The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland are ideal for year-round diving. Water temperatures vary from 22° to 30° Celsius (75° to 86°F).
Yes, there are sharks in every ocean, and a variety of sharks inhabit The Great Barrier Reef. What we most commonly encounter are smaller species which pose no threat to divers or snorkellers. The most infamous Australian shark, the Great White, prefers the cold water of the Southern Ocean and does not visit the waters of Tropical North Queensland.
There are 2 main types of dangerous jellyfish in our local waters. The Box Jellyfish is coastal dwelling and is extremely rare to see on the reef. They breed in estuaries and live their life on the shoreline, they therefore generally do not pose a threat to divers. The Irukandji jellyfish is also predominantly a coastal dweller but is occasionally found on the reef.
Divers are rarely troubled by either species, but there is still a risk of being stung. Full body coverage is recommended when jellyfish are prevalent. The jellyfish season in North Queensland is from November to April.
Reef tax is a compulsory fee for the Government Environmental Management Charge or EMC.
Complimentary transfers are provided from locations around Port Douglas. Transfers from Cairns and surrounding suburbs are an additional cost.
You will need to bring swimwear, a towel, a dive medical if required, and a passport or Australian driver's licence.
Student numbers are capped at 6 students for every 1 instructor.
Some medical conditions may prevent you from diving. You will be required to obtain a dive medical certificate if you have a positive response to any of the questions on the Entry Level Student Diver Medical Declaration.
A positive response to any question indicates that there is a pre-existing condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must consult a medical practitioner preferably with experience in diving medicine to obtain a dive medical certificate, preferably in English, which states that you are fit to undertake recreational diver training. This medical certificate must be valid within 90 days of course commencement. If you are unsure about a specific medical condition please check with your doctor prior to making your reservation.
Diving is not permitted if you haven't passed your dive medical.
Irregardless of your certification status; if you have suffered any illness or injury that may affect your diving, if you are currently suffering for any illness or injury, if you are taking any prescription medication and if you have any condition, fact or circumstance that may affect your fitness - you will require a medical certificate.
Yes, but you will require a medical clearance.
The recommendation is to allow at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. However, you can fly and then dive on the same day.