Leopard Shark
A short 20 minute boat ride out of the Tweed River, 600m offshore opposite Fingal Head in Northern New South Wales, you’ll find Cook Island Marine Park. One of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets, and a diving and snorkelling haven. Above water you have a small island only inhabited by birds and reptiles, underwater is a magical world of turtles, fish, Wobbegong sharks, Leopard Sharks, rays and all the beautiful macro life. As it is a marine sanctuary, the wildlife is protected, there is no fishing or spear fishing allowed which enables life to flourish. During the summer months (Dec – Feb) is when the Leopard Sharks are around, the gracious animals are around 1-2m and can be very curious and friendly sharks. At this time of year, the weather can fluctuate dramatically from a calm, blue sky day to the next being summer monsoon rains and wind. The water temperature varies between 22 – 28C, with intermittent currents and thermoclines. The winter months (June – August) is when the humpback whales migrate, best seen by boat, The Whale Watcher takes tours (above water) to get up close and personal with the gracious mammals. Diving at this time of year is a lot colder, however the seas are generally calmer with better visibility. 
The north side of the island is the Turtle Sanctuary and generally where divers and snorkelers spot many sharks. There is a shallow shelf (5m) perfect for snorkelers, introductory divers and safety stops with a wall dropping between 12-15m. The North Wall is home to wobbegongs, nudibranchs, octopus and a diverse range of schooling fish with the odd shark, ray or turtle swimming on by.
The south side of the island is a photographers dream, with shallow (10m) clear waters, it is ideal for those with a macro lens as there are colourful soft corals teeming with marine life, as well as many eagle rays, manta rays, shovel nose rays and and schools of kingfish.
Cook Island is also the perfect place to learn to dive; with daily trips held and easy shallow conditions, Cook sets up divers to start their underwater dream in an ideal local oasis.
For more information about diving, snorkelling or whale watching head to http://www.coolydive.com.au.
Kelissa Brockett 