15 Boat Tours in Noosa & Sunshine Coast That Survive a Second Look

1.Seafood Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 914 reviews · from $54Our pick

Cruise Mooloolaba’s river and canals for 90 minutes in a private booth while enjoying a seafood lunch and local commentary. Choose fish, calamari, prawns, or an Aussie burger, then order drinks, upgrades, and extras from the licensed bar. The family-run Coastal Cruises crew includes familiar names such as Ollie, Tommy, and Shorty.

“We found the luncheon to be of great value, relaxing and informative. The crew were friendly and nothing was a problem. Definite highlight of our time in Mooloolaba.”

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2.Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 906 reviews · 2h 30m · from $66

Take a 150-minute afternoon cruise from Habitat Noosa through the still waters of the Noosa Everglades. Your English-speaking crew, often including guides such as Peter, Sonny, Jan, or Teri, shares local history, points out birds and wildlife, and serves sparkling wine, beer, or juice. Optional Noosa pickup is available.

“Great trip - beautiful place and really knowledgeable guide”

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3.Mooloolaba: Seafood Lunch Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 473 reviews · 1h 30m · from $53

Cruise Mooloolaba’s river and canals for 90 minutes while enjoying fish and chips, calamari, prawns, or a burger. Captain Shorty, Darren, Sandy, Ollie, and other Coastal Cruises crew members provide local stories, while the licensed bar serves drinks and cocktails. Meet at The Wharf 30 minutes before departure.

“my husband and I enjoyed it immensely. Great value, great captain and the two deckhand excellent. lunch was very tasty.”

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4.Serenity Cruise to Australia’s Everglades

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 408 reviews · from $67

Cruise from Habitat Noosa into the tea tree stained waterways of Australia’s Everglades. Expect a 2.5 hour afternoon trip, local commentary from guides such as Paul, Chris, Sonny, or Peter, wildlife spotting, a short rainforest walk, and a complimentary beer or glass of bubbles. Pickup is available, and the cruise returns to its starting point.

“Very interesting, informative and fun. Such a brilliant and unique place to visit. My only suggestion would be to make the walk as informative as the cruise.”

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5.Sunshine Coast: Mooloolaba River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 310 reviews · 1h 30m · from $38

Spend 90 minutes cruising Mooloolaba Harbour, the river mouth, fish markets, and Minyama canals. Order fresh seafood picked up during the cruise, then enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer as guides such as Ollie share local stories and point out Millionaires Row.

“Thoroughly enjoy the cruise & our drinks guy was very entertaining”

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6.Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 298 reviews · from $25

Set out from Wharf Mooloolaba for a 90-minute evening cruise along the river, canals, harbour, and bay. You’ll hear local commentary, see fishing boats and pilot vessels, and watch the sun go down from the water. Fresh seafood, drinks, and table service are available for an additional cost. Groups are limited to 12 people.

“Great hosts and great set up. Seafood was unreal! The tour of the area was great aswell and the bar service was quick.”

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7.Everglades Explorer Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 249 reviews · 4h 30m · from $116

Cruise Noosa’s tea-tree waterways with an English-speaking guide, then choose a 5km canoe paddle to Harry’s Hut or stay aboard. You’ll get morning refreshments, canoe gear, and shuttle transport from selected Noosa stops. Afterward, buy lunch or a beer at the onsite bistro and micro-brewery.

“Great tour! The guides helped us to see different wildlife, they were knowledgable and friendly. The canoeing experience was great, very peaceful and tranquil. Such a beautiful place to visit.”

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8.Noosaville: Noosa River Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 161 reviews · 2 hours · from $26

Cruise from Noosaville through Woods Bay, Weyba Creek, the river mouth, and Noosa Sound Canals as the sun drops. Expect live commentary in English, easygoing music, wildlife, waterfront homes, and a licensed bar. Guides including Dave, Santi, Santos, Jack, and Alec have been praised for local stories and humor. Bring snacks and sunscreen.

“The Noosa River sunset cruise was an amazing experience. Exceptional views and Captain Dave was wonderful — extremely friendly, funny and knowledgeable about the region. Everything from realestate to local history, bird and plant life. Highly recommend this tour.”

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9.Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 153 reviews · 3 hours · from $60

From Sunreef Mooloolaba, cruise beyond the river mouth to search for humpback whales on their seasonal migration. You get indoor and outdoor seating, an upstairs viewing area, onboard bathrooms, live English commentary, and a whale guarantee that gives you a free return trip if none are sighted. Dolphins, turtles, and seabirds may join the show.

“very friendly and we saw several whales and some dolphins”

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10.Noosa Whale Watching Cruise – Humpback Whale Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $71

Set out from Noosa Marina in Tewantin with Noosa Oceanrider for a two-hour whale-watching trip capped at 12 people. Your skipper, including guides such as Christian and Mike, tracks humpback whales near Noosa Heads. Expect binoculars, a lively ride, and possible sightings of dolphins, turtles, rays, and breaching whales.

“Best experience. Saw many breaching whales. Captain was super knowledgeable and kind. Highly recommend.”

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11.Mooloolaba: Canal Cruise with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 143 reviews · 1 hour · from $24Best value

Board the historic M.V. Mudjimba beside SEA LIFE Aquarium for a one-hour cruise through Mooloolaba’s canals, marinas, and river mouth. Your English-speaking crew shares local stories, points out grand waterfront homes, passes Steve Irwin’s Croc One, and may let you take the helm. A licensed bar serves drinks and snacks.

“Great hour long cruise around the canals viewing all the fabulous houses and boats on the water. Great commentary about the area and houses and some good jokes dropped in along the way. Really enjoyed it and would recommend. Good value 😊”

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12.Mooloolaba: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 108 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

Join Adventure Rafting at Mooloolaba Wharf for a two-hour whale watching trip on a fast raft. Jack, Nina, Izzy, Georgia, Rod, and other local crew members have guided past departures, using onboard commentary, a hydrophone, and HD underwater cameras to help you see and hear humpback whales. The ride is exciting but can be rough in a swell.

“Had an awesome day - skipper & crew knew their stuff and found lots of pods for us to photograph.”

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13.Mooloolaba: Sunshine Coast Sunset Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 106 reviews · 1 hour · from $24

Spend one hour cruising from The Wharf Mooloolaba through the Sunshine Coast canals as the sun drops behind the Blackall Range. Your English-speaking skipper provides lively local commentary, and you may get a turn at the helm. There is a licensed bar, snacks, and a chance to see Croc One, Mooloolah Island, and the coast toward Noosa Heads.

“Enjoyed taking in all the beautiful houses. Boat ride was smooth and we were given enough time to take photos of the sunset.”

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14.Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · from $60

Spend about two hours aboard a historic vessel cruising Mooloolaba’s calm canals and river mouth at sunset. Enjoy a grazing box with local meats, cheeses, nuts, and crackers, plus one complimentary cocktail. Live music, including performances by Essi, gives the ride an easygoing evening feel. A licensed bar sells more drinks.

“Absolutely loved it … great drinks snacks and fun atmosphere… great music and entertainment… thank you”

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15.Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 67 reviews · 2 hours · from $53

Board Saltwater, a heritage-listed vessel at The Wharf Mooloolaba, for a two-hour evening cruise with live acoustic music, welcome champagne or beer, native-botanical cocktails, and an individual grazing box. Simon and the crew are known for friendly service, while the gentle canal route suits couples, friends, and families.

“Everything about this activity was brilliant from start to finish”

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