Feel scammed! Wasn’t allowed to do a self-drive tour.
I chanced upon this tour on TripAdvisor but the booking link didn’t work. The hotel concierge was one enough to get me the phone number and booking website as well as the open slots for later that afternoon.
However, even though my credit card had been charged for a self driving tour, I received an email stating that my booking was pending. A lady called and claimed that self driving tours were not allowed after 4pm because it would get dark. Because my family was keen to try the self driving tour, I asked whether we could move our booking to an earlier slot over one of the next two days. She claimed that they were fully booked. Exasperated, I asked for a refund but she flatly refused. I finally had to pay $80 to hire a skipper for an hour so that I would not lose the $165 that had been charged to my credit card. From this, I surmised that the issue wasn’t so much the time slot as the fact that they did not want to allow us to self-drive the boat.
I feel cheated because the business should not have charged my credit card until the booking has been confirmed. I am sure that consumer laws in Australia protect the customer against such events. However, because I was on holiday with my family and only in the country for a short trip, the options for recourse were limited.
事業者からの返答
We are sorry you feel this way, however we do feel it is important to clarify what actually occurred.
Our bookings are clearly advertised as “on request” prior to payment. This means availability is checked before the booking is confirmed, and payment is processed by the booking platform when the request is submitted.
On this occasion, we did not have a self-drive boat available for your requested time. We contacted you, explained this and offered you a private skipper cruise as an alternative. After discussing the options, you agreed to proceed with the skipper cruise, and we amended your booking and sent you a new confirmation.
We also upgraded you to a larger boat at no additional cost. You then proceeded with the experience and did not request a cancellation or refund.
We are therefore disappointed that your review describes this as being “scammed”, as this does not reflect what occurred. We did everything we could to provide you with an enjoyable experience despite your original choice not being available, and we were pleased that you were able to enjoy your time on the water.
We have been operating for 16 years and genuinely value our customers. We are always happy to find an alternative when availability doesn’t allow us to provide a customer’s first choice.
D
dontF4836GE
December 15, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A Great Gold Coast Experience
It would be difficult to overstate the enjoyment we had when we took our 6 year old grandson for a Gold Coast cruise with Duffy Boats. Reasonably priced very comfortable boats that are very easy to navigate in. At the end of our 2 hour tour, I was already thinking of my next trip. And, WOW seeing the magnificent mansions on the waterways. How the other half lives!! Thank you Nitsa.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Don. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your Gold Coast cruise with us, especially sharing the experience with your 6 year old grandson. I remember thinking what lovely grandparents you and Gayle are bringing
your grandson across Australia on your own, those memories are truly special.
It’s great to know you found the boats comfortable, easy to navigate, and good value, and we agree the waterfront mansions never fail to impress!
We can’t wait to welcome you back for another great adventure!
Merry Christmas and all the best for 2026
T
Traveler03213440719
September 30, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Chilled cruising with the family.
Nitsa was awesome! Super friendly and made sure we knew/had everything necessary for a chilled trip around the river sights. Even lent us a speaker so we could play our tunes. Would highly recommend.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide a 5 Star Review. We're thrilled to hear you had a great time on the cruise and I appreciate your kind words.
We hope to see you again in the not too distant future for another chilled adventure!
P
Philip_S
September 17, 2025 · via Viator
Lots of fun
The boat was in good condition and ready for us to walk on board as soon as we arrived. The instructions were easy to follow and everything went well. The map could have been easier to read but we figured it out with no problems. Highly recommended for a fun time with friends and family.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your 5 Star Review Phillip. We’re glad to hear the boat was ready and in great condition for your trip, and that the instructions made everything smooth for you. We appreciate your feedback on the map and will definitely look into making it easier to read.
It was so nice you were able to catch up with your family here in Australia and you had a fun time with them onboard, that’s exactly what we aim for!
Hope to see you again on your next trip down under!
T
Taylor_G
August 21, 2025 · via Viator
Best boat hire
It was an amazing experience to get to navigate the canals by your self the children really enjoyed it, would definitely recommend. They were fast and professional.
事業者からの返答
Thank you Taylor so much for the wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you and your family had an amazing time navigating the canals, it’s always great to know the kids enjoyed it too!
We appreciate your kind words about our team and your recommendation. Hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!⚓️
S
Southlanders2
August 7, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Unique experience on the GC
Great new location. Easy to find and plenty of parking options. A great morning with our parents cruising the canals. Easy to drive, great maps and instructions. Friendly and helpful staff.
Repeat customers and on our GC must do list
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed our new location and had a great morning out on the canals with your parents.
It means a lot to us that you found everything easy and enjoyable, from the parking options and instructions to our friendly team.
We love welcoming back repeat customers, and we’re honoured to be on your Gold Coast must-do list! Looking forward to seeing you again soon on a return visit across the ditch!
C
clairethomsett6153
July 23, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great morning out
We had a wonderful morning just on the water ways seeing the river houses. Even got to see a dolphin when we finished. Highly recommended to do this.
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much, Claire, for taking the time to leave such a glowing review!
We’re delighted to hear you had a wonderful morning exploring the waterways and riverfront homes, it’s truly one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Gold Coast from a unique perspective in our Eco-Friendly Electric Boats!
Spotting a dolphin is always such a special treat! We’re so lucky to be able to see these amazing creatures in their natural environment.
We really appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure on the water during your next visit to the Gold Coast. Happy Travels.
M
maramawalker
July 22, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Returning Customers
This was the highlight of our trip. Paul was a fantastic guide, such a beautiful and peaceful boat ride. We will definitely book again when we visit the Gold Coast again
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your time with us was the highlight of your trip. Paul will be so pleased to know you enjoyed the boat ride as your guide. We truly appreciate your kind words and can’t wait to welcome you back on the Gold Coast for another peaceful cruise! 🌊⛵
J
jeniferh685
May 29, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A must-have experience on the Gold Coast.
Nitsa knows the entire canal incredibly well. It was fun to hear all the stories she shared with us. Our friends, pups, and families all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The boat was tranquil and comfortable. Nitsa also took some amazing portrait shots of us and our pups. It was truly a relaxing and joyful experience. Thank you Nitsa~
1人が参考になったと回答
事業者からの返答
Thank you Jenifer for taking the time to provide a 5 Star Review. We so enjoyed having you, your fur babies, (yes all 5 of them) family and friends onboard with us. The fur babies were very content and comfortable onboard and they were so excited to get on the boat!
It was my pleasure to ensure, you all were able to relax and enjoy your time on the water.
We look forward to seeing you again in the not too distant future! Hugs to the well behaved fur babies
N
Nicky_C
March 1, 2025 · via Viator
Great time
We had a great time doing this. Took our own nibbles and drinks and had a fun and relaxing afternoon cruising around. A map is provided of the canals.
事業者からの返答
Thank you Nicky for sharing your experience whilst onboard our Duffy Boats with a 5 Star Review.
We are so happy that you had a fun and relaxing time touring our canals. It’s perfect being able to bring your own food and beverages onboard.
We hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in the bit too distant future⚓️
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