There is no better way to end a day on the Gold Coast than from the water. This 90-minute guided kayak tour takes you through the quiet canals of Surfers Paradise at golden hour and out onto the open Broadwater as the sky begins to change colour.

Meet your guide at Budds Beach where you'll be geared up and on the water within minutes. From there, you'll wind your way through the iconic Surfers Paradise canals, taking in the skyline from a perspective most visitors never see. Your guide will share stories about the area, the wildlife, and the waterways.

The paddle brings you to Macintosh Island — a quiet green reserve that feels a world away from the bustle of Surfers Paradise. This is home to a resident community of peacocks, swans and geese who are well accustomed to visitors.

As you make your way back to Budds Beach, the sun will be setting over the hinterland, casting the Gold Coast skyline in shades of gold and pink. It's the kind of moment that's hard to put into words — and even harder to capture in a photo.

Departure times are adjusted seasonally so you're always on the water at the best time of day: 5:00pm in summer, 4:00pm in autumn and spring, and 3:30pm in winter.