Escape the Holiday Crowds with Your Own Gold Coast Christmas Cruise
A Gold Coast Christmas cruise offers the perfect escape from crowded shopping centres and busy restaurants during the festive season. Instead of fighting for bookings, imagine creating your own private celebration on the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater. Here are your main options for celebrating Christmas on the water with us:
Private Pontoon Options
- Full Day Pontoon Hire: Enjoy eight hours of Gold Coast fun with up to 11 guests. Cruise the waterways, use the onboard BBQ, and experience an all-day adventure. No boat license needed! You can also add a jet ski to your booking.
- Half Day Pontoon Hire: This midweek-only option offers four hours of cruising and feasting. It's perfect for a shorter celebration, and no license is required. You can also add a jet ski.
- Boat & Jet Ski Package: Get the best of both worlds with a full-day BBQ pontoon hire combined with two Sea-Doo jet skis for four hours of high-speed action.
High-Speed Holiday Fun: Looking for an adrenaline rush this Christmas? We offer both guided jet ski tours and independent jet ski hire. You'll find more details on these exciting options further down.
All our pontoon hires come with BBQ facilities, an esky for your drinks, and all the required safety equipment and fuel. We are all about BYO (bring your own), so you can bring your own food and drinks with no corkage fees. All we ask is that you leave our pontoons as clean as you found them. If you're keen on fishing, our pontoons are equipped with rod holders, but please remember to bring your own fishing gear.
Christmas on the Gold Coast means warm weather and the chance to see the spectacular canal Christmas lights from the water. A private cruise gives you the freedom to celebrate exactly how you want, creating an unforgettable festive experience.
Your Guide to the Perfect Gold Coast Christmas Cruise
There's something magical about celebrating Christmas on the Gold Coast waterways. While everyone else is battling shopping centre crowds and fighting for restaurant bookings, you'll be gliding across the pristine Broadwater with your favourite people, creating memories that'll last a lifetime. The best part? You get to design your perfect Gold Coast Christmas cruise exactly how you want it.
We've got three fantastic ways to celebrate the festive season on the water, each offering its own unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and Christmas magic.
Option 1: The Ultimate All-Day Christmas Party Pontoon
Picture this: eight glorious hours on the Gold Coast Broadwater with up to 11 of your favourite people, the warm December sun on your face, and complete freedom to celebrate exactly how you want. Our full-day options turn the entire Broadwater into your private Christmas venue.
- Full Day Pontoon Hire ($590): For eight hours of pure Gold Coast fun, gather your mates and cruise the waterways. Fire up the onboard BBQ, and soak in the ultimate all-day adventure. No license is needed, just good vibes! For extra thrills, you can add a jet ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours).
- Boat & Jet Ski Package ($1,900): Get the best of both worlds with our ultimate package. It combines the full-day BBQ pontoon hire with two Sea-Doo jet skis for four hours of high-speed action. It's the perfect mix of relaxed cruising and thrilling adventure.
Our spacious pontoons come equipped with everything you need for the perfect floating Christmas party. Fire up the onboard BBQ to grill your festive feast while the esky keeps your drinks perfectly chilled . Our pontoons are also equipped with rod holders , but you will need to bring your own fishing gear if you plan to drop a line.
The beauty of our pontoon hire is the complete freedom it gives you. Want to cruise the tranquil canals in the morning? Perfect. Fancy dropping anchor near South Stradbroke Island for a swim and BBQ lunch? Absolutely. As evening approaches, you'll find one of the Gold Coast's best-kept Christmas secrets: the spectacular canal Christmas lights display. Imagine cruising past the illuminated waterfront mansions in Runaway Bay from your own private vessel.
The best part? No boat license needed for our pontoon hire, so anyone in your group can take the helm. Just bring your BYO food and drinks (we don't charge corkage!), and we'll handle the rest. All we ask is that you leave our pontoon as clean as you found it.
Whether you're planning a family reunion, a Christmas celebration with mates, or a unique corporate party, our full-day options turn your Gold Coast Christmas cruise into an unforgettable adventure. Check out our Gold Coast Boat Day Trips for more waterway inspiration, or explore our Party Boat Hire Gold Coast guide for planning tips.
Option 2: The Festive Half-Day Midweek Celebration
Not everyone needs eight hours to create Christmas magic. Our Half Day Pontoon Hire ($400) gives you a private 4-hour midweek cruise for up to 11 guests, with onboard BBQ, esky and rod holders included, BYO food and drinks, and no boat license needed.
This option is brilliant for corporate Christmas parties looking to escape the boring hotel conference room, or families wanting a relaxed celebration without the full-day commitment. Four hours gives you plenty of time to cruise the stunning Broadwater scenery, fire up the BBQ for a sizzling feast , and soak in those precious memory-making moments with your loved ones. For an extra dose of adventure, you can add a jet ski for just $200 per hour (minimum 2 hours).
The midweek timing makes this particularly special for work celebrations. Imagine your team unwinding on the water, sharing laughs against the backdrop of the Surfers Paradise skyline, and celebrating the year's achievements in the most relaxed setting imaginable. It's team building with a Gold Coast twist.
Families absolutely love this option too. Kids get the thrill of being on a boat, parents can actually relax, and everyone enjoys the freedom to swim, cruise, or simply drift and enjoy the views. With the same BYO food and drinks flexibility as our full-day hire, you can create your perfect Christmas feast without the restaurant price tag.
Our convenient departure points across the Gold Coast, including areas like Broadbeach, make it easy to start your floating Christmas celebration. For more details about specific locations, check out our Broadbeach Party Boat Hire options.
Option 3: The High-Speed Holiday Dash on a Jet Ski
Who says Christmas has to be all about sitting around? If you're after an adrenaline rush and a completely unique Christmas activity , our jet ski adventures will blow you away. There's nothing quite like exploring the Gold Coast coastline at full throttle during the festive season.
- Jet Ski Tours (1 Hour, $200): Perfect for all levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Our one-hour guided tours let you cruise the stunning coastline and spot wildlife. Best of all, no license is required, and our guides ensure you have everything you need for a safe and epic time on the water.
- Jet Ski Hire (1 Hour, $200): If you have a valid jet ski license, our hire option gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Cruise through sparkling waters, find secluded spots, and create your own high-speed Christmas adventure.
The real magic happens when you combine jet skiing with our pontoon hire. While your family enjoys a relaxed Christmas BBQ on the pontoon, you can take turns hitting the waves for some high-speed excitement. It's the perfect way to keep everyone happy, from the thrill-seekers to those who prefer a more relaxed celebration.
For more aquatic adventures and tour options, dive into our Gold Coast Marine Tours: Your Guide to Ocean Fun.
Planning Your Private Gold Coast Christmas Cruise: What to Know
The secret to an amazing Gold Coast Christmas cruise is in the planning, and we're here to make it as smooth as possible. November and December are peak season on the Gold Coast, so booking in advance is absolutely essential to secure your preferred date and time.
When you hire one of our pontoons, we provide all the essentials. Your BBQ is ready for action, the esky will keep everything chilled, and all safety equipment and fuel are sorted. Our pontoons are also equipped with rod holders , but please remember to bring your own fishing gear as we do not provide it.
Transform your pontoon into a floating Christmas wonderland with battery-powered lights and festive decorations . Pack your favourite Christmas food , from fresh Gold Coast prawns to a hearty BBQ spread, and don't forget your drinks . We love that you can bring your own alcohol without any corkage fees; just help us keep the waterways pristine by leaving everything as clean as you found it.
Don't forget the Gold Coast essentials: sunscreen and towels for those refreshing Broadwater swims, and a music playlist loaded with Christmas carols or party favourites. A portable speaker will set the perfect festive mood as you cruise.
The biggest mistake people make? Waiting too long to book! December dates disappear fast, so get in early. Also, remember to check the local water forecasts before your cruise, though the Gold Coast's famously beautiful weather rarely disappoints.
Our pontoons are designed to be completely Family Friendly Boat Tours , providing a safe and exciting environment where kids can explore and adults can truly relax.
Why a Private Gold Coast Christmas Cruise is Unforgettable
Choosing a private Gold Coast Christmas cruise creates an experience that simply can't be matched on land. It's about escaping the ordinary and embracing something truly special during the most wonderful time of year.
The canal Christmas lights viewing from the water is pure magic. While everyone else is stuck in traffic trying to see the displays from the road, you'll be cruising past the Runaway Bay canals and illuminated waterfront mansions at your own pace, with the best seats in the house. The festive glow reflecting on the calm water creates a Christmas card moment that'll stay with you forever.
There's something uniquely Australian about a warm weather celebration on the water. While the rest of the world is bundling up, you're enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and BBQing under the December sun. The stunning Broadwater views stretch from the Surfers Paradise skyline to the pristine South Stradbroke Island , creating a backdrop that makes every moment Instagram-worthy.
The freedom and flexibility of your own private vessel means Christmas happens exactly how you want it. No crowded restaurants, no set menus, no rushing to fit someone else's schedule. You control the pace, the destinations, and the activities. Want to spend an extra hour watching the sunrise from the water? Perfect. Feel like extending your BBQ because the conversation is too good to end? Absolutely.
Most importantly, you're creating personal traditions that'll become part of your family's Christmas story for years to come. Whether it's an annual Christmas Eve lights cruise or a Boxing Day adventure with friends, these moments become the memories that matter most.
As the day winds down, consider extending the magic with one of our Gold Coast Sunset Cruises to watch the sky paint itself in festive colours over the Broadwater.
Your Ultimate Gold Coast Adventure Starts Here
There's something magical about celebrating Christmas on the water, and at GC Jet Ski, we're absolutely passionate about making that magic happen for you. Whether you're dreaming of a relaxed Gold Coast Christmas cruise on one of our spacious pontoons or craving the heart-pumping excitement of a jet ski adventure, we've got everything sorted to deliver a safe, premium, and unforgettable experience.
What sets us apart is our genuine commitment to creating those special moments that turn into lifelong memories. Our team understands that the festive season is precious time with your loved ones, and we're here to make every minute on the water count. From the moment you step aboard one of our pontoons or hop on a jet ski, you'll feel the difference that comes from working with people who truly love what they do.
We've made it incredibly convenient for you to access our adventures, with departure points across the Gold Coast including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, and other key locations. This means less time travelling and more time enjoying the stunning Broadwater with your family and friends.
The beauty of our service is in the flexibility. Want to fire up the BBQ and cruise the canals while watching Christmas lights? Perfect. Prefer to combine a relaxed pontoon gathering with some high-speed jet ski action? We've got you covered with our Boat & Jet Ski Package. Looking for that adrenaline rush on your own? Our jet ski tours and hire options are ready to deliver the thrill you're after.
This Christmas, don't settle for the same old crowded restaurants or busy shopping centres. Step into something extraordinary, accept the freedom of our beautiful waterways, and create a festive celebration that's uniquely yours. The Gold Coast looks completely different from the water, and we can't wait to show you just how spectacular it can be.
Ready to make this Christmas unforgettable? Your adventure is just a booking away:
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