The Double Adventure
Watch humpback whales breach and play as we cruise the open ocean — then slip into the water to snorkel with wild sea turtles. Two bucket-list moments, one unforgettable day, and the whole boat is yours.
A fully private charter — the whole boat is yours for $900, up to 8 guests. No strangers. No shared tours. No compromises.
Two bucket-list experiences. One private charter.
The whole boat is yours — no strangers, no shared tours, no compromises.
The Double Adventure runs exclusively from June to November, when humpback whales migrate along the Tweed Coast. 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 crystal-clear water to snorkel with resident sea turtles — often with whale song still echoing beneath you.
A day you'll be talking about for years
Here's the honest rundown, in our own words — no fluff, just what the day's actually like.
You'll meet the crew at the Tweed Heads boat ramp and board your own private boat. We head out to the whale grounds first, where humpbacks breach, tail-slap and cruise alongside — then push on to Cook Island Marine Reserve, drop in, and snorkel with wild sea turtles. From June to November the migration runs right through these waters, so there's a real chance you'll hear whales singing while a turtle glides past you.
It's the whole boat, just your group, run at the ocean's pace — never rushed, never staged.
Your Double Adventure, step by step
From the Tweed Heads ramp to whale song beneath the reef — here's how the day unfolds.
Meet at Tweed Heads
Check in with the crew, get fitted for your gear and run through your safety briefing — then board your private charter.
Whale watching on the open water
Head out to the whale grounds and watch humpbacks — up to 16 metres long — breach, slap their tails and breathe alongside the boat. Our guides get you as close as regulations safely allow.
Cruise to Cook Island Marine Reserve
After the whale encounter we cruise to Cook Island — a 78-hectare protected reserve just 600 metres off Fingal Head. The fast boat makes it a smooth, scenic ride.
Snorkel with wild sea turtles
Slip into crystal-clear water and explore one of Australia's most biodiverse marine environments. Resident green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles are seen on the vast majority of tours.
There's a real chance you'll hear whales singing underwater while you snorkel — an unforgettable sound as a turtle glides past you.
Return to Tweed Heads
Cruise back with memories to last a lifetime — debrief with your guide, swap stories and relive the highlights of the day.
Common whale behaviours
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.
Breaching
The whale launches its entire body out of the water and crashes back with a thunderous splash.
Tail-slapping
Repeatedly slapping its massive flukes on the surface — communication, play or warning.
Spy-hopping
Rising vertically from the water to look around — a curious moment when they check you out.
Pec-slapping
Rolling on its side and slapping a giant pectoral fin — often heard before it's seen.
Logging
Resting motionless at the surface, breathing slowly — a rare, peaceful privilege to witness.
A wild encounter, done responsibly
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 unsuitable for a close approach — such as mating or escort behaviour — we observe from a respectful distance and let them set the pace. This is their ocean.
From open-ocean giants to the living reef
Out on the open water
- ›Humpbacks breaching, tail-slapping & spy-hopping
- ›Whale song heard from the boat deck
- ›Mother & calf pairs (July–October)
- ›Dolphins frequently spotted on the crossing
- ›Seabirds — shearwaters & boobies
Beneath Cook Island
- ›Green, loggerhead & hawksbill turtles
- ›Leopard sharks resting on the bottom
- ›Wobbegong tucked into the rocky ledge
- ›Reef fish — parrotfish, grouper & pufferfish
- ›Manta rays, moray eels, cuttlefish & octopus
A fully private charter — the whole boat is yours
The Double Adventure
Entire boat for your group · June–November only · max 8 guests. Covers boat, fuel, guide and all safety equipment.
Book now →Snorkel gear hire
Mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit to suit conditions — if you don't bring your own. Flotation devices always complimentary.
GoPro camera hire
Capture the breaches and the turtles and take the memories home with you.
Everything you need to know
Is the whale sighting guaranteed?+
How many people can join the charter?+
What is Kirra Reef, and when would we go there instead?+
Do I need snorkeling experience?+
Can we bring food and drinks on board?+
What happens if the weather is bad?+
How long does the whole experience take?+
Can I hire a GoPro?+
Don't miss whale season
The Double Adventure runs June to November only, and private charters fill fast. Secure your boat and give your group a day they'll never forget.
🐋 Whale season · June – November only