Blue Seafaris Snorkel Gold coast Turtle tour

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Snorkel with green and hawksbill turtles at Cook Island, the marine sanctuary just off Fingal Head, with a marine biologist in the water beside you. The boat leaves from Tweed Heads South and runs down the Tweed River on the way out.

Days

About 2 to 2.5 hours

Age

7 years and over; under 16s with an adult

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Tweed Heads South / Cook Island / Tweed Heads South

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Boat down the Tweed River and out to Cook Island

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Blue Seafaris Snorkel Gold coast Turtle tour

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Included experiences

Tweed River — cruise out past seabirds and local dolphins
Cook Island — snorkel with green and hawksbill turtles
Cook Island reef — eagle rays and schools of fish, with mantas and leopard sharks in season
Marine biologist — guided swim and talk on the reef's wildlife
Ocean leg — humpback whales from June to November

Blue Seafaris Snorkel Gold coast Turtle tour

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Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT TWEED HEADS SOUTH

Your trip starts at the public jetty in the park opposite 1A Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, a few minutes from Coolangatta and Gold Coast Airport. Arrive half an hour early: the crew fit you with a mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit, and the boat leaves on time. Remember the times are NSW time, an hour ahead of Queensland in daylight saving. Your guide in the water is a marine biologist, so save your questions about turtles for the ride out.

DOWN THE TWEED RIVER

The boat runs down the Tweed River, which rises in the old caldera of the Tweed Volcano around Wollumbin (Mount Warning), a volcano that last erupted some 23 million years ago. Seabirds work the river and the local dolphins often come by. Out past the river mouth, near Point Danger, named by James Cook in 1770, you head south along the coast. From June to November humpback whales pass here on their migration, so watch for blows on the way out.

SNORKELLING AT COOK ISLAND

Cook Island, Joong-urra-narrian to the local Minyungbal people, sits just off Fingal Head, where the headland is made of hexagonal basalt columns from an old lava flow. The waters around the island are a protected aquatic reserve with shallow reefs. Your biologist picks the spots on the day to suit the swell and tide, then swims with you. Look for green turtles grazing on algae and hawksbill turtles with their narrow, beak-like mouths, plus schools of fish and eagle rays. Manta rays and leopard sharks visit in their seasons. You'll need to be a confident open-water swimmer.

BACK UP THE RIVER

Back on board, there's time to talk over what you saw and learn more about the turtles' lives before the boat heads back into the Tweed and up the river to the jetty. All up the trip takes about two to two and a half hours. Sightings change with the season and the sea, so no two trips are the same.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The public jetty in the park opposite 1A Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, with plenty of parking nearby. Arrive 30 minutes before departure for gear fitting; the boat leaves on time and cannot wait for late arrivals.
Departure time: Tours are scheduled daily. Times are NSW time, which is one hour ahead of Queensland during daylight saving, so take care if you are staying on the Gold Coast.
Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
Minimum age: 7 years. Under 16s must be with an adult.
Fitness: You must be confident in open water, able to swim 200 metres unassisted and reasonably fit. Flotation jackets are not provided, so this tour is not for non-swimmers.
Please note: Every participant must complete the liability waiver before arriving. Tours depend on weather, tides and sea conditions; if conditions change you are told by email and SMS, so add your mobile number when you book and check your messages before you set out.

What to bring

Camera
Water
Sunglasses and a hat
Reef-safe sunscreen

What is included

Boat trip to Cook Island and back from Tweed Heads South
Guided snorkel with an on-board marine biologist
Premium mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit

Not included

Food and drink

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.