Paradise Jet Boating Gold Coast Early Morning Jet Boat Ride

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The first jet boat ride of the day from Cavill Avenue in Surfers Paradise: 50 minutes on the water, with 360 degree spins in the Broadwater and a fast run out past Wave Break Island to South Stradbroke. It leaves at 9:15am, so you can be finished before the theme parks open.

Days

50 minutes on the water, about 65 minutes in all

Age

4 years and over; under 10 with an adult

Group size

Shared jet boat ride

Start / finish

58 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise / Surfers Paradise

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

New Zealand-built jet boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Paradise Jet Boating Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride Earlybird Special

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Included experiences

Nerang River — jet boat run with local commentary
Broadwater freestyle zone — 360 degree spins, slides and drifts
Moreton Bay Marine Park — past Wave Break Island to South Stradbroke
Wildlife — look out for dolphins, sea birds and wallabies

Paradise Jet Boating Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride Earlybird Special - Ride after 1st September

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: CHECK-IN ON CAVILL AVENUE

This is the first ride of the day, so the river is at its calmest and Surfers Paradise is only just waking up. Arrive at 58 Cavill Avenue at least 15 minutes before the 9:15am session. The street is named after Jim Cavill, whose Surfers Paradise Hotel of 1925 gave the suburb its name. The crew fit your lifejacket and run the safety briefing, and your bag, phone and camera go into a free locked box, because nothing is allowed on board. Ask for a raincoat if you'd prefer to stay dry. Then you board a New Zealand-built jet boat, the craft that country invented in the 1950s for its shallow rivers.

THE NERANG RIVER AND THE BROADWATER SPINS

Your skipper heads off down the Nerang River with music on and local commentary over the top, past waterfront homes and the towers of Surfers Paradise. Where the river meets the Broadwater, the wide, sheltered estuary behind the barrier islands, you reach the freestyle zone. Hold on with both hands for high-speed 360 degree spins, slides and drifts, with spray coming over the sides on every turn. You will get wet. Was that one bigger than the last?

OUT TO WAVE BREAK ISLAND AND SOUTH STRADBROKE

From there the run continues into Moreton Bay Marine Park, more than 30 km all told. You pass Wave Break Island, built from dredged sand in the 1980s when the Gold Coast Seaway was cut, to shelter the Broadwater from ocean swell. Then you follow the southern shore of South Stradbroke Island, separated from North Stradbroke when a storm broke through in 1896, and still mostly bush and sand. Morning is a good time to look for dolphins in the channels, sea birds working the water and wallabies on the beach.

BACK BEFORE THE THEME PARKS OPEN

After 50 full minutes on the water you're back at Cavill Avenue, about 65 minutes after you checked in. Photos and video of your ride are for sale as you step off. It's still mid-morning, which leaves the whole day for the beach, the theme parks or whatever comes next.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: 58 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise, within walking distance of many hotels. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Departure time: 9:15am, the first session of the day. Runs daily except Christmas Day.
Duration: 50 minutes on the water; allow about 65 minutes including the briefing.
Minimum age: 4 years, with no height limit. Children under 10 ride with an adult.
Fitness: You need to be able to hold on with both hands for the whole ride. Not suitable if you are pregnant or have back, neck or heart problems or an injury that fast movement could make worse. Crew can help wheelchair users into the boat.
Please note: No bags, phones, cameras or GoPros on board, including chest mounts. Seats are allocated by the crew on the day. Rides go ahead in light rain; if the skipper cancels for unsafe weather you can move your ride or get a full refund.

What to bring

Comfortable clothes and secure shoes you don't mind getting wet
Sunscreen and water, especially in summer
A change of clothes

What is included

50 minutes on the water
Professional skipper with commentary
Safety briefing and lifejacket
Raincoat on request if you'd rather stay dry
Free locked storage at the departure point

Not included

Digital photos, onboard video and merchandise, for sale after your ride
Hotel transfers

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.