Learn to Scuba Dive

Category: Dive Travel

  • Dive Flinders Reef – South East Queensland’s Hidden Jewel!!

    Dive Flinders Reef – South East Queensland’s Hidden Jewel!!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip

    Join us as we explore the best dive sites that Moreton Bay and Flinders Reef have to offer! Considered by many to be the southern most point of the Great Barrier Reef, Flinders Reef is as diverse if not more biologically and ecologically diverse than the GBR! Come and explore some of the best diving in Australia in your own backyard!

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

    Depth ranges from 6 – 25 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Green Sea Turtle, Flinders Reef, QLD

    Trip Dates

    21 November 2020

    Price
    $280 per person

     

     

     


    What’s Included
    2 dives
    Tanks and weights
    Nitrox fills if you are nitrox certified
    Snacks and drinks between dives
    Lunch between dives (please feel free to bring your own lunch if you have any allergies)
    Divemaster services if you require them
    Return transport from Woolloongabba to Mooloolaba

     


    Trumpet Fish Yellow Phase, Flinders Reef, QLD

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (this can be hired from us at an additional cost)

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to hire you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator or computer for the day and please communicate your requirements through the booking link. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). 

     

    Itinerary

    Meeting at Adreno at Woolloongabba at 5:30am (for those who require transport) or Sunreef at Mooloolaba at 7am to check in. You will be whisked away on one of the fastest and most comfortable dive boats on the East Coast of Australia. The trip from the Sunshine Coast to Flinders Reef is only 45 minutes! This is almost a third of the time that it used to take leaving from Scarborough! Once we arrive at Flinders Reef your expert guides will determine which sites based on conditions and the direction of the current will be optimal to dive that day though Flinders Mooring number 2 with the famous turtle cleaning station is always a priority and a crowd favourite!

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    Your dive guide John Gransbury has dived Flinders Reef more than any other guide / Instructor in South East Queensland so you know you are in good hands when you choose to dive with us! You will do two dives of 50 mins / 50 bar which ever arrives first. The marine life that can be seen at Flinders is absolutely incredible and if you are a turtle lover then there is no better place in South East Queensland where you can see them!

     

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    Once we have completed our two dives we will be whisked back to the Sunshine Coast by 3:30pm at the latest, where the incredible staff at Sunreef Mooloolaba will wash your gear for you if you wish. John will then drive everyone who requires transport back to your awaiting vehicles in Woolloongabba no later than 5pm.

     

     

     

    PADI Specialities Suitable for this day trip

    Nitrox
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    HOW TO BOOK
    Please click on the link HERE to secure your spot today!

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  • Dive the EX-HMAS Tobruk – Australia’s newest wreck site!

    Dive the EX-HMAS Tobruk – Australia’s newest wreck site!

     

     

    THE DIVE SITE

    HMAS Tobruk (L 50) was a Landing Ship Heavy (LSH) of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), based on the design of the Round Table-class of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Planning for the ship began in the 1970s to provide the Australian Army with a permanent sealift capability. She was laid down by Carrington Slipways in 1979, launched in 1980, and commissioned in 1981. She was a multi-purpose, roll-on/roll-off heavy lift ship capable of transporting soldiers, APCs, and tanks, and delivering them to shore via landing craft or directly by beaching.

    The ship experienced problems during her early career with her engines (which differed from the British base design) and sewerage system (leading to the death of a cadet in 1981). During the 1980s, the ship delivered supplies to the Multinational Force and Observers on the Sinai Peninsula, assisted in the withdrawal from RAAF Base Butterworth, provided support and accommodation for delegates to the South Pacific Forum, and was part of the Australian response to the 1987 Fijian coups d’état. In the early 1990s, Tobruk was part of ceremonies marking the 75th anniversary of the landing at Anzac Cove, then after a refit, participated in peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. She was used for many humanitarian missions including peace keeping in Bougainville, the Solomons, Samoa after the earthquake and tsunami, assisting after cyclones Yasi and Pam and border protection detail under Operation Resolute.

    Tobruk was decommissioned in Sydney on 31 July 2015. During her 34-year operational history, Tobruk sailed over 947,000 nautical miles (1,754,000 km; 1,090,000 mi), and was deployed on 26 major operations (more than any other ADF unit), leading to a reputation as the “workhorse of the RAN”.

    Several entities called for the ship to be scuttled as a dive wreck. Federal Member of Parliament Keith Pitt spent several years campaigning for the scuttling of a warship in Hervey Bay as a tourist attraction, with Tobruk his preferred vessel. Another proposal came from the community of St Helens, Tasmania, for the ship to be sunk in Skeleton Bay. North Stradbroke Island (Redland Bay Council) and the Gold Coast also expressed interest.

    On 2 December 2016 it was announced that Tobruk would be scuttled off the Fraser Coast, at a location halfway between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, by late 2018. As the ship awaited its scuttling, Tobruk was located between the Australian Navy Cadet Base TS Bundaberg and the Burnett Heads Marina. The ship was transported to this area in late 2016 and was used as a tourist attraction whilst undergoing preparations for scuttling.

    She was sunk off the coast between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay on 29 June 2018 although instead of coming to rest upright on her keel, the ship instead rolled 90 degrees to starboard (right) and came to rest on her side like so many wrecks that were not purpose sunk. Already the sea life that has been attracted to the wreck is absolutely incredible! Come and dive a piece of Australian history with us!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Must have your own dive torch to do these dives (rentals available) Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site
    Depth ranges from 11 – 28.5 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is included for those who are certified – Must be ordered the Wednesday prior to the trip
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    Friday, 25 June to Sunday, 27 June 2021

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PRICE

    Weekend Trip

    $750 per person – 4 dives, nitrox (for those who are certified) and weights, 2 nights accommodation, Divemaster services if desired, return transport to Hervey Bay from Brisbane.

    Enriched Air Speciality– additional $245 (total $995) – course materials (manual learning) and the services of your dive instructor

    PADI Wreck diver speciality course – additional $195 (total $945 per person ) – includes course materials, 4 led dives over 2 days, and the services of your dive instructor.

    PADI Wreck diver and Enriched Air speciality courses @ $1,140 per person total- includes course materials, 4 led dives over 2 days, and the services of your dive instructor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability. All hire gear must be organised prior to the trip date.

    ITINERARY

    You will be doing a maximum of 2 dives each day and these dives are usually done in the morning, allowing you to have your afternoon free. An itinerary with timings will be sent to those booked onto the trip closer to the trip date.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PADI COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Enriched Air (Nitrox) (perfect for this trip)*
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist
    Wreck Diver (perfect for this trip)

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    * The Nitrox specialty is the only specialty that you can do at the same time as another qualifying dive so this is the perfect opportunity to do two specialties in one go!

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependent. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

    HOW TO BOOK

     

    To book online click HERE

  • Dive with Fur Seals at Narooma this Easter!

    Dive with Fur Seals at Narooma this Easter!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    Located in Narooma on the South Coast of New South Wales, Montague Island provides a home for over 1000 Fur Seals; the playful puppies of the ocean.

    Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals are at home on Montague Island. After being hunted for their furs during the 18th and 19th centuries, thankfully these charismatic and lovely sea mammals are now protected in Australia and their numbers are increasing. Fur Seals have large eyes, a pointed face with whiskers and sharp teeth. Both Australian and New Zealand fur seals have two layers of fur.

    Seals are on the island all year round, so you will be guaranteed of seeing them. As your boat approaches the island, look out for the seals at the northern end of the island as they haul out and cool down in the water and frolic and fish. It may look as if they are waving a friendly flipper in the air as they cool down by rolling on their side on the surface of the water.

    On your dive trip you will board Dallas, a PADI authorised dive vessel, where you can explore dive spots that will see you dive with these Seals, you also have the prospect of viewing Stringrays and Grey Nurse Sharks (November to April). There is also the prospect of diving on the SS Lady Darling wreck.  You will be amazed at how clear the water is at Montague Island with 20- 30 metre visibility most of the time. Whilst diving you will have the opportunity to view the playful Fur Seals romp with millions of fish. You may also see graceful gliding Stingrays and Bullrays as well as Blue Gropers, Wobbegongs and Port Jacksons just to name a few. Great diving for all!

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    Thursday, 29 March – Monday, 2 April 2018 (Easter Monday)

    PRICE

    With Flights ex Brisbane- $1650

    Without Flights- $1175

    To book online please click HERE

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    6 dives
    4 Nights accommodation
    Van transport from Sydney airport to Narooma
    Van transfers around Narooma
    Tanks and Weights
    Flights (if you choose this option)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure
    Flights to Sydney + allowance for 2 checked in bags (if you have chosen the without flights package)

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the trip, however you will need to arrange to collect the gear from us and make allowances in your luggage for this gear. There is also the option of hiring gear directly from the operator, which is advised.

    ITINERARY

    Thursday, 29 March
    For those who have chosen the ‘with flights’ option, you will be flying QF517 from Brisbane to Sydney, departing Brisbane at 10:05am and arriving in Sydney at 12:40 pm. For those who are booking their own flights, we will meet you at Sydney airport at 12:45 pm. From here we will travel together as a group down to Narooma on the South Coast of NSW. No diving today, but we will get ourselves settled into our accomoodation; get a good nights rest and then ready for a morning of diving with fur seals!

    Friday, 30 March- Sunday, 1 April 
    2 dives per day and all meals at leisure.

    Monday, 2 April
    We will check-out of our accommodation and travel in our van back to Sydney airport. For those who have chosen the ‘with flights’ package, we will be travelling on QF536 to Brisbane departing at 16:00 (4pm) and arriving in Brisbane at 17:30 (5:30pm). For those booking their own flights, please do not book your flights any earlier than 4pm.

     

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    To book online please click HERE

  • TULAMBEN – INDONESIA

    TULAMBEN – INDONESIA

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    Tulamben, is a little village on the northeast coast of Bail. The beach is covered in black sand and fist size rocks. Diving the Tulamben’s coast, which boasts colourful coral gardens, plunging walls, fantastic macros sites and Tulamben’s renowned wreck dive, the USAT Liberty. The Liberty is located just off shore ; she is 120m long and rests on a 90 degree angle with the deck facing the open sea! Hit by a torpedo in World War II she is now festooned in coral making a fantastic artificial reef home to diverse marine life. Be it pelagic species or macro there is something on the Liberty wreck to captivate and enthrall every diver.

    USAT Liberty Wreck
    Just 30 metres from the beach at Tulamben, is a WWII cargo ship broken up, but still a large wreck stretching 120 metres long on a sloping sandy bottom. The top of the wreckage is just 3 metres below the waters surface and the bottom is 29 metres. On January 11, 1942, the ship was hit by torpedoes from a Japanese submarine while crossing Lombok Strait carrying rubber and railroad parts. Badly damaged, two destoyer ships towed the USAT Liberty up onto the beach at Tulamben. The volcanic explosion of Gunung Agung in 1963 rolled Liberty off the beach to its present location, in the process the USAT Liberty broke into pieces. The wreck is now covered with a variety of corals and it is estimated that some 400 species of reef fish live on the wreck.

    Visibility averages 15- 20 metres and water temperature is roughly 28- 29 degrees.

    Coral Garden
    This shallow patch reef us delightful and richly covered more than 200 metres and lies in 5- 15 metres of water. This reef is dominated by Acropora, hard corals, some large table corals and bushes of Hydroids and supports a diversity of fish population such as Parrotfish, Wrasse, Snapper, as well as Ribbon Eels, Frogfish and Scorpionfish. Photographers and divers who like macro sea life, this will be a favourite.

    Drop-off (Rugged Wall)
    The reef wall descends down over 70 metres. Black, soft and hard corals grow well on the crannies and overhangs. At 18 metres there live an abundance of Cleaner Shrimp and large fish are waiting at the overhangs to be cleaned. The hook of the wall at 28 metres where the reef extends to the sloping eastern reef stands a huge purple sea fan Gorgonian, which is over 2 metres wide and is the landmark on the reef wall. A prolific variety of schooling fish swim around the corner of the wall and even invertebrate animals are often encountered at this rugged wall reef.

     

    INFORMATION

     

    TRIP DATES

    4- 15 April 2018 (during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games)

    PRICE

    Diver- $3050

    Non-diver- $2,390

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    FLY
    Virgin Australia ex Brisbane to Denpasar
    Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

    SLEEP
    Tulamben Wreck Divers
    Standard twin share room- 10 nights
    Daily Breakfast
    Return airport transfers

     

    DIVE
    Tulamben Diving
    10 boat dives per diver
    3 dives in Amed
    3 dives in Padang Bai
    Tanks, weights, air fills and dive guide

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    Gear rental
    Gratuities
    Bar purchases
    Food and other items not mentioned above

     

     

    ITINERARY
    Wednesday, 4 April
    10:05am- Depart Brisbane on Virgin Australia flight and arrive in Denpasar at 2:45pm

    4 April- 14 April 2018
    10 nights accommodation in standard twin share room at Tulamben Wreck Divers
    10 dives per diver in the Tulamben Area
    3 dives per diver in Amed
    3 dives per diver in Padang Bali

    Saturday, 14 April 2018
    10:10 pm- Depart Denpasar on Virgin Australia Flight

    Sunday, 15 April 2018
    5:45am- arrive in Brisbane

    Please also refer to the attached document for a more detailed itinerary

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator set, computer and hire pricing for the week will be provided upon application. Please note that you will need to arrange to collect the gear from us (Brisbane based customers) prior to the trip and this gear must be incorporated into your own luggage allowance for your flights. Hire costs will apply. Alternatively, gear hire can be hired from the operator in Bali.

     

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Self Reliant Diver
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Shark Awareness
    Boat Diver
    Underwater Naturalist

    *** Many more specialties can be done on this trip. John is an Instructor in 32 different specialties. Did you have a specialty in mind? Call John on 0457 007 040 to discuss***

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to info@professionaldiveservice

  • SOLOMON ISLANDS – MUNDA

    SOLOMON ISLANDS – MUNDA

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE DIVE ADVENTURE

    0890-Barracuda-diving-at-Munda-Solomon-Islands-with-Dive-Munda-and-SIDE

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MUNDA

    Join us on this incredible trip to Munda in the Solomon Islands where the diving will leave you speechless! The warm, tropical waters will have you begging to return to this tranquil paradise year after year! For anyone who loves their elasmobranchs such as BIG sharks and rays, Munda has these in abundance along its fantastic walls. There are also stunning coral gardens and slopes for macro fanatics where you will find pygmy seahorses and other elusive critters!The brightly coloured hard and soft corals are untocuhed and accessible to both divers and snorkellers alike. With such spectacular diving this is definitely a bucket list destinaation!
    The diving is relatively unexplored with new sites being discovered regularly. Majestic wall dives and virgin reefs are specialties. The soft coral overhangs of Mushroom Island, the 4km drop off at Shark Point and the amazing colourful corals of Rainbow Passage are fast becoming renowned as world class dive sites with intense big fish and shark action. The Cave of the Kastom shark is a MUST as well. Where else in the world can you drop in to a sinkhole in the jungle only to navigate the corridors and be spat out on to a magnificent wall dive with pelagics?!

     

    plane editedSome of the popular dive sites include:
    Casi Maru:     a 700 tonne Japanese freighter lying at 16 metres.
    Mushroom Island: is perched on an extinct volcano withsoft coral overhangs, fantastic visibility and big fish action.
    Custom Shark Cave: An amazing cave system that extends from a fresh water pool at the centre of the island to a cavern that opens onto an 800 metre reef wall that’s ablaze with soft corals, whips, sponges and myriad of fish life.
    Rainbow Passage: A colourful dive with an array of corals, gorgoniansand invertebrates teeming with fish life that includes sharks and turtles.
    Douglas Dive Bomber: This historical wreck lies intact in 12m of water.

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION
    Suitable for open water divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Depth ranges from 6- 40 metres
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver of similar experience.

     

    TRIP DATES

    14- 21 March 2020

    8 days/ 7 nights ex Brisbane

    PRICE

    Diver- $2,800

    non-diver- $2000

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Airfares and Taxes
    Return airfares ex Brisbane to Munda, returning via Honiara
    Includes airline taxes and fuel surcharges

    Agnes Lodge - Naru room

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Accommodation and Transfers
    7 nights, Ibibu Room- twin share
    Retuen airport Transfers
    **Meal packages – half board and full board are available as an optional upgrade as well**

    Gizo 024

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Diving Package
    10 Dives – includes tanks, weights and airfills (upgrade for another 5 dives [3 dives per day] is available as well)

    mantas edited

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

    Equipment hire
    Travel insurance, meals, personal spending money and excess luggage surcharges
    Local custom fees in Munda: $20 AUD per person per dive

     

    BOOKING CONDITIONS APPLY
    Prices are subject to change at any time without notice due to supplier rate changes. See other terms and conditions as per Allways Dive Expeditions:

    ttps://allwaysdive.com.au/booking-form/?ref=ADE1774

    TO BOOK: 

    To secure your place on this trip, you will need to complete an online booking form and return it together with a non-refundable deposit.

    ttps://allwaysdive.com.au/booking-form/?ref=ADE1774

     

     

     

  • FIJI ISLANDS- Dive Beqa Lagoon

    FIJI ISLANDS- Dive Beqa Lagoon

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    FIJI’S ORIGINAL SHARK DIVE

    Come dive with the creator of the FIJI SHARK DIVE.  In 1999 Aqua-Trek’s Brandon Paige, a.k.a the “Shark Whisperer”, created a dive with the intent to educate divers and  aid in the conservation of sharks. Little did he know he was creating what is now known as THE WORLD’S #1 SHARK DIVE.

    Divers come from around the world to experience the only dive with 8 Species of Shark.  Aqua-Trek’s ULTIMATE SHARK ENCOUNTER features multiple bull sharks (largest in the world), whitetip reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, grey reef sharks, silvertip sharks and over 300 species of fish. As if that isn’t enough, 16 + foot tiger sharks come in regularly, making this a ‘shark lovers’ dream dive. Aqua-Trek has been successful in creating two Shark Marine Reserves that directly involve the Fijian people in the protection of sharks. It is within this protected area that THE ULTIMATE SHARK ENCOUNTER takes place.

    As divers descend through the clear waters to the 25m/80 foot landing, they will see sharks circling below them along with hundreds of jacks, snappers and other fish species swirling around the feeding area. Within this excitement divers are rewarded by rare sightings of the huge queensland grouper and humphead wrasse. Divers are not in a cage, but situated on the reef around the perimeter of the dive site called “the Arena”.  Once settled in, the feed begins. Tawny Nurse sharks are abundant and not shy as they crowd around the feeders. Lemon Sharks attend in ones or twos. Silver tips dart in and out from the blue. The main attraction, the huge Bull Sharks, arrive in numbers as far as the eye can see. They purposefully move in opening their enormous jaws to take the food from the feeder in direct view of the diving guests.

    An amazing experience, yes! Let us take you one step further … Enter the Tiger Shark. Everything you were just witnessing has gone still and silent as the 16-18 foot denizen of the sea slowly and deliberately moves in to claim the area with its grand presence. The queen has arrived. She slowly scans the area with her black eyes taking it all in. All the others move aside as she comes around several times to feed just feet away from the divers, and then is on her way, leaving the divers in awe. After 20 minutes of bottom time, divers ascend up the beautiful reef ledge where grey reef, black tip and white tip reef sharks swim freely. After the big boys (and girls), this part of the dive seems like the nursery.

     

     

     

     

    The dive lasts about 50 minutes and provides divers and ‘shark lovers’ award winning photo and video opportunities. After the hour long surface interval, the dive is repeated, however you never know what the second dive will bring as the tide has changed and the chum trail has travelled far. A 10-minute boat ride back to the dock and divers are sharing pictures and video and excitedly reliving the experience.

     

    The Ultimate Shark Encounter is a dive you will never forget. Those lucky enough to be graced by the presence of each species of shark that arrives at the dive have witnessed something that is special and may not always be there. We hope it will move you to join us in our efforts in the conservation of these beautiful creatures that are so vital to the marine ecosystem and our planet.

     

    TRIP DATES

    27 October- 3 November 2019

    PRICE

    Diver in a Beach Bure – $3,579

    Diver in a Beach Villa – $3,929

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Fly
    Return flights ex Brisbane to Nadi
    Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

    Sleep
    Uprising Beach Resort, Fiji
    Beach bure twin share room- 7 nights
    Continental breakfast daily
    Free use of kayaks, beach volleyball and use of stand-up paddle boards
    Return airport transfers

    Dive
    Aqua Trek, Fiji
    6 shark dives
    4 reef dives
    tanks, weights and dive guide

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Dive gear (excluding tanks and weights)
    Excess Luggage surcharges
    Shark Marine Park fee of $20 FJD pp

    CONDITIONS APPLY

    Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in exchange rates and 2018 rates.

    ITINERARY
    Please refer to attached document for the detailed trip itineray

    HOW TO BOOK
    Please complete the booking form attached to this webpage and email back to [email protected]. We are working with Allways Dive Expeditions to ensure you have the best dive holiday possible!

  • Tonga- Vava’u- Snorkel with the Humpback Whales

    Tonga- Vava’u- Snorkel with the Humpback Whales

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE ADVENTURE

    Tonga is one of the only places in the world where you can snorkel with whales up close.

    tonga-humpbackEvery year from July to November the whales complete their migration from the cold feeding waters south of New Zealand and Australia, to the warmer tropical waters of Tonga where they give birth to calves and perform courtship readying themselves for the next season.

    This adventure will allow you to experince a once in a lifetime whale watch tour and witness these enormous and majextic creatures in their natural environment.

     

    tonga-humpbackAll tours will be accompanied by experinced local skippers and qualified whale watch guides.

    Did you know that a Humpback Whale averages 15 metres in length and can weighup to 45 tonnes. The females give birth to a single calf, usually every third year. Tonga is an ideal nursery, as it provides sheltered areaswith shallow warm water. Here the carves suckle the fat-rich milk, which helps them to quickly grow and lay down a layer of blubber in preparation for the journey south to the chilly Antarctic waters.

    DATES

    September 2019 – Dates yet to be confirmed. Email us on [email protected] to register your interest.

    9 days/ 8 nights ex Brisbane

    PRICE

    Based on current pricing budget $5,000 for this bucket list experience.

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    tonga-humpback-3Air and Taxes
    Return flights ex Brisbane to Vava’u via Nadi- Fiji Airways
    Australian departure taxes and applicable airline taxes (subject to change)

    Accommodation and Transfers
    1 night twin share accommodation at The Tanoa International – Nadi
    7 nights twin share fare accommodation at Mala Island- Vava’u
    Return aitport transfers in Tonga and Fiji

    tonga-humpback-5Meals
    Half board meal package at Mala Island: breakfast and dinner daily

    Snorkeler Package
    3 x full day whale watching tours with Tongan Expeditions- includes: qualified whale guide, light lunch, hot drink and snorkelling equipment

    Diver Package 3 x full day whale watching tours with Tongan Expeditions- includes: qualified whale guide, light lunch, hot drink and snorkelling equipment. 2 x Double Boat Dives with Tongan Expeditions – tanks, weights, dive guide services and a light lunch.

     

     

    WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
    Travel insurance
    Personal spending money
    Any excess luggage surcharges

    tonga-humpback-2BOOKING CONDITIONS APPLY
    Space is limited. Price is subject to change due to airline fluctuations and availability. Please use this package price as an indicative price guide. See other terms and conditions as per the Dive Adventures website – www.diveadventures.com.au

    BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
    To secure your place on this trip, you will need to complete an online booking form and return it together with a non-refundable deposit amount of $1200 per person.

    Please find the booking link below to book onto the trip :

     

  • The Solitary Islands Weekend Retreat – Two incredible locations, one phenomenal weekend!

    The Solitary Islands Weekend Retreat – Two incredible locations, one phenomenal weekend!

    South Solitary Islands

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    The South Solitary Islands Marine Park

    The Solitary Islands Marine Park runs for 90 km north of Coffs Harbour; which is centrally located between Sydney and Brisbane, on the NSW north coast. This is where the warm Great Barrier reef waters from the north, meet the cooler southern waters from Sydney and below. The sheltered Island havens are warmer than the coastal waters producing a unique blend of tropical and sub-tropical fish life, hard and soft corals, and spectacular marine life. With over 25 exciting dive sites we will not be limited in our choices of dive site! Dive with the endangered Grey Nurse Sharks – sure to get your adrenalin pumping as these stunning creatures glide close to you in the water. In season, you will also get the chance to see Humpback Whales on the trip out and back.

    In the Summer months (November to April) the water temperature rises from 19c to peak in March at between 24c and 26c. During that time we see tropical varieties breeze thru with the East Australian Current, with the larger fish like Manta Rays andLeopard Sharks thru to the smaller critters like the Ornate Ghost-Pipefish. Then from May thru to the end of June the water temperature stays above 20c. Then it drops to about 19-18c for the rest of Winter months. The Winter brings us a more abundant number of Grey Nurse Sharks and the special appearance of Giant Cuttlefish. We really like the diving in the winter, and at the temperature it is, it compares to the southern tropical waters of the Barrier reef.

    North Solitary islands

    The North Solitary Islands Marine Park

    The islands are absolutely world class diving. The islands are not only home to the incredible array of temperate species found in New South Wales waters, they are also considered the southernmost limit of permanent colonies of tropical species. The marine park reserve is famous for a diverse variety of marine life, thickly populated at different dive locations around the island.

    At the north eastern end is a small sheltered inlet called Anemone Bay. The boulder strewn site is carpeted with anemones and numerous Anemone fish, cowries, rays, turtles and hard and soft corals.

    The Step, is a rocky drop-off; the wall drops from 15m to 45m and numerous sharks, giant Manta Ray, cod, eagle and bull rays patrol this section.

    The Canyons is another popular spot best described as a multi-coloured aquarium with a few southern species thrown in. Also famous for Painted Cray’s and large dive able depressions in the ocean floor.

    The Bubble Cave; near a spot called Southern Anchorage, is very dark and a torch is required to fully appreciate it. There are air bubbles trapped at the top of the cave. Fish life includes Lion Fish, large schools of White Bait, plethoras of nudibranchs and Spanish Dancers at times cling to the walls of the cave.

    Fish Soup is one of the most requested dive locations. Located at a group of wave washed rocks called North West Rock. It is renowned for a variety of larger fish species such as Black Cod, Mangrove Jack’s , Jew Fish, Spangled Emperor, Snapper, Red Mowong, Tarwhine just to name a few.

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request at an additional cost
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    TBA

    PRICE

    $600 per person

    Divers with Grey Nurse Sharks at Manta Arch, South Solitary Islands

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    4 dives (2 dives at the North Solitary Islands and 2 dives at the South Solitary Islands)
    Fuel surcharge for the North Solitary islands trip and marine park fees
    2 night’s accommodation
    Continental Breakfast both days
    Return private transport from Woolloongabba to Coffs Harbour
    Dive Master services
    Tanks and weights.

    Nitrox is available at an additional $20 per tank

     WHAT’S EXCLUDED

     All Dive Gear
    travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All meals are at your leisure (with the exception of breakfast)

     GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    ITINERARY

    We will departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) at 4pm on Friday and from here you will be driven in our company van to Coffs Harbour. Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation and get a good night sleep ready to do 2 dives in the morning at the North Solitary islands. On Sunday, we will do 2 dives in the morning before heading back to Brisbane after lunch. We expect to have you back in Brisbane (Woolloongabba) by mid- evening. An itinerary with more accurate timings will be sent to the divers prior to the dive trip.

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    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • Spend a Weekend Away in Byron Bay – Julian Rocks is one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

    Spend a Weekend Away in Byron Bay – Julian Rocks is one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

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    THE DIVE SITE

    Discover the Magic of Julian Rocks in Byron Bay – One of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia!

    According to a story from the Bundjalung people a jealous husband threw his spear at the canoe of his wife and her lover. The canoe broke in two and sank to the bottom of the ocean. Only the back and the front of the boat stuck out of the water, creating a rock formation just 2.5 km off shore.

    Named by Captain Cook in 1776, Julian Rocks in Byron Bay consists of ancient sedimentary rock, remains of a volcanic eruption more than 20 million years ago. It is an extension of Cape Byron separated by water and forms a most unique marine reserve, providing shelter and food for more than 500 tropical and temperate fish species alone!

    From the 1st of December 2002 Julian Rocks has become part of the Cape Byron Marine Park and in May 2006 the new Marine Park zoning plan has come into action which amongst other things means that an area of 1500m around Julian Rocks has become a Sanctuary Zone for most of the year. This will hopefully see fish stocks replenish and give the critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks some well-deserved additional protection.

    Grey Nurse Sharks come to Julian Rocks during the winter months, presumably to breed. Although these sharks look ferocious with their mouths slightly opened and their teeth sticking out, it is perfectly safe to dive with them. The most commonly dived sites during the winter months are the Cod Hole, Turtle trench and Hugo’s Trench as these are where the Grey Nurse sharks like to patrol the sand trenches. An absolutely incredible sight as they are not shy about approaching divers and making sure that they put on a performance you will never forget!

    In spring the blue tang pays Julian Rocks a visit. This is a fish, which can be easily distinguished by its blue body and bright yellow tail. Schools of big-eye trevally are most common in summer. The docile leopard sharks can be seen on almost every dive during mid-summer when the waters are warmest. The spotted patterns on their skin gives them their name. Most of the time they lie resting on the sand, but if you are lucky you can see them swimming, moving their long tail slowly. During the Summer months the biggest draw card to the rocks are definitely the Leopard sharks (also known as Zebra sharks) and the main stars… Manta Rays!! These gorgeous graceful creatures glide effortlessly through the water dazzling divers with their somersaults and back flips, twisting and changing direction with the slightest bend of a fin. These magnificent creatures will keep you enthralled and begging for more as they soar from view

    IMG_8674And then there are of course the ‘regulars’ like different species of wobbegong sharks, turtles, cuttlefish (family of the octopus), schools of white spotted eagle rays, egg-cowry shells, moray eels, banner fish, giant guitar fish and shovel-nose rays. Sometimes there are so many fish around, you can hardly see where you are going. Not to mention all sessile animals (attached to substrate) like tunicates, colourful sponges, both hard and soft corals, giving you the feeling you are floating through some beautifully landscaped underwater garden.

    The Rock also forms a home for rare species such as the leaf scorpion fish, the pineapple fish with bioluminescent organs under its eyes, the shy blue devil fish, white banded anemone fish and a species of nudibranch previously thought not present in Australian waters: Noumea labouti. (A nudibranch is a colourful underwater snail without a shell, carrying its respiratory organ on its back)

    The interaction of tropical and temperate species makes every dive an exhilarating adventure. The three minute boat trip to the rock is almost as exciting: surfing the waves sometimes accompanied by playful dolphins. From May till September the Humpback whales come past Byron Bay and can easily be spotted from the boat. With water temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius and visibility of 20 meters at most times there is really nothing to complain about.

     

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    Dive Information

    -Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    -Depth ranges from 4 – 22 metres
    -Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    Trip Dates

    Friday, 23 – Sunday, 25 March 2018

    To book onto this weekend of diving click HERE

    Price

    Weekend Away -$700 per person and includes 6 dives, 2 night’s accommodation return transport from Woolloongabba, Divemaster services, photos of your trip, tanks and weights.

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    The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

    PADI Advanced Open Water course @ $250 per person
    PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $245 per person for manual learning or $395 on-line learning (both prices include 2x Nitrox fills)

    What’s Excluded

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    All Meals are at leisure

    Gear Hire

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the day and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

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    Itinerary

    If you are travelling to Byron Bay in the Professional Dive Services van, which will leave from Adreno (54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba) at 7pm on Friday evening to miss the weekend traffic south. We will confirm for you on pick up which spots are okay to park that aren’t part of the Woolloongabba zone and are free unlimited parking.

    A confirmation with all timings will be sent to you closer to the dive date.

     

    Specialties Suitable for this trip

    Advanced Open Water
    Under water Navigation
    Enriched Air (Nitrox)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit
    Diver Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Note- Some specialties are site and conditions dependant. All efforts will be made to complete course dives on a booked trip, however if conditions do not allow it the diver will have to book onto another trip to complete the course requirements.

     

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

    OR

    Click HERE to book online

     

  • Explore Australia’s Far North – Diving the Torres Strait and Ribbon Reefs aboard the MV Kalinda

    Explore Australia’s Far North – Diving the Torres Strait and Ribbon Reefs aboard the MV Kalinda

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    THE TRIP

    This is truly an incredible trip and VERY few divers on the planet have had the opportunity to dive the Torres Strait. Some of the most spectacular diving in the Coral Sea and reefs dived so rarely that you will likely see something that no person has ever seen before! This is the Great Barrier Reef at it’s healthiest. Incredible untouched reef systems with abundant fish life and huge varieties of pelagic life. Regardless of whether you love macro or wide angle subjects there is something here for everyone!

    The Far Northern Reefs are some of the most isolated reefs north of Lizard Island and extend to the east the tip of Cape York peninsular about 500 nautical miles north of Cairns. So many of these reef systems have not even been explored before! Our skipper Dave Stewart has been leading expeditions to this region and has found dive sites and reef systems that no one else has. The Far Northern reefs are famous for their fantastic wall dives, world class drift diving, pinnacles teeming with plethoras of fish, enormous coral bommies, and reef fish and invertebrates of incredible variety and colour. The nesting season for the green sea turtle runs from October through February, and November and December sees thousands upon thousands of turtles descending on the many small coral cays in the region.

    img_3231None are as well known though as Raine Island which has been featured in numerous National Geographic and David Attenborough documentaries as in peak season up to 250 turtles and hour drag themselves up onto the beach to lay the next generation. Raine Island is the LARGEST green sea turtle rookery in the word! Aside from the enormous turtles in their incredible numbers this is particularly impressive as there are typically roaming tiger sharks waiting for an easy meal of an exhausted mother who has just laid her clutch. This is a world class opportunity to witness nature in it’s purest and rawest form.

    Check out this incredible footage from Bio Pixel for what is in store for you if you join us :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4iIV-80eMc

    img_3019It is not just the spectacular Far Northern Reefs that we will be exploring. We will also be diving the most iconic sites of the Ribbon Reefs including two sites which are consistently rated in the top 10 dives in Australia, Steve’s Bommie and The Cod Hole! Aside from the famous Cod Hole you will also have a very unique opportunity to dive the sites around Lizard Island which are renowned for nudibranchs and macro life as well as their huge resident potato cod. The only other way to get to these sites is to pay a minimum of $1,500 a night!

     

    The other big draw card is the wreck of the RMS Quetta. The wreck of the RMS Quetta is one of Australia’s oldest and best known shipwrecks and is on the list of one of the few dive able historic wrecks. Located just South of Adolphus Island, this 116 metre long Scottish passenger liner sank on the 28th of February 1890 after striking a coral mount at low tide with 133 of her 290 crew perishing. At the time she was Queensland’s worst maritime disaster. This site requires a permit to dive, experience and significant planning. Huge currents and variable tides make her a difficult dive but very rewarding for those who do it! The Quetta lies in only 6 to 18m of water and is home to literally millions of fish. Thankfully many of the historic relics / “souvenirs” have been removed from the wreck and preserved in museums to stop them ending up in the hands of private collectors and irresponsible divers and so they can be admired by all for generation to come. She is still an incredible wreck though on par if not better than the SS Yongala and so rarely dived it is truly a remarkable opportunity.

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    Here is some footage taken by Chris Miller for Coast Australia to give you an idea of what awaits you on the RMS Quetta : https://vimeo.com/127999670

    ***This dive trip can be very challenging with a lot of sites prone to current so it is only recommended for experienced divers.***

    Want a better idea of what is in store for you for the entire trip? Check out this great highlight video from a previous Far North trip showing all of the residents that are waiting for you to come and play! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vakW7BpkHGk

     

     

     

     

    Suggested passage plan :

    Nov 2018

    2 – Board in Cairns @ 1400

    3 – Ribbon Reefs/Steve’s Bommie

    4 – Cod Hole/Lizard Island

    5-    Scooterboot

    6-   Small Southern Detached/ Ferguson Reef

    7-   Mantis/Wishbone Reef

    8-   Woody’s/ The Drop (Wood Reef)

    9-   Captain Blood’s Wall of Terror/ The Anchors (Greater Detached Reefs)

    10 –   Da Phat/6mp / Turle Farm (Greater Detached Reefs)

    11 –   OMG Spot / Cow Bommie (Greater Detached Reefs)

    12 –   Raine Island (Turtles & Tiger sharks)

    13 –  Transit Day

    14 – RMS Quetta / Thursday Island

    15-  Disembark Horn Island @ 9am

     

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    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers (certified to 30 metres)

    Depth ranges from 6 – 40+ metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     

    TRIP DATES

    2 to 15 November 2018

    To book onto this trip please click HERE

     

    PRICE

    $3,900 per diver ex Cairns   ***There are ONLY 12 divers on this trip!!****

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Opportunity for up to 40 dives (12 days of diving)
    13 nights berthed accommodation on board the MV Kalinda
    All meals and snacks whilst on board
    Tanks, weights & air fills
    RMS Quetta fees and GBRMP fees
    Divemaster services if required

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Flights to and from Cairns
    Flight from Horn island to Cairns
    Beer, wine & soft drinks (available on board)
    Travel Insurance (We also highly recommend DAN insurance)
    Personal spending money
    Dive Gear

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator set, computer and hire pricing for the week will be provided upon application. Please note that you will need to arrange to collect the gear from us (Brisbane based customers) prior to the trip and this gear must be incorporated into your own luggage allowance for your flights.

     

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    Our Vessel

    The MV Kalinda was constructed in 1973 and is a solid, cravel planked timber monohull. Thoughtful design by boat builders Thompson & Thompson and refit modifications have created an amazing sense of space and modern convenience without loss of charm and character. She is not a luxury boat by any means but is practical and functional. The MV Kalinda sleeps up to 30 people including crew but aside from the crew we have reduced this number to ONLY 12 divers to make it as comfortable for you as possible. Don’t miss out!

    Dave Stewart is our fearless leader. owner and manager of the MV Kalinda, skipper (master class 4.), engineer (marine engine driver grade 2.), Marine Biologist (BSc(hons) JCU), SCUBA Instructor (PADI) 700+ certified students, 2500+ dives worldwide, Underwater photographer & Videographer, & specialty instructor. Dave has more than 20 years experience (at over 150 days a year) exploring the Great Barrier Reefs and a large number of these sites that we will be diving are sites he has discovered! Dave is renowned for his down to earth nature and detailed dive briefs.

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    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Self Reliant Diver
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Shark Awareness
    Boat Diver
    Underwater Naturalist

    *** Many more specialties can be done on this trip. John is an Instructor in 32 different specialties. Did you have a specialty in mind? Call John on 0457 007 040 to discuss***

     

     

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to[email protected].

     

    OR

    To book online please click HERE

  • Explore the tranquil waters of Lady Elliot Island aboard the MV Adori

    Explore the tranquil waters of Lady Elliot Island aboard the MV Adori

    LADY ELLIOT ISLAND ONLY LIVE ABOARD ON YOUR OWN PRIVATE LIVEABOARD THE MV ADORI!!

     

     

     

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    The Trip
    Come and join us on your own private liveaboard diving some of the best waters on the planet. The MV Adori and her crew will be taking us to one of the pinnacles of Australian diving, Lady Elliot Island! This trip is a must for every diver with diverse coral cays, reefs, islands and abundant marine life. There is NO cheaper way to see Lady Elliot Island. You can take all of your own gear and there are NO weight restrictions. ALL of your food and diving is included and the best part is it is BYO!

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     

    Trip Dates & Price

    Thursday, 14- Monday, 18 December 2017    $1,550 per person – 1 spot left

    To book online for either of these dive trips CLICK HERE

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    What’s Included

    Up to 16 dives including up to four night dives
    4 nights accommodation in air conditioned bunks
    Reef tax
    All air fills
    Couples booking on will be given priority for the twin share cabins with ensuite
    Complimentary transport to Bundaberg from Brisbane

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    What’s Excluded
    All Dive Gear
    Transport to Bundaberg if you are making your own way
    Alcohol  – The MV Adori is BYO
    Soft drinks

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to assist with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the weekend and please communicate your requirements on the booking form. Each diver must provide their own mask, snorkel, fins and boots (not available for hire). Underwater camera and torches are also available and are subject to availability.

    Itinerary

    DAY 1
    For those availing of the free transport from Brisbane we will meet at Woolloongabba at 6am to head North to Burnett Heads. Arriving in Burnett Heads at midday everyone stows their gear and settles in on-board. We will then receive a boat and safety brief before departing port for Lady Elliot Island. It will take approximately 5 hours to Lady Elliot Island where we will enjoy a night dive on the wreck of the Severance before retiring for the evening.

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    DAY 2
    You wake up to the magnificent sight of Lady Elliot before you. With so many dive sites to choose from, it will be hard to decide where to dive next! Lighthouse Bommie will feature heavily of course as the mantas are one of the main draw cards! The humpback whales will be in the area too on their migration so you NEVER know what we will see!!

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    DAY 3 and 4
    Days three and four will see us continue to explore the sites at Lady Elliot. Having dived here extensively over the last four years between John’s knowledge of the sites and Captain John’s knowledge of the ocean we will get you to the best diving available. Popular sites include Spider’s Ledge, Lighthouse Bommie, The Blow Hole, the wreck of the Severance, Three Pyramids, Grouper’s Grotto, Shark pools, Hiro’s Cave, Coral Gardens and so many more!  

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    DAY 5
    Day five will be an early start but it is worth it! We will start with Spider’s Ledge with the hope of seeing the manta rays coming in to clean after their night feeding. We will then head to Lighthouse Bommie to interact with as many mantas as possible. July and August are peak season at Lady Elliot Island as the mantas return to mate. There is NO place in Australia and few in the world that compare to Lady Elliot for manta interaction which is why it was recognised as one of the top 5 Manta Ray dives in the world! We will depart LEI at midday to head back to Bundaberg where we will arrive circa 5pm on Sunday night to disembark.  

     

    Specialities Suitable for this trip
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Nitrox
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Self Reliant Diver
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to     [email protected]

    or

    Book online by CLICKING HERE

  • PHILIPPINES- Malapascua, Cabilao & Oslob

    PHILIPPINES- Malapascua, Cabilao & Oslob

     

     

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    DIVE INFORMATION

    Malapascua is a small island only 2.5km long and 1km wide. Also known locally as Logon, the island is located about 8km off the north eastern tip of Cebu island and 25km west of Leyte. You can walk around the island in 1-2 hours. It has a population of around 4,000 people, most of whom live off tourism, fishing, boat building or coconuts. White sandy beaches, the probability of seeing thresher sharks, manta rays and to dive some wrecks has made this a diver’s hotspot in the Philippines.

    Epic thresher shark diving is our goal on the first half of the trip. 5 days of diving at Malapascua will present us with multiple opportunities to dive with these incredible creatures. Nothing will prepare you for the first time you see a thresher shark in the flesh. They almost don’t look real… A torpedo like body with a tail which dwarfs the rest of it and manga cartoonish eyes will have you wondering whether you have in fact seen it or if you have a touch of narcosis?! The thresher sharks of Malapascua will truly have you enthralled! Whilst it is the ocean and nothing can ever be guaranteed this is THE thresher shark hotspot on the planet so it would be incredibly unlikely for us not to see them.

    Thresher sharks Malapascua

     

    Check out this footage to see what you could be seeing for yourself if you join us!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=s06c5DZxm84

     

     

    The second half of our Philippines extravaganza is at the off the beaten path destination of Cabilao. The perfect place to slow things down combined with world class diving. Pygmy seahorses, critters as well as hard and soft corals of various species have made the island a must-see, especially for scuba divers. At present, there are two marine protected areas (no-take zones) around the island. The only motorized transport you can find are a few tricycles and a couple of motorcycles, who also serve as so-called ‘habal-habal’, they will bring you around for a small fee. However, most of the distances on Cabilao island are quite short, you can easily walk them. The lack of roads also means that everything on the island has to be brought in by banka (local outrigger boat): building materials, wood, food (except fish caught locally), and, during periods of drought, fresh water for drinking and bathing.

     

    Pygmy Seahorse / Hippocampus Bargibanti

     

     

    The other major draw card on our itinerary is two days of diving with the whale sharks at Oslob. There are few places in the world where you can guarantee the presence of whale sharks and be able to SCUBA dive with them! The whale sharks appear at Oslob every day to suck the fish out of the fishermens’ catch nets as they haul them aboard so there are plenty of opportunities to capture that new profile pic with the largest fish in the ocean! Aside from the whale sharks Cabilao also offers some fantastic reef and wall diving so we won’t be struggling for choice!

     

     

    TRIP DATES

    Dates TBA

    PRICE

    From Diver AU$4,251 per person

    From Non Diver AU$3,068 per person

     

    From Diver Ex-Cebu AU$3319 per person

    Whale shark Oslob

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    • Airfares Ex Brisbane / Singapore/ Cebu – Tagbilaran / Manila / Singapore /Brisbane flying with Singapore Airlines and Philippine Airlines
    • Meet and greet in Cebu + road and boat transfers from Cebu to Malapascua
    • 5 nights twin share standard accommodation at Buena Vida – Malapascua, Includes: Breakfast daily
    • Transfer from Malapascua to Cabilao via Cebu – Road and boat transfers
    • 5 nights twin share deluxe accommodation at Pura Vida – Cabilao
    • Includes: All meals whilst at Pura Vida ( Breakfast, 2 course lunch & 3 course dinner )
    • Transfer from Cabilao to Tagbilaran Airport
    • 22 boat or shore dives with Sea Explorers in Malapascua and Cabilao
    • Includes: 2 dives with the Whale sharks at Oslob, tanks, weights and dive guide services, Sanctuary fees
    • Australian departure taxes
    • Professional Dive Services Tour Leader


    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Excess Luggage surcharges

    CONDITIONS APPLY

    Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in PHP exchange rates and 2016 operator, hotelier and airline rates.

    AIRFARES

    Please be aware that this package has been based on indicative airfare prices. Prices are subject to change, your package price will be reconfirmed at the time of booking. Please use the package price as an indicative guide.

    BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

    To secure your place on this trip, you need to complete a booking form and return it together with a non refundable deposit of $700 per person + the cost of the international airfares and taxes.

    Please find the Dive Adventures online booking form HERE

    PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Under water Navigation
    Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

  • The New South Wales New Years Dive Spectacular!

    The New South Wales New Years Dive Spectacular!

     

    Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias Taurus), Gutters of Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW, Australia

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip

    7 nights, 8 days, at least 12 dives and 6 world class dive destinations.  This is truly the best of Mid and Northern NSW diving.

    This trip is always popular and never fails to impress. However this year we have upped the ante again! This year we are diving the biggest hot spots on the NSW coastline covering all major dive destinations between Byron Bay and Sydney! This is truly the BEST OF NSW! Escape the craziness of Brisbane and head south for a week that you will replay on your deathbed! Like a diving advent calendar each new day will present you with a different world class dive location to explore.

    Diver with wobbegong shark, Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Starting off  we are heading down to Wooli to dive the North Solitary Islands and if the conditions are right Pimpernel Rock! Day Two will see us diving the magnificent South Solitary Islands Marine Park and hitting up crowd favourite Manta Arch! Day Three presents one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia, Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks diving with the local Grey Nurse sharks. Day Four brings up some more depth and the opportunity to dive at one of the largest shark aggregation sites in Australia, Seal Rocks at Forster.  Day Five will delight macro photographers and wide angle enthusiasts alike with two dives at Port Stephens / Nelson Bay renowned for it’s incredible macro smorgasbord and nudibranch varieties. Our final day of diving ringing in the New Year will be diving on Australia’s newest scuttled naval ship the EX-HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal.

    Grey Nurse Shark (blind mature female) / Carcharias Taurus

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Dive Information

    Ideally suited for Advanced Open Water divers but also suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this trip
    Depth ranges from 6 – 40 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Trip Dates

    26 December – 2 January 2016

    8 Days/ 7 Nights- Ex Brisbane

    Price

    $1,600 per person

    What’s Included

    12 dives- 12 boat dives and there will be opportunity for some additional shore dives!
    7 nights shared accommodation
    Private transport for the week departing and returning to Woolloongabba, Brisbane.
    Tanks and weights
    Professional Dive Services guide

     

    Diver in the shallow entrance, Fish Rock Cave, South West Rocks, NSW, Australia

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What’s Excluded

    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Dive Gear
    Excess luggage surcharges
    All meals

    Baggage Allocation & Gear Hire

    All divers are responsible for their own gear. Tanks and weights are included in the trip price. If you need to hire gear; it is available, if you could please contact us in advance of the trip to ensure it is brought for you. We have a very comfortable 2014 Hyundai iMax with trailer for our gear so there is no limit on what you can take!

     

    Itinerary

    This trip is open to anyone but is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers and above or Open Water divers looking to complete their Advanced course. All divers will be under supervision of a Professional Dive Services Instructor. Starting off  we are heading down to Wooli to dive the North Solitary Islands and if the conditions are right Pimpernel Rock! Day Two will see us diving the magnificent South Solitary Islands Marine Park and hitting up crowd favourite Manta Arch! Day Three presents one of the Top 10 dive sites in Australia, Fish Rock Cave at South West Rocks diving with the local Grey Nurse sharks. Day Four brings up some more depth and the opportunity to dive at one of the largest shark aggregation sites in Australia, Seal Rocks at Forster.  Day Five will delight macro photographers and wide angle enthusiasts alike with two dives at Port Stephens / Nelson Bay renowned for it’s incredible macro smorgasbord and nudibranch varieties. Our final day of diving ringing in the New Year will be diving on Australia’s newest scuttled naval ship the EX-HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal.

     

    Specialities Suitable for this trip

    There are many more specialties and courses that can be completed over this trip. To discuss what you would like to do please feel free to contact John on 0457 007 040 and he can design a plan for you.


    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Project AWARE Fish ID
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • Lord Howe Island – Diving a World Heritage Site!

    Lord Howe Island – Diving a World Heritage Site!

     

     

     

    DCIM102GOPRO

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Trip

    Lord Howe Island off the east coast of Australia; just a 2 hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, is one of the worlds most beautiful World Heritage listed islands surrounded by a stunning NSW Marine Park. Warm tropical waters and cooler temperate currents have created a diverse range of marine life, a unique mix of both tropical and temperate water fish. In short, a diving and photography paradise!

    Lord Howe Island is an irregularly crescent-shaped volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, 600 kilometres (370 mi) directly east of mainland Port Macquarie, and about 900 kilometres (560 mi) from Norfolk Island. It is about 10 km long and between 2.0 km and 0.3 km wide with an area of 14.55 km2, of which only approximately 398 hectares is in the lowland settled area. Along the west coast there is a sandy semi-enclosed sheltered coral reef lagoon. Most of the population lives in the north, while the south is dominated by forested hills rising to the highest point on the island, Mount Gower (875 m or 2,871 ft). The Lord Howe Island Group comprises 28 islands, islets and rocks. Apart from Lord Howe Island itself the most notable of these is the volcanic and uninhabited Ball’s Pyramid about 23 kilometres (14 mi) to the south-east of Howe. To the north there is the Admiralty Group, a cluster of seven small uninhabited islands.

    The Lord Howe Island Group is recorded by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of global natural significance. Most of the island is virtually untouched forest with many of the plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Other natural attractions include the diversity of its landscapes, the variety of upper mantle and oceanic basalts, the world’s southernmost barrier coral reef, nesting seabirds, and its rich historical and cultural heritage. The Lord Howe Island Act of 1981 established a “Permanent Park Preserve” (covering about 70 per cent of the island). The surrounding waters are a protected region designated the Lord Howe Island Marine Park

    Lord Howe Island Marble Shrimp

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Dive Information

    Ideally suited for Advanced Open Water divers but also suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this trip
    Depth ranges from 6 – 40 metres
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience


    Trip Date

    12 to 18 February 2017   TWO SPOTS LEFT

    Price

    From $3,695 per person- price on application due to flight schedule

    What’s Included

    15 dives- Balls Pyramid, Admiralty Islands, night’s dives and so much more!
    6 nights twin share accommodation at the Leanda Lei Apartments
    Return flights from Brisbane to Lord Howe Island
    Tanks and weights
    Professional Dive Services guide
    14 kg checked baggage & 7 kg carry on
    Dive gear rental
    What’s Excluded

    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Excess luggage surcharges
    All meals

    Baggage Allocation & Gear Hire

    Due to the light aircraft that the group will be travelling on to and from Lord Howe Island, each passenger is very restricted to the 14 kg checked baggage and 7 kg carry on restrictions. We have investigated extensively a way around this and unfortunately, we have not been able to get a larger allocation of luggage. Additional luggage may be added, IF there is room on the plane. At this stage, the plane is looking to be full and additional luggage is unlikely. Therefore we have  included gear hire for the week on this trip.

    Lord Howe Island Eel

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Itinerary

    We have tailored our dive itinerary towards Advanced Open Water divers so we can aim to dive the deeper dives at Balls Pyramid, as well as particular Admiralty Island dives (North Rock, 10th June deep, Gowers Pinnacle) etc. In saying that, if there are any OW certified divers, you will be able to attend the majority of the dive sites which are between 12M – 20M. There is of course the opportunity to maximise your dive holiday and complete your Advanced Open Water qualification so you are not restricted.

    Our dive package includes a bonus 2 dives for free if time and weather permits. We also have 2 night dives as part of our package as well as trips to dive the world famous Ball’s Pyramid and Admiralty Islands. Ball’s Pyramid is located 20km to the south of Lord Howe Island and provides world class diving and species endemic to the region. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. When diving Ball’s Pyramid and its neighbouring sites you can expect to see massive schools of Violet Sweep, Amberjack, Kingfish, Silver Drummer, Ballina Angelfish, Rainbow Runners, Trevally and occasionally Marlin, Dolphins and Wahoo.The dive sites average 25 metres in depth and range from drift dives, cave dives or simply following a coral wall. The Pyramid itself is located in a marine sanctuary zone which maintains the pristine aquatic environment. You can often expect to see walls of fish from the surface down to 25 metres. One of the highlights of diving Balls Pyramid is to see the Ballina Angelfish, a deep water Angel that is generally only found in water in excess of 100 metres. Ball’s Pyramid is believed to be the only destination where you can see them on recreational scuba in 25 metres. A truly amazing dive.
    For our accommodation we will be staying at the comfortable Leanda Lei Apartments.

    Specialities Suitable for this trip
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Project AWARE Fish ID
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    HOW TO BOOK
    Please contact John or Lisa Gransbury directly on 07 3204 5857 or 0457 007 040 to book. Prices and availabity are now subject to availabilty of flights, accomodation and the dive operator.

  • Sardine Run, South Africa – The GREATEST Spectacle in Nature!

    Sardine Run, South Africa – The GREATEST Spectacle in Nature!

     

     

     

    THE SARDINE RUN

    Every year, between the months of May and July, many millions of Silvery sardines travel north from the cold southern oceans off South Africa’s Cape Point, hugging the shore as they make their way up along the coastlines of the former Transkei (northern Eastern Cape) and KwaZulu- Natal in what is commonly known as the annual Sardine Run.

    Visible even by satellite, these famous sardine shoals travel in seething masses stretching for up to 15 kms in length, 3.5 kms wide and nearly 40 metres deep.

    The Sardine Run is a spectacle in itself, but add to this, hundreds of predators arriving in mass to partake in a feeding frenzy. Birds, dolphins, sharks, whales and game fish all gorge themselves on the sardine’s.

    Sardine Run, Dolphins

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

    On this 8 night, 9 day trip you will experience an action packed adventure filled with phenomenal marine life and other activities in the area.

    The boat launches from the beach between 0630- 0730, depending on the sardine action.

    A microlight (plane) is on hand to brief the boat on the happenings in the water within a 20km radius of the shore. Once the boat has found the sardine action (usually by large flocks of sea birds or the schools of dolphins in the vicinity of the fish) you can choose to either witness the spectacle by snorkel, scuba or from the deck.

    The choice is yours to enjoy a packed lunch on board the boat or return to the Lodge in the early afternoon for a late lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Choose from the following activities on offer: a microlight flight, horse riding, walks or scenic drives.

     

    Sardine Run, Sailfish

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Accomodation- Mbotyi River Lodge

    The Myotyi River Lodge is situated at the mouth of the Mbotyi River and tribal estuary, along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Nestled in the rolling hills and lush tropical forest. The Lodge has 45 double or twin wooden thatch rooms, each with their own unique view of the sea or the beautiful lagoon.

    Mbotyi Lodge

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers (certified to 30 metres)
    A minimum of 30 dives is essential
    Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    Sardine Run, Dusky whalers

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TRIP DATES

    Currently working on dates for July 2019

    PRICE

    $9,335 per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Return airfares Ex Brisbane to Durban via Johannesburg flying QANTAS
    2 nights twin share accommodation at The City Lodge Umhlanga- Durban; includes breakfast daily
    8 nights twin share accommodation- The Mbotyi River Lodge
    All meals; Full or packed breakfast, light lunch and refreshments on the boat and 3 course dinner daily
    Dedicated microlight spotter aircraft support to locate sardine ball
    1 x guest microflight (weather permitting)
    Up to 7 days on the water or *alternate activities (determined by weather)
    Air fills, tanks and weight belts
    Return airport transfers throughout
    Australian departure tax

    *Alternate Activities
    The following activities are substituted if the boat launch is unavailable- visit to a rural African Village, horse riding and guided walks

    Sardine Run

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Excess luggage surcharges

    CONDITIONS APPLY

    Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in USD currency exchange rates

    Note: the package price is based on an exchange rate of 0.76 USD= 1.00 AUD

    Sardine Run, Seals

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

    To secure your place on this trip, you will need to complete an online booking form, along with a non- refundable deposit of $1,500.

    Please find the Dive Adventures online booking form HERE

    Please note that additional payment installments will be required throughout the duration of this booking. All details will be confirmed at the time of booking confirmation.

    Sardine Run, gannet

     

     

     

     

     

     

    GEAR HIRE

    We strongly recommend divers bring their own gear rather than hiring on location. Having gear that you are familiar and comfortable with is important for this type of adventure diving. Gear is available on site if required.

    The Indian Ocean is the warmer of the 2 oceans bordering South Africa. You will be diving in the winter season where water temperatures will vary between 15- 21C. A 7mm wetsuit will most often suffice with booties, hood and gloves.

    If you require any dive gear for this trip, please communicate this to us via email ([email protected]). If you are hiring from us, additional charges for gear hire and excess luggage fees will apply.

     

     

  • ANTARCTICA- THE WHITE CONTINENT

    ANTARCTICA- THE WHITE CONTINENT

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP
    Antarctica has an overwhelming array of colours, moods, diverse wildlife and underwater world. On this trip you will travel to the Antarctic Peninsula and have the opportunity to be in the company of thousands of penguins; watch whales dolphins and seals; dive an underwater world with a fascinating marine life and cruise in a zodiac between brilliant white icebergs and ice floes.

    Polar Divers
    Diving in Antarctica is a unique experience for the advanced diver. There is not just ice, but an amazing underwater world with a fascinating marine life, such as giant isopods, worms and fearless seals. Our dive operator has many years’ experience in extreme situations and are trained to search out the best opportunities for diving. In particular, taking into account the unpredictable weather and ice conditions, whilst maintaining the highest level of safety in combination with quality diving. There will not be diving through a hole in the ice, but rather in a controlled environment under small, grounded icebergs, diving from the shore, a zodiac or an ice shell.

    Polar Snorkellers
    If you are a novice diver or not a diver at all, you can still witness the fascinating underwater world, ice formations and snorkel with Leopard Sharks.

    Leopard-Seal-Feeds-Photographer-Penguins

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Land Explorers
     Small groups at a time will have the opportunity venture onto a landing site or cruise in the Zodiac. The small numbers are to allow the guide the freedom to do longer, more exploratory activities and landings. On the landing sites, our ‘footprint’ is very small as we are so few enough to cause virtually no disturbance and leaving the group with  a more rewarding interaction with the wildlife.

    Antarctica Expedition Images

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Emporer Penguins

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE VESSEL- POLAR PIONEER
     Polar Pioneer was built in 1985 in Finland as an ice-strengthened research ship and for many years she plied the treacherous waters of the USSR’s northern coast. In 2000 the ship was converted for passenger use and ideally suited to expedition cruising in polar areas. It complies with the highest international safety and environmental regulations, as well as the Artic and Antarctic shipping guidelines.

    A combined bar/ lounge/ library area (stocked with a good collection of polar books) was also created by simple restructuring. The spacious bridge is always open to us and the decks are ideal for viewing. The ship carriers are a full complement of Zodiac crafts, for both cruising and landing ashore.

    On occasion the voyages Chef will organise a Polar BBQ on deck, surrounded by an impressive landscape and accompanied by your fellow travellers and crew.

    Passengers are accommodated in triple, twin or superior cabins. Most cabins have private facilities and all cabins have a desk, chair and windows/ portholes (that open).

    mini-suite

     

     

     

     

    Polar_Pioneer_deck_plan

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Twin Private Cabin:
    Two lower bunks and a desk, windows, private bathroom and shower, toilet and wash basin. There are two cabins that have an upper/ lower bunk with a desk and couch.

    Twin Public Cabin:
     Two lower bunks, wash basin, desk, couch, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. The showers and toilets are close by and shared with other main deck cabins.

    Triple Cabin:
    Two lower bunks and one upper bunk, wash basin, desk, couch, ample storage and hanging space, portholes. The showers and toilets are close by and shared with other main deck cabins.

    Auroraandrewhalsall-antarctica8

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    TRIP DATES

    ***Currently securing dates for February 2018 – Stay tuned!

    PRICE

    $15,777 AUD per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED
    Return flights ex. Sydney to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires flying with QANTAS and LAN Airlines
    1 nights twin share accommodation – The Loi Suites- Buenos Aires, Includes  buffet breakfast
    1 nights twin share accommodation Ushuaia, Includes  buffet breakfast
    9 night Antarctica Expedition aboard the Polar Pioneer
    Triple share cabin with shared bathroom facilities
    Full board whilst aboard the Polar Express
    Use of rubber boots throughout the expedition
    All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises
    Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team
    Leadership by an experienced
    Expedition Leader and Polar Dive Master
    All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
    Flight from King George Island to Punta Arenas
    1 nights twin share accommodation – Punta Arenas- includes buffet breakfast
    Return airport transfers- Punta Arenas
    Australian departure tax

    OPTIONAL CABIN UPGRADES
    Twin share with shared bathroom facilities: $2,310 AUD per person
    Twin share with private bathroom facilities: $4,385 AUD per person

    OPTIONAL DIVING & POLAR SNORKELLING PACKAGE: $1,250 AUD per person

    Snorkelling Package Includes: use of waterproof snorkel dry suit, hood and gloves, weight belt and instruction and guidance by a Polar Dive Master.

    Diver Package Includes: Leadership by an experienced Polar Dive Master, professional dive operation including dive compressor, tanks , weights and belt. You will need to bring your own personal diving equipment.

    Polar Pioneer_4

     

     

     

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED
    Travel insurance, personal spending money, passport and visa fees Excess luggage surcharges
    Personal diving equipment and polar clothing, Meals unless otherwise indicated.
    CONDITIONS APPLY
    Prices are subject to change without notice due to 2017 rate increases, schedule changes and fluctuations in USD exchange rates. Please use the package price as an indicative price. Package price is based on $1AUD= $0.80 USD

    ICE DIVING CERTIFICATION

    We highly recommend completing one of our altitude and ice diving courses at Jindabyne in preparation to ensure your gear is suited for the temperatures we will encounter. The water temperatures on this course are the same if not slightly lower than what you will experience in Antarctica so it is absolutely ideal. We have three course dates for 2016 and availability on all courses at this stage:

    17 to 20 August 2016

    22 to 25 August 2016

    27 to 30 August 2016

    Full details and the booking form for the PADI Ice and Altitude courses can be found  HERE

     

    BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
    To secure your place on this expedition, please complete an online booking form and return it together with a non-refundable deposit. The required deposits are as follows: Triple share- $3,500pp/ Twin share- $4,200 pp/ Twin share private$4,850 pp

    Dive Adventures Online booking form for our Antarctica Expedition can be found HERE

    NOTE: Additional payment installments will be required throughout the duration of the booking.

     

  • SS YONGALA & MINKE WHALES- WRECKS, WHALES & REEF ABOARD THE MV KALINDA

    SS YONGALA & MINKE WHALES- WRECKS, WHALES & REEF ABOARD THE MV KALINDA

    THE TRIP

    Humpback whale encounters are common during the months of July, August and September. Unlike the Dwarf Minke Whales who love the crystal clear waters of the outer reefs, Humpback whales are seen more at inshore sections of the Great Barrier Reef, often during a surface interval in between dive at sites like the SS Yongala and while cruising around Magnetic Island or the Palms Group.

    Townsville outer reefs are visited by the Dwarf Minke Whales far more frequently than the Ribbon Reefs from Cairns. Our dive operator is the only operator to visit (or know) these sites.

    IMG_3934

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE S.S YONGALA sank in a cyclone on the 23rd March 1911 and remained undiscovered for almost 50 years, not being positively identified until 1958. The wreck now lies on its starboard side in 14-28 metres of water and at 109m long is the largest and most intact, historic shipwreck in Australian waters.

    She sank just 12 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Bowling Green in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the loss of all 122 passengers.

    It has now become known as one of the world’s top wreck dives and certainly one of Australia’s best dive sites due to the prolific variety of marine life. Giant Queensland gropers hang beneath the stern while schools of trevally and cobia congregate around the depths of the wreck. Queenfish, barracuda, turtles, sea snakes, eagle rays and clown fish are just some of the other incredible life inhabiting the coral encrusted structure.

    IMG_7197

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Great Barrier Reef is the most bio-diverse ecosystem on the planet including over 1500 species of fish and 350 different types of coral. The Yongala wreck has now become an artificial reef with more varieties of coral growing on it than most natural reef systems. It is also host to a huge diversity of pelagic and reef species found in the Coral Sea. You will see more fish in one dive on the wreck than ten on the reef. It’s certainly a dive experience you will never forget.

    IMG_9826

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE SS GOTHENBURG was a steamship that operated along the British and then later Australian and New Zealand coastlines. In February 1875, she left Darwin enroute to Adelaide when she encountered a cyclone- strength storm off the north Queensland coast. The ship was wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef north-west of Holbourne Island. Twenty- two men survived, while between 98- 112 others died, including a number of high profile civil servants and dignitaries.

    Today, only parts of the deteriorated iron hull and the coal fired square boilers remain. The wreck lies in approximately 9- 16 metres of water, 130 kms southeast of Townsville. The reef around the wreck provides good diving with an extensive coral garden. Pelagic fish and reef sharks frequent the wreck.

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Depth ranges from 6 – 38 metres

    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

    TRIP DATES

    24- 31 July 2017- 8 days/ 7 nights

    PRICE

    $1,600 per diver ex Townsville

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Opportunity for up to 22 dives (5.5 days of diving)
    7 nights berthed accommodation on board the MV Kalinda
    All meals and snacks whilst on board
    Up to 2 days of diving on the SS Yongala (including a night dive and dawn dive)
    Up to 1 day of diving on the SS Gothenberg wreck
    The chance to snorkel with Minke Whales and Humpbacks when encountered
    Tanks, weights & air fills
    Yongala mooring fees and GBRMP reef fees

     

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Flights to and from Townsville
    Beer, wine & soft drinks (available on board)
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending money
    Dive Gear

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks for the trip and hire pricing for the week will be provided upon application. Please note that you will need to arrange to collect the gear from us (Brisbane based customers) prior to the trip and this gear must be incorporated into your own luggage allowance for your flights.

    Alternatively gear hire can be arranged directly through the operator, with prior notice.

    MV Kalinda 2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ITINERARY

    Day 1

    The first evening a board the MV Kalinda the group will secure their bunks, orient ourselves around the boat and setting up our gear before retiring.  The Kalinda is not a luxury vessel but she is very accommodating, safe and comfortable.

    Days 2- 7

    The next 5 and a half days of diving aboard the MV Kalinda will have us exploring the rarely dived outer reefs between Townsville and past Alva Beach including 2 full days of diving on the SS Yongala including a night dive, up to two days of diving on the SS Gothenburg wreck and snorkelling with humpbacks and Dwarf Minke whales when encountered. Five full days of diving and two dives on the last day.

    IMG_7107

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Day 8

    This morning you will enjoy breakfast on the MV Kalinda prior to disembarking. For those of you flying home, please do not book your flights any earlier than 6 pm. Due to the high number of dives that you will be doing over the week, it is strongly recommended that you leave 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and when you fly.

     

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery

    Self Reliant Diver
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    Wreck Diver

     

     

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].

  • GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Dive a destination on EVERY diver’s bucket list!

    GALAPAGOS ISLANDS – Dive a destination on EVERY diver’s bucket list!

    Galapagos Reef

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    The Galapagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands that have never been connected to the mainland . The resulting unique biodiversity draws nature enthusiasts from all over the world. The islands are home to giant tortoises, finches, seals that aren’t afraid of humans and huge marine iguana. Undderwater you can find hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, huge schools of fish, giant manta and mobula rays, silky sharks and turtles.

    galapagos-map_2

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NORTADA- GALAPAGOS CHARTER DIVE LIVEABOARD

    The Nortada offers four lower deck, fully air conditioned cabins with two single lower berths, private heads, lockers and drawers. The boat also features an extended occupancy option of up to 12 people. The additional guests can be accommodated in the four full size upper berths available in everyone of the four cabins.

    The public areas consist of a main deck with bridge, galley, air conditioned dining room and lounge.

    The scuba diving platform has ample benches, outside showers, camera tables and rebreather rinsing facilities. In the upper deck a sun deck is next to the fly bridge.

    Two 15 foot inflatable tenders with 25HP outboard engines takes fully equipped divers to and from the dive site. All divers are provided with a Nautilus Lifeline bi-directional VHF DSC marine radio with GPS, dive alert and DSMB.

    A complete toolkit and a selection of solid lead weights and trim soft puches are available for all divers.

    20 Nitrox compatible aluminum 12 litre cylinders are filled by one of the twin Nuvair LP/HP compressors. Two Nuvair nitrox analyzers are available on board.

    For technical and rebreather diving, redundant oxygen clean Kaskell Sport Boosters, one Tri Hunter 3000 Gas mixing stick for Trimix blending, several nitrox compatible 6 litre aluminum stage cylinders and several 2 litre steel refreather cylinderswith various valves and one Analytical Industries Trimix Analyzer upon request.

     

    TRIP DATES & PRICE

     

    TBA

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    FLIGHTS (optional)
    QANTAS Airways, Lan Chile Air & Avianca Airlines
    – Return flights Brisbane to Galapagos Islands- flying via Sydney, Santiago and Guayaquil
    – Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

    ACCOMMODATION
    Macaw Hotel, Guayaquil
    Standard twin share room- 2 nights (1 night either side of the liveaboard)
    Breakfast Daily

    Nortada Liveaboard, Galapagos
    Twin share cabin- 7 nights
    All meals, snacks, water, tea, coffee and juice

    Santiago Airport Hotel, Santiago
    Standard twin share room- 1 night
    Return airport transfers throughout

    DIVE
    Nortada Liveaboard Diving
    Up to 4 dives per day, per diver
    Tender and transportation to/ from dive sites
    Tanks, weights, airfills and naturalist dive guide

    Galapagos Hammerhead shark

     

     

     

     
     BOOKING REQUIREMENTS
    To secure your place on this trip, you need to complete the attached booking form and return it together a deposit of $1,500 per person.

     PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Drift Diver
    Enriched Air/ Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!! **Please note that this trip was priced at an exchange rate of 80 US cents to $1  Australian. There will be increases to the price if the dollar is less at time of payment.

     

     

  • JAPAN- DISCOVER YONAGUNI AND EXPLORE THE MONUMENT

    JAPAN- DISCOVER YONAGUNI AND EXPLORE THE MONUMENT

     

    Dog Tooth Tuna / Gymnosarda unicolor
    Dog Tooth Tuna / Gymnosarda unicolor

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    THE TRIP

     

    OKINAWA is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. The Ryukyu Islands consists of approximately 160 islands (48 of which are inhabited) of varying sizes stretching for 1,000 kilometres from east to west and from north to south in between the Philippine Sea and the East China Sea, from Kyushu (in the southwest of Japan) all the way to Taiwan.

     

    Hawksbill Sea Turtle / Eretmochelys imbricata
    Hawksbill Sea Turtle / Eretmochelys imbricata

     

    YONAGUNI-JIMA DIVING-
    Yonaguni Island is Japans most westerly point located 110 km off the coast of Taiwan and a 2 hour flightfrom Naha, Okinawa’s capital. Yonaguni is a small, remote, untouched island with a population of less than2,000 people. Most dive around Yonaguni are drift dives. Throughout the year there are schools of big eye trevally and barracuda, dogtooth tuna, turtles, large cuttlefish and more. There are many large rock formations, caverns and tunnels to explore. January to March is the main time for schooling Hammerhead sharks!

    Yonaguni Monument- Yonaguni’s unique attraction for both archaeologists and divers alike are the mysterious underwater ruins which lie off the south coast of the island. Discovered in 1986. The megalith structures have sparked much debate as to whether they were completely naturally formed, were naturally formed the modified by man or are man-made structures created by an ancient civilisation dating back to the last Ice Age (around 10,000 BC) which would make the Monument the oldest man-made artefact on earth, pre-dating the pyramids in Egypt.

    Military Barracuda, Sphyraena putnamae
    Military Barracuda, Sphyraena putnamae

    It is hard to believe that the Monument was formed by completely natural processes. Key features include an archway entrance; twin megaliths standing perfectly side by side; a staircase; the main monument measuring some 100 metres long x 50 metres wide and 25 metres tall, with perfectly carved perpendicular terracing; a triangular shaped pool with a drainage channel; decorative rock carvings; a formation which looks distinctly like a face; and evidence of a cobbled loop road around the structures. Could this be the mythical lost continent Mu?

     

    DIVE INFORMATION
    Depth- 5- 40 metres

     

    TRIP DATES

    10 days/ 8 Nights Ex Brisbane

    17- 27 January 2017

    PRICE

     $4,990 per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Return Airfares Ex Brisbane to Okinawa flying with China Airlines
    Return Airfares Ex Okinawa to Yonaguni
    1 nights twin share accommodation- Loisir Hotel, Naha City, Okinawa – includes breakfast
    7 nights twin share accommodation- The Hotel Irifune- Yonaguni- includes breakfast and dinner daily
    15 boat dives with Sou- Wes Yonaguni- includes tanks, weights and dive guide services (3 boat dives per day)
    Lunch & Refreshments on diving days
    Return Airport taxes throughout
    Australian Departure Tax

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Excess Luggage surcharges

    CONDITIONS APPLY

    Prices are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in YEN exchange rates and 2017 operator, hotelier and airline rates.

    BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

    To secure your place on this trip, you need to complete a booking form and return it together with a non refundable deposit of $500 per person. Click HERE

    An additional payment of $750 per person will be required 6 months prior to travel as the airfares from Okinawa to Yonaguni will need to be ticketed at this time.

     PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water
    Underwater Navigation
    Enriched Air/ Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

  • OSPREY REEF- TEMPTATION AWAITS ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

    OSPREY REEF- TEMPTATION AWAITS ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

    OSPREY REEF- TEMPTATION AWAITS ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

     DIVE INFORMATION

    SOF - Sharks3

     

     

     

     

     

    Stretching more than 2300 km along the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a complex ecosystem of around 2900 individual reefs. In the remote northern sector 10 string shaped coral reefs, collectively called “The Ribbon Reefs’, provide some of the most stunning tropical reef scuba diving in the world. Lying within the protected green zones of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, sites such as Steve’s Bommie offer rich marine biodiversity and endless macro photography opportunities.

    Hundreds of kilometres beyond the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s Coral Sea harbours the undersea remnants of ancient volcanoes. Here, the diver is presented with sheer walls laced with massive soft corals and gorgonian fans that plummet 1000 metres to the ocean floor. These isolated reefs, including Osprey and Bougainville Reefs are home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish, manta rays and sharks and are also renowned for their crystal clear water. Diving the remote regions of the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea requires you to join a live-aboard scuba diving tour.

    SOF-Dining-saloon

    The Spirit of Freedom is one of Australia’s most comfortable and well-appointed live-aboard dive vessels. At 37 metres in length, with three decks of living space, generous cabins with private bathroom, the Spirit of Freedom offers all the amenities of a hotel, complimented by first class meals and outstanding service. A large dive deck with nitrox and photo facilities, houses every convenience to ensure comfort, safety and freedom in your diving.

     

     

     

    TRIP DATES

    To be Confirmed

    PRICE

    Dorm Accommodation-  $1,925 per person- 1 available
    Twin or Double Accommodation- $2,200 per person- 4 available

     SOF-Dive-Deck-2

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    Transfers to/from your Cairns city hotel
    One way flight – Cairns to Lizard Island
    Opportunity for up to 15 dives
    En-suite cabin with daily service
    Chef Prepared meals
    Australian wines and soft drinks with evening meals

     

     WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Flights to and from Cairns
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Accommodation in Cairns on the nights of the 8th April  & 13th April 2015.

    ITINERARY

    Thursday: Around 7:30am this morning the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will transfer you from your Cairns hotel to Hinterland Aviation at Cairns Aviation Airport. From here you will board a twin-engine light aircraft for your scenic flight up the coast to Lizard Island. The Spirit of Freedom crew will greet you on arrival and escort you via tender to the vessel. After an orientation of the vessel, we depart for Ribbon Reef Number 10. This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites including Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens and Pixie Pinnacle. We depart in the evening for a 10 hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

    SOF-Osprey-Reef-SharksFriday & Saturday: Two days will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renowned for their crystal clear water with visibility ranging from 30- 100 metres. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips and bright yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below. ‘North Horn’ is a dive site at the tip of Osprey and is a site where grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic congregate. You can also experience a close encounter with the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. You will have the opportunity to dive 4 to 5 dives each day, including a night dive on Friday. On Saturday night we will depart Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.

    Sunday: At Ribbon Reefs Number 3,we will dive such sites as the sensation Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. A second option for this day, in special weather conditions, is to head south from Osprey to Bougainville Reef, which is known for its unusual underwater landscape or caverns and its partially submerged wreck. On Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns.

    Monday: We arrive back into Cairns at 06:30 am. Enjoy a light breakfast on board and there will be a group photo opportunity before being dropped back to your Cairns Hotel around 08:00am.

    SOF-Vessel-2

    PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Under water Navigation
    Enriched Air /Nitrox
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Underwater Navigation
    Dry Suit Diver
    Shark Awareness
    Underwater Naturalist

    This is the perfect way to complete a specialty course as you have already paid for the dives!!

    HOW TO BOOK

    Download the booking form attached to the page. Complete the required fields, scan and email to [email protected].