Golden Beach 1-Hour SUP Hire on the Sunshine Coast — Pumicestone Passage Sandbars & Wildlife
Push off from Golden Beach and paddle the shallow, wildlife-rich Pumicestone Passage. This one-hour SUP hire suits beginners and offers sandbars, mangrove channels, and close encounters with dolphins and turtles.
The Experience
Before You Go
Check the wind forecast
Hires are cancelled above 15 knots—if wind is forecasted, reschedule or expect choppy water and more effort paddling.
Plan by the tide
Low tide reveals sandbars and walk-off spots; high tide gives easier channel paddling and fewer exposed flats.
Wear a leash and PFD
A leash keeps you connected to your board; a flotation device adds safety in changing currents and when wildlife distracts you.
Protect seagrass and wildlife
Avoid standing or walking on seagrass beds and keep a respectful distance from turtles, rays and shorebirds.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Isolated sandbars that appear at low tide for short beach walks
- •Narrow mangrove channels near the northern corner that shelter calm paddling on windy days
Wildlife
- •Dolphins
- •Green turtles (and stingrays)
Conservation Note
The passage’s seagrass and mangroves are ecologically sensitive—avoid trampling beds, do not feed wildlife, and use reef-safe sunscreen to reduce chemical impacts.
Pumicestone Passage formed after post-glacial sea-level rise and sits on traditional Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) land; its channels were longstanding resource areas for Indigenous communities.
Photographer's Notes
- • From a sandbar looking back at the Esplanade beacon
- • Paddling the main channel at high tide for wider water reflections
- • Near mangrove channels for close-up wildlife and textures
What to Bring
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)Essential
Provided by operator but bring your own if you prefer a familiar fit and extra comfort.
Board leashEssential
Prevents separation from the board in currents or wind and makes recovery straightforward.
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin during exposed paddling while minimizing harm to marine life.
Light water shoes
Useful for walking onto sandbars or rocky edges without cutting feet.
Common Questions
Do I need prior SUP experience?
No—staff provide beginner instruction and safety briefing; the hire is suitable for first-timers.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
Hires are cancelled in winds over 15 knots or unsafe conditions; operators will advise and refund if within the cancellation window.
Can children join?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; staff will advise on appropriate board size and safety measures.
Are wetsuits required?
Wetsuits are not necessary in warm Queensland conditions but a light rashvest and sun protection are recommended.
Can I extend beyond one hour?
Yes—staff can arrange longer hires or guided excursions when available; discuss options at booking or on arrival.
Is parking and public transport available?
Yes—Golden Beach has nearby parking and public transport options; meet on the water at the corner of Esplanade and Gregory Street, about 40m north of the navigation beacon.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1 hour
Location
Caloundra, Queensland
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic balance and swimming ability recommended
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