The Coolangatta Rock Pool — also known as the Snapper Rocks ocean pool or sea baths — sits on the rocky foreshore just north of Point Danger, tucked between Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks. This historic man-made tidal enclosure was carved into the headland decades ago, filling with fresh seawater at each high tide to create a calm, protected swimming and snorkelling haven. With gentle water and rocky edges sheltering small fish and the occasional turtle, it's a beloved Gold Coast secret for those wanting a safe ocean swim without the surf.
Coolangatta Rock Pool
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 8.7 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Snapper Rocks surf zone
Outside the pool the adjacent Snapper Rocks break is a powerful, well-known surf wave. Swimmers must stay inside the pool enclosure.
Low risk: Slippery rocks
The rocks around the pool edge can be extremely slippery, especially when wet. Care is needed when entering and exiting.
Low risk: Incoming tide surge
At high tide, waves can wash over the pool walls, creating sudden surges inside the enclosure.
Low risk: Low water at low tide
At extreme low tides the pool can be very shallow or empty, limiting snorkelling opportunities.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
The pool is located on the headland between Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta. From the Pacific Motorway (M1) take the Coolangatta exit and follow signs to Point Danger / Rainbow Bay. The pool is accessible via a short walk from the Snapper Rocks carpark or the Rainbow Bay surf lookout.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking along Snapper Rocks Road and a small carpark near the Rainbow Bay surf lookout. Can be very busy on weekends and holidays.
parking
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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