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Swim with Whales Gold Coast

Join us for our Swim with Whales Tour located near the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and Tweed heads area. Look beneath the surface into the world of the majestic Humpback Whale. Enjoy an unforgettable eye-to-eye experience with these gentle giants right here on the Gold Coast.

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Duration

3.5hrs

Daily Departure Times

9am & 12:30pm (Weather & Tide depending)

Price

$339 per person (15yrs+)
$2499 private charter (1-8 passengers)

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Whale watching Gold Coast Tweed Heads

Whale watching Gold Coast Tweed Heads

Cooly Eco Adventures - Whale watching Gold Coast Tweed Heads

Cooly Eco Adventures - Whale watching Gold Coast Tweed Heads

WHAT IS INCLUDED

  • Qualified, experienced and professional skipper and crew

  • Maximum 8 swimmers in the water accompanied by an experienced guide

  • In-water whale swimming interactions as close as 30 metre approach – the rest is up to the whale!

  • Top of the range swim and snorkel gear (masks, fins, snorkel) including super warm Yulex wetsuits and Reef Safe Sunscreen

  • In water support from crew available as well as floatation devices

  • Snorkel training offered to improve your current skill level

  • Informative and captivating commentary throughout the tour on humpback whales and other marine life; Australian Aboriginal and European history along with the local area.

  • Fresh fruit post swim

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Each year between May and November the subtropical waters of Australia’s east coast host 30,000 humpback whales on migration from Antarctica. Join our Swim with Whales Tour located near the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and Tweed heads area!

 

They follow the path of the continental shelf which runs closest to the shoreline between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, making this the prime location for us to witness the whales in their natural environment.

To swim with whales is undoubtedly a remarkable, intimate experience you won’t soon forget. Cooly Eco Adventures is the first operator on the Gold Coast to offer swimming with whales and it is our prime objective to give you that experience in a safe and environmentally conscious way.

We do everything we can to maximise your chance of swimming with whales but what you must understand is; we don’t swim with whales, the whales swim with us. While we guarantee whale sightings, we cannot guarantee your swim with them; the time they spend with us or the proximity they will come.

Cooly Eco Adventures uses the ‘soft in-water encounters’ approach which is a proven method to achieve a successful and sustainable whale swim. Refer to our FAQ section for more information on soft in-water encounters.

Every whale swim is unique and our highly experienced skipper and crew are on hand throughout to make this experience personal as well as professional. They have a wealth of knowledge and passion for whales and the stunning Gold Coast region they look forward to sharing with you.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

On arrival you will be greeted by one of the friendly crew, they will check you in on the iPad and conduct a few COVID19 safety precautions with each passenger. Hand Sanitize/core body temp check/signing a standard covid declaration for current hotspots.

Tea and coffee are on offer while the crew assist you with your gear, including wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins providing you’re on one of our swim tours.

Following the introduction and safety briefing from your Skipper, your lifejackets will be fitted, and we will board the vessel for your adventure!

There is a lot of information in the Swim with Whales briefing in the morning, and it will be split into two segments. Pre-departure briefing will help you understand how we are going to attempt to swim with whales, Rules and Regulations associated with this activity and the do’s and don’ts that will help us have a successful swim out on the Pacific Ocean. There will be time also to answer any questions, to make sure you feel comfortable and know the plan. The second briefing will take place making way down the river.

The crew will be showing you your gear and how we use it correctly. They will run through the procedure of entering and exiting the water and correct technique involved, we need to enter the water softly, quietly and as safely as we can. Remember this is a natural experience, the Whales swim with us if they choose, and not the other way around.

WHAT TO BRING 

It is colder out on the water so come prepared with layers.
We recommend:

  • Beanie, warm jumper/ jacket 
  • Spray jacket/ Rain coat 
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Camera, Gopro etc
  • Towel
  • Drinking water

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  • MUST be able to swim unassisted 
  • 15 Years+ minimum age. Any children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
  • Not suitable for pregnant woman or anyone with a back injury.
  • Snorkelling experience necessary
  • Sense of adventure!

*Anyone with cold or flu symptoms will not be allowed to board the vessel due to Covid 19.

Onboard safety

Your safety is our priority at all times.

All crew trained in First Aid, CPR/Oxygen and Advanced resuscitation. 

Your qualified fully trained Skipper and crew has extensive experience in the local area and have expert knowledge of whales and whale behaviour. 

In depth briefings before departing, ensure you understand the procedures in place and time will be given to any questions and concerns you may have before getting on the boat.

Oxygen, Defibrillator and a comprehensive Australian Maritime Safety Authority first aid kit maintained onboard.

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HOW TO GET HERE

Our departure location is  Chinderah, situated 5mins from the pacific highway.

139-151 Chinderah bay drive Nsw 2487

Usually we offer a pick up/ drop off shuttle bus service, however due to COVID-19 we are unable to provide this. 

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.

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The Ocean Awaits…

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