Electric Picnic Boat Hire on the Gold Coast

Be your own captain. No boat licence required.

BYO food and drink

No boat licence required

Up to 8 people

Shade included

Pet friendly

Safety assured

1 HOUR

The Quick Splash

A relaxed introduction to the Gold Coast waterways. Cruise the Nerang River and take in views of HOTA, Q1 and Surfers Paradise from your own electric picnic boat.

from

$149

Best Value
2 HOURS

The River Explorer

More time to cruise, picnic and explore. Enjoy the Nerang River at an easy pace, with time for city views, good food and good company.
Up to 8 guests, from just over $31 per person.

from

$249

3 HOURS

The Long Lunch

Slow down and see more of the Gold Coast from the water. Three hours gives you extra time to cruise further, enjoy your picnic and make the most of the Nerang River.

from

$349

Upgrade to GoBoat Plus!

Only two GoBoat Plus boats are available at our Gold Coast location, so popular times can fill quickly.

Enjoy a more comfortable cruise with cushioned seating, centre-console steering and extra power.

GoBoat Plus also includes:

  • Complimentary Bluetooth speaker hire
  • Complimentary esky hire (Ice included)

Over $50 of extras included. Upgrade from just $149.

If GoBoat Plus is available for your preferred time, we recommend securing it early.

More comfort. More style. Only 2 available.

Couple enjoying a GoBoat Plus self-drive cruise on the Gold Coast

Take the helm together with the extra comfort and easy centre-console steering of GoBoat Plus.

Your Gold Coast day, from the water

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Friends enjoying a picnic on a GoBoat Plus at Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast

Bring your favourite people together for a relaxed cruise through the Gold Coast waterways.

Bring your favourite people together for a relaxed cruise through the Gold Coast waterways.

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GoBoat cruising on the Nerang River with Q1 and the Surfers Paradise skyline in the background

Cruise the Nerang River with views of Q1 and the Surfers Paradise skyline.

Cruise the Nerang River with views of Q1 and the Surfers Paradise skyline.

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Child wearing a life jacket on a GoBoat on the Gold Coast

Little captains welcome. Bring the family together for an easy day out on the Gold Coast waterways.

Little captains welcome. Bring the family together for an easy day out on the Gold Coast waterways.

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With more than 10 specialty food stores at Capri on Via Roma, there’s plenty to choose from for your GoBoat picnic.

With more than 10 specialty food stores at Capri on Via Roma, there’s plenty to choose from for your GoBoat picnic.

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Older friends enjoying a GoBoat cruise at Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast

Easy cruising, good company, and plenty of time to enjoy the Gold Coast waterways together.

Easy cruising, good company, and plenty of time to enjoy the Gold Coast waterways together.

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Golden retriever onboard a pet-friendly GoBoat on the Gold Coast

Four-legged crew welcome. Bring your dog along for a relaxed cruise through the Gold Coast waterways.

Four-legged crew welcome. Bring your dog along for a relaxed cruise through the Gold Coast waterways.

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GoBoat cruising on the Nerang River with Q1 in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast

See the Gold Coast from the water, with Q1 and Surfers Paradise along the way.

See the Gold Coast from the water, with Q1 and Surfers Paradise along the way.

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GoBoat cruising on the Gold Coast waterways with the city skyline in the background

Cruise the Gold Coast waterways with city skyline views aboard a self-drive GoBoat.

Cruise the Gold Coast waterways with city skyline views aboard a self-drive GoBoat.

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Guests enjoying a GoBoat Signature Plus cruise with an Edgewater platter and bottle of Chandon on the Gold Coast

Upgrade to GoBoat Signature Plus and settle in with an Edgewater platter and a bottle of Chandon on the water.

Upgrade to GoBoat Signature Plus and settle in with an Edgewater platter and a bottle of Chandon on the water.

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Ready to see the Gold Coast from the water?

Cruise the Nerang River from Isle of Capri, with no boat licence required.

Explore the Nerang River

Sailing from the prestigious Isle of Capri, explore from Surfers Paradise to Cascade Gardens and beyond.

Q1 Tower (SkyPoint) - the tallest building in Australia, standing at 322.5 m (1,058 ft).

Surfers Paradise - best known as the heart of the Gold Coast.

Home of the Arts (HOTA), known for its iconic multi-coloured façade.

The Langham, a 5-star hotel that often hosts A-list celebrities and high-profile guests.

The stunning Cascade Gardens, home to the historic Kokoda Memorial Walk.

Live Interactive Map

See your live location with GPS tracking onboard.

Explore points of interest along your route.

See shallow waters and restricted areas marked for your safety.

*BYO compatible device (e.g. smartphone or tablet). Mobile data is required.

Make your GoBoat day even better

Add the little extras that make cruising the Gold Coast even easier. Choose from options like esky hire, speaker hire, food, drinks, and more when available.

Captain's Hat

Captain's Hat

Ahoy Sailor!

Walk up price may vary. Book online and save! Made from recycled PET bottles, our captain's hats are a favourite.

$16

Read more

Bobby Lemon & Lime Soft Drink – 4 Pack

Bobby Lemon & Lime Soft Drink – 4 Pack

Soft Drinks

Enjoy a crisp and refreshing burst of citrus with Bobby Lemon & Lime Soft Drink. This pack includes 4 cans.

$16.5

Read more

Family and friends enjoying food and drinks on a GoBoat at Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast

Gift a GoBoat experience on the Gold Coast

Give them something they’ll actually remember. A GoBoat gift card can be used towards a relaxed self-drive picnic boat experience from Isle of Capri on the Gold Coast, with no boat licence required.

Gift cards are valid for 3 years, with the flexibility to add extra time, food, drinks, and selected booking extras.

Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or anyone who’d rather cruise the Gold Coast waterways than collect more stuff.

FAQs

How many people can fit on a boat?

A standard GoBoat Gold Coast can accommodate up to 8 people, including children and babies. This is the legal passenger capacity of the boat and cannot be exceeded.
Children and babies count toward the 8-person limit, while dogs and other pets do not count toward the passenger capacity.
Picking up additional passengers after departure is not permitted and may result in penalties, including loss of the security deposit.
If you have a larger group, you can book multiple GoBoats subject to availability. For groups of 16 people or more, contact our team so we can help coordinate the booking.

Do I need a boat licence?

Gold Coast Isle of Capri location.
GoBoats are designed for relaxed, low-speed cruising and are simple for first-time boaters to operate.
Before you depart from Capri on Via Roma, our Gold Coast crew will provide a safety briefing, show you how to steer and control the boat, explain the local cruising area and highlight any hazards or restrictions.
Once your briefing is complete, you can take the helm and explore the Nerang River at your own pace.

What happens if it rains?

Light rain does not necessarily stop GoBoat Gold Coast from operating, but safety always comes first.
Gold Coast weather can change quickly, so we recommend keeping an eye on the forecast before your booking. Depending on your booking conditions, you may be able to reschedule with sufficient notice.
If conditions at the Isle of Capri are unsafe at the time of your booking — such as strong winds, storms, poor visibility or unsuitable water conditions — the GoBoat Gold Coast team will advise you of the options available.
For extra flexibility, Cancellation Protection can be added to eligible bookings and allows you to cancel or reschedule for any reason up to 4 hours before departure, subject to the applicable terms.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Yes. You may bring alcohol onboard GoBoat Gold Coast, with a limit of up to 2 standard drinks per person.
The designated driver must remain at 0.00% blood alcohol concentration throughout the hire.
GoBoat does not provide plastic cups or drinkware, so bring your own cups if required. We recommend avoiding glassware wherever practical, although wine and other beverage bottles are permitted.
GoBoat reserves the right to refuse hire to guests who appear intoxicated or arrive with excessive quantities of alcohol.
Conveniently, Capri Wine & Beer is located within Capri on Via Roma, so beverages can be purchased before your booking if required.

Can I swim or fish off the boat?

No. Swimming, jumping, diving and fishing are not permitted from a GoBoat during your hire.
GoBoat Gold Coast is designed for relaxed cruising, sightseeing, picnics and socialising on the Nerang River and surrounding waterways, rather than swimming or fishing activities.
For safety, passengers must remain onboard while the boat is away from the GoBoat dock. Please also leave fishing rods and other fishing equipment at home.

If you would like to include swimming or fishing in your Gold Coast day, we recommend planning that separately before or after your GoBoat booking at an appropriate location.

Do I need a security deposit?

Yes. A temporary card pre-authorisation is required when you check in for your GoBoat Gold Coast booking.
For a standard GoBoat, the pre-authorisation is up to $200. For GoBoat+, it may be up to $500.
This works in a similar way to the security hold used when hiring a car or checking into a hotel. Once your boat is returned safely and there are no additional charges, GoBoat releases the hold.
Your bank may take approximately 3–5 business days to make the funds available again.
Bring a physical debit or credit card and photo ID when you check in.

Getting Here

Where is GoBoat Gold Coast located?

Once you enter Capri on Via Roma, make your way through the centre toward the waterfront and marina area, where you will find the GoBoat team and departure dock.
The Isle of Capri location puts you directly onto the Nerang River, with cruising routes around Surfers Paradise and surrounding Gold Coast waterways. 

GoBoat Gold Coast is located on the waterfront side of Capri on Via Roma, beside the marina and GoBoat departure dock.
Enter the Capri on Via Roma precinct and follow the centre through toward the waterfront. Once you reach the marina end of the complex, you will find the GoBoat team and boats at the dock.
Capri on Via Roma is located at 15–21 Via Roma, Isle of Capri, Surfers Paradise, so if you are using maps or rideshare, use Capri on Via Roma as your destination. 
If you have trouble finding us when you arrive, contact GoBoat Gold Coast on (07) 5522 2023.

What is Capri on Via Roma?

Capri on Via Roma is a waterfront shopping, dining and lifestyle precinct on Isle of Capri, and it is home to GoBoat Gold Coast. The centre includes restaurants, cafés, takeaway food, groceries, specialty retailers and waterfront dining, making it easy to organise food or make GoBoat part of a longer day out. 

You can grab picnic ingredients before your cruise, have coffee or breakfast nearby, or stay for lunch, dinner or drinks after your GoBoat experience.

Current food and dining options at the precinct include businesses such as Harris Farm Markets, Edgewater Dining & Lounge Bar, Madam Fu Modern Asian, Manolas Deli Bar Bistro, Johnny Omeros Seafood, Bisou Bakery, Urban Fix Espresso, South Coast Coffee Co and other cafés and eateries.

Where should I park and what Entrance should I use at Capri on Via Roma?

GoBoat Gold Coast is located at Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri, with basement and above-ground parking available within the precinct. Guests can currently receive 4 hours of free parking by checking with the GoBoat team, with parking fees applying for longer stays. Payment for additional time can be made using the Scan to Pay QR codes in the car park.

Capri on Via Roma can be accessed from both Via Roma and St Andrews Avenue. The Via Roma entrance is the main access point, while St Andrews Avenue can be a convenient option for guests arriving with dogs, prams, wheelchairs or other accessibility needs.
Once inside the precinct, make your way towards the waterfront and marina area to find the GoBoat departure dock.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your booking to allow time for parking, check-in and your safety briefing. Street parking may also be available around Isle of Capri, subject to local signs and restrictions.

How do I get to GoBoat Gold Coast by public transport?

GoBoat Gold Coast is accessible by public transport, with bus services connecting the Isle of Capri to areas including Broadbeach and Southport.

Translink currently operates Route 731 between Broadbeach and Southport via Isle of Capri, making it a useful option for guests travelling without a car. 

For the most accurate route and travel time on the day of your booking, we recommend using the Translink Journey Planner and entering Capri on Via Roma, Surfers Paradise as your destination.
Queensland public transport fares are currently just 50 cents per journey, making the G:link tram an affordable and convenient way to reach GoBoat Gold Coast. The tram operates between Helensvale and Burleigh Heads, with GoBoat Isle of Capri located approximately 1 km from Surfers Paradise South station. It is a great transport option for families, groups and visitors staying in Surfers Paradise or elsewhere along the Gold Coast tram line.

Is GoBoat Gold Coast accessible for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility

If you or someone in your group has limited mobility or uses a wheelchair, please contact GoBoat Gold Coast before booking so we can discuss your individual needs and the safest way to board.
Capri on Via Roma has more than one access point, including access from St Andrews Avenue, which may provide a more convenient route for guests with accessibility requirements, prams or mobility aids.

Boat access is different from entering a normal building, so suitability can depend on the individual guest, mobility equipment and conditions at the dock.

Our team will be happy to explain the boarding setup and help determine the most suitable option before you arrive.

Food, Drink and Alcohol

Can I buy picnic food before my GoBoat Gold Coast trip?

Yes. One of the advantages of GoBoat Gold Coast being located at Capri on Via Roma is that you can buy food, drinks and picnic supplies right before your cruise.
Harris Farm Markets is located within the centre and sells fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery items, deli products, cheese, meats, seafood, snacks and gourmet groceries, making it easy to build a picnic or grazing platter before boarding. 

There are also cafés, bakeries, delis, sushi and takeaway options throughout Capri on Via Roma if you would rather pick up ready-to-eat food. 

You are welcome to bring your own food onboard GoBoat, so arriving a little earlier and picking up your picnic at Capri on Via Roma can make the experience particularly easy.

Can I buy alcohol near GoBoat Gold Coast?

Yes. Capri Wine & Beer is located within Capri on Via Roma, making it convenient to purchase beverages before your GoBoat booking. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, providing some of the best beer, wine and cider options on the Gold Coast.

If you are bringing alcohol onboard, GoBoat allows up to 2 standard drinks per person, and the designated driver must remain at 0.00% blood alcohol concentration.

GoBoat reserves the right to refuse hire if guests appear intoxicated or arrive with excessive amounts of alcohol.

About GoBoat Gold Coast

Can I bring my dog to GoBoat Gold Coast?

Yes. GoBoat Gold Coast is dog friendly, so your dog or other suitable pet is welcome to join your group on the water.

Dogs and pets do not count toward the standard 8-person passenger capacity, so you can bring your furry crew member without reducing the number of human passengers permitted onboard.

Bring a lead, water, bowl and anything else your dog may need during the cruise. You are also welcome to bring a dog life jacket if you would like them to wear one.

When arriving at Capri on Via Roma with a dog, the St Andrews Avenue entrance can be a convenient way to access the precinct and make your way toward the GoBoat dock.

What can I see from GoBoat Gold Coast?

From GoBoat Gold Coast at the Isle of Capri, you can explore the Nerang River and enjoy views of Surfers Paradise and some of the Gold Coast’s best-known waterfront landmarks.
Depending on your booking duration, route and conditions, you may cruise toward areas including Surfers Paradise, Cascade Gardens, HOTA and other parts of the Nerang River, with the Q1 skyline visible around the city. GoBoat's own Gold Coast information also highlights cruising toward areas around the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in the south and toward Southport in the north on suitable trips. 

Wind, tide, current and your booking duration affect how far you can travel, so ask the GoBoat team about the best route on the day.

Your GoBoat also uses GPS-based tracking and mapping to help you understand your position and the approved cruising area.

Find GoBoat Gold Coast at Isle of Capri

We’re located at Capri on Via Roma, Isle of Capri.

21 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Head through the centre towards the waterfront and marina to find the GoBoat dock. For dogs, prams, wheelchairs, or easier access, the St Andrews Avenue entrance can be a convenient option.