Party boat hire on the Gold Coast: What to know before you book
Birthdays, hens, a reunion or the end of a big year: put your people on a boat on the Broadwater and the day mostly takes care of itself.
Before you book, it helps to know what you're choosing between. Here's how party boat hire works on the Gold Coast, and what to ask.
Private or shared: two kinds of party boat
Gold Coast party boats generally come in two kinds.
Shared cruises. You buy tickets, join other groups on board and follow a set timetable. Good for a small group or a spur-of-the-moment night out.
Private hire. You book the whole boat. The guest list is yours, the music is yours, and the timing is set around your group.
Horizon is private hire. When you book, nobody else is on board.
What's on board
Horizon Cat is a wide, stable catamaran built for groups:
Room for up to 30 guests
Bluetooth sound system and karaoke for your playlist
Shaded lounge, covered seating and open decks
BBQ, fridge, freezer and large eskies, with ice included
Two private bathrooms
Paddleboards and a lily pad for the beach stops
Captain Kenny and the crew host the day, so you can enjoy your own party.
Food and drinks
Bring your own. It's our most popular option. Bring the food and drinks your group enjoys, and we'll keep them cold.
Catered. Book platters, grazing boards or a chef on board through our catering partners. Catering is booked and paid directly with the caterer, and a drinks package is available with responsible service on board.
How long, and when
Cruises run as morning, lunch or evening sessions, for three to five hours. We recommend four: long enough for a couple of stops and a proper celebration, without anyone watching the clock.
An evening cruise puts the sunset and the skyline in the middle of your party. A lunch cruise gives you time for a swim and a long, slow afternoon.
Where you'll go
Every route is planned around your group. Cruise the Broadwater past the skyline, pull up on the sand at Wave Break Island, or stop somewhere quiet off South Stradbroke Island for a swim. See the destinations we visit.
Which party is it?
Every group uses the boat a little differently. Here's where to start:
Weighing up a yacht instead? We've compared the two in catamaran hire vs private yacht cruise.
How to book
Pick your date. Saturdays go first, so if you're set on one, book early.
Confirm your numbers. Up to 30, including anyone working on the day.
Choose BYO or catered.
Choose your time and length. Morning, lunch or evening, three to five hours.
Tell Captain Kenny what you're celebrating. He'll help you plan the route around it.
Questions people ask
How many people fit on a party boat on the Gold Coast?
Horizon takes up to 30 guests. That number includes everyone on board, including any photographers or suppliers.
Can you bring your own alcohol on a party boat?
Yes. BYO is our most popular option. There are eskies, a fridge and ice on board to keep everything cold.
How much does it cost to hire a party boat on the Gold Coast?
It depends on how long you're out, the day of the week and the time of year. You'll find live prices and availability on our booking page, or ask for a quote.
Can we play our own music?
Yes. Connect to the Bluetooth sound system and play your own playlist. There's karaoke on board too.
Can we swim?
Yes. Most cruises stop at Wave Break Island or South Stradbroke Island, where you can swim, paddleboard or lounge on the lily pad in calm, sheltered water.
Where does the boat leave from?
Marina Mirage, Arm C Berth 12, 74 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach.
Ready to plan your party?
Check dates and prices, read what other groups say, or call Captain Kenny on 0408 125 312.
