How Do I Book a Water Taxi on the Gold Coast?

Yes, the Gold Coast has water taxis — but the network works differently from Sydney Harbour. Instead of a dense grid of public wharves, the Broadwater and Nerang River are dotted with private marinas, restaurant pontoons and waterfront homes. That makes the Gold Coast one of the best places in Australia for a private water taxi.

Booking a Gold Coast water taxi

1. Go to the home page on Water Taxis Australia.
2. Enter your pickup — Marina Mirage, Sanctuary Cove, Runaway Bay Marina, Sea World Marina, Southport Yacht Club, Mariner's Cove, or drop the pin at a specific waterfront address.
3. Enter your drop-off. Restaurant pontoons like Glass Dining, Omeros Bros or the Sea World Resort marina are all valid.
4. Pick your time and passenger count.
5. Confirm the all-inclusive fare and pay.

Your ticket QR arrives by email and SMS. If the pickup is at a private jetty, the operator will call ahead to check depth and access.

What a Gold Coast water taxi costs in 2026

• Short Broadwater transfers (marina to marina, marina to nearby restaurant) — from around $150 per boat.
• Sanctuary Cove ↔ Marina Mirage / Sea World — around $220–$300.
• Runaway Bay ↔ Surfers Paradise — around $180–$260.
• South Stradbroke Island return day trip (Tipplers / Couran Cove) — around $650–$900 with a set return time.
• Hourly charter with catering — from around $650/hour (Inspiration Cruises rates), catering menus available.

Prices are per boat, include the vessel, licensed skipper, GST, insurance and platform fees, and are quoted all-inclusive before you pay.

Best Gold Coast pickup points

• Marina Mirage (Main Beach) — largest deep-water marina, easy jetty access.
• Mariner's Cove — right next to Marina Mirage, home to charter fleets.
• Sanctuary Cove Marina — northern Broadwater, gated resort with a public pontoon.
• Runaway Bay Marina — halfway between Sanctuary Cove and Southport.
• Sea World Marina — north Broadwater, quick reach to the Southport Spit.
• Southport Yacht Club — central, walking distance to Broadwater Parklands.

Popular Gold Coast water taxi runs

• Marina Mirage → Sea World Resort for family day-trippers.
• Sanctuary Cove → Surfers Paradise pontoon for dinner cruises.
• Runaway Bay → Tipplers Island for a day at South Stradbroke.
• Southport → Wave Break Island for a private beach picnic.
• Marina Mirage → Coomera up the river for waterfront homes.

When to book

Same-day pickups inside 6am–10pm are usually confirmed within minutes. School holidays, Magic Millions week and the Gold Coast Marathon weekend book out fast — reserve at least 48 hours ahead for those windows.

Ready to book? Enter your Gold Coast pickup and drop-off on the home page and the booking engine finds the right operator automatically.