Cook Island (Jungarra Ngarrian) is a small, rocky island 600 m off Fingal Head, accessible by boat from Tweed Heads. This protected aquatic reserve is famed for its resident colony of green sea turtles that often drift within arm's reach in shallow 3–10 m waters. Sheltered lee-side coves and colourful reef fish make it a premier Gold Coast snorkel destination. Tours run year-round, with the warmest conditions from November to April. The island's exposed position can produce strong surge and currents, so intermediate skills and calm-weather timing are recommended.
Cook Island (Gold Coast)
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 8.0 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Photo courtesy of Gold Coast InfoThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong surge and currents
Swell and current can push snorkelers towards the rocky shoreline, especially on the island's exposed sides. Conditions can be rough even when the coast appears calm.
Low risk: Rocks and reef proximity
Snorkelers must stay within 15–30 m of the rocks to see turtles, where wave action creates surge and risk of contact with sharp volcanic rock.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Access is exclusively by boat; divers and snorkel tours operate in the same area. Be aware of vessel movements near entry/exit points.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Cook Island sits 600 m offshore from Fingal Head (Northern NSW). Most visitors join a half-day snorkel tour departing from Tweed Heads or Coolangatta. Meet at the dive shop, then travel to the marina along the Tweed River. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes from Coolangatta.
Parking & facilities
Park at the dive shop or tour operator's meeting point in Tweed Heads / Coolangatta. Street parking available. Do not park at Fingal Head unless you have your own vessel.
toiletsparking
Half-day snorkel tours cost approximately AUD 110–150 per person. Private dive charters may cost more. No public landing fee.
Spot Map
Community
Gallery ┬╖ 1 photos
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near New South Wales
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports