Review: Is the Jet Ski Safari Tour Worth It on the Gold Coast?

There’s no better way to experience the Gold Coast’s mix of golden beaches, hidden waterways, and island scenery than by jumping on a Jet Ski Safari tour. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it gives you a whole new perspective of this famous holiday destination.

But if you’re planning to go, you’re probably asking: How long are the tours? Do you need experience or a licence? What do you actually see along the way, and is it worth the cost? From zipping past sandbanks to spotting wildlife and exploring secluded islands, there’s more to a Jet Ski Safari than just speed.

On my own tour, I got to experience the thrill of carving through the Broadwater while also discovering quieter spots you’d never reach on your own. In this post, I’ll share my full review of the Jet Ski Safari tours on the Gold Coast, covering what to expect, costs, and everything you need to know before booking your ride.

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Review: Jet Ski Safari Tour on the Gold Coast

Overall, the Jet Ski Safari tour was an exciting morning out on the water and the breakfast tour was an added benefit. Therefore, I would absolutely recommend for any novice rider and would do it again myself, given the chance.

You can choose between a Solo or Double rider, but essentially the price is based on hiring the Jet Ski (We chose one Ski with two riders). This is definitely a fun and scenic way to experience Surfers Paradise, or the Gold Coast Waterways. As well as being a suitable activity as a couple, family or a group of friends.

➡  Find Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE on Viator. (Our specific tour was This one)

Still not convinced? Then please check out a little of our experience by watching my You Tube below. It just gives a brief overview and helps you decide if it’s the tour for you!

Note: If you’re buying as a gift, then I think there are gift vouchers available.

How much does it cost & Package Deals

If you’re planning a Jet Ski Safari, prices will depend on how long you want to be out on the water and whether you’re riding solo or sharing a ski. On average, expect to pay anywhere between $65 per person for a quick 30-minute ride to around $350 per person for a longer 2.5-hour ultimate safari.

➡  Find Jet Ski Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE on Viator (Our specific tour was This one)

The price you pay will also depend on whether you go solo or share, as well as the operator and inclusions. Weekends and holiday periods can also be slightly more expensive.

Some Jet Ski companies will have some sort of package or combo deals to help save you some money. This includes trying out the Ultimate Jet Boat Drive (watch our Jet Boat Ride here), another adrenalin ride, although I think it’s a bit tame compared to the Jet Ski. Not only that, there is Parasailing, for that overall view of the Gold Coast from high up in the air. 

What to Expect on the Tour?

Before the Tour!

The staff really look after you and run it under some strict safety guidelines in regards to reckless behaviour, speeds and following a required distance away. In order for you to participate “Licence free”, there is a video at the beginning and a small questionnaire or test to pass.

As well as the rules you need to follow in regards to “Who has right of way” and always staying with the group under a “Follow the leader” scenario. The group will be guided with an instructor in the back and front, and more driving back and forth, depending on the size of the group.

You should wear anything comfortable and preferably something that can get wet on the Jet Ski. We wore our swimmers, boardshorts and rash shirt and they give you a dry bag for your wallet, keys and phones.

My best advice – Keep it simple!

NOTE- you were given dry bags to hold your phones and wallets and there was no dress code for breakfast. (we had no shoes with us).

While on the Tour!

First up, each rider is orientated on the basic skills to drive the Jet Ski, obviously for your own safety as well as the other around you. Throughout the tour, the guides will take around in circles, jumping the waves or driving really fast in the straights.

Since this is a group tour (and Licence free), you can’t go off and do your own thing. But, at no time did we feel restricted or that we were going to slow. The city Skyline views are fantastic and worth seeing on the Gold Coast.

You’ll see everyone else enjoying their water activities, drive past other sailboats, large vessels, or even other Jet Ski tours. There is also a chance you could see some dolphins or turtles, but no luck for us this day.

➡  Find Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE with Viator. (Our specific one was This one)

Breakfast at Couran Cove (South Stradbroke Island)

The breakfast stop was a fun idea and worth adding to your Surfers Itinerary. The guides directed you to the small beach and lifted all the ski’s onto the sand. There was about an hour to walk around Couran Cove and order your breakfast.

It was a standard hot buffet breakfast on offer with eggs, bacon, hash browns, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. This cost around $20 per person, but the cheaper cold continental breakfast was on offer too . This had things like fruits, cereals, and toast, which was all paid on the Island when you show up.

➡  Compare prices for Gold Coast accommodation HERE with Booking.com

The Resort & Facilities

After a quick bite to eat, we had a look around at the resort. If you didn’t know, Couran Cove is a Resort Style accommodation and looks like a really nice place to stay.

Normally, you would need transportation across the water to get there, and lots of activates to keep you entertained for your stay. Personally, I loved all the rooms overlooking the creek surrounding the resort and will probably stay here one day.

How long did our Tour go for?

We chose to ride with Jet Ski Safari’s, although there were several different tour company’s available, on the Gold Coast. Once you pick a company, you can find out how many different times you have to choose from. These will explore different areas around the Marina and up past South Stradbroke Island.

Specifically with our Safari tour, I had the choice between 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours & 2.5 Hours. As I wanted a longer ride, the reception staff mentioned a Special Breakfast tour.

➡  Search Tours HERE with GYG, Or HERE with Viator. (Our specific one was This one)

It departed the next morning, went for 1.5 hours, and went from Main Beach to South Stradbroke Island. The great thing was stopping halfway for breakfast at Couran Cove, before heading back to the Marina.

It cost $270AUD, or $135 per person to double on the one Ski.

Note: Although, you had to pay for the Breakfast , it was optional!

Once you choose your time and find out the cost, the staff will tell you when they are running. 

Is there an age Limit?

To be a driver, You need to be at least 12 years old with an adult passenger, or 16 years old to drive solo(although, 18+ guardian must sign a wavier).

To be a passenger – you need a minimum height requirement to 120cm (about 7 years old). Generally, the child must sit on the Jet Ski and be able to put their feet on the footwells.

This is a safety requirement and ensuring they are able to hold on while riding.

Do you need help planning your trip to Queensland? Book a one-on-one consultation call with me, to get your questions answered & personalised help!

Do you need a Licence?

Essentially, NO, you don’t need a specific licence to complete the Safari Tour (even though I did have one).

They take care of that for you with a safety briefing and a short questionnaire, completed at the start of the Tour.

Once you arrive, you will be taken into a room to watch a video presentation that guides you through the rules you follow. Additionally, how to use and drive it, as well as the dangers and what “not to do” while riding. 

➡  Compare prices for Gold Coast accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Can you choose Single or Double riding?

A big YES, you can choose to be a single rider, or add a second as a passenger. There is one cost for the hire, and it will be the same cost for 1 rider or 2(split half for each rider).

Keep in mind this does mean that only one rider can drive at a time, and you might be able to change throughout the tour.

I think changing works out better if you have a longer tour, and you might not have to option on the shorter ones. To change, all new drivers need to be orientated in, (while on the water) and checked by the Guides before pushing on. This will take up too much time on the shorter tours and may not be an option.

We chose to ride as a double, which was better for me to concentrate on the filming with the GoPro. We did change for a short period, but I enjoyed myself more as a passenger. 

How fast can you go?

Obviously, you’re limited on going too fast, but you can get up to speeds around 60 to 80 kilometres per hour. Once the guides see you in action, they tend to separate the group with the faster ones to the front and the slower ones in behind.

I guess this is why they have the extra guides to compensate. At no time did I feel like we were being held back. On the other hand, I was glad that we weren’t stuck behind someone a little cautious and too slow.

You do have to be careful going over the waves at speeds. Too fast, and a passenger rider would probably fall off if they aren’t hanging on too tight. You also need to have a driver that can control the Jet Ski, as well as manage the shifting weight, of the passenger.

At any time, you can turn the throttle and slow down through sections if needed. Not only that but through certain areas, which have a speed limit.

What if You don’t want a guided tour?

If you want to hire a Jet Ski without a guide, then these Tours will NOT be what you looking for.

There a several other company’s that can do this at the Gold Coast, but you’ll more than likely need a licence and purchase insurance.

Wrap Up!

So has my Review convinced you that a Jet Ski Safari Tours is worth doing? I hope so, as it’s made an adventurous addition to my visit. Anywhere need the water is my happy place, so well worth it for me!

However, if you’re still planning you trip and need more help, you can delve deeper into my Gold Coast articles to assist.

• Is the Skypoint Climb worth it & Review?
• Gold Coast Vs Sunshine Coast – Which is better for you to visit?
• Find the Glow Worms in Springbrook National Park
• Novotel Surfers Paradise Hotel Review
• The Best 5 Day Gold Coast Itinerary in Queensland
• Best Snorkelling Sites in Queensland + Map
• Best Beaches in Queensland with Map & Photo’s