the sun goes over the water on the way back.
Last updated 2026-10-19