Cruises on the Sunshine Coast
From the canals of Mooloolaba to the wetlands of the Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast cruises cover calm water rides, wildlife spotting and the odd splash of adventure. Here are some standout family cruises worth booking ahead for your next Sunshine Coast holiday.
Aquaduck Tours Sunshine Coast
The Aquaduck Tours Sunshine Coast is a 1 hour amphibious ride through Mooloolaba, splashing from road to river, with kids invited to take the helm and earn a souvenir certificate. Suitable for all ages, with a dedicated infant ticket for under 2s.
Mooloolaba Whale Watching Experience
The Mooloolaba Whale Watching Experience is a small group cruise out to see humpbacks breaching and tail slapping each winter. Minimum age is 5, with Family tickets covering 2 adults and 2 children, running seasonally from June to October.
Mooloolaba Turtle Tour with Boat Adventure
The Mooloolaba Turtle Tour with Boat Adventure is a high speed 90 minute ride past Point Cartwright Lighthouse and Mudjimba Island, spotting turtles and marine life along the way. Passengers must be aged 5 and over, with child tickets for ages 5 to 14.
Mooloolaba Canal Cruise
The Mooloolaba Canal Cruise is a relaxed 1 hour sail past waterfront mansions and islands between Mooloolaba and Noosa, with Family tickets covering 2 adults and 2 children. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise
The Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise is a half day wildlife cruise through the lakes and wetlands of Cooloola National Park, with pickup from Noosa included. Child tickets apply for ages 2 to 11, best suited to families happy with a longer, slower paced nature cruise rather than a thrill ride.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Sunshine Coast cruises for young kids?
The Aquaduck Tours Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba Canal Cruise are both gentle options with Family tickets, making them easy wins for younger families.
Is there a minimum age for the Mooloolaba Turtle Tour with Boat Adventure?
Yes, passengers must be aged 5 and over, with a reasonable level of movement and agility needed for the high speed ride.
When can you see whales on a Sunshine Coast cruise?
The Mooloolaba Whale Watching Experience runs seasonally from June to October, with a minimum age of 5 and Family tickets covering 2 adults and 2 children.
Is the Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise suitable for young children?
Child tickets apply from age 2, though it is a longer, slower paced wildlife cruise, so it suits families happy with a relaxed half day out rather than a fast moving adventure.
Do Sunshine Coast cruises run in all weather?
Most cruises are subject to weather, tides and minimum passenger numbers, so it is worth checking conditions and allowing some flexibility around your booked date.
Local tip: pair a morning Aquaduck ride with an afternoon Mooloolaba Canal Cruise, both depart from the same stretch of Mooloolaba so you can make a full day of it on the water.
Sort your family's Sunshine Coast cruise above, an Aquaduck ride, whale watching, turtle spotting, a Mooloolaba canal cruise or the Noosa Everglades. All good days are waiting.
