The Double
Adventure
Whale Watching + Turtle Snorkel in one epic private charter
Watch humpback whales breach and play as we cruise out to Cook Island, then slip into the water to snorkel with wild sea turtles. Two bucket-list moments. One unforgettable day.
Humpback whale season runs June to November — the only time this tour operates. Don't miss it.
Our most popular private charter
Two of Australia's greatest wildlife encounters in a single day on the water
Two bucket-list experiences. One private charter.
The Double Adventure is our signature private charter exclusively available June to November when humpback whales migrate along the Tweed Coast. The whole boat is yours , no strangers, no shared tours, no compromises. Ideal for groups of 6, with a maximum of 8 guests.
We leave from Tweed Heads and head out to the whale grounds first, watching humpbacks breach, dive and play around the boat. Then we cruise on to Cook Island Marine Reserve where your group slips into the crystal-clear water to snorkel with resident sea turtles, Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill along with leopard sharks, tropical reef fish and much more.
On days when offshore conditions don't allow us to reach the whale grounds, we offer Kirra Reef as a weather-dependent alternative snorkel location a spectacular rocky reef teeming with marine life just off the Gold Coast. Either way, you're in for something special.
What to expect on the water.
Every trip is unique. We leave as much of this experience as possible up to the whales and the ocean and we wouldn't have it any other way.
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Common Whale Behaviours
Breaching
The whale launches its entire body out of the water and crashes back with a thunderous splash one of nature's greatest displays.Tail-slapping
The whale repeatedly slaps its massive flukes on the surface a sign of communication, play or warning.Spy-hopping
The whale rises vertically from the water to look around a curious and unforgettable moment when they check you out.Pec-slapping
The whale rolls on its side and slaps a giant pectoral fin on the water often heard before it's seen.Logging
The whale rests motionless at the surface, breathing slowly a rare, peaceful privilege to witness up close.
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On the Whale's Terms
This is a wild animal encounter we never chase, herd or control the whales. Our experienced skipper reads whale behaviour to determine when and how we approach, always following the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching.
If whales are displaying behaviours our crew deem unsuitable for a close approach such as mating or escort behaviour we'll observe from a respectful distance and let them set the pace. This is their ocean.
Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but June to November is peak humpback migration season on the Tweed Coast with thousands of whales passing through. Our sighting rates during this period are extremely high.
All encounters are conducted in accordance with the Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching (2017).
Want to know more about humpback whales?
Migration routes, behaviours, whale song, and how to tell a humpback from a southern right whale — all in our free whale guide.
How your Double Adventure unfolds.
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Meet at Tweed Heads
Arrive at our departure point in Tweed Heads where you'll meet your guide, get a full safety briefing, and receive your Turtle Code of Conduct before heading out.
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Whale Watching on the Open Water
We head out to the whale grounds where humpback whales migrate along the Tweed Coast. Watch these magnificent giants up to 16 metres long breach, slap their tails, and breathe alongside the boat. Our guides know the local whale behaviour and will get you as close as regulations safely allow.
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Cruise to Cook Island Marine Reserve
After the whale encounter we cruise to Cook Island a 78-hectare protected marine reserve just 600 metres off Fingal Head. The fast boat makes it a smooth, scenic ride through the open water.
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Snorkel with Wild Sea Turtles
Slip into the crystal-clear water of Cook Island and explore one of Australia's most biodiverse marine environments. Resident Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill turtles are seen on the vast majority of tours along with leopard sharks, wobbegong, tropical reef fish, and much more.
🎵 And here's something truly special — because the humpback migration passes right through these waters, there's a real chance you'll hear whales singing underwater while you snorkel. That deep, otherworldly sound echoing through the ocean while a turtle glides past you is something you simply don't forget.
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Return to Tweed Heads
We cruise back to Tweed Heads with memories that'll last a lifetime. Debrief with your guide, swap stories with the group, and relive the highlights of the day.
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What's included & what it costs.
The Double Adventure is a fully private charter — the whole boat is yours.
Private Charter
The Double Adventure
Whole boat · Max 8 guest
Private Charter - $800
Entire boat for your group · June–November only · Max 8 guests
Snorkel Gear Hire - $20 pp
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel & fins · per person.
GoPro Camera Hire - $50
Capture your underwater moments · per session.
Gear hire is optional — you're welcome to bring your own snorkel equipment. The $800 charter price covers the boat, fuel, guide and all safety equipment.
Always included
Everything in the charter
No hidden extras
✅ Private boat — just your group
✅ Experienced, certified guide
✅ Whale watching on the open water
✅ Guided snorkel at Cook Island
✅ Turtle Code of Conduct briefing
✅ All safety equipment on board
✅ Flotation devices for all guests
Two worlds. Incredible encounters.
The Double Adventure gives you access to both open-ocean giants and the diverse reef life of Cook Island.
Humpback whales breaching, tail-slapping, spy-hopping
Whale song heard from the boat deck
Mother and calf pairs (July–October)
Dolphins frequently spotted on the crossing
Seasonal seabirds including shearwaters and boobies
Green, Loggerhead and Hawksbill Turtle
Leopard Sharks resting on the bottom
Wobbegong tucked into the rocky ledge
Typical reef fish -parrotfish, grouper & pufferfish
Manta ray, Moray eels, cuttlefish & octopus
Chance to listen to whales singing while snorkeling
Want the full marine guide? See everything you'll encounter at Cook Island →
What to Bring
Windbreaker
It can get breezy out on the open water bring a windbreaker
Seasickness Tablets
Take seasickness medication beforehand if you're prone to motion sickness.
Sunscreen
The sun reflects off the water. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before you board.
Max 8 Guests
Private charter up to 8 people.
let us know for bigger groups
Email for bigger groups
No Alcoholic drinks permitted on board
Everything you need to know
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Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed — they are wild animals on migration. However, June to November is peak humpback season on the Tweed Coast with thousands of whales passing through, and our guides know the best spots and behaviours to look for. Sighting rates during this period are very high. On rare days when offshore conditions prevent us from reaching the whale grounds, we may head to Kirra Reef as a fantastic alternative.
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The Double Adventure is a fully private charter — the whole boat is yours. We take a maximum of 8 guests, with 6 being the ideal group size for the best on-water experience. Minimum age is 8 years. Contact us with your group size and we'll confirm availability. Second Boat available for bigger groups
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Kirra Reef is a rocky reef just off Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast, teeming with leopard sharks, wobbegong, rays, and a huge diversity of reef fish. If offshore sea conditions make it unsafe to reach the whale grounds on your charter day, our skipper may substitute Kirra Reef as an alternative snorkel location. This decision is always based on safety and conditions it's weather-dependent and entirely at the skipper's discretion. Either way, you'll have an incredible day on the water.
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No experience is needed. Our guides will walk you through everything before you enter the water. Flotation devices are available for all guests, and our crew watches everyone in the water at all times. Snorkel gear can be hired for $20 per person if you don't have your own.
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Yes you're welcome to bring your own food, non alcoholic drinks and snacks on the boat. It's a private charter so it's yours to enjoy. We recommend bringing water and a light snack for after the snorkel.
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Your safety always comes first. If conditions make the tour unsafe to operate, we'll contact you as early as possible and offer a full reschedule or refund. The Tweed Coast can be unpredictable so we recommend booking with some flexibility in your plans.
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The Double Adventure runs approximately 3–4 hours from departure to return and you set the pace. It's your private charter, so if your group wants to spend more time in the water snorkelling with the turtles, we trim the whale watching, and if the whales are putting on a show and you want to stay out longer, we adjust the snorkel time accordingly. We'll chat about your group's priorities when you book.
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Yes! We offer GoPro hire for $50 per session so you can capture your underwater encounters and whale watching moments. Mention it when you enquire and we'll have one ready for you.
Don't miss whale season.
The Double Adventure only runs during the humpback migration June to November. Dates fill fast. Enquire now to secure yours.