Duration:
Operated By:
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!
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
- MUST be able to swim.
- Children must be between 6-12 years of age.
- Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
- Not suitable for pregnant woman or anyone with a back injury or osteoporosis.
- Sense of adventure!
Please add a correct phone number as we may need to contact you for time changes or cancellation.
It is your responsibility to check your emails for any updates/tour time changes or cancellations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you wish to cancel or reschedule your tour, you must contact us by phone at least 48 hours before your tour start time. Late cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.
REFUND POLICY: We are unable to refund the booking or card fees you may incur if a full refund is granted.
All aboard!
We are excited to see you for your upcoming tour with Cooly Eco Adventures.
The vessel will be departing for your adventure at the following location:
139-151 Chinderah Bay Drive
Chinderah NSW 2487
Australia
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Our tours operate on QLD TIME
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time for a quick safety briefing and to get fitted with a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit.
Please do not park out the front of the Cubby Bakehouse – there is plenty of alternative street parking. Feel free to grab a coffee and breakfast but allow yourself plenty of time as it is a popular spot!
If possible, please be in your swimwear before you get here to save time pre-departure and maximise our time out on the water!
WHAT TO BRING
It can be colder out on the water so come prepared. We recommend:
Light Jumper and Beanie
Spray Jacket/Waterproof Jacket
Sunglasses and Sunhat
Underwater Camera or GoPro etc.
Towel
Drinking Water
If you have your own wetsuit or snorkel gear, you are more than welcome to bring it along. Please note: we do not allow the use of full-face snorkel masks.
Unfortunately there is limited storage on board so no room for chunky bags or backpacks. There is a small amount of space under your seat for your belongings, and you can store any additional items in our locked trailer.
MOTION SICKNESS TABLETS
If you are prone to sea sickness, please consult your pharmacist and pick up some motion sickness tablets prior to joining us. We will have natural ginger remedies on board, but if you are likely to suffer from sea sickness, we recommend you consult your pharmacist for stronger alternatives.
DIRECTIONS
If you are driving from the south on the Pacific Motorway: Take the Kingscliff/Cudgen exit, and go left at the roundabout, follow this road.
If you are driving from the north on the Pacific Motorway, take the Kingscliff/Cudgen exit, and go right at the roundabout, passing under the motor way, and then follow this road.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SUITS
Interests:
Skill Level:
Suitability:
Share:
The swim itself was like nothing I have ever experienced before. We have swum with whale sharks in WA, Sharks in Hawaii and Kayaked with dolphins in Byron Bay and snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef and this experience topped the list for wildlife encounters.
10/10 recommend. One for the history books!
I couldn't have asked for a more magical morning ✨️👌
Hayley and Lachie were super friendly and helpful. They seemed just as excited to be there as we were! They were both very knowledgeable and respectful of these beautiful creatures and the ocean.
I just want to do it all again! Might have to bring the kids next time!
You all set the Gold Standard!!!!!
If you’re visiting the area, I can’t recommend this experience highly enough!
04/7/26
What I really loved is that the group sizes are small, on a smaller boat, and everything is done completely on the whale's terms, it's not guaranteed that the whales will swim with/near you, and I think that's exactly how it should be. It makes the whole experience feel so much more special and respectful of the animals.
We actually got to swim near the whales and saw so many breaching too, it was absolutely breathtaking, words can't describe. The staff were so kind, patient and knowledgeable, and I loved how they wove in information about the whales alongside the environmental impact humans have on the ocean and the whales' food source (krill).
I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it. I will be recommending Cooly Eco Adventures to absolutely everyone I meet, and will 100% be booking again! Thank you so much!
Swimming with the whales was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and excited the entire time. Their respect for the whales and the ocean was really evident, which made the experience even more special.
If you’re thinking about booking a whale swim experience, do it and do it with Cooly Eco Adventures. It was an unforgettable day that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Thank you for such an amazing experience! 🐋💙🌊
Swimming with the whales was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives, and the team made us feel safe, comfortable, and excited the entire time. Their respect for the whales and the ocean was really evident, which made the experience even more special.
If you’re thinking about booking a whale swim experience, do it and do it with Cooly Eco Adventures. It was an unforgettable day that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Thank you for such an amazing experience! 🐋💙🌊
An unforgettable day on the water — whale watching + swimming with turtles!
We booked the combo day (whale watching + swim with turtles) and honestly, it exceeded every expectation. Yes, whale watching always comes with an element of luck — but what sets Cooly Adventures apart is the crew’s knowledge, dedication, and willingness to keep moving until they find the action. And find it they did. We were treated to an incredible display of jumping and interaction that left us speechless.
I’ve done whale watching before with another company on a much larger boat, and it doesn’t even compare. The smaller boat makes ALL the difference — you feel completely immersed in the experience, up close and personal in a way a big vessel simply can’t deliver. It’s 10x better, no question.
The swim with turtles was equally magical. We were lucky enough to have perfect conditions — no swell — which allowed the crew to get us right up close to the island. Swimming alongside these gentle giants was surreal. The team’s knowledge shone through again, and the snorkelling equipment provided was top quality.
If you’re on the Gold Coast and on the fence about booking — just do it. The crew’s passion, expertise, and commitment to giving you the best possible experience make this an absolute must. We’ll be back! 🐋🐢
On arrival the team were super nice and friendly, very welcoming helping with wetsuits and flippers.
We went out on the boat and saw a pod of dolphins on the way, getting nice and close to them. Once at the island, we got into the water with the instructor who kept a careful eye on everyone and spotting the turtles and pointing them out for us.
I saw at least 5 turtles and the dolphins definitely made the trip.
The conditions were good and felt warm with the wetsuit.
It was my first time snorkeling, so with the flippers, jumping off the boat was a bit nerve wracking, but once you're in you get used to it!
Overall, amazing service, friendly staff and a great trip!
Turtles octopus squid fish starfish coral. Snowy and Jemma the operators made it so easy and safe. C u for whale season 😎
There is a bit of current to swim against, but if you're an average to good swimmer you'll be fine staff will help you out. Keep in mind it's not an aquarium, I see some comments complaining about the amount of turtles They're free to roam the whole ocean! The abundance of other sea life should make up for it if you see less.
I'll add the boat isn't huge but we own one of these RIBs and they are made to handle rough seas with ease, they're better than a big boat for snorkelling.
We saw lots of turtles so close we had to be careful not to touch them. My daughter and I were very happy thankyou Gem and Cloudy for a great day!
Our two guides, Cory and Connor, were absolute pros. They got us fully kitted out in wetsuits and fins quickly and confidently, kept everyone comfortable in the water, and made sure we felt safe the whole time. Their knowledge and calm approach really stood out, especially given the conditions.
We were lucky enough to see turtles, leopard sharks, and even an ornate wobbegong, which was an incredible experience — particularly for our kids.
We did the tour as a family of five with three teenagers, and it was perfect for that age group. Fun, educational, and genuinely memorable. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and want a great marine life experience, even if the weather doesn’t fully cooperate.
Dolphins visited our boat on the way back 10/10!
Sadly, the response I received was extremely disappointing. There was no flexibility, no goodwill gesture, and no refund or credit offered — even though I never went on the trip. I completely understand that companies have policies, but I had hoped that some understanding and empathy would be shown, especially given the circumstances.
It’s such a shame, as I had heard great things about this experience and was really looking forward to it. Instead, I was left feeling frustrated and let down by how the situation was handled. For a business that depends so heavily on tourism and customer experience, I would have expected a much more considerate approach.
Unfortunately, I won’t be recommending or booking with this company again, and I hope they take this feedback seriously for future travellers. A little understanding can make a big difference
What an absolutely fantastic day we had swimming with the turtles thanks to Eco Cooley Adventures! I have Multiple Sclerosis, and the left side of my body is badly affected, but that didn’t stop me from having the most wonderful experience thanks to the amazing care and support from Lachie (the owner) and my carers.
Lachie was incredible — he stayed by my side in the water, making sure I was safe and comfortable the whole time. His kindness and patience made all the difference. And then, to top it all off, we saw so many turtles — a whole bale of them (that’s what a group of turtles is called!). It was just magical.
Amanda Rudge allinaqua was also absolutely wonderful. She took care of everyone — my grandchildren, my friends who were a bit nervous about the water — and made sure we all felt confident and happy.
A big thank you as well to Tracey Bezzina, my carer, who was fantastic with the grandchildren and helped make the day so special for everyone.
It truly was a spectacular day filled with laughter, care, and unforgettable moments. Thank you so much to everyone at Eco Cooley Adventures — we’ll treasure this experience forever.
The small boat meant we all got a good view of the action and Lachie our skipper was a wealth of information. He clearly loves his job! A fantastic experience .. thanks Lachie and Cass.
Also the guides were soo nice and helpful all the time. I would really recommend the trip!
What an absolutely fantastic day we had swimming with the turtles thanks to Eco Cooley Adventures! I have Multiple Sclerosis, and the left side of my body is badly affected, but that didn’t stop me from having the most wonderful experience thanks to the amazing care and support from Lachie (the owner) and my carers.
Lachie was incredible — he stayed by my side in the water, making sure I was safe and comfortable the whole time. His kindness and patience made all the difference. And then, to top it all off, we saw so many turtles — a whole bale of them (that’s what a group of turtles is called!). It was just magical.
Amanda Rudge #allinaqua was also absolutely wonderful. She took care of everyone — my grandchildren, my friends who were a bit nervous about the water — and made sure we all felt confident and happy.
A big thank you as well to Tracey Bezzina, my carer, who was fantastic with the grandchildren and helped make the day so special for everyone.
It truly was a spectacular day filled with laughter, care, and unforgettable moments. Thank you so much to everyone at Eco Cooley Adventures — we’ll treasure this experience forever.
Jess and Lockie were super friendly and helpful
Turtles were plentiful
A great morning out
They know what they’re doing, it was worth my time and money. I’ll be back! 🙌🏻🐋
The tour operator runs a safety conscious tour providing life jackets for the boat and wetsuits for comfort and protection. For those who feel a bit hesitant about snorkelling they have pool noodles on board for extra buoyancy. There is a safety person in the water with you at all times to ensure your comfort and to aid you if you need help.
Remember the ocean isn’t an aquarium and the visibility will change with tide changes and weather conditions. Even on a cloudy day with slightly reduced visibility we saw many turtles.
The operator is a wealth of knowledge about the the turtles and their habits. Unfortunately certain species of sea turtles are endangered so seeing them in their natural environment is an amazing experience.
And the cherry on top was the amazing dolphin sighting! We floated alongside the dolphins in the boat watching them feed and swim.
































