Price from:
210 USD
Enjoy the exciting and magical Cook Island Marine Reserve
Our Scuba Diving adventure is the best way for guests who don’t hold a diving license but wish to participate in fun scuba diving. You will be well looked after by your instructor, so you can enjoy the colourful world of fish, corals and turtles inhabiting Cook Island. At the end of your day, you will say: "I really dived! Undoubtedly want to go diving again".
Cook Island Marine Reserve Dive Site
Cook Island (Jungarra Ngarrian) known as Turtle Island, is one of the most weather-dependent sites on Australia's east coast, Cook Island is also one of the best.
It is Located just off the Fingal Head lighthouse, about two nautical miles south of Point Danger. The tiny volcanic outcrop of Cook Island is home to a permanent population of Green, Hawksbill & Loggerhead Turtles.
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is renowned for its leopard sharks in summer, and is the haunt of giant Queensland and southern blue groupers, big rays, wobbegong sharks, innumerable nudibranchs, range of anemone fish, giant sponges and soft corals.
Your Scuba Diving Experience at Cook Island Marine Reserve
- Turtles sighting guaranteed.
- One-to-one adventure for a more personal experience
- All equipment supplied.
- Departs by private bus from Gold Coast Dive Centre, Miami, QLD.
- Boat Launching at the Public Jetty, 1A Minjungbal Dr, Tweed Heads South, NSW.
- Complimentary Refreshments on board.
- Everyone is welcome (No previous diving experience is necessary).
Please note
- Diving at Cook Island is a weather-dependent activity.
- Do not fly within 24 hours of diving.
Seasickenss
Cook Island's position is just south of the often treacherous Tweed River Bar. We strongly recommend taking a seasickness remedy 30 minutes before boarding (as well as the night before if you want extra insurance) and bringing the rest with you. Travacalm original, Travalcalm HO and Kwells are 3 recommended types. Ginger/Natural remedy does not work.
Booking Notes
#Important Safety Info – Please Read Carefully!
**1. Sign Your Waiver** To participate in the dive, you’ll need to sign a digital waiver. Please click the link above to sign and complete your registration before your dive day.
**2. Meeting Point & Timing** Arrive at Gold Coast Dive Centre, 2/54-56 Paradise Ave, Miami, at the time shown on your booking (e.g., for a 6:30 trip, check in by 6:30). We cannot accommodate guests earlier than check-in time, but there's plenty of time to get ready after you check in.
**3. Parking** We have customer parking (2 hours max) at the centre, but there’s also free on-street parking nearby. Please allow extra time for parking, especially with the current roadworks that may limit spots on busy days.
**4. Weather & Plan Changes** Cook Island is weather-dependent, and sometimes trips get cancelled due to conditions. While this can be frustrating, safety is our top priority. Please understand that weather conditions are unpredictable, and cancellations are beyond our control. We appreciate your patience and kindness—our team is working to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
**5. Seasickness & Remedies** Due to the location of Cook Island, seasickness can be an issue. We recommend taking a seasickness remedy (e.g., Travacalm, Travalcalm HO, or Kwells) 30 minutes before boarding. Bring extra remedies with you, as natural remedies (like ginger) are not as effective.
**6. Gear Handling** You’ll be responsible for managing your own gear. We’ll need to load and carry the gear from the trailer to the boat (about 50 meters). We appreciate your help in this—teamwork ensures a smooth launch!
After the activity, please remember to bring the gear you used back to the designated area. Your help in keeping everything organized is greatly appreciated!
**7. Boating Etiquette**
- Always wear your **life jacket** when instructed.
- **Stay seated** when the boat is in motion.
- Maintain **three points of contact** when walking on the boat.
- **Avoid the area around the engine,** if they are running, do not come close.
- **Pay attention to the briefings.**
- **Respect everyone’s space:**
- Keep your **personal items** neat and out of the way to avoid clutter.
- Dispose of trash properly **Never throw anything overboard.**
**8. Diving Etiquette**
- **Arrive on time** and be ready to go.
- **Respect marine** life and fellow divers.
- **Stay aware** of your position in the water.
- **Don’t touch, don’t take**—keep the environment pristine **(SSI Blue Oceans Philosophy).**
**12. What to Bring** Pack light—space on the boat is limited! Only bring the essentials: diving certification, hat & sunglasses, water, light snack. Avoid large bags or bulky items.
**13. Personal Items** Gold Coast Dive Centre isn’t responsible for personal items. If you bring gear or belongings, it’s at your own risk. We won’t be liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Please check your belongings before leaving, as unclaimed items will be disposed of after three weeks.
#Cook Island Marine Reserve Code of Conduct
The Cook Island Marine Reserve exists to conserve its unique marine life. By following these simple rules, you’ll help protect this special place while having a safe and enjoyable experience.
- **Look, don’t touch:** Please avoid touching any marine life, whether alive or dead, including shells. This helps protect the ecosystem and gives you a better, more natural experience.
- **Respect marine animals’ space:** Keep your distance! Don’t chase, pursue, herd, or interfere with the behaviour of marine life. Let them go about their day undisturbed.
- **Respect turtles:** Maintain at least 3 meters distance from turtles, and never block their path to the surface. These creatures need their space to thrive.
- **No feeding:** Please don’t feed any marine animals, whether directly or by using bait to attract them. Feeding disrupts their natural behaviour.
- **Avoid contact with rocks or marine life:** Don’t stand, walk, or rest on rocks, marine life, or grip them for support while drifting or taking photos. Respect their space.
- **Watch your fins:** Be mindful of your fins! Avoid hitting or kicking marine life, rocks, or stirring up sediment. Use a ‘frog’ kick near the seabed instead of a ‘flutter’ kick to minimize disruption.
- **Neutral buoyancy is key:** Divers, especially photographers, should always maintain neutral buoyancy. Keep a horizontal, streamlined position and stay at least one meter above the seabed.
- **Secure your equipment:** Ensure your gear (cameras, gauges, torches, etc.) is secure and not hanging loose to avoid contact with marine life or getting snagged on the seabed.
- **Photograph responsibly:** While taking photos, be mindful of marine life. Avoid using flash photography and keep lighting minimal to prevent stressing or disturbing animals. Don't shine bright lights on them for long periods, especially at night.
- **Use eco-friendly sunscreen:** Only use environmentally-safe sunscreen and minimize its use by covering up with clothing or gear where possible to help protect the marine environment.
- **Leave marine relics undisturbed:** Do not disturb or remove marine artefacts or relics. These are part of the ecosystem’s natural history.
- **Be cautious with marine debris:** Don’t remove marine debris from the seabed if it has marine life growing on it. However, you are allowed to remove debris from the water column.
Cancellation Policy
All trips require a reserved place on our vessel, with limited spaces available.
- Cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure are eligible for a full refund
- Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable
- Missed trips, No-shows or late cancellations are non-refundable
- Rescheduling is subject to availability
For third-party vouchers, payments and refunds are handled by the provider.
[Full Terms & Conditions apply](https://documentcloud.adobe.com/gsuiteintegration/index.html?state=%7B%22ids%22%3A%5B%221P2pDUf-KcV6qpciJFyUPNFKplepKpjTA%22%5D%2C%22action%22%3A%22open%22%2C%22userId%22%3A%22111615608064503601934%22%2C%22resourceKeys%22%3A%7B%7D%7D)
