Charter Boats Gold Coast: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

Written By Inspiration Cruises

Looking to explore the Gold Coast from the water? Whether it’s a birthday bash, hens night, work event or just a relaxing afternoon on the Broadwater, a private charter boat on the Gold Coast is one of the best ways to experience it.

Here’s everything you need to know about booking a charter — and why it’s so much better than a basic boat hire.

What Is a Charter Boat?

A charter boat is a privately hired vessel that comes with a licensed captain and crew, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. It’s different from standard “boat hire” where you're expected to drive the boat yourself.

With Inspiration Cruises, your charter includes:

  • A luxury 34ft motor yacht

  • Experienced skipper and deck crew

  • Sound system with Bluetooth

  • Covered outdoor deck and indoor lounge

  • Fridge, esky with ice, and glassware

  • BYO drinks and food welcome — or add catering & extras

Where Do Gold Coast Boat Charters Go?

We cruise the calm inland waterways — no open ocean, just sheltered beauty.

Popular routes include:

  • Surfers Paradise and the Nerang River

  • The Broadwater and Wave Break Island

  • South Stradbroke Island and Tipplers

  • Luxury waterfront homes like Sovereign Islands & Isle of Capri

You can customise your route based on time and vibe — party, relaxing, or sightseeing.

Who Books a Charter Boat on the Gold Coast?

Charter boats are ideal for:

With group sizes from 2 to 25, we’ll help you tailor the perfect day or night on the water.

How Much Does a Charter Cost?

We keep it simple: 👉 $650 per hour (2-hour minimum)

There are no sneaky fees. Your hourly rate includes everything from crew to fuel. And we don’t charge corkage or bar fees — we’re proudly BYO.

Optional extras include:

  • DJ hire

  • Topless waitstaff

  • Return mini bus transfers

  • Grazing platters and catering packages

View optional extras and catering here

Boat Charter vs. Boat Hire — What’s the Difference?

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you get:

✔️ Charter Boat (Inspiration Cruises)

  • Licensed skipper and crew

  • No license needed

  • BYO drinks and catering-friendly

  • Luxury inclusions: lounge, sound system, bathroom

  • Perfect for groups, parties, and stress-free cruising

❌ Basic Boat Hire (Drive Yourself)

  • You drive the boat yourself

  • Often requires a boat license

  • Limited BYO options or restrictions

  • Basic setup, no crew or service

  • Not ideal for events or larger groups

Ready to Book a Charter Boat on the Gold Coast?

Booking your Gold Coast boat charter is easy. Just choose your date, number of people, and preferred start time. We’ll help you with everything else — including catering and party extras if needed.

👉 Contact us to check availability

Or browse our most popular cruises:

Final Thoughts

When it comes to charter boats on the Gold Coast, there’s no better way to celebrate, unwind, or explore. With a fully crewed yacht, flexible itineraries, and good vibes guaranteed, Inspiration Cruises makes it easy to enjoy the Gold Coast in style.

Let’s make your next occasion unforgettable.

Inspiration Cruises
Next

Yacht Hire Gold Coast: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book (2025)