

Best for beginner divers, 3-20m, boat entry, mild current.
Cook Island is a marine reserve located 600 metres off the coast of Tweed Heads, Australia. This site features a series of reefs, walls, and caverns ranging from 3 to 20 metres in depth. Divers and snorkellers can encounter various marine life, including the spotted wobbegong, green sea turtle, and chromodoris nudibranch. Other species recorded at the site include the zebra shark, grey nurse shark, and eastern blue groper. Access is strictly by boat, and the site is suitable for beginners. Conditions generally feature mild currents and visibility between 10 and 20 metres, though the Tweed River bar crossing requires caution due to variable conditions and boat traffic.
-28.19580, 153.57900
Book a guided charter rather than planning an independent trip, as the Tweed Bar crossing can deteriorate quickly and conditions at the bar often move faster than coastal forecasts indicate. Your guide will also know where the turtles are resting on any given day.
Accessible only by boat. 15-20 minute ride from Tweed River or 55 minutes from Gold Coast Seaway.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-20m
Visibility
10-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
21-27°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Year-round
Divers and snorkellers may encounter spotted wobbegongs, green sea turtles, and chromodoris nudibranchs. Rarer sightings include zebra sharks, grey nurse sharks, and eastern blue gropers.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, offering depths between 3 and 20 metres and mild currents.
The site depths range from 3 to 20 metres.
This is a boat-only site. You must use a boat charter to reach the island, as the Tweed River bar crossing can be hazardous.
Yes, snorkelling is possible, though the site is primarily a boat-based dive location with a snorkel rating of 2/5.
The site can be visited year-round, from January through December.
Diving at Cook Island in Tweed Heads requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Cook Island in Tweed Heads. Water temperatures range from 21°C to 27°C.
Divers at Cook Island in Tweed Heads should be aware of sharks. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Cook Island in Tweed Heads typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Cook Island in Tweed Heads typically ranges from 10 metres to 20 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.