Where do Cooee boating tours depart from?

Tours depart from various locations depending on the experience — Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Cairns. Hotel pickup and transfers can be arranged from most accommodation in these areas.

Are boating tours suitable for families with children?

Yes. Many Cooee boating tours are family-friendly with activities suited to children of all ages. Contact us for recommendations based on your children's ages and interests.

Can I book a private boating charter?

Absolutely. Cooee Tours offers private charters with exclusive use of a luxury vessel, captain, crew and custom itinerary for groups, corporate events, and special occasions. Call 0409 661 342 to discuss requirements.

What happens if the weather is bad on my boating tour day?

Safety is the priority. Tours may be modified or rescheduled in severe weather — full refunds or rebooking options are available for cancellations due to weather. Cooee contacts guests in advance if conditions require a change.

Boating Tours Australia | Scenic Cruises

Q: What should I bring on a boating tour?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a light layer for wind. For snorkelling or water sports activities, swimwear is essential. All safety and activity equipment is provided.

At a Glance

Boating Tours with Cooee — What to Expect

Australia's coastlines and waterways are some of the world's finest. Cooee connects you with hand-picked vessels, experienced skippers, and carefully curated itineraries — so you focus on the experience, not the logistics.

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Tour Types

Cruises, whale watching, snorkelling, water sports, private charters

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Locations

Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns & more

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Duration

Half-day, full-day & multi-day options

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Groups

Solo, couples, families & private charters

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Transfers

Hotel pickup available on most tours

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Custom

Tailor-made itineraries & corporate charters on request

Boating Experiences

Six Ways to Get on the Water

From peaceful river cruises to high-energy water sports, our boating experiences cover every style of adventure — and everything in between.

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Whale Watching

Get close to humpback whales on guided seasonal cruises along the Queensland coast. June to November migration season delivers some of the world's most reliable whale encounters.

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Scenic Cruises

Relaxing river and coastal cruises with stunning views, expert onboard commentary, and refreshments. Sunset Gold Coast cruises, Brisbane River loops, Noosa Everglades and more.

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Snorkelling & Diving

Explore coral reefs and marine life with guided snorkelling and scuba diving excursions — from the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.

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Dolphin Spotting

Cruise calm Moreton Bay and Gold Coast waterways in search of playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Wild encounters, not performances.

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Water Sports

Jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, kayaking — we arrange the vessel, gear, safety equipment, and experienced crew. You bring the enthusiasm.

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Private Charters

Exclusive use of a luxury vessel with skipper, catering options, and a custom itinerary built entirely around your group — birthdays, corporate events, proposals, family celebrations.

Popular Boating Destinations

Four Premier Boating Regions

Each region offers its own distinct character — from the dramatic reef systems of Cairns to the calm canal waterways of the Gold Coast.

Gold Coast

Explore the Broadwater, canal networks, and open ocean. Whale watching June–November, jet skiing, dolphin spotting, and iconic sunset cruises. Year-round boating in protected and open-water settings.

Gold Coast Tours →

Sunshine Coast

Noosa Everglades river cruises, calm coastal adventure trips, and water sports in an unhurried, relaxed setting. The Everglades tour is a genuinely extraordinary natural experience.

Sunshine Coast Tours →

Brisbane River cruise Moreton Bay boating Queensland

Brisbane & Moreton Bay

Brisbane River cruises, Moreton Bay island-hopping, and the world-famous Moreton Island catamaran — dolphin encounters, Tangalooma Wrecks snorkelling, and sandboarding accessible by boat.

Brisbane & Moreton Island →

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling and diving on the outer reef, tropical island day trips, marine biologist guided reef cruises, and the unmatched diversity of the world's largest coral reef system.

Reef & Coastal Tours →

Tour Inclusions

What's Typically Included

Inclusions vary by specific tour — confirm with our team when booking. Most standard boating tours include the following.

✓ Included

Luxury or premium vessel with experienced skipper
All safety and activity equipment
Expert guide commentary throughout
Hotel pickup and transfers (most tours)
Snacks, refreshments or catered meals (tour dependent)
Small-group experience — max 20 guests standard tours

✗ Not Included

Additional food or drinks beyond specified inclusions
Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities for crew and guides (optional and appreciated)
Souvenir photos (may be available to purchase on board)

Before You Go

Good to Know

What to Bring

Sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses, a towel, and a light windproof layer. For snorkelling and water sports activities, bring swimwear. We provide all safety and activity equipment.

Seasickness

If you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking seasickness medication before boarding. Many of our Gold Coast and Moreton Bay cruises are on calm, protected waterways with minimal swell.

Families with Children

Many tours are genuinely family-friendly. Contact us with your children's ages and we'll recommend the most suitable tour and vessel — including family seating, safety equipment sizing, and dietary options.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before most tours. See our Bookings & Conditions for full terms. Private charter cancellation terms are confirmed at time of booking.

Accessibility

Some vessels are wheelchair accessible or can accommodate mobility requirements. Please contact us ahead of booking to confirm the specific vessel's accessibility for your needs.

Weather Safety

Safety is the absolute priority. Tours may be modified or rescheduled in severe weather. We contact you in advance if conditions require a change — full refunds or rebooking available.

What Guests Say

Life on the Water

From arrival to departure, every detail was flawlessly executed. The vessel, the views, and the crew were exceptional — the guide's knowledge of the bay's wildlife turned a beautiful cruise into a genuinely educational experience. Highly recommend without hesitation.

Kate Anderson

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

We booked a private charter for a family celebration on the Gold Coast and it was the absolute highlight of our Australian trip. The kids were mesmerised from start to finish. The crew went well above and beyond — attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being showy.

Peter Goldman

San Francisco, USA

Why Cooee

The Cooee Difference

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30+ Years of Trust

Three decades of creating memorable on-water experiences across Australia — the relationships with operators and skippers that only time builds.

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Genuine Support

We're available before, during, and after your tour. Actual humans, actual answers — not an automated chatbot.

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Competitive Pricing

No hidden fees or surprise charges on the day. The quoted price is the complete price — inclusive of all listed tour elements.

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Custom Itineraries

Every boating tour can be shaped to your group's pace, interests, and occasion. Private charters offer complete flexibility from departure to return.

Questions

Boating Tours FAQ

What boating tours does Cooee Tours offer?

Cooee Tours offers scenic river cruises, coastal adventures, whale watching (June–November), snorkelling and diving excursions, dolphin spotting cruises, water sports packages, and private charters. Destinations include the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Moreton Bay, and Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Where do your boating tours depart from?

Tours depart from various locations depending on the experience. Gold Coast tours typically depart from Broadwater and marina locations. Brisbane tours depart from South Bank or Wynnum. Moreton Island tours depart from Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba. Hotel pickup and transfers can be arranged from most Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Brisbane accommodation — confirm at booking.

Are boating tours suitable for families with young children?

Yes — many Cooee boating tours are family-friendly with activities suited to all ages. Moreton Island day trips, Gold Coast dolphin cruises, and Noosa Everglades tours are particularly popular with families. Contact us with your children's ages and we'll confirm the most suitable tour, vessel, and safety equipment sizing.

Can I book a private charter for a group or event?

Absolutely. Private charters with exclusive use of a luxury vessel, captain, crew, and fully custom itinerary are available for groups of any size. Common occasions include birthdays, anniversaries, corporate team events, company functions, proposals, and family celebrations. Call 0409 661 342 or email contact@cooeetours.com.au to discuss requirements and pricing.

What should I bring on a boating tour?

Bring sunscreen (reef-safe for any snorkelling activity), a broad-brim hat, polarised sunglasses, a towel, and a light windproof layer for open-water passages. For snorkelling and water sports, swimwear is essential. All safety equipment, activity gear, and — on most tours — refreshments and snacks are provided.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

Safety is the absolute priority — we never put guests on the water in conditions that aren't safe. If conditions require modification or rescheduling, we contact you in advance with options. Full refunds and rebooking alternatives are available for cancellations due to weather. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all multi-day or offshore boating packages.

Do you offer multi-day boating packages?

Yes. Cooee offers 1-day, weekend, and multi-day boating packages that can include accommodation, meals, and multiple on-water experiences. The Moreton Island two-day overnight package and Gold Coast water sports weekends are particularly popular. Custom multi-day packages combining boating with other Cooee tours are also available on request.

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Boating Tours

Boating Tours with Cooee — What to Expect