The 15 Best Australia Speedboat Tours

1.Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast Jet Boat Ride: 55 Minutes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,499 reviews · from $42Our pick

Join Jet Boat Extreme in Surfers Paradise for a 55-minute Broadwater ride with high-speed drifts, beach buzzes, and 360-degree spins. Captains such as Jake, Toby, Mike, and Hamish add lively commentary. Life jackets, lockers, and spray jackets on colder days are included.

“We got soaked but it was so much fun. Wanted to do it again straight away but will need to be patient. This 60+ will definitely do again. Hamish the boat driver was knowledgeable about his boat and wonderful with a little lad who got motion sickness.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Ride on Thunder Twist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 841 reviews · from $60

Meet at Circular Quay for a 30-minute Thunder Jet Boat ride with drivers such as John and Tom. Hold on for 270-degree spins, fishtails, slides, wave riding, and power stops while passing the Opera House, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo, and Rose Bay. Expect music, spray, and a wet return.

“Had an awesome time. It was adventurous and we were able to some landmarks from the boat. We had taken this ride with 2 kids and they enjoyed it thoroughly!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Cairns Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 429 reviews · from $63

Meet your captain at Marlin Marina for a 35-minute ride through Cairns’ Trinity Inlet. Expect fast runs, sharp spins, sliding turns, tropical spray, music, and commentary on the mangroves and mountains. Captains including Steve, Harry, Sam, and Belinda have helped make this a lively, compact adventure.

“Prepare to get SOAKED! Loads of fun! Magnificent views on the boat ride too. They take loads of photos with Go Pro which you can purchase afterwards.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.30-Minute Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · from $51

Join Oz Jet Boating at Circular Quay for a 30-minute Sydney Harbour thrill ride. Your captain combines 270-degree spins, power slides, fast runs, and short sightseeing pauses near the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo, and more. Ponchos and lockers are provided, but you should expect to get soaked.

“Fantastic- so much fun Staff were absolutely amazing and very friendly Great experience- highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.55-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 403 reviews · 55 min · from $63

Ride from behind the Vibe Hotel in Surfers Paradise aboard a 650-horsepower jet boat. Your English-speaking driver, such as Toby, Jake, Mike, or Isaac, combines fast runs, sharp turns, and 360-degree spins with views of waterfront homes. Expect spray, speed, and a good chance of getting soaked.

“Such and amazing ride Mike was awesome. Everyone loved it and got very wet. Highly recommend something for everyone to do”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sydney Harbour: Thunder Thrill Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 372 reviews · 30 min · from $41

From Circular Quay, your English-speaking skipper takes you toward Sydney Heads at up to 75 km/h, mixing harbour sightseeing with 360-degree spins, sharp turns, music, and plenty of spray. Guides such as John, Jack, Will, and Tom are praised for lively commentary. Bring dry clothes.

“The activity was excellent and fun! Highly recommend the service provider.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Sydney Whale-Watching by Speed Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 314 reviews · from $92

Join Ocean Extreme at Campbell’s Cove for a fast, two-hour ride from Circular Quay past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge into the Tasman Sea. Guides such as Blake and Sean explain whale behavior while the crew searches for humpbacks. Jackets are supplied, but expect a bumpy, breezy ride.

“This was an absolute fun way to go whale-watching - so much adrenaline with the excitement of the speedboat, and anticipation of whale-watching.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Airlie Beach Jet Boat Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · from $63

Join Pioneer Adventures at Coral Sea Marina for a 30-minute jet boat ride around Pioneer Bay. Expect 180 and 360-degree spins, drifts, power stops, spray, live commentary, and views toward the Whitsundays. Captains including PK, Alex, Ben, and Scott are known for energetic rides.

“Thrill ride? It sure was! You get soaking wet, so best to dress like you are going swimming (rash shirt & boardies). Your hat won’t stay on your head, so wear lots of sunscreen on your face. Crazy ride, but so fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Gold Coast Jet Boat Adventure – 1-Hour Thrill Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 222 reviews · from $42

Ride from Mariners Cove Marina across the Gold Coast Broadwater at speeds up to 40 knots. Your captain adds 360-degree spins, power slides, and high-speed drifts while pointing out SeaWorld, Sovereign Island mansions, mangroves, and marine life. Expect a wet, funny, family-friendly hour.

“Great, entertaining experience which is safe and fun for little kids (mine was 7). Check in ran smoothly and the driver was fun and personable. What more could you want. Thanks. Suggestion: sell the rain ponchos.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Jet Boat Adventure Ride from Circular Quay

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 173 reviews · 30 min · from $40Best value

Join Oz Jet Boating at Circular Quay for a 30-minute ride powered by a 700-horsepower jet boat. Expect sharp turns, sideways slides, spins, wave riding, and wet-weather gear, with views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Rose Bay, and Taronga Zoo.

“Great fun. We had a great experience on the jet boat and would recommend it to others”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.360-Degree High-Speed Jet Boat Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 161 reviews · 45 - 90 minutes · from $41

Hold tight for a 45-minute jet boat ride from Main Beach, with high-speed turns, spins, commentary, and 360-degree maneuvers from pilots such as Pedro, Braydon, and Lauren. Meet at Sea World Cruises Terminal or take the optional Surfers Paradise shuttle. Bring a towel or change of clothes.

“customer service was great the boys did really well great work to keep checking on everyone. maybe a few more spins lol”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Airlie Beach: 30-Minute Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 149 reviews · 30 min · from $63

You’ll race across Pioneer Bay with an English-speaking guide, passing Coral Sea Marina and Airlie Beach before 180s, 360s, drifts, power stops, and nosedives. The small boat holds up to 10 people, and your $63 fare includes safety gear and free GoPro photos.

“It was thrilling especially for my 11 year old who had never done it before. We want to do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Jet Boat Ride and Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 127 reviews · 1h 30m · from $148

Start behind the Vibe Hotel in Surfers Paradise with a fast, splashy 55-minute jet boat ride led by an entertaining guide such as Toby or Jake. Then transfer to Marina Mirage for a 10-minute helicopter flight over Broadbeach, Q1, Surfers Paradise, SeaWorld, and South Stradbroke Island. Plan your own return.

“Booked this for my parents and they loved every moment - great surprise present. Would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Sydney Speed Boat Adventure Harbour Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 124 reviews · from $96

Take the wheel of a red speedboat from Rose Bay with guide Dirk or another professional leader. After basic boating instruction and a life-jacket fitting, follow the guide past the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Garden Island, Shark Island, and more. The tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and carries no more than 8 people.

“Had an absolutely great time! Great way to get up and personal with some waves in the Sydney harbour. Tour guide was really nice and approachable, made you feel at ease and confident before heading out. Highly recommend this to anyone even if you’re a local.”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.1-Hour Extreme Jet Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 75 reviews · 1 hour · from $60

Join Paradise Jet Boating at the river end of Cavill Avenue for a 60-minute ride through Surfers Paradise canals and the Broadwater. Expect speeds up to 80 km/h, 360-degree spins, sharp turns, and views of Sovereign Island. English-speaking skippers lead the trip, with free digital photos included.

“Absolutely amazing, Josh was great, lots of spins, water and sun.”

Check availability →Read our full review