Category: Night Diving

  • 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!!

     

     

     

    MV Adori

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    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

  • Lord Howe Island – Diving a World Heritage Site!

    Lord Howe Island – Diving a World Heritage Site!

     

     

     

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    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.

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    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.

  • DISCOVER The Sunken Secrets of New Zealand’s North Island!!

    DISCOVER The Sunken Secrets of New Zealand’s North Island!!

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    THE TRIP

    Join us for a truly incredible dive adventure as we explore some of the best diving that New Zealand has to offer. In one trip you will explore two of New Zealand’s diving jewels and 4 of their most famous wrecks! We will be exploring the Poor Knights Islands, Bay of Islands, HMNZS Waikato, MHNZS Tui, HMNZS Canterbury and the famous Rainbow Warrior!   We have timed our trip perfectly to ensure that the water temps are a little more comfortable for Brisbane diving regulars!  This incredible trip is strictly limited to 7 divers as that is the maximum loading for the MV Acheron live aboard.  Here is a brief run down of each site we will be exploring and a video of what you can expect:

     

    poor-knights-mapThe Poor Knights Islands : The Poor Knights Islands are a complete marine reserve and rated in the top ten dive sites in the world by diving pioneer Jacques Cousteau. The Poor Knights Islands are the eroded remnants of a 4 million year old volcano. Ten million years ago a series of violent eruptions created a large land mass off New Zealand’s north east coast. Constant erosion by wind and wave action, combined with sea level changes have created the stunningly dramatic cluster of islands and rock formations that are now known as the Poor Knights. With dense kelp forests, sand channels, vertical walls, giant sea caves, archways and underwater caverns, it is no wonder that divers come from all over the world to dive in the Poor Knights. Add to this a subtropical current that carries marine life from tropical waters and you have a diver’s heaven.

    Check out this awesome video from the Everything Travel Group about the incredible array of sea creatures waiting for you:   http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=eanp29FwDZw

     

     

    WaikatoHMNZS Waikato – The frigate ex HMNZS Waikato was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, Ireland, launched on February 18 1966, and commissioned into the Royal New Zealand Navy on September 5, 1966. At 113.4m long, 12.5m beam and a draft of 5.5m she was the first of the Leander class frigates built for the navy. She had a top speed of 30 knots, and was powered by twin steam turbines developing 30,000hp. The Waikato was armed to the teeth, sporting twin 4.5in guns in the turret, two 20mm Orlikeon machine guns on the wings, a quad Seacat anti-aircraft missile launcher, six 12.75m anti-submarine torpedo tubes, one anti-submarine warfare Limbo mortar Mark 10 and a Wasp Helicopter capable of delivering depth charges and the Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedo. She served the RNZ Navy until decommissioning in 1998. Tutukaka Coast won the tender and prepared the ship for divers during 1999/2000. Finally the ship was sent to her final resting place on the 25th of November 2000 in a world record time of 2 min 40 seconds. She now rests in 28m of water. The Waikato was the only purpose-sunk frigate in the Southern Hemisphere before the HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide were sunk in Australia. Her turret and one propeller were left on the ship.

    Check out this awesome video of the HMNZS Waikato by Pelagic Productions UW – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eZg18A53IY

     

    TuiHMNZS Tui – Formerly USNS Charles H. Davis (T-AGOR-5), was one of nine Conrad class oceanographic ships built for the United States Navy (USN), that later saw service in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). Serving with the USN from 1963 to 1970, these ships were designed to perform acoustic experiments on sound transmission underwater, and for gravity, magnetism and deep-ocean floor studies. For the last 17 years of her working life she was leased out by the United States Navy to become the HMNZS Tui, deployed on naval hydrographic work. She was also sent to Mururoa to observe the last series of French Nuclear bomb tests in the South Pacific, and became the unofficial mothership to a large international protest fleet.The Tui was gifted to Tutukaka Coast Promotions after long negotiations, prepared for her new role as a dive attraction and sunk off Tutukaka on the 20th of February 1999.In 1999, the ship was scuttled as a dive wreck. In February 1999, Tui was scuttled 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Tutukaka Heads to serve as a tourist attraction and wreck for divers, following a period of work on her which removed any objects in danger of breaking free and welding shut any areas that may have posed a hazard for wreck diver. She was sunk at a depth of 32m of water.

    Sinking of the Tui in 1999 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44TGP461IF0#t=23

    The wrecks of the Tui and the Waikato after 5 years on the seabed – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDw_Er4gEwk

     

    MV Acheron

    Our Vessel : The MV Acheron diving vessel will be our home for the first 5 nights of our adventure. Acheron is a 23m wooden launch with luxurious accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 twin berth with ensuite cabins. The well-equipped boat offers a high level of diving convenience on the covered back deck and has been designed to suit the needs of all divers. She will be our diving platform to explore the Poor Knights Islands and the wrecks of the Tui and Waikato.

    More about our boat here : https://www.facebook.com/pg/RVAcheron/photos/?ref=page_internal

     

    Bay of IslandsBay of Islands – The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is about 210 km by road to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the country. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s.

    A full list of the dive sites that will be available to us at the Bay of Islands can be found here: http://www.northlanddive.com/diving/sites.html

     

     

    New_Zealand_Navy_-_frigate_HMNZS_Canterbury_-_3HMNZS Canterbury –  (F421) was one of two broad beam Leander class frigates operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) from 1971 to 2005. HMNZS Canterbury was laid down on 12 June 1969 by Yarrow Shipbuilders and launched 11 months later on 6 May 1970. Commissioned on 22 October 1971, Canterbury went on to see operational service in much of Australasia and other regions like the Persian Gulf, undertaking operations like supporting UN sanctions against Iraq and peace-keeping in East Timor. In addition, Canterbury and her sister ship HMNZS Waikato relieved the Royal Navy frigate HMS Amazon in the Indian Ocean during the Falklands War, and later on her own, relieved the frigate HMNZS Otago at Moruroa during anti-nuclear protests. Canterbury was decommissioned in

    Canterbury2005 and after extensive works to remove potentially toxic materials, she was scuttled on 3 November 2007 at Deep Water Cove in the Bay of Islands to provide a dive wreck. She lies in 38 metres (125 ft) of water

    Here is a  fantastic video of the HMNZS Canterbury as she lies on the seafloor today filmed by Axel Busch : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz_O9tTA6AA

     

    rainbow-warrior-059Rainbow Warrior – The Rainbow Warrior (sometimes informally called Rainbow Warrior I) was a former UK Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) trawler later purchased by the environmental organization Greenpeace. The ship was active in supporting a number of Greenpeace protest activities against seal hunting, whaling and nuclear weapons testing during the late 1970s and early 1980s. She was sunk whilst in harbour in New Zealand by operatives of the French intelligence service (DGSE) on 10 July 1985, killing one of the activists. The wreck of the Rainbow Warrior was refloated on 21 August 1985 and moved to a naval harbour for forensic examination. Although the hull had been recovered, the

    damage was too extensive for economic repair and the vessel was scuttled in warrior1

    Matauri Bay in the Cavalli Islands, New Zealand, on 12 December 1987, to serve as a dive wreck and artificial reef to promote marine life.

    Check out this sensational video of the Rainbow Warrior filmed by D M Larsson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEIAjwCg-Fo
     

     

     

    DIVE INFORMATION

    Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers but preferably with Deep certification  (certified to 40 metres)
    Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive these sites but is highly recommended
    Depth ranges from 6 – 40 metres
    EAN (nitrox) is included for the whole trip (certification is required)
    Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

     TRIP DATES

    5 to 14 March 2017

    PRICE

    $3,000 per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED 

    Private van transfers for the trip

    4 nights twin share accommodation aboard the MV Acheron
    4 Days of unlimited diving at the Poor Knights Islands (16 + dives)
    All food aboard MV Acheron

    4 nights accommodation at Northland Dive Lodge
    3 days of diving with Northland Dive (6 dives), including the Canterbury wreck, Rainbow Warrior wreck, Waikato wreck and the Bay of Islands
    All food whilst at Northland Dive Lodge
    Nitrox fills for the whole trip

    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    Flights to and from Auckland
    Travel Insurance
    Personal spending monies
    Excess luggage surcharges
    Meals other than those already noted

     

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to rent you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator and computer for the trip.  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 gear must be arranged prior to the trip and we will arrange to get the gear to you so you can pack it in your luggage for the trip.

    ITINERARY

    To be confirmed

    SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

    Self Reliant
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Underwater Navigation
    Nitrox (Enriched Air)
    Deep Diver
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    Dry Suit
    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].

  • Explore the Capricorn Bunker Group and Southern Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Adori

    Explore the Capricorn Bunker Group and Southern Great Barrier Reef aboard the MV Adori

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    The Trip
    Come and join us aboard the MV Adori. A hidden gem known to locals and fishermen we have the unique opportunity to explore reefs and islands that have previously been accessible to private boat owners. Join us as we explore endless islands and reefs with literally hundreds of sites to chose from. The MV Adori is a private live aboard housing only 8 divers and two crew so you are guarnteed of a personal and private liveaboard experience. The Adori is also BYO so you can bring your favourite tipple to drink whilst watching the sun set over the horizon. Warm waters and tropical diving. What more could you want? This trip is a must for every diver with diverse coral cays, reefs, islands and abundant marine life.

    Dive Information

    Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)

    Depth ranges from 4 – 28 metres

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


    Coral and Diver, Capricorn Bunker Group

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Trip Dates

    To Be Confirmed

    Price

    $1450 per person 

     

    What’s Included

    Tanks and weights
    Up to 14
     dives including 3 night dives
    4 nights accommodation in air conditioned bunks
    All fresh prepared home style meals and snacks between dives
    Dive deck and fresh water tubs for your camera equipment
    All air fills
    Return transport to Yeppoon from Brisbane

     

     

    Epaulette shark / Hemiscyllium ocellatum

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    What’s Excluded
     All Dive Gear
    Transport to Yeppoon if you are making your own way
    Alcohol (The MV Adori is a BYO vessel – alcohol is not available for purchase)
    Soft drinks (please feel free to bring your own)

    Gear Hire
    PDS is able to rent you a wetsuit, BCD, regulator and computer for the weekend, 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
    DAY 1
    At 3pm everyone stows their gear and settles in on-board. We will set up our gear and secure our bunks before steaming from port ready for our first dive. We will do a check out dive in the late afternoon at Egg Island and then the first of our night dives. Egg is one of the popular local sites that is home to numerous olive green sea snakes.

    DAY 2
    Today we wake up at any number of reefs or islands. Our destination is literally up to us and the conditions! We are ideally located to hit up Tryon Island, North West Island, Broomfield Reef, Wilson Island, Wilson Reef, Wistari Reef, Masthead Island and all of the other reefs and islands of the Capricorn Bunker Group. The possibilities are endless!

    Olive Green Sea Snake

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DAY 3

    Today we wake up at any number of reefs or islands. Our destination is literally up to us and the conditions! We are ideally located to hit up Tryon Island, North West Island, Broomfield Reef, Wilson Island, Wilson Reef, Wistari Reef, Masthead Island and all of the other reefs and islands of the Capricorn Bunker Group. The possibilities are endless!

    DAY 4

    Today we will dive any number of sensational local sites on our way back to Yeppoon. We will be back in port at 5pm. We anticipate having everyone back to Woolloongabba by midnight. 

     

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    Specialities Suitable for this trip

    Self Reliant Diver (perfect for this trip)
    Advanced Open Water (perfect for this trip)
    Under water Navigation
    Digital Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Photographer
    Underwater Videographer
    Search and Recovery
    Peak Performance Buoyancy
    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]

  • Night Dives at the Gold Coast Seaway

    Night Dives at the Gold Coast Seaway

    THE DIVES

    The Gold Coast Seaway has greater variety and more recorded species of any shore dive in Australia. With over 400 different species found in the seaway we are lucky to have it right on our back door step! You can dive a site a thousand times and when you dive it for the first time at night it feels like an entirely different site. So come down and join us and rediscover our local under the cover of darkness!

    If you have already completed a night dive as part of your Advanced Open Water then you only have to join us for one night to complete the practical component of your Night diver specialty. If you haven’t then we will need you to join us for both nights.

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    Brief History of the Gold Coast Seaway

    In 1984 a project commenced to stabilize the Nerang River estuary which links the Gold Coast Broadwater and Nerang River to the Pacific Ocean. The purpose was to ensure a safer entrance for recreational boats, the trawler fleet and other commercial boats accessing the Pacific from the Gold Coast and to also provide permanent point at which to pump treated effluent water out to sea. In addition, the objective was to reduce the northward sand drift from forming bars in the entrance to the seaway and blocking access to small craft. As a result, a sand pumping jetty was installed south of the seaway and the sand is pumped north across the seaway through a bypass pipe and out onto the beach of South Stradbroke Island. Prior to the Gold Coast Seaway being constructed there was an area at the southern end of Crab Island known as “The Deep Hole”. This was a thriving ecosystem that was home to many fish. However, on the opening of the Gold Coast Seaway in 1986, this filled with sand and the habitat was lost.

    The sand bypass pipe was initially set under the sand at 6m, with the planned seafloor at low tide to be approximately 4.5 metres, but the tidal currents that filled The Deep Hole with sand quickly uncovered the pipe. It has since remained largely exposed. Since being uncovered, 10 upright supports were installed anchoring the pipe above the seaway floor, 13 metres being the deepest point the bypass pipe reaches and in some places the pipe is 3 m off the seaway floor. This pipe, the effluent outlet pipe and the rock walls of the Gold Coast Seaway have gradually over the last 20 years replaced the lost habitat of The Deep Hole and now offer a special and significant marine environment.

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    DIVE INFORMATION

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

     

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    DATES

    Monday, 29 April 2019
    Tuesday, 30 April 2019

    To book onto anyone of our night dives click HERE

    PRICE

    $50 per person

    The following are recommended upgrade for this dive
    PADI Night Diver speciality course @ $295 per person

    WHAT’S INCLUDED

    1 x Night dive at the Gold Coast Seaway
    Tank and weights
    Dive Master services

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    WHAT’S EXCLUDED

    All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)

    GEAR HIRE

    PDS is able to provide you with a wetsuit, BCD, regulator, computer, tanks and weights for the dives and please communicate your requirements on the booking form.  Full gear hire is $40 for the dive and individual pricing is available upon request. You must provide your own mask, snorkel, fins and boots these items are not available for hire from us

    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

    Please do not turn up unannounced as we may not have enough tanks and weights for everyone.

    Long pipe / sand pipe Gold Coast Seaway