Water Activities
Sunshine Coast

 
 

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia is a haven for water lovers, offering a wide variety of aquatic activities across its stunning coastline, rivers, and marine parks. From relaxed ocean swims to adrenaline-pumping adventures, the region caters to every interest and skill level.

Top Water Experiences:

Surfing

  • Noosa Main Beach – Ideal for beginners with long, gentle waves and surf schools.

  • Sunshine Beach – A favourite for experienced surfers seeking consistent, powerful breaks.

  • Coolum Beach – Known for its reliable waves and laid-back surf scene.

Snorkelling & Marine Life

  • Point Arkwright – Great for spotting reef fish and underwater rock formations.

  • Mudjimba Island – A snorkel hotspot accessible via tour for vibrant coral and turtles.

  • Mooloolaba – Home to marine tours offering reef and wreck snorkelling experiences.

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

  • Noosa River – Calm, scenic waters perfect for beginners and families.

  • Pumicestone Passage (Caloundra) – A peaceful spot to explore mangroves, birdlife, and sandbanks.

  • Maroochy River – Offers both tranquil paddling and stretches of open water.

Jet Skiing & Boat Tours

  • Mooloolaba & Caloundra – Base for guided jet ski safaris and high-speed adventures.

  • Noosa Everglades & Laguna Bay – Scenic cruises and eco-friendly boat tours available.

Planning Tips for Water Activities

  • Always check local conditions and safety advice, especially for ocean-based activities.

  • Book in advance during peak holiday seasons (especially for tours).

  • Many water activities are suitable for all ages, with family-friendly operators available.

  • Consider guided experiences if you're new to surfing, paddling, or snorkeling.

 
 

Trusted Water Activities Spots and Tours

Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf

Hidden in the south-eastern pocket of Queensland, Noosa is a surfing paradise where lush national parks meet warm, crystal-clear waters and five iconic point breaks.

Noosa Learn to Surf runs year-round surf lessons in Noosa, offering both group and private sessions for all skill levels. Their proven 1-2-3 method makes it one of the best places to learn to surf on the Sunshine Coast - they guarantee you’ll be standing by the end of your first lesson.

📍 Address: 3106 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM – 7 PM
👥 Best for: Group or private surf lessons (ages 7+), beginner to intermediate surfers
💰 Price: $85 – $500
🗺️ Map link

Ocean Addicts

Set against the shimmering Maroochy River, Ocean Addicts offers stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking on the Sunshine Coast - a peaceful way to explore natural waterways while improving balance and core strength.

Glide past mangroves, sandbars, and river mouth vistas on a guided paddle tour, a small-group SUP lesson, or hire gear for your own river adventure. Perfect for beginners, families, and casual explorers - no prior experience needed.

📍 Address: The Esplanade, Cotton Tree Parade (next to Cotton Tree Pool), Black Swan Park, Cotton Tree QLD 4558
🕒 Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 10 AM–2 PM, Sat–Sun: 8 AM–2 PM
👥 Best for: SUP & kayaking for beginners, families, and solo paddlers
💰 Price: $55 – $120
🗺️ Map link

Caloundra Jet Ski Tours

Rev up your own Yamaha jet ski and explore the pristine waterways of Pumicestone Passage on an unforgettable Sunshine Coast jet ski tour.

With panoramic views of Bribie Island, the Glasshouse Mountains, and Moreton Bay Marine Park, these eco-adventure safaris offer the perfect blend of high-speed thrills and nature encounters. Guided by expert marine instructors, you’ll cruise past mangroves, sandbanks, and wildlife-rich green zones - no prior experience needed.

📍 Address: Public Boat Ramp, Churchill St, Golden Beach QLD 4551
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 10 AM – 4 PM
👥 Best for: Adventure seekers, thrill-lovers, and nature enthusiasts (beginners welcome)
💰 Price: $200 – $480
🗺️ Map link

 

Subsurface Scuba

Dive into the crystal-clear shallows and vibrant Sunshine Coast reefs with Subsurface Scuba’s snorkelling tours. Ideal for beginners and confident swimmers alike, their small-group snorkel adventures explore marine-rich sites like Tangalooma Wrecks, Flinders Reef, and beach-access reefs.

With all gear, flotation, and refreshments included, it’s the perfect way to snorkel the Sunshine Coast - especially for first-timers, families, or those seeking a safe, guided experience.

📍 Address: Mooloolaba Marina, Pier 33/45 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM – 7 PM
👥 Best for: Confident swimmers, beginners with flotation, families
💰 Price: $89 – $199
🗺️ Map link

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

Step inside the Ocean Tunnel at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba for the Sunshine Coast’s only cage-less shark dive - a thrilling underwater encounter with Grey Nurse Sharks, reef sharks, stingrays, and hundreds of tropical marine species.

Shark Dive Xtreme is a must-do for adventurous travellers looking for unique diving experiences on the Sunshine Coast. No scuba certification is required - just the ability to swim and a bold sense of adventure.

📍 Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
👥 Best for: Confident swimmers aged 14+ (under 18s with a participating adult)
💰 Price: $299
🗺️ Map link

Deep Sea Fishing Co. Noosa

Operating since 1989, Deep Sea Fishing Co. Noosa is the Sunshine Coast’s longest-running deep sea fishing charter, known for its expert crews and three custom-built Cougar Catamarans. Departing daily to offshore fishing hotspots, you'll have the chance to reel in Snapper, Coral Trout, Mackerel, Tuna, and even Sailfish.

These fully equipped, no-experience-required trips make it one of the top options for deep sea fishing in Noosa - with gear, bait, refreshments, and fish cleaning all included.

📍 Address: 2 Parkyn Ct, Tewantin QLD 4565
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 9 AM – 3 PM
👥 Best for: Fishing enthusiasts of all levels, individuals, groups, and private charters
💰 Price: $220 – $330
🗺️ Map link

 

Noosa Whale & Dolphin Centre

Embark on unforgettable marine wildlife tours in Noosa with the Noosa Whale & Dolphin Centre - offering everything from whale watching cruises and dolphin adventure rides to guided snorkelling experiences.

Explore Noosa’s breathtaking coastline, encounter whales (in season), swim with dolphins, or take in the thrill of a high-speed marine ride. Operating year-round, with whale season tours from June to November, this is one of the best spots for wildlife encounters on the Sunshine Coast.

📍 Address: Jetty, 186 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM – 7 PM
👥 Best for: Whale watching, swim-with-whales, dolphin rides, snorkelling tours
💰 Price: $85 – $220
🗺️ Map link

Bli Bli Wake Park

Home to one of Australia’s best cable wake parks, Bli Bli Watersports Complex features three lakes, four cable systems, and 37 obstacles - making it a premier destination for wakeboarding on the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you're a first-timer, a kneeboarding beginner, or a seasoned pro, you'll enjoy slow sessions, private coaching, and top-tier gear included with every ticket. It’s one of the most exciting family-friendly water sports attractions in the region.

📍 Address: 367 David Low Way, Bli Bli QLD 4560
🕒 Opening hours:
Summer: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM; Public Holidays 11 AM – 4 PM; Closed Christmas Day
Winter: Thurs–Fri 12 PM – 5 PM; Sat–Sun 10 AM – 5 PM; Mon–Wed Closed
👥 Best for: Wakeboarding, kneeboarding, kids 6+, beginners to advanced riders
💰 Price: $85 – $220
🗺️ Map link

Efoil Caloundra

Experience the thrill of electric foil surfing with Efoil Caloundra, a top-rated water sports equipment rental service on the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, e-foiling lets you glide smoothly above the water on a battery-powered board - offering a unique, low-impact, and futuristic water adventure in Golden Beach, Caloundra.

📍 Address: 22 Esplanade, Golden Beach QLD 4551, Australia
🕒 Opening hours: Daily, 7 AM – 4 PM
📞 Phone: +61 449 087 577
👥 Best for: Electric foil surfing, beginners and advanced riders, individual sessions
💰 Services: E-foil board hire, lessons, safety gear included
🗺️ Map link