Day Boats, Platforms & Shore Dives
Appealing to every level of diving expertise and underwater interest, a day out with one of our charter operators is an experience not to be missed. Varying in size and passenger numbers, the large fleet of custom-designed day boats operate all along our extensive coastline. Catering equally to non-diving partners, or divers travelling with their families, day boat options abound. While some specialise in trips to large pontoons permanently moored at choice locations on the reef – ideal platforms for snorkellers or non-divers seeking an introductory dive – others focus on destinations with appeal to both divers and snorkellers, while yet others focus on dives to our wrecks or shark colonies.
Cairns & Port Douglas Area
From either Cairns or Port Douglas fast, purpose built, day boats catering to certified divers. Basing their destination decision on weather patterns and which reefs will offer the best diving conditions on any given day. They typically visit dive sites, perched along the Great Barrier Reef’s outer edge where coral ramparts feature splendid coral gardens, mazes, gullies and swim-throughs that brim with life such as gorgonian sea-fans while other species like butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrot fish and triggerfish are beyond number. Adding to the enjoyable intensity of a day-boat experience there are turtles, white tip reef shark, pods of dolphins and - especially during the southern winter months between June and September - migrating Humpback whales. Furthermore a qualified marine biologist and/or Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Master Reef Guide will deliver a commentary on the exotic reef life; while refreshments; and/or a magnificent smorgasbord lunch is served.
Townsville & Whitsundays Area
The Townsville, Alva Beach & Whitsundays Area has some of the most amazing and unique dives you will find in one region. You can explore the historical wreck of the Yongala (ranked one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world SS Yongala - Wikipedia), visit the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA / Museum of Underwater Art) and/or explore the amazing diving around the majestic islands of the Whitsunday Islands.
Central Queensland
With numerous stretches of white sandy beaches and fringing reefs just off the shore, you’ll swap sunscreens and sunglasses for snorkels and scuba gear and never look back. Unplugged and untouched, this island region is made for adventurers, amblers, and anyone chasing that sweet, simple kind of escape. Just how island holidays used to feel. For example, Great Keppel (Wop-pa), Keppel and Lady Elliot Islands are the kind of holidays you remember long after the tan fades and all scuba gear is cleaned and stored. No strict schedules. No stress. Just days ruled by tides, bare feet and whatever beach you want to snorkel or scuba dive from. Meanwhile, Hervey Bay, with the wreck of the ex-HMAS Tobruk and hundreds of whales in season, is something you must experience at least once.
Brisbane & Sunshine Coast Area
The cooler subtropical waters of the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast area of Queensland offer a myriad of extraordinary experiences to those of the tropical waters in the north. World-class wreck dives like the ex HMAS Brisbane Ex-HMAS Brisbane Dive: Australia’s Top Dives | Scuba World), reefs and vast rock walls boast abundant marine life, with turtles, stingrays, manta rays, leopard, wobbegong and grey nurse sharks, nudibranchs and large schools of fish populating the various dive sites. The region also has several spectacular dives you can undertake from shore.
