Snorkel with Turtles at Cook Island – Gold Coast Turtle Snorkeling Tours
Snorkeling with the Turtles offers unforgettable swim with turtles snorkeling tours at Cook Island near Fingal Head on the Tweed Coast, just a short distance from the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Discover one of Australia’s most incredible marine environments where guests regularly encounter sea turtles and vibrant marine life.
Cook Island Snorkeling
From $119Swim with Sea Turtles
2-3 Hour Ocean Adventure
15 min boat ride from Tweed
Beginners Welcome
Flotation device’s available
PADI Qualified Supervisors
Private Ocean Charters
Customised for you
Family Day out trips
Team Building Tours
Birthday Parties etc
Gold Coast & Tweed Heads
River Tours
Courses and Programs
Delivered with Green Heroes
Free Diving courses
Advance snorkeling courses
Marine conservation programs
Team building programs
Fun Events
Why Cook Island is the Best Place to Snorkel with Turtles in Australia
Cook Island (Jungarra Ngarrian) off Fingal Head on the Tweed Coast is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best places to snorkel with sea turtles. Located just minutes from the Gold Coast, this protected marine sanctuary offers crystal-clear water, vibrant reefs, and a thriving population of wild turtles that can be seen year-round.
The island sits within the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, a protected habitat where marine life flourishes. Because fishing and other activities are restricted, the reefs have developed into a rich ecosystem filled with Green sea turtles, Loggerhead turtles, tropical fish, coral gardens, and seasonal visitors like leopard sharks,eagle rays and manta rays
Another reason Cook Island stands out is its unique volcanic reef structure, which creates shallow coral platforms and sheltered areas that are perfect for snorkelling. These calm reef zones make it accessible for beginners while still offering incredible wildlife encounters.
Just a short 10–15 minute boat ride from Tweed Head, visitors can enter an underwater world where turtles glide over colourful reefs and marine life surrounds you in every direction. The combination of protected waters, high turtle numbers, and easy access makes Cook Island one of the most reliable places in Australia to swim with sea turtles in their natural environment.
For anyone looking for a truly unforgettable ocean experience, snorkelling at Cook Island offers a rare opportunity to connect with marine wildlife while exploring one of the most spectacular underwater locations on the Tweed Coast.
Local knowledge
Purpose built high speed for comfort
Keep it personal
Guaranteed!
School Programs
Fully tailored programs
Classroom Education
Hands-on Learning
Adventure based learning
Environmental Awareness
Builds student confidence
Duke of Edinburgh
Skill-based learning
Hands-on Ocean experience’s
Encourage Independence
Personal growth
Inspire Ocean stewardship
Practical courses
Events
School Holiday programs
Conservation focused trips
Ocean themed Movie nights
Evening Talks
Guest Speakers
Connect you to the Ocean
Our Story
Snorkeling with the Turtles was created from a lifelong passion for the ocean and the incredible marine life found around Cook Island near the Gold Coast.
For over 25 years, we’ve been guiding people into the underwater world of this protected marine sanctuary, where Green and Loggerhead sea turtles glide across coral reefs just minutes from the Tweed Coast.
Our goal is to give people a safe, unforgettable way to snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat, while also sharing knowledge about marine conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
Every tour is designed to be small, personal, and educational — so guests leave with not only amazing memories, but also a deeper appreciation for the ocean.
Conservation & Turtle Protection
Protecting the ocean and the marine life that call it home is at the heart of everything we do at Snorkeling with the Turtles.
We are committed to ensuring every snorkelling experience respects the wildlife and delicate reef ecosystems that make this place so special.
All of our tours follow the national Turtles Code of Conduct, ensuring safe and respectful interactions with turtles in their natural habitat. This approach protects the turtles from disturbance while allowing guests to experience these incredible animals in a responsible way.
We also support ongoing marine conservation and turtle identification projects, helping contribute to a better understanding of the resident turtle population at Cook Island. By sharing knowledge about marine life and the importance of protecting our oceans, we hope to inspire the next generation of ocean guardians.
Every snorkelling adventure is an opportunity to connect with the ocean while helping protect it for future generations.
Sustainably Run
Family Approved
Pro Support
Jump Right In!
FAQ’s
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One of the best places to swim with sea turtles near the Gold Coast is Cook Island (Jungarra Ngarrian), located just off Fingal Head on the Tweed Coast. This protected marine sanctuary is home to a healthy population of green and loggerhead sea turtles, making it one of the most reliable places in Australia to snorkel with turtles in their natural habitat.
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Sea turtles live at Cook Island year-round, and it is very common to see them during our snorkeling tours. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, turtles are regular residents of the Island and are seen on the majority of our trips.
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Cook Island is located just offshore about 800m from Fingal near Tweed Heads, approximately 15 minutes by boat from our departure point. The departure point is about a 30 minute drive from the central Gold Coast and a short distance from Byron Bay.
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No experience is required. Our Cook Island snorkeling tours are suitable for beginners, and our crew will provide a full safety briefing before entering the water. Flotation devices are available for guests who would like extra support while snorkeling.
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Cook Island is one of the most diverse snorkelling locations on the Tweed Coast. Guests commonly see:
Green sea turtles
Loggerhead turtles
Leopard sharks (seasonal)
Eagle rays
Wobbegong sharks
Tropical reef fish
Hard and soft coral gardens
Every snorkel offers a unique experience with the marine life that calls this protected reef home.
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The experience runs for approximately 2–3.5hours, including the boat ride, safety briefing, and snorkeling time at Cook Island.
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Yes. Cook Island Aquatic Reserve (Jungarra Ngarrian) is a protected marine sanctuary that helps preserve the area’s coral reefs and marine life, including the resident sea turtle population.
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Yes. Our tours are suitable for families, beginners, and confident swimmers who want to experience snorkeling with turtles in a safe and guided environment.
Our Resident loggerhead sighted on the 28.2.26
OUR MISSION
At Snorkeling with the Turtles, our mission is to connect people with the ocean in a way that inspires respect, understanding, and protection of marine life.
Every snorkelling tour we run follows responsible wildlife practices and the Swim with Turtles Code of Conduct, ensuring that encounters with marine life remain respectful and sustainable.
Through education, ocean awareness, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, we hope to inspire more people to become protectors of our oceans and the incredible creatures that live within them.