Snorkeling with Sea Turtles Gold Coast: Cook Island
Swim offshore to a reserve where sea turtles forage in significant numbers.
Snorkel with sea turtles at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, a protected marine zone 600 metres off Fingal Head on the Gold Coast. A 20-minute boat ride takes you from shore to the reserve, where you enter the water with mask, wetsuit, fins and snorkel to meet the turtles and subtropical fish, rays and crustaceans that share the space. The activity runs 2.5 hours total and suits swimmers confident in 50 metres unassisted. Children are welcome from age 6.
What’s included
- Snorkel equipment including mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins and flotation noodle on request.
- a live guide in English.
- the 20-minute boat ride to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve and back to shore.
Times
- Monday 07:00 09:30 10:00 13:00
- Tuesday to Friday 07:00 10:00 13:00
- Saturday 07:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 13:00
- Sunday 07:00 10:00 10:30 12:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Cooly Eco Adventures
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The experience
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve sits in the waters where sea turtles forage in significant enough numbers that the island earned its original name, Turtle Island. The boat ride out takes 20 minutes, and once you're in the water with your snorkel and wetsuit, you're moving through a biodiverse subtropical and temperate zone, not just turtles, but fish, rays and crustaceans that make the reserve their home. The whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins and a flotation noodle if you want one) comes with the booking. You need to be able to swim 50 metres unassisted and have at least a moderate level of fitness. The activity is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries or pregnant travellers. Children from age 6 can join. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, let the operator know when you book so they can advise whether the activity suits you.
The tour operates on Queensland time. A live guide leads the snorkeling in English. If you don't have your own transport to the departure point, public transportation options are available nearby. Cancellations must be made by phone at least 24 hours before the start time. Late cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Is this one for you?The boat departs from shore near Fingal Head, and public transport options are available to reach it, so you don't need a car or a ride to get in the water with the turtles. The 2.5-hour timeframe keeps the whole outing manageable if you're staying elsewhere on the Gold Coast and want to fit snorkeling into a single morning or afternoon.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Where exactly is Cook Island Aquatic Reserve?
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve lies approximately 600 metres off the shore of Fingal Head, NSW, on the Gold Coast. A 20-minute boat ride takes you from shore to the reserve.
What marine life will I see besides the turtles?
The waters around Cook Island are home to a wide variety of subtropical and temperate species: fish, crustaceans and rays are common in the reserve where the turtles forage.
What snorkel gear is included?
Snorkel equipment includes a mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins and a flotation noodle if you request one. Everything you need to enter the water safely.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be able to confidently swim 50 metres unassisted and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The activity is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries or pregnant travellers.
How do I cancel or reschedule?
Contact the operator by phone at least 24 hours before your tour start time to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
Snorkeling with Sea Turtles Gold Coast: Cook Island
2h 30m · EN
from AU$ 169 per person
≈ US$ 120 in your currency
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