What is the best season for turtle tours?

Cook Island is one of the only places in Australia where they are frequently spotted all year round.

Possibly, but it’s all part of the adventure. If you have booked a swim tour or snorkel, then yes defiantly

Where does the tour depart from?

We are departing from: NSW Tours: 139 Chinderah Bay Dr, Chinderah NSW 2487. Look for the big trailer parked along the river, and your friendly crew!

How long does the tour go for?

The whale watch tours are approx. 2 ½ hours from departure. Our whale swim tours are approx. 3 ½ hrs from departure

What do I need 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 Drinking water

Make sure you wear multiple layers, it gets a lot colder out on the water. We recommend a long sleeve shirt, a jumper and a jacket. Make sure to bring a Hat as well. Please referred to our what to bring section

What type of boat is this?

RIB-Rigid Inflatable Boat, originally designed and built as rescue craft and patrol vessels and are driven by 2x 250hp engines.

I might get seasick. What happens then?

Seasickness is a common disturbance of the inner ear - affecting your sense of balance and equilibrium. If you think you’re prone to seasickness or motion sickness, we do advise that you consult your doctor or pharmacist and purchase your own seasickness tablets prior to joining us. However if you forget we have seasickness tablets available for purchase before we depart on your ocean adventure.

What if the trip is cancelled due to bad weather?

Unfortunately, Mother Nature plays a big role in whether or not we run the tour. If we cancel due to the weather, you will have the option of booking on another day! Please read our terms & Conditions in regard to refunds.

Can I book a private charter?

Yes, Private charters are available. Please call or email us for availability.

Daylight Savings Time! We run on QLD time

Please note we operate on QLD time! This is one hour behind NSW. (daylight saving applicable from October to April)

swim with turtles
GOLD COAST

Join us for our Snorkeling Gold Coast tour and swim with turtles located near the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and Tweed heads area. You will see the wonders of the Pacific Ocean from above and below the surface. Dive into the wonders of the biodiverse Turtle Island (Cook Island) to snorkel with these “turt-ally” awesome sea creatures. The Cooly Eco Adventures snorkeling Gold Coast tour is one to be remembered!

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ABOUT OUR TOUR

Enjoy a fun day out on the ocean, engaging with turtles, marine life and nature with our ecologically conscious Swim with Turtles Tour!

Our tour begins with a 20min boat ride to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve (Joongurra-Narrian). 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 in absolute awe of the magical underwater world that lies here on our doorstep!

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TOUR DETAILS

PRICE

$149 Adult
$129 Child (6 to 12 years)
$539 2 adults and 2 children
$410 2 adults and 1 child
$1,600 Private charter, up to 12 passengers
LOCATION & DURATION

Chinderah, NSW. 2.5 hours approx.
Daily Departure Times

7am, 10am and 1pm (tour times subject to change due to tide and wind)
Gurantee

Turtle sightings from the boat 100% guranteed or return for free 99% chance you will swim with them!

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our TOUR GALLERY

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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), Yulex 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

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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 Jungurra-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 will provide you with fresh fruit to enjoy, over our shared 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.

What should you bring?
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 - we have spray jackets available
- Sunglasses and hat
- Camera, GoPro, etc.
- Towel
- Drinking water
- Seasickness tablets if required.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions!
Participation requirements
Onboard safely

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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.

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.

WE HAD A FABULOUS DAY WITH THE COOLY ECO TEAM, SWIMMING WITH TURTLES AROUND COOK ISLAND.

The experience was magical, the guides were knowledgable, and the memories will last a lifetime! Highly recommended.

- Renee Bertolus
I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH HOW FANTASTIC OUR WHALE SWIM ADVENTURE WAS, FROM START TO FINISH.

What an incredible experience! Swimming with whales has always been a bucket list item for me, so this trip was amazing. Lachlan the captain and Kas the guide were amazing with how they ran the whole tour and their knowledge of whales and the area. They knew which whales to just watch and which ones to jump in the water with. He tracked down a whale that was breaching so many times, we lost count and even breached right near the boat! Easily one of the best experiences I have had so highly, highly recommend doing it!!

- Rob Barbuto
Thanks to Lachie and his crew for one of the best wildlife experiences we have had.

Lachie is so knowledgeable and was committed to giving us the best experience possible. The whales welfare was also paramount, as it should be. The crew were super friendly and patient and made us all feel safe with our induction and time in and out of the water. Will definitely go again! A huge thank you to the crew!

- Joanne Aldridge
Cooly Eco Adventures provided an unforgettable experience!

The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the trip so enjoyable. We were lucky to see an abundance of turtles and other incredible marine life up close - truly amazing! Highly recommend for anyone looking to connect with nature and have an amazing day out on the water!

- Travis Wakefield
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING MORNING!

Attentive and respectful guides, beautiful views, swam with whales twice plus so much spotting. Real once in a lifetime experience.Highly recommend!

- Meg Burns
AMAZING TEAM AND A WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME!

Forget the large boats, here you will be close and agile and you have a crew who does everything to ensure you get to see, hear and feel these incredible creatures of our seas. Highly recommended!

- Quirin Schwaighofer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

got questions?we’ve got answers.

View all FAQS Get in Touch

When is the best time of year to see whales?

From June to November on the east coast of Australia. Behaviours change throughout the season. If you want to try see mothers and calf’s, come in late October November. The best time to swim with whales is between the months of August to October
Where does the tour depart from?

We are departing from:

NSW Tours: 139 Chinderah Bay Dr, Chinderah NSW 2487.

Look for the big trailer parked along the river, and your friendly crew!
Can I book a private charter?

Yes, Private charters are available. Please call or email us for availability.