Snorkelling Experience with Turtles in Cook Island
Snorkel Amongst Cook Island's Coral Reefs and Meet the Resident Turtles on this 2.5 Hour Snorkel Tour
NSW
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Snorkel with 3 Species of Cook Island Turtles
- • 2.5 Hour Wildlife Tour for Experienced Snorkelers
- • Tweed River Boat Ride and Educational Tour
Why We Love This Unique Experience
Gold Coast Experience Gifts: Experience the underwater wonder of swimming with sea turtles on the Gold Coast’s number one snorkelling trip.
With three different species of sea turtle gracing the waters around Cook Island, there are few better places in Australia to see these charismatic sea creatures. Located around 600 metres offshore from Fingal Head, the aquatic reserve is an abundant marine estate with hard and soft corals, a colourful mix of fish, wobbegongs, and the occasional leopard shark, in addition to its resident population of turtles. Meet the crew at Fingal Head and cruise along the Tweed River past some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Depending what time of year your trip is, you may get a bonus sighting of some of the region’s other incredible marine animals, including humpback whales between June and November, leopard sharks throughout the summer, and pods of dolphins all year round. The crew will moor up at the base of Cook Island’s rugged basalt cliffs before kitting you out with your snorkel gear. Slip into the azure ocean and prepare to be amazed as green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles swoop gracefully over the reefs, clown fish poke their cute striped faces out of anemones, and grey nurse sharks skulk around the ocean floor. Your snorkelling guide will stay in the water the entire time, ensuring you don’t miss any turtles and with a maximum of nine people on board, you’ll have plenty of their time and attention!
This 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.
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Experience Overview:
Snorkelling Experience With Turtles In Cook IslandLocated less than 1km off Fingal Headland, the tiny volcanic outcrop of Cook Island is home to a permanent population of Green, Hawksbill & Loggerhead Turtles.
You may find some of these gentle giants even getting nice close & personal ready for a photo.
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.
From June to November, you’re likely to see the humpback whales on their annual migration. At the height of summer, the graceful (and perfectly harmless!) leopard sharks may be around. And at any time of the year, we are often joined by a pod of dolphins as we head out to the island.
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 as later trips will only depart once this has been filled.
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.
- Please be flexible with your times and be aware that morning boats will be filled first.
- 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-1083-0005
Google Business Profile: Watersports Guru
Cook Island Marine Life Snorkelling Tour
NSW
people
1 participant
30 minutes
- • Snorkel with 3 Species of Cook Island Turtles
- • 2.5 Hour Wildlife Tour for Experienced Snorkelers
- • Tweed River Boat Ride and Educational Tour
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