Marine Life at Cook Island

Cook Island offers exceptional year-round diving, with a wide variety of marine life found in its protected waters. You can regularly encounter green turtles, wobbegong sharks, batfish, lionfish, Spanish dancers, nudibranchs, and several species of rays.

Seasonal visitors include grey nurse sharks, leopard sharks, loggerhead turtles, eagle rays, shovelnose sharks, and manta rays, particularly during the warmer months. The diversity of marine life makes Cook Island an ideal dive site throughout the year.

Dive Conditions and Sites

Currents around Cook Island are generally mild, especially along the North Wall and South Side. However, divers should be aware that current can pick up past Moorings 1 and 5 and is typically stronger around Marys Rock. These conditions make some areas more suitable for advanced divers.

Water temperatures range from around 26 degrees Celsius in the height of summer to approximately 19 degrees in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions most of the year.

North Wall

The North Wall is the most frequently visited dive site at Cook Island. It features five moorings, starting at a depth of around 5 metres and descending to a sandy bottom at 13 metres. This area includes the Turtle Sanctuary, and most dives here are conducted along the Mini Wall between Moorings 2 to 4. This site is ideal for both entry-level and experienced divers.

South Side

The South Side offers a shallower, easy-going dive with plenty of colourful sponges. Depths range from 5 to 11 metres across five moorings. Because this area has not been heavily dived in the past, the marine environment is in excellent condition. In summer, manta rays are sometimes seen near Mooring 2. The site is rarely affected by current, making it perfect for relaxed, scenic dives.

Turtle Sanctuary

For divers looking to practice their navigation skills, the Turtle Sanctuary is a rewarding destination. Located approximately five minutes' swim from North Wall at a 330-degree bearing, this area is a resting zone for green turtles. To protect the turtles, visits are kept minimal, and divers are asked to follow a strict "do not disturb" policy. The general plan is to quietly observe and exit without lingering.

Marys Rock

Marys Rock is considered an advanced dive site due to the consistent presence of current. The site reaches a maximum depth of around 21 metres, with an average diving depth of 16 metres. The area features numerous swim-throughs and crevices teeming with marine life. Large wobbegong sharks are commonly found here and are one of the highlights of the dive.

Eastern Mooring

This site is a marine life hotspot, often referred to as a “fish bowl.” Divers can swim along a wall and through canyons, arriving at a feature called “The Chimney” at a depth of about 5 metres. This site is highly dependent on favourable weather conditions.

North Wall to Marys Rock Drift

One of the most popular dive options for experienced divers is the drift between North Wall and Marys Rock. This area covers a large expanse and offers several possible dive routes. These include drifting from Mooring 4 to Marys Rock, from Marys Rock to the Eastern Mooring, or covering the entire area from Mooring 4, along Marys Rock, and finishing at the East Mooring. Due to currents and navigation requirements, this dive is best suited for advanced and experienced divers.

Kirra Dive Terms and Conditions

Cancellations

Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the tour date will incur a 100% cancellation fee and are not eligible for a refund. Bookings cancelled more than 48 hours in advance will receive a full refund or credit. If you expect to arrive late, please let us know as soon as possible. No refunds or compensation will be provided for unused equipment or missed dives, including prepaid courses or guide services.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may prevent you from diving. We strongly recommend reviewing the PADI Medical Questionnaire available on the PADI website. If you answer “Yes” to any questions on the form, you will need clearance from a qualified dive doctor. Failure to provide a valid medical certificate when required will result in you being unable to dive and will incur a 100% cancellation fee. All medical requirements should be addressed well in advance of your trip. Upon arrival, you will be required to complete our liability forms, and all information must be accurate. If any false or incomplete information is discovered, we reserve the right to prevent participation in diving or snorkelling activities. This decision is at the sole discretion of the dive supervisor on board.

Scuba Diving Requirements

All certified divers must present a valid certification card. If you are unable to produce proof of certification, you will not be allowed to dive and may be offered snorkelling instead, depending on availability. This will not be eligible for a refund.

If you have not dived in the last six months, please notify us prior to your booking. For your safety and confidence, we highly recommend completing a PADI ReActivate refresher course before your tour. Our tours take place in an open water environment and are subject to weather and ocean conditions. We reserve the right to restrict participation at our discretion for the safety of all guests and crew.

There is no refund or compensation if you are unable to complete all dives due to personal limitations, lack of readiness, or failure to meet requirements. We also recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours after diving before flying.

Participation in scuba diving or snorkelling under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be denied access to the water. This decision is final and will be made by the dive supervisor.

If any of our equipment is lost or damaged due to negligence, the customer responsible will be required to cover the replacement or repair costs.

Liability Forms and Equipment

All participants must complete the appropriate liability forms for the activity they are undertaking.

Rental dive equipment includes a BCD, regulator with first stage and two second stages (primary and alternate), pressure and depth gauges with dive computer, and emergency signalling devices such as a safety sausage, whistle, and/or other visible and audible alert systems. If your personal equipment does not meet these standards, please contact us before boarding.

Divers are responsible for checking the condition of both rental and personal equipment before use. If you require rental gear, please confirm your sizes at least one day before your trip.

Under 18 Policy

Any participant under the age of 18 must have all required liability forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Minimum Numbers

All trips and courses are subject to minimum booking numbers. Kirra Dive will make every effort to reach the required minimum. If the minimum is not met, you will be offered either a full refund or the opportunity to reschedule to an alternative date.