Discover a vibrant underwater world just off the coast of Fingal Head. Gold Coast Dive Centre’s half-day trips to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve unveil marine life and coral reefs perfect for divers and snorkelers alike. Dive in and see why this marine protected area is a standout in Australia.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable swimming and have basic diving skills
Wildlife
History
Cook Island Reserve was designated a protected marine reserve in 1984, conserving its rich biodiversity and coral ecosystems.
Conservation
Gold Coast Dive Centre emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the delicate coral reefs and marine habitats.
Gold Coast Dive Centre
Discover a vibrant underwater world just off the coast of Fingal Head. Gold Coast Dive Centre’s half-day trips to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve unveil marine life and coral reefs perfect for divers and snorkelers alike. Dive in and see why this marine protected area is a standout in Australia.
Gold Coast Dive Centre is a professional dive operator based in Miami, Queensland, offering guided dives, snorkeling, training courses and marine wildlife tours along the Gold and Tweed Coast. The centre runs dive trips to Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, daily double dives, dusk and night dives, and whale watching adventures that operate from the local coastline.
Training includes SSI Open Water Diver, Advanced Adventurer, Enriched Air (Nitrox), Diver Stress and Rescue, and introductory Try Scuba sessions, all taught by SSI-certified instructors who deliver internationally recognised certifications. Boat and Jet Ski Licence courses are delivered with practical training at the Pacific Maritime College location as part of competency-based assessment.
The business focuses on safe, environmentally responsible operations in protected marine areas and uses experienced dive professionals and guides to support small-group experiences. Equipment options, briefing procedures and complimentary refreshments on select trips are provided to enhance guest comfort. Cook Island trips highlight turtle sightings, seasonal leopard sharks, coral habitats and clear visibility two nautical miles from Fingal Head. Night dives reveal nocturnal species such as octopus and eels, while whale watching follows seasonal humpback migration patterns for close wildlife viewing.
Gold Coast Dive Centre works within local marine park regulations and offers SSI training which aligns with industry standards. Prospective divers and snorkellers can expect structured course curricula, guided underwater navigation, and hands-on gas analysis for Nitrox certification. Customer safety, marine stewardship and certified instruction are central to the operator’s public offering. Bookings and information are available through the operator's website.
Location
Miami, QLD
Base for Cook Island trips
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Dives, snorkels, courses, whale watching
Certifications
SSI Certified
Internationally recognised training
Reserve Access
Cook Island
Protected marine reserve departures
Secure SSI training, guided dives, snorkels and whale-watching tours from Miami, Queensland — limited spaces on popular departures.
Book in advance
Reserve your spot early to ensure availability during peak season.
Check water conditions
Ideal diving occurs in calm, clear waters—always check before your trip.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect marine life by applying environmentally friendly sunscreen before diving.
Bring a waterproof camera
Capture stunning underwater shots to remember your marine adventure.
Dive mask and snorkel
Crucial for clear underwater vision and easy breathing when snorkeling or diving.
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm in the cooler waters of the reserve.
Fins
Enhances swimming efficiency and comfort beneath the surface.
Underwater camera
Perfect for capturing the vibrant marine life you encounter.