swim with turtles GOLD COAST
Join us for the wonders of the Pacific Ocean from above and below the surface. Dive into the incredibly biodiverse Turtle Island (Cook Island) waters to snorkel with these “turt-ally” awesome sea creatures. The Cooly Eco Adventures snorkelling Gold Coast tour is one to be remembered!
our TOUR GALLERY
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Turtle sightings from the boat guaranteed or return trip for free
- Qualified, experienced and professional Skipper and Crew.
- Maximum 12 swimmers in the water, accompanied by experienced guide
- Top of the range swim/snorkel gear (masks, fins, snorkel), wetsuits, Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Our experienced snorkel guides will ensure you feel comfortable, whilst sharing exciting facts about what you see
- Flotation devices available
- Informative and captivating commentary throughout the tour on Turtles, Dolphins, other marine life and history of the local area
- Snorkel instruction and tips provided to improve your current skill level
Enjoy a fun day out on the ocean, engaging with turtles, marine life and nature with our ecologically conscious Swim with Turtles Tour located near the Gold Coast and Tweed heads area! Join us for an epic adventures snorkelling just off the Gold Coast!
Our tour begins with a 20min boat ride to Jungarra Ngarrian (Cook Island Aquatic Reserve). 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. It is here that we will dive in and meet these ‘turtally’ awesome locals! 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!
what to expect
Upon arrival to your snorkelling Gold Coast tour, you will be greeted by one of our friendly Cooly Eco Adventures team members. We will check you in and our friendly crew will assist you with fitting and collecting your snorkel equipment. (wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins)
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.
Once we are out on the open ocean, you will see your snorkeling destination: Cook Island!
Get ready for a 'turt-ally' awesome guided snorkel with the local Turtles.
Our experienced snorkel guide will instruct you regarding the use of your snorkel equipment, essential safety signals and ensure that your gear is fitted correctly prior to entering the water. They will be in the water with you during your snorkel.
After our snorkel, we can share stories of the day as we make our return journey to the dock, where our journey began.
There are many great local eateries and cafes nearby, our crew are happy to point you in their direction.
It can get cool when snorkeling on the Gold Coast, so please come prepared with suitable layers of clothing.
We recommend you bring:
- Jumper (just in case!)
- Spray jacket/ Rain coat (basic ponchos are provided)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Camera, GoPro, etc.
- Towel
- Water bottle (to stay hydrated!!)
- Seasickness tablets if required.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions!
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.