Mooloolaba Rafting: Turtle Spotting on the Sunshine Coast
Turtles surface close enough to photograph at Mudjimba Island, one kilometre offshore.
A high-speed boat tour from Mooloolaba that takes you along the Sunshine Coast coastline aboard a custom-built 12-metre RIB, with stops at Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Mooloolaba Beach, and Alexandra Headland, and a chance to spot turtles at Mudjimba Island. The boat holds a maximum of 23 guests, keeping the group small enough for an informative guide commentary on local history and wildlife. The tour runs for one hour and includes all fees and taxes.
Step-by-step itinerary
Mooloolaba Turtle Coastal Tour
- Board custom-built 12m RIB boat
- Cruise along Mooloolaba coastline
- View Point Cartwright Lighthouse
- Pass Mooloolaba Beach
- Pass Alexandra Headland
- Spot turtles at Mudjimba Island
- Enjoy informative commentary
What’s included
- All fees and taxes.
- a live guide in English providing commentary on local history and wildlife.
- passage along Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Mooloolaba Beach, and Alexandra Headland.
- time at Mudjimba Island to spot and photograph turtles.
Times
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 09:00 11:00
- Thursday 11:00
- Sunday 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Adventure Rafting Mooloolaba
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
You board a 12-metre RIB powered by 1200 horsepower and head out from Mooloolaba into open water. The boat moves fast enough that the coastline becomes a sequence of landmarks rather than a single stretch: Point Cartwright Lighthouse rises on one side, Mooloolaba Beach (recently voted the sixth best beach in Australia by review sites) opens along the shore, and Alexandra Headland's rolling headlands stretch north. A guide provides commentary on the area's history and the Aboriginal legends tied to the coast, so you're not just watching the scenery pass.
The main event is Mudjimba Island, a kilometre offshore, where turtles feed in the shallows. The boat slows and anchors close enough that you can photograph them in their natural habitat. The island itself carries its own story: Aboriginal legend says it was created when a man named Coolum lost his head in a battle and it landed in the ocean, which is why Mount Coolum, seven kilometres inland, is now flat-topped. The boat holds a maximum of 23 people, so you're not crammed in with a crowd.
The whole run takes one hour. The boat is built for speed and open water, so it's a different experience from a calm harbour cruise. You'll feel the power of it. Children are welcome from age 5 onwards, and the tour includes all fees and taxes, so there's nothing to add on at the end.
Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want speed and wildlife in one outing: the small group size (maximum 23 people) and the one-hour timeframe mean you can fit it between other plans without the day becoming a full-day commitment. Skip it if you prefer a calm, sheltered experience. The RIB is built for power and open water, not a gentle harbour float.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 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.
Can I bring my five-year-old on the Mooloolaba Turtle Tour?
Yes, children are welcome from age 5 and up. They'll need to be comfortable on a fast-moving boat in open water.
What are the chances of seeing turtles at Mudjimba Island?
Turtles feed in the shallows around Mudjimba Island regularly, and the boat anchors close enough for photographs. The guide will point them out and explain the Aboriginal legends connected to the island.
How fast does the RIB go?
The 12-metre RIB is powered by 1200 horsepower and is built for speed along the coastline. It's a high-energy experience, not a leisurely cruise.
What landmarks will I see on the Mooloolaba Turtle Tour?
You'll pass Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Mooloolaba Beach, and Alexandra Headland as you cruise the coastline before heading out to Mudjimba Island. The guide provides commentary on the history and wildlife of each spot.
Is the tour suitable if I have a spinal injury or heart condition?
The tour is not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, as the boat moves at speed and can be physically demanding. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
How long is the Mooloolaba Turtle Tour?
The tour runs for one hour, including the journey along the coastline and the stop at Mudjimba Island.
Mooloolaba Rafting: Turtle Spotting on the Sunshine Coast
1h · EN
from AU$ 79 per person
≈ US$ 56 in your currency
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