ABOUT OUR TOUR
Enjoy a fun day out on the ocean, engaging with turtles, Dolphins and other marine life, while making memories that will last a life time.
With our informative and captivating commentary from our experienced skipper and crew. We guarantee you will encounter Turtles & the Dolphins we have an 70% success rate, Be mesmerised as you observe them in their natural habitat, with our ecologically conscious Dolphin & Turtle Tour!
our TOUR GALLERY
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Guaranteed Turtle sightings or return for free!
- Qualified, experienced and professional skipper and crew.
- Maximum 12 passengers onboard.
- Informative and captivating commentary throughout the tour on Turtles, Dolphins & other marine life.
- Potential to discover up to 3 different species of dolphins and turtles in the area.
- Sunscreen provided.
Enjoy a fun day out on the ocean, engaging with turtles, Dolphins and other marine life, while making memories that will last a life time.
With our informative and captivating commentary from our experienced skipper and crew. We guarantee you will encounter Turtles! and as for the Dolphins we have an 70% success rate!! Be mesmerised as you observe them in their natural habitat, with our ecologically conscious Dolphin & Turtle Tour!
Our tour begins with a 10min boat ride through mouth of the Tweed River entrance, then onwards to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve (Jungarra Ngarrian). The reserve lies approximately 600m off the shore of Fingal Head, NSW. It is a foraging ground to a significant number of sea turtles.
The numbers are so significant that the island was originally named Turtle Island. The surrounding waters of the reserve are also home to a wide variety of subtropical and temperate species of fish, crustaceans, and rays – just to name a few! Prepare to be awed by the magical underwater world that lies here on our doorstep!
After exploring Cook Island, we will cruise along the Fingal/Tweed head coast, in search of the many local species of dolphins that live near by! Our dolphin friends love playing in the waves close to the shore lines of Fingal Head, and occasionally in the wake or bow of our boat! A few species of dolphins that call the Tweed area their home, include: Indo-Pacific Dolphin, Short-beaked Common Dolphin & the Common Bottlenose Dolphin. These playful creatures can be found feeding, resting, and socialising in pods of 4-5, or even 40-50 at a time! Come and experience the wonderful and thrilling action of these beautiful creatures up close!
Every Turtle & Dolphin Safari is always a unique adventure! With our highly experienced, professional and personal skipper and crew on hand throughout your trip, to pass on a wealth of knowledge and passion for the marine life of the the stunning Tweed and Gold Coast region!
what to expect
On arrival you will be greeted by one of the friendly crew, they will check you in on the iPad and get you amped for an epic adventure!
Prior to departure to the Pacific Ocean via the Tweed River, our Skipper will go through a short safety briefing and overview of the day's itinerary. Whilst cruising along the scenic Tweed River we will see a myriad of passing local wildlife. Expect to possibly see eagles, dolphins and even the occasional kangaroo. After being fitted with your lifejackets, we will board the vessel for your Dophin & Turtle Safari tour!
It can be colder out on the water so come prepared. We recommend:
- warm jumper/ jacket (if you are prone to feeling the cold)
- Spray jacket/ Rain coat (we have some complimenatry if you don’t 🙂
- Sunglasses and hat
- Camera, Gopro etc
- Water bottle (to stay hydrated!!)
HOW TO GET HERE
Our departure location is Chinderah, situated 10 minutes drive from Coolangatta
139-151 Chinderah bay drive Nsw 2487
Directions
If you are driving from the south on the pacific motorway, take the Kingscliff/ Cudgen exit. and go left at the round about, follow this road.
If you are driving from the north on the Pacific Motorway, take the Kingscliff/Cudgen exit, and go right at the round about. Passing under the motor way and then follow this road.
PARKING
There is street parking available along Chinderah Bay Dr.
Please Note: Do not park in front of the Cubby Bakehouse or in the
Chinderah pub car park.
OUR vessel
Cooly Eco Adventures operates with a customised commercial safari style open ocean RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) vessel, at 32ft in length and seating 12 guests plus captain and crew.
It is an efficient, fast and fun vessel offering the most intimate encounters available for Gold Coast whale watching.
The vessel provides ‘jockey’ seating, which offers a secure, comfortable and fun means of travel. Each seat opens up to provide water-tight storage for valuables.
Perfectly geared for off-shore Gold Coast water adventure, it is powered by two best-in-class 250HP Suzuki Engines, allowing us to cover greater distances quickly and efficiently, with less fuel burn. This ultimately means more successful whale watching and marine life encounters for you!
REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Biodegradable
We use Biodegradable and reef friendly cleaning products and provide reef safe sunscreen onboard. This helps reduce the impact of harsh chemicals on the reef and marine life.
Plastic free wherever possible
We have reduced our single use plastic waste or cut it out entirely wherever we can.
No touch, no take
All our guests are informed about the marine life they are going to see in and out of the water. A no touch, no take policy implemented on all tours, ensures minimal disturbance to marine life.
Minimal marine emissions
When only the best is good enough. The boats engines two best in-class 2025 Suzuki 250hp with ultra low emissions. They are serviced and updated regularly to ensure efficiency and minimal emissions.
A Clean, Green machine
The company Troop Carrier has been upgraded to a Hydrogen enhancing fuel system, which has increased the mileage by 40% and reduced 99% of the emissions coming out of the tail pipe!!
Composting
We compost our food scraps, leftovers and our coffee cups so that less ends up in landfill.
Uniforms
All crew uniforms are made from recycled materials and are fair trade certified.
gear
The gear we provide is purchased from reputable, high quality brands to ensure longevity. When our wetsuits reach the ends of their lives, we give them back to brands that recycle the rubber.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
got questions?
we’ve got answers.
Yes, Private charters are available. Please call or email us for availability.