Gold Coast: Moreton Island Day Trip Kayak & Sandboarding

Planning a day trip to Moreton Island from the Gold Coast? This tour promises a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural sights—perfect for those who want a taste of everything without the hassle of planning every detail.

What really makes this experience stand out are the guided 4WD tour, the thrilling sand tobogganing, and the opportunity to snorkel among shipwrecks and marine life. Plus, the overall value is quite attractive, considering all the activities included.

One possible consideration? The ferry and national park fees aren’t included in the initial price and need to be paid separately—something to keep in mind when budgeting. This tour suits active travelers, nature lovers, and families eager for an outdoor day packed with fun.

Key Points

• All-in-one adventure: Combines 4WD, kayaking, snorkeling, and sandboarding for a full day of fun.
• Authentic guided experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance every activity with safety tips and local insights.
• Great value for money: Many reviews highlight the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides, making it worth the cost.
• Includes transportation: Roundtrip transport from Surfers Paradise simplifies logistics.
• Focus on safety: Equipment like life jackets and safety briefings are provided, ensuring peace of mind.
• Flexible options: Activities are weather-dependent, so some flexibility might be needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Getting There and Transportation

The tour kicks off with a 75-minute cruise across Moreton Bay, departing from the centrally-located Mantra on View Surfers Paradise. The spacious boat offers outdoor and covered seating, providing great views and a comfortable start to the day. From the deck, you’ll get your first glimpse of the island’s rugged coastlines and maybe even spot some dolphins or rays if luck is on your side.

The roundtrip transportation from Surfers Paradise is a major plus, removing the stress of coordinating transport yourself. It’s a good way to relax and enjoy the scenic ocean views on the way to your island adventure.

The 4WD Guided Tour

Once on the island, your guide—an expert with a penchant for making the trip lively and informative—takes the wheel for a full guided 4WD tour. This is where you truly get a feel for the island’s terrain and natural beauty. Expect to visit “The Desert”, a strikingly sandy landscape that feels like stepping into a different world.

Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with reviews highlighting how they check in constantly to ensure everyone is comfortable and having fun. The ride covers Gheebulum Coonungai National Park, giving you a good dose of island scenery covered in native flora.

Sand Tobogganing: Speed and Thrills

The highlight for many thrill-seekers is the sand tobogganing. Sliding down giant dunes at speeds of over 70 km/h (about 44 mph) offers pure adrenaline. One review even mentions the joy of “the exhilaration of sand tobogganing at speeds of over 40 miles per hour,” which is a real rush.

This activity is perfect for those wanting a combination of fun and a bit of physicality, though it’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back issues, or anyone prone to seasickness. The experience is safe, with guides providing all necessary equipment.

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Snorkeling and Kayaking at Tangalooma Wrecks

The underwater part of this tour is equally compelling. The snorkeling tour around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks lets you see turtles, dolphins, rays, and a vibrant array of reef fish. The wrecks are home to countless marine creatures, and the water is usually crystal-clear, offering great visibility.

The kayaking experience involves paddling a transparent kayak over the wrecks—adding a unique perspective to the maritime scenery. Many reviewers mention the professional guides, who provide safety gear like life jackets and briefings, making the experience accessible even to non-swimmers. One reviewer described the guides as “very educated and kind,” emphasizing the quality of the tour.

Beach Time and Relaxation

After the active portions, you’ll have time to relax on the beach at Tangalooma Wrecks. The tour includes DIY wraps for lunch on the sand, which means you can enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean. It’s a perfect moment to soak up the sun, take photos, or simply unwind.

Exploring “The Desert”

One of the most intriguing parts of the trip is exploration of “The Desert,” a sandy expanse that looks like a mini Sahara. Here, the sand dunes provide plenty of photo opportunities, and sitting atop them with the vast sky overhead is truly special.

Additional Considerations

• The ferry and park fees aren’t included in the $145 price, totaling about $80 AUD per adult (or $60 AUD per child). These are paid directly in cash to the driver, so plan accordingly.
• The activities are weather-dependent, especially for snorkeling and sand tobogganing. If conditions are unfavorable, guides will adjust the schedule to maximize safety and fun.
• Bring essentials like sunscreen, hat, swimwear, and a change of clothes, as wet gear and sun protection are vital.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or those prone to seasickness.

What Reviewers Say About the Tour

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. A traveler from Germany called the guides “very educated and kind,” while a Canadian remarked, “All of it was amazing!” The well-organized nature of the day also gets praise—guests appreciated the seamless flow from pickup, activities, and drop-off.

One traveler from the Netherlands pointed out that multiple pickup points could have been better communicated in advance, but overall, visitors felt the experience was worth the price given the variety of activities. The value seems to lie in the combination of guided excursions, equipment, and transportation.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurers and nature lovers who enjoy a mix of water, sand, and land activities. Families with older children, couples, or groups of friends will find plenty to do and see.

If you’re looking for a well-organized day with professional guides and a variety of activities, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced mix of thrill and relaxation without the hassle of planning each aspect of the day.

However, if you dislike being in the water or are unable to participate in physically demanding activities, it might be worth considering other options. The tour’s reliance on weather conditions also means flexibility is key for the best experience.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides roundtrip transport from a central meeting point in Surfers Paradise, making the day stress-free.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water are recommended for the day.

Are meals included?
Lunch isn’t a full meal but consists of DIY wraps you can enjoy on the beach during your break.

How much do the ferry and park fees cost?
They are approximately $80 AUD per adult or $60 AUD per child, payable in cash to the driver.

Is this activity suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable with snorkeling and kayaking with safety gear provided.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, this activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.

What makes sand tobogganing exciting?
Sliding down dunes at speeds over 70 km/h offers a thrilling rush, perfect for adrenaline seekers.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
Ideal in spring or summer, but always check the weather conditions as activities are weather-dependent.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Many guests praise the guides’ friendliness, safety briefings, and local insights.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 12 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening.

The Sum Up

The Gold Coast: Moreton Island Day Trip Kayak & Sandboarding offers a thoughtfully curated adventure packed with diverse activities in one day. It balances adrenaline rushes, like sand tobogganing and kayaking, with serene moments such as snorkeling and beach lounging. The inclusion of professional guides and transportation adds to the overall value, making it a reliable choice for a memorable outdoor escape.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who want a full day of fun without the stress of organizing each activity. It provides enough variety to satisfy thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, all while showcasing the stunning landscapes of Moreton Island.

If you’re after an authentic, well-organized adventure that combines scenic beauty with a good dose of excitement, this trip hits the mark. Just remember to budget for the additional ferry and park fees, and pack your essentials to enjoy every moment to the fullest.

You can check availability for your dates here: