The Best Boat Hire in Noosa

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No shortage of boat hire in Noosa is welcomed as it’s a beautiful place to explore on and from the water. The scenery. The turquoise water. The secret beaches. It’s perfect for a day of catching rays whilst soaking up some Water Wellness.

Most operators run their boat hire from Noosaville; on the banks of the Noosa River. This allows boat hire onto an area of smooth water that does not require a boat licence, a popular choice for many.

With over 20kms of rivers and canals to cruise, from Hastings Street in Noosa Heads, through Lake Cooroibah and up as far as Lake Cootharaba, discover the beautiful Noosaville and historical Tewantin.

There is a wide range of boats to hire from here, from BBQ boats and Pontoon boats to Eco vessels and small fishing bowriders. These boats are small to medium size with engines that have just enough power to allow you to cruise freely for the whole day. There are also jet skis, kayaks and stand up paddleboards available for hire from most operators.

Noosa also hosts a number of party boats to hire and luxury charters.

We’ll list the best Noosa boat hire in Noosaville and Noosa River, highlighting which vessels are available and where. All boat hires do not require a boat licence unless otherwise stated.

1. Terrace Marina Boat Hire, Noosa River

With some great reviews, Terrace Marina Boat Hire is a popular choice on the Noosa River for boat hire. Under new ownership in 2022, Terrace Marina, which was its original intended name, was previously known as T Boat Hire, but the word ‘Terrace’ wouldn’t fit on the sails! Exploring the Noosa River deserves to be done in style. This is where Terrace Marina Boat Hire comes in! With the largest fleet of vessels available in Noosa, you will be spoilt for choice.

Based in Noosaville, they have boats, bowriders, pontoons, BBQ boats, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards available to hire, along with the best coffee served on the riverbanks.

Vessels available

Hire their ultimate party River Cruise Pontoon, the benchmark in premier luxury cruising. The super luxury 12 person pontoon boat comes with deluxe lounge seating, radio, Bluetooth speaker, 25hp four stroke engine, electric start and fuel included. Bring friends and family on board; this experience will cost next to nothing when sharing the price.

There are a number of BBQ pontoon boats available, carrying up to 16 passengers. When carrying 13+ passengers on board, a boat licence is required.

Looking for something a bit smaller, or maybe a bit of fishing? Check out their Bowriders for up to 6 or 10 passengers.

If speed and adrenaline are more for you, the River circuit offers a high speed rush in an exclusive jet ski zone. The Ocean Jet Ski Tour offers a guided tour into the scenic Laguna Bay, crossing the Noosa Bar and into the world famous Noosa National Park. Spot the resident wildlife along your tour; you may even be lucky enough for them to come up close and personal. Enjoy some time on the tour for your own playtime, or keep being guided by your tour.

One of the best things about Terrace Marina Boat Hire in Noosaville is its flexible hire duration, matching your budget perfectly.A boat licence is not required for any of their hires.

Don’t miss this one for one of the best Noosa Boat Hires!

2. O Boat Hire, Noosa River

O Boat Hire has the largest range of self-drive boat hires available on the Noosa River.

Whether it’s boating, fishing or simply a relaxing tour on the Noosa River you are looking for, O Boat Hire is equipped to ensure you have a great adventure in Noosa. Enjoy a barbecue or pack a picnic, pull up on the sandbanks of the Noosa River, go swimming, fishing and have fun in the sun with this Noosa boat hire.

Based in Noosaville, there is easy all day parking next to their bait and tackle shop, where there is also ice available for your on water experience, along with snacks, coffee, soft drinks and ice creams.

Vessels available

O Boat Hire has an exceptional range of Noosa Pontoon Boat Hire with the largest range of BBQ Boat hire in Noosaville and surrounding areas. Choose from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15 seater BBQ Pontoons, all available with full shaded canopies, comfortable cushion seating, BBQs on board and electric 4-stroke motors to allow you to explore most of what is on offer in one day. Their Deluxe Pontoon boats have lounge style seating and cd/radio players.

O Boat also offers a range of Wheelchair Pontoon Boats for hire. These are perfect for accessibility and come in 6,8 or 14 seater Pontoons. With easy ramp access, protective rails and plenty of room on board, there is no reason for a stress-free day out on the water.

These BBQ boats are ideal for families and larger groups to share the experience and the cost, allowing it to become extremely affordable.

Hire a smaller Front Runner vessel for exploring, that romantic date day, taking the kids out or catching your personal best whilst fishing in Noosa River. They have 4, 5, 6 and 8 seater Front Runners available with canopies, comfortable cushioned seating, and the largest vessel has a cd/radio player on board.

For something with a bit more protection, hire a Cuddy Cab with a 3/4 canopy, weatherproof side curtains, comfortable cushioned seating, cabin access for kids and a 25hp 4 stroke electric motor. They are available in 6 or 8 seaters and offer more comfort from the elements when out for a whole day.

Fuel and fishing gear are included in their great value for money prices. A boat licence is not required for any of their hires. Check out their website for individual videos on all their boat hires available.

What else is available?

Plan a day out on the Noosa River with their Stand Up Paddleboard, single, double and triple kayak hire. Easy to manoeuvre, stable and light, this is a great way to explore all the hidden gems of Noosa from the water.

O Boat Hire also offers jet ski hire in Noosa. Choose from their supervised River Circuit, where you can play the entire time, or head out on one of their guided Ocean Tours.

A boat licence is not required for any of their hires.

3. U-Drive Boat Hire, Noosaville

U-Drive Boat Hire, also known as Noosa Watersports, is another popular choice for boat hire in Noosa. Based in Noosaville, they offer a few different options from the larger operators above.

Based on the picturesque shore of the Noosa River, U-Drive boat hire are the only boat hire operator on the Noosa River that offers skiing and wakeboarding.

Vessels available

Explore one of Queensland’s cleanest waterways with their 8 or 12 seater BBQ Pontoon Boat, a Supa Cruiser 8 seater spacious boat or the smaller Centre Console for up to 4 people.

If motors are not your style, check out their wind and people powered watercraft. Jump on a Hobie Cat Catamaran for a leisurely sail, get a core workout on a Stand Up Paddleboard or enjoy the peace and quiet on a single or double kayak. Pedal Boats are also available for some old skool family fun!

A boat licence is not required for any of their hires.

4. Pelican Boat Hire, Noosaville

You can’t miss Pelican Boat Hire next to The Big Pelican in Noosaville! As one of Noosa’s well-known boat hire operators, Pelican Boat Hire has been around for over 60 years! They also have one of the largest BBQ Pontoons available for hire for up to 21 people.

Vessels available

As well as one of the largest fleets of boat hires available, they also have some of the oldest vessels. There are some luxurious, more modern boats, but they have an older feel to them.

Check out their 21 seater BBQ Pontoon for the ultimate self-drive party boat hire in Noosa. There’s also an onboard toilet! This boat can be hired with a captain. Or why not upgrade to a Day Tripper charter boat and enjoy the space and comfort onboard?

Pelican Boat Hire have 8, 12 and 16 seater BBQ Pontoon boat hire available. All have plenty of comfortable seating, shaded canopies, quiet motors and all Pontoons have ramp access making them accessible for everyone. Some even allow pets onboard.

For something a bit smaller, Bowriders are available for 8 people, Half Cabins for 4, 6, 8 or 10 people, and a Runabout for 6 people onboard. These are perfect for getting on the water to explore or just some relaxing fishing time.

Pelican Boat Hire also has Jet Skis available to hire, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards.

A boat licence is not required for any of their hires.

5. RoundAboat Boat Hire

For something a bit different, hire from RoundAboat Boat Hire and explore in one of their Eco BBQ boats! With seating up to 10 people, a BBQ is placed in the middle of the boat, with full shade, Bluetooth speakers and onboard steps to have a splashing time on hot Noosa days.

No boat licence is needed for this RoundAbout fun!

Still struggling to choose?

There are quite a few boat hire operators to choose from scattered along the banks of Noosa River and Noosaville. Here’s a quick summary of the best of what’s on offer and by which operator:

• Largest pontoon boat – Pelican Boat Hire
• Luxury fleet – O Boat Hire & Terrace Marina Boat Hire
• Range of hire – Terrace Marina Boat Hire
• Flexibility – Terrace Marina Boat Hire
• Eco friendly – RoundAboat Boat Hire
• Toilets onboard – Pelican Boat Hire
• Wheelchair accessibility – O Boat Hire & Pelican Boat Hire
• Sailing boat hire – U-Drive Boat Hire
• Watersports – U-Drive Boat Hire
• BBQ fun – Roundabout Boat Hire
• Hiring a Captain – Pelican Boat Hire

Do you have a favourite Noosa Boat Hire? Have you recently hired a BBQ Pontoon in Noosaville? We would love to know your thoughts in the comments below.