South Wall Drift is a renowned drift snorkel along the submerged rocky wall of Cook Island Marine Reserve, just off Fingal Head near the NSW/Queensland border. Snorkelers launch by boat and drift with the current along the wave-exposed eastern side of the island, where the wall drops from shallow reef flats into deeper water. This site offers clear oceanic water, dramatic rock formations, and the chance to spot grey nurse sharks, turtles, rays, and schools of pelagic fish in the reserve's protected waters.
South Wall (South Wall Drift)
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Wave Height 1.0 mSwell Period 6.9 sWind Speed 4.8 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents and drift
The site is a drift snorkel — currents can be strong and sweep snorkelers along the wall. Requires good fitness and ability to stay calm in moving water.
Moderate risk: Wave exposure
The eastern side of Cook Island faces the open ocean and can experience significant swell and surge, especially in southerly winds.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Charter boats and private vessels operate in the area. Snorkelers must be aware of boat traffic during entry, exit, and while drifting.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
South Wall Drift is accessible only by boat from Fingal Head boat ramp or via local snorkel charter operators running trips to Cook Island Marine Reserve. The site is approximately 2 km offshore northeast of Fingal Head, just south of the Queensland border at Coolangatta.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Fingal Head boat ramp carpark on Phillip Parade, Fingal Head.
parkingtoilets
No entry fee for the marine reserve. Charter tour costs vary — typically $60–$120 AUD per person for guided snorkel trips.
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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