The Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour is a pretty magical late-afternoon kayak trip along the Nerang River. We’re talking a mix of wildlife spotting, some seriously posh waterfront views & that stunning Gold Coast hinterland sunset all centred right in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Price options
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Adults from 79,00 A$
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Children from 69,00 A$
Departure Time
- 90 min
- Departs: 17.00, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
- Macintosh Island
Introduction
Get ready to discover a whole different side of the Gold Coast as you paddle out across the super calm waters of the Nerang River in Surfers Paradise. Our guided kayaking trip brings together some peaceful time in nature, a bit of an iconic skyline, and a splash of local glamour.
As you kayak past all the super-exxy mansions on Paradise Island, you’ll be soaking up the high-life lifestyle of the rich and famous, before paddling on over to the lush parklands where you’ll probably spot some swans, geese and maybe even a flock or two of peacocks just roaming about. And then to top it all off, a breathtaking sunset over the Gold Coast hinterland, and trust us, it’s a whole lot more special when you get to watch it all from the water.
Whether you’re just visiting Queensland or you’re a local looking for something a bit different, this tour’s got the perfect balance of chill time, wildlife spotting and some really pretty scenery.
Details
- Location: Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, a great spot to get your kayak on the water
- Waterway: Nerang River, it’s just asking to be explored
- Duration: About 2 hours, long enough to get a feel for things, but short enough not to exhaust yourself
- Fitness Level: Don’t worry, this one’s for most people. Low to moderate fitness levels are okay; there’s no need to be a super athlete
- Experience Required: No kayaking experience? No worries. We’ll show you the ropes
- Best Time: Late afternoon to sunset is when the magic happens on the river
Highlights
- Paddle along the calm Nerang River and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere
- Take in the views of those beautiful Luxury waterfront homes on Paradise Island, you’ll be the envy of all your mates
- Explore Macintosh Island, get up close and personal with the local wildlife
- Keep an eye out for swans, geese, and peacocks just doing their thing in their natural habitat
- Watch as the sun sets over the Gold Coast hinterland, it’s pretty special
- Our small group guided experience makes sure you get the best out of your day
- Plenty of photo opportunities of the skyline and nature combined, you’ll be taking a bunch of pics to show off to your friends
Booking
Full Itinerary
Arrival & Check-In
First things first, meet your guide and get the low down on safety and how to kayak. No matter what your level, you’re going to feel confident in no time
Paddling Along Paradise Island
Glide past some top waterfront properties, and you’ll get a real feel for the unique lifestyle and history of the area.
Wildlife Spotting at Macintosh Island
Pull up onto the island and get an up-close look at our resident peacocks, swans, and geese. You’ll learn heaps about the local birdlife and the river ecosystems
Golden Hour Return Paddle
As the sun starts to go down, paddle back along the river and watch as the sky transforms into one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. You’ll get some of the best skyline reflections and peaceful waters. It’s the perfect way to finish the day
- We’ll sort the expert guide and kayak for you, you just turn up and enjoy the experience
- Kayak, paddle and life jacket all provided, no need to worry about a thing
- Our team will give you a safety briefing and instruction, don’t worry, we’ll take good care of you
- We’ll point out some of the amazing local wildlife and share some of our knowledge of the river ecosystems
- We keep our groups nice and small so everyone gets the most out of the experience
- If you’re looking for something special, we offer gift vouchers, perfect for birthdays or just because
- If you want to keep the adventure going, we offer kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard hire from Budds Beach, go it on your own or with a mate
- We’ve got heaps of other experiences on offer too, like half-day dolphin kayaking and island tours
- Make sure you wear comfy clothes that won’t get in the way when you’re splashing about in the water
- Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses, you’ll be needing them to keep safe from the sun
- We recommend bringing sunscreen and a water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day
- Bring a towel if you want to dry off after the trip, we can’t promise you’ll stay dry all day tho
- We recommend bringing a camera or phone to get some top shots. Just be sure to keep it safe in a waterproof case
- Prices are subject to change without notice. Sorry, we can’t control that
- Don’t expect to be back exactly on time; some days are slower than others, and we like to see you get the best out of your day
- We reserve the right to change the itinerary if weather or conditions are unsuitable on the day. Sorry if that happens
- We don’t give full refunds if we have to change the itinerary for safety reasons. That’s just how it is
- Some activities involve a bit of risk; we try to minimise that as much as possible, but it’s still up to you to decide if you participate
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before, we just can’t offer a refund. Sorry about that.
This tour is pretty accessible and is good for most fitness levels, but there are a few things you need to be able to do:
- Sit comfortably in a kayak; that one might seem obvious, but we thought we’d mention it anyway
- Paddle for about 2 hours at a nice, easy pace. Don’t worry, we won’t push you to go too hard
- If you have any mobility concerns or medical conditions, just give us a call before you book to make sure this tour is right for you.
If you cancel your trip more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, you might get some of your money back. It’s the rules, but if you cancel within 24 hours of setting off, then you’re likely going to lose your deposit.
Similarly, tours may get cancelled or postponed altogether if the weather gets too bad or the river gets too rough, not a great time to be out on the water!
With regard to changing the itinerary for safety reasons, sorry to say that refunds aren’t available.
Your personal data is kept secure and protected by applicable laws. The information we collect could include things such as:
- Your name
- Where you live
- Your phone number
- Email address
- Where are you when you’re on tour with us
- All the financial details we need to process your payment
We keep all that information locked away, so we don’t use it to try to sell you things without first getting your permission. You can also request to take a look at your data or make any changes to it at any time.
FAQ
Do I need to be a kayaking expert?
What can I expect to see in terms of wildlife?
You might catch a glimpse of swans, geese, or peacocks around Macintosh Island, though, to be honest, the birdlife does change with the seasons.
Can I expect to see a good sunset?
We try our best to time the trip to paddle out during golden hour, but the colours in the sky will depend on the weather and other factors.
What happens if the weather turns really bad?
We may have to tweak the tour or postpone it altogether if conditions become too hazardous; safety always comes first for us
May I bring my children along?
Well, that depends on their age and ability. Please check the minimum age requirements when you book, because we do want to make sure everyone has a good time.


