Private Snorkelling Experience with Turtles in Cook Island
Discover Cook Island's Marine Life on this 2.5 Hour Private Snorkelling Tour, and Swim with Resident Turtles
NSW
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Private Snorkelling Cruise for Up to 9 Guests
- • Gold Coast’s Top Rated Wildlife Experience
- • Swim with Turtles Off the Cook Island Coast
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Gold Coast Experience Gifts: Snorkel with giant sea turtles in Cook Island’s warm waters, on this private wildlife cruise.
Voted the Gold Coast’s number one wildlife tour, this snorkelling trip takes you round the Tweed Coast to Cook Island, less than 1km off Fingal Headland. Formerly known as Turtle Island for good reason, the volcanic outcrop is home to a permanent population of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. After a snorkel briefing and kit-out at the dock, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Tweed River, past some of Australia’s most dazzling beaches before the crew drop anchor at Cook Island. The experienced snorkel instructor will be in the water throughout, making sure you don’t miss any turtle spotting opportunities. Seeing these majestic creatures swim gracefully through the water is a real bucket-list moment and one you’re unlikely to forget. As well as turtles, the corals around Cook Island are home to a variety of other marine life, including clown fish, anemones, and wobbegongs. If you’re sailing between June and November, you’re also likely to see some humpback whales on their long migration south from the Antarctic. In the summer, beautifully marked leopard sharks may swim gracefully alongside, and playful dolphins often trail the boat at any time of year. It’s an unforgettable wildlife experience for all the family.
This half day private turtle snorkelling trip on the Gold Coast would make an ideal day out for a group of friends or a family, and a unique experience gift for animal lovers.
Check Availability & Book
Experience Overview:
Private Snorkelling Experience With Turtles In Cook IslandFor a group of up to 9 to come on our private and unique adventure on the Tweed Coast. Bring your loved ones and share the experience of visiting and learning more about the wonders of our local aquatic life together. An intimate experience, creating memories to cherish forever.
Located less than 1km off Fingal Headland, the tiny volcanic outcrop of Cook Island is home to a permanent population of Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles and also Loggerhead Turtles.
The hard and soft corals of the reef also provide lots of hiding places for cheeky clown fish, anemones and wobbegongs, as well as a huge variety of tropical and sub-tropical species.
This tour definitely rates as the experience of a lifetime. It will leave you in awe of the Tweed’s natural beauty and we guarantee you’ll be talking about it for months to come as the highlight of your holiday!
Tour itinerary
· Your Snorkel with the Turtles experience starts with gearing up and going through a snorkel brief before we leave the dock.
· Enjoy a 15-minute boat ride along the Tweed River, through the Tweed bar and past some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
· We’ll anchor off Cook Island, make sure everyone is kitted out with snorkelling gear and then … dive in!
· Our snorkelling instructor will be in the water with you to help any beginners and to make sure you don’t miss any turtle sightings. Plus give you a educational tour throughout your snorkel.
WE SUPPLY:
- Qualified Snorkel Guide
- ALL equipment (wetsuits, fins, mask & snorkel)
- Sunscreen
- Life-jackets
- Floatation device
- FUN & ADVENTURE !
FAQ
Activity FAQs
Does Cook Island have a beach?
Cook Island is a volcanic outcrop which had been awarded a marine reserve park status so no access to the Island is granted.
What if I have never snorkelled before?
We do require experience with a snorkel mask on. Our staff are highly trained & qualified and refresh the necessary skills for snorkelling before each tour.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes, this is very IMPORTANT for both your experience and others on the boat. Our guides are there not only to keep you safe but to also show you the delights of the underwater realm of Cook Island.
Not be there to teach you how to swim.
How big is the boat?
We take exclusive tours of only 9 snorkelers at any time to ensure you have the best experience possible! This allows a personal experience and to make sure you see the turtles.
Is it possible that I will get sea sick?
This is dependant on the individual. If you have previously been sea sick in the past it is a possibility due to the varying conditions on the day.
Will I see turtles?
Cook Island is home to a large variety of Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles and also Loggerhead Turtles. It is extremely uncommon to snorkel the Island and not encounter the turtles.
Will I see a shark?
We have never sighted a dangerous shark at Cook Island. We do however get to see Wobbegongs & Leopard Sharks.
Details & Important Info
Additional Experience Details & Important Information
IMPORTANT NOTICE
If the 8am time slot is available please book this option first.
Please note:
- Children from age 6 YRS and up are welcome – children under 14 YRS must be accompanied by an adult.
- SUITABLE FOR: Intermediate and experienced snorkelers.
- Each trip is weather permitting. Departures are usually scheduled for mornings to ensure the best conditions.
- Cook Island marine sanctuary is an offshore snorkel site.
- Ocean conditions can sometimes be challenging with wind, swell and chop.
- To snorkel with the turtles you MUST have medium swimming ability as conditions may vary.
- You MUST be self reliant in the water and MUST be able to swim 100m unassisted.
- Entry back to the boat is via a step ladder; You MUST be able to climb the ladder unassisted.
- Wetsuits MUST be worn for flotation and protection from the elements which go up to size XXL and fins 15 - 17 shoe size.
- If you do not fulfil the requirements, it is unsafe for you to join as the team will not be able to guarantee your safety.
Please note: Your tour time may change due to changing tides or weather so please be flexible. Tours operate in the open ocean and have no control over the weather. Again, please be flexible and keep your day open!
Cancellations & Refunds
Reservation Changes, Cancellations & Refunds
All ticket sales are final and not refundable. Reservations cannot be changed, rescheduled or refunded once confirmed. Reservations may be re-scheduled by the operator of the activity due to reasons such as weather, minimum participation requirements, mechanical issues or other interruptions beyond their control.
All gift certificate sales are final and not refundable. Gift certificates can only be exchanged prior to redemption.
A full list of terms of sale of tickets and certificates can be viewed here.
Organized by
Watersports Guru
Water Sports on the Tweed Coast
We have taken thousands of our guests on a wonderful journey to discover the fun and splendour of our oceans and waterways.
Snorkelling with the turtles at Cook Island, whale watching on the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding on Cudgen Creek Kingscliff, or learning to surf for the first time. Their experiences have been unforgettable. Connecting people to nature through fun is what we do best! And we pride ourselves on that.
We will share our knowledge and craft to teach you about the wonderful marine playground that surrounds us. With each guest we have given them memories to last a lifetime.
Product SKU: AU-1083-0003
Google Business Profile: Watersports Guru
Private Cook Island Snorkelling Tour
NSW
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Private Snorkelling Cruise for Up to 9 Guests
- • Gold Coast’s Top Rated Wildlife Experience
- • Swim with Turtles Off the Cook Island Coast
Best Experience Providers
Our Activity Partners are highly rated and experts in what they do, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience.
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