Gold Coast Boat Hire Self-Drive with No License Required
Overview
Sea the Sights and stand out from the others - experience the thrill of being your own captain onboard our fleet of affordable, unique electric boats for hire, providing the ultimate experience in relaxation, fun & soft adventure. Our custom built boats are safe, and are particularly good for those people who have never been on a boat before. When you glide across the water, you'll be treated to a totally different boating experience, silky smooth and whisper quiet, your senses will thank you! Truly unwind and feel at one with the shimmering waters as you enjoy the ease to maneuver your vessel. From the moment you embark, your tour will encompass all of what the Gold Coast is famous for; cruising the the magnificent canals, showcasing some of the Gold Coast prestigious real estate, spectacular skyline and wildlife. Cruise between 1-4 hours to a maximum of 10 passengers.
PLEASE NOTE: All Self Drive Boats need to be returned prior to Sunset. Skipper required for Sunset Cruises.
What's Included
- Safety Equipment
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food
Meeting Location
36 Paradise Place
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Gold Coast (pass by)
Main Beach (pass by)
Surfers Paradise (pass by)
Labrador (pass by)
Runaway Bay (pass by)
Broadwater (pass by)
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and are most welcome
- Wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- For Self-Drive you must be able to read and understand English & a Map. A signed contract is required. As a matter of safety, if we deem it necessary a Skipper will be required at an additional cost (minimal)
- We reserve the right to provide a Skipper at an additional cost (minimal) if conditions do not suit Self Drive as a matter of safety
- All Self Drive boats must be back before Sunset. Skipper is required for Sunset Cruises, please book accordingly
- All weather boating - We do not cancel due to rain, unless we deem it unsafe. Please dress appropriately. At our discretion in the event of inclement weather as safety needs to be in the forefront of our minds if conditions are less than ideal we will be happy to re-schedule the tour to a date and time suitable to you the customer (subject to availability) or a skipper can be provided at an additional charge. All vessels are equipped for all weather boating, we are not obligated to refund if conditions are not to your liking.
- No fishing or beaching of our vessels, no swimming on Snug Classic -Swim Ladder only onboard our Limo on the Water vessel, swimming is at your own risk
- You are more than welcome to bring your beloved pet if you wish
- If in doubt of your capacity to Captain a Boat, please consider booking a vessel with a Skipper. The Skipper will still let you drive, but will be on hand to teach you how to safely navigate the waterways
- You are more than welcome to bring your own food and beverages onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Is boating experience required for a boat rental?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-52794P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 57 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Queensland Distillery Tour Enjoy a cocktail on arrival as you’re guided through the distillery and given a behind-the-scenes tour of Granddad Jack’s. Enjoy a spirit...
$82
More Than a Course — It’s a Real Dive Adventure. Your Open Water Diver certification includes a FREE Double Dive Trip to Cook Island Aquatic...
$486
Sun sailing exclusive charters are perfect for an intimate sailing experience. Just you and your chosen people will sail the Gold Coast Broadwater aboard our...
$704
In the late afternoon, walk amongst kangaroos as they graze freely and search for koalas in a wild natural habitat. After dark witness the unique...
$100
Queensland Distillery Tour Enjoy a cocktail on arrival as you’re guided through the distillery and given a behind-the-scenes tour of Granddad Jack’s. Enjoy a spirit...
$82
More Than a Course — It’s a Real Dive Adventure. Your Open Water Diver certification includes a FREE Double Dive Trip to Cook Island Aquatic...
$486
Sun sailing exclusive charters are perfect for an intimate sailing experience. Just you and your chosen people will sail the Gold Coast Broadwater aboard our...
$704
In the late afternoon, walk amongst kangaroos as they graze freely and search for koalas in a wild natural habitat. After dark witness the unique...
$100
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Set sail on the stunning waters of the Gold Coast on this exclusive, two-hour lunch and sightseeing cruise, departing from a convenient spot in the...
$76
Australia’s only zipline over a crocodile enclosure! More than 100+ high-wire challenges! 14 absolutely epic ziplines reaching up to 100m! 7 courses: Easy Green to...
$56
1 hour Aquaduck city and river tour. Departing from the heart of Surfers Paradise, tours aboard the amphibious ‘Aquaduck’ combine an informative city-tour with a...
$45
Gold Coast Tandem Skydive
Take the plunge and tandem skydive over the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches. Your friendly guide will ensure your experience is one to remember for all...
$384
Set sail on the stunning waters of the Gold Coast on this exclusive, two-hour lunch and sightseeing cruise, departing from a convenient spot in the...
$76
Australia’s only zipline over a crocodile enclosure! More than 100+ high-wire challenges! 14 absolutely epic ziplines reaching up to 100m! 7 courses: Easy Green to...
$56
1 hour Aquaduck city and river tour. Departing from the heart of Surfers Paradise, tours aboard the amphibious ‘Aquaduck’ combine an informative city-tour with a...
$45
Take the plunge and tandem skydive over the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches. Your friendly guide will ensure your experience is one to remember for all...
$384
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
Yes, prior boating experience is required.
Feb 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
- Safety Equipment.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
- Food.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Gold Coast Boat Hire Self-Drive with No License Required is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Gold Coast Boat Hire Self-Drive with No License Required will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Safety Equipment
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and are most welcome
- Wheelchairs can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- For Self-Drive you must be able to read and understand English & a Map. A signed contract is required. As a matter of safety, if we deem it necessary a Skipper will be required at an additional cost (minimal)
- We reserve the right to provide a Skipper at an additional cost (minimal) if conditions do not suit Self Drive as a matter of safety
- All Self Drive boats must be back before Sunset. Skipper is required for Sunset Cruises, please book accordingly
- All weather boating - We do not cancel due to rain, unless we deem it unsafe. Please dress appropriately. At our discretion in the event of inclement weather as safety needs to be in the forefront of our minds if conditions are less than ideal we will be happy to re-schedule the tour to a date and time suitable to you the customer (subject to availability) or a skipper can be provided at an additional charge. All vessels are equipped for all weather boating, we are not obligated to refund if conditions are not to your liking.
- No fishing or beaching of our vessels, no swimming on Snug Classic -Swim Ladder only onboard our Limo on the Water vessel, swimming is at your own risk
- You are more than welcome to bring your beloved pet if you wish
- If in doubt of your capacity to Captain a Boat, please consider booking a vessel with a Skipper. The Skipper will still let you drive, but will be on hand to teach you how to safely navigate the waterways
- You are more than welcome to bring your own food and beverages onboard.
