Category: Dive Travel

Hone your skills and get your eye in for the smaller stuff at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve!

THE TRIP

Cook Island is located approximately 600m offshore from Fingal Head and four kilometres southeast of Tweed Heads in Northern NSW on the Southern end of the Gold Coast, Australia

-Cook Island Aquatic Reserve was declared on October 23, 1998 to protect the marine biodiversity of the island’s reef system.

– Cook Island plays host to an amazing array of marine life, offering spectacular temperate, subtropical and tropical species of fish which are bountiful. Nudibranchs, Rays, Eels and Occys are plentiful. Clown fish, Bullseyes, Gropers, Leatherjackets, Parrot fish, Pufferfish, Surgeonfish, Sweetlips and Trevally.

-Other additional species include a couple of species of crayfish, flatworm and shrimp.

-Migratory shark species such as the Blind Sharks, Shovel Nose Rays, Guitar Sharks and Leopard Sharks (summer) Grey Nurse (winter) and Wobbegongs visit throughout the year.

-Regular visitors include a number of protected species such as the Giant Queensland Groper, Black Cod, Estuary Cod and Grey Nurse Shark.

-Some of the star attractions in the Reserve are the green and loggerhead turtles, which you will more than likely see on your magical dive or snorkel tour.

-The island has 13 moorings, offering great boat dives from three sides, the North, South and East, each offering something different from the other

The North Wall has a long easy navigational wall which extends right through to Mary’s Rock. Has a ledge at 5m perfect for safety stops or snorkelling. The North Wall is home to baby wobbegongs, nudibranchs, lionfish, octopus and a diverse range of schooling fish. The drop off is 12 meters to a sandy bottom, where you will find plenty of marine life.

The South side – a photographer’s dream. Colourful soft corals are teeming with marine life, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Shovel Nose Rays, Groper, Cod, and schools of Kingfish are all residents of this colourful marine wonderland. This is an easy 10 m dive so enjoy the beauty and take your camera.

The East is a great adventure dive. Caves, crevices and swim throughs will delight any explorer. As you swim around the next corner or out of the swim throughs a Wobbegong won’t be too far away. The East plays host to the ‘Turtle Nursery” the baby turtles hang out here to grow and learn before they move on to the more open waters of the North side.

Coral gardens, schools of Taylor, Jewfish a variety of sharks and oodles of marine life, the east wall is the deepest side of the island at 18 m. This is the perfect dive site for novice divers to hone their skills or photographers searching for macro subjects – nudis galore!!

DIVE INFORMATION

Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
Depth ranges from 18 – 30 metres
Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

TRIP DATES

28 November 2020

To book online for one of our day dive trips click HERE

PRICE

$220 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

2 dives
Tanks and weights
Dive guide services
Transport from Brisbane to Tweed Heads for the first 6 to book on

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

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

If travelling in the Professional Dive Services van, we will leave Woolloongabba early morning to head down to Tweed Heads. It is expected that we will have you back in Woolloongabba by mid afternoon. A more detailed estimate of timings will be sent to those who have booked closer to the date of the day trip.

PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

Enriched Air (Nitrox)
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!!

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

To book online click HERE

January 21, 2013
Weekend on North Stradbroke Island – MANTA FEST !!

THE TRIP
North Stradbroke Island is a pristine, secluded island paradise – a hidden treasure only one hour from central Brisbane. Diving off Stradbroke Island can only be described as exhilarating! The dive sites you will explore are only a 10- 15 minute boat ride from shore and Manta Bommie has been rated in the top 10 dive sites in Australia.

Straddie’s reefs are teeming with various marine life like Manta Rays and Leopard Sharks during Summer (Oct- Apr), endangered Grey Nurse Sharks and Humpback Whales during Winter (May- Sept), plus Bull and Eagle Rays, guitar and Wobbegong Sharks, Turtles, Dolphins, Octopus, Pelagics, hard and soft corals, Nudibranchs plus hundreds of tropical fish species.

We will be right in the middle of Manta Season then with an average of 6 manta rays sighted per dive!

There is a choice of 12 varying dive sites to choose from and we can plan your trip based around your experience level which include the most popular sites of Manta Bommie, Flat Rock and Shag Rock.

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

Friday, 16- 18 March 2018

To book online for this weekend of diving click HERE

PRICE

$750 per person

The following are recommended upgrades for this trip
Advanced Open Water Course @ $275 per person
PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $245 per person for manual learning or $390 for on-line learning (both prices include 2 Nitrox fills)
Peak Performance Buoyancy @ $245 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED
2 night’s accommodation at Manta Lodge
8 dives
Return Ferry transfers to North Stradbroke Island
Land transfers on Stradbroke Island
Tanks and weights
Transport to and from Woolloongabba if required

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. If you do not have your own mask, snorkel, fins and boots these items are available for hire through the operator. Underwater camera and torches are also available if arranged in advance and are subject to availability.

The quintessential diver and manta pic. This famous photo was taken by Manta’s very own David Biddulph.

ITINERARY
The timings for this weekend of diving will be dependant on the number of dives you do over the weekend. If you choose to do the full weekend of diving; I have noted the timings below. A more detailed itinerary will be sent to the divers closer to the date.

You have the option of meeting the group either at the ferry terminal in Cleveland or in Woolloongabba where John will drive you to Cleveland in our van.

Departing Woolloongabba

We will meet at 4pm sharp at Adreno, 54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba. You are able to park your car here for the weekend, either off street parking or at the rear of Adreno.

Departing Cleveland

We will be catching the Big Red Cat car and passenger ferry which will depart Toondah Harbour (1 Emmett Drv, Cleveland) at 5pm sharp . Please meet John at the ferry by 4:45 pm.

We will aim to catch the 5:55 pm ferry from Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island) and should be back at Cleveland by 6:30pm on Sunday. If you are travelling back to Adreno with John, we should have you back there around 7:30pm. There maybe a possibility that we could catch an earlier ferry back to the mainland, however this will all be dependant on the running of the day.

Another great photo from the Manta Whisperer – David “Biddy” Biddulph

SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP
Advanced Open Water
Nitrox
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Underwater Videographer
Search and Recovery
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Dry Suit Diver
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 click HERE

January 21, 2013
Explore Windarra Banks – The Cod Grounds and find out what all the fuss is about!

Windarra Banks – The Cod Grounds

Upcoming Dives at Windarra Banks – 8 May 2013

Probably the most legendary dive site near Byron Bay and definitely the most requested by divers venturing out with Blue Bay, Windarra Banks is located 16 km North-East of the Brunswick Heads bar. Divers who are fortunate enough to have visited Windarra Banks in the past, rate it as one of Australia’s best dive sites. Being so far out, diving at Windarra Banks is extremely subject to sea conditions and very hard to plan. Not only do sea conditions have to be favourable on the day to make the 16 km journey acceptable for our customers, we also have to take into account the ocean currents that run along the East Coast of Australia. The strength of the current can’t be predicted from shore and is independent of the weather pattern, so the only way to know is to go out and check it.

The dive site consists of two enormous bommies or sea mountains approximately 500 metres apart and a lot of rocky country rising up to about 25 metres depth with the sandy bottom at about 45 to 50 metres. Due to it’s location and depth, Windarra Banks is a truly challenging dive site for the more experienced diver.

You can see several types of shark including Grey Nurse Sharks, Bronze Whalers, Tiger Sharks and Hammerheads as well as big schools of large pelagics including Kingfish, Tuna, Trevally, Barracuda, Wahoo and Mackerel when in season. Since Windarra Banks is not dived frequently, most marine life is not used to scuba divers and especially sharks can be quite inquisitive. Throughout February and March of 2012, we saw big schools of Hammerhead Sharks swimming past. There has been a friendly dolphin hanging around the boat during surface intervals, and even a Whale Shark was seen out there earlier in the year. This is why the saying goes: “You could see ANYTHING out there”.

Cost of the Day – $180 inclusive of two dives, fuel surcharge, tanks, weights, tea, coffee, snacks, exclusive use of the Bay Warrior and for the first 6 people who book on… return transport.

**Please note that every effort will be made to make it to Windarra Banks but it is VERY dependent on ocean and weather conditions. It is a challenging site which is very prone to current so it will only be attempted if the conditions allow. If the weather or ocean don’t play ball, we will be diving Spot X or the Mackerel Boulder off of Julian Rocks (two other dives sites VERY rarely dived by the shops in Byron).

Mackerel Boulder

The Mackerel Boulder is a beautiful rocky area surrounding a giant boulder that rises from the sandy bottom at about 25 metres up to 15 metres below the surface. The shallower areas consist of deep cracks in the rocks, big enough for divers to swim through and explore. In winter, Grey Nurse Sharks visit the Mackerel Boulder, in summer Leopard Sharks and Manta Rays can be seen here. All year round, the area is best known for large pelagics, so keep your eyes open when you first start your descent and make sure you look up into the blue every now and then to make sure you’re not missing anything.

Spot X

Spot X was named by Rod of Blue Bay Divers (former owner of Sundive). It’s a great dive site only about 800 metres from Julian Rocks. It consists of two big bommies that rise up to about 17 metres. The sandy bottom is at about 25 metres. Spot X is a good spot for large pelagics such as Kingfish, Trevally, Mackerel and Wahoo, especially when there is a bit of current. Grey Nurse Sharks can be seen here from June to December, Bronze Whalers cruise by frequently all year round. The marine life at Spot X is very similar to Julian Rocks, but more concentrated in a smaller area especially with current.

January 21, 2013
Amazing structure and Big pelagics – Experience the Awe of Cherubs Cave and Henderson Rock Moreton Island.

Cherubs Cave and Henderson Rock are two of the most popular and least scuba dived sites in South East Queensland.

Just the very mention of diving here will send pangs of jealousy into any experienced Queensland diver!

Next Trip – A MIDWEEK two day two night trip on Wednesday 4 September to Friday 6 September 2013.

Cost – $650 includes 6 dives (2 dives at Cherub’s and Henderson’s, 4 dives at Shark Alley), fuel surcharge, tanks, weights, return ferry transfers, 2 nights accommodation and transport on Moreton Island.

This is a unique opportunity to dive one of South East Queenslands hidden gems!! Hendersons Rock/Cherubs Cave is on the Eastern side of Moreton but due to it’s location and travel time is not often dived. If you are in ANY position to join us for this trip, schedule a day in lieu, call in sick, you don’t want to miss this!

A small concrete cherub, last seen near the engine of the wreck of the “St Paul” 6 miles north, once marked the main entrance to this fantastic hidden cave off Moreton Island. The large circular shaped cave roughly measures 20m x 15m and has six exits. The entire area is surrounded by rocky gullies, small caves, overhangs and can be filled with some SPECTACULAR pelagic action. Cherubs Cave has a large resident Queensland groper and during winter grey nurse sharks enjoying patrolling the waters in this area.

Check out this fantastic video from Ben Murray http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pg13iCGodY

Depth Range : 12 – 40m+
Visibility averages 20m

**Please note that due it it’s location and position on the windward side of Moreton Island, it is not always possible to dive on Cherubs and Henderson Rock. Every effort will always be made to reach the sites but if conditions do not allow us to do so we will ensure that you will dive the best sites that North Stradbroke has to offer be it Shark Alley, Shag Rock, Manta Bommie e.t.c. Divers who are prone to sea sickness are strongly advised to take medication as it is a 40min to an hour boat ride to the sites from North Stradbroke. Divers with recurrent back problems are also warned that it can be bumpy in any swell.

January 21, 2013
Spend a Day at Julian Rocks in Byron Bay

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

And 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.

Dive Information

-Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres)
-Depth ranges from 4 – 28 metres
-EAN (nitrox) is available if arranged prior to the trip
-Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

Trip Dates

Sunday, 22 March 2020

To book online click HERE

Price

Weekend Day Trip– $300 per person and includes 3 dives, return transport from Woolloongabba, tanks and weights.

Weekday Day Trip -$250 per person and includes 2 dives, return transport from Woolloongabba, tanks and weights.

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

The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

Diving on Nitrox@ $ 30 per dive
PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $295 per person for manual learning or $445 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.

Itinerary

If you are travelling to Byron Bay in the Professional Dive Services van, which will leave from Adreno (54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba) bright and early in the morning. There is parking available for the day either at the rear of the shop or off street parking.

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

Specialities Suitable for this trip

Advanced Open Water
Enriched Air (Nitrox)
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

January 9, 2013
New Years Eve aboard the MV Golden Dawn in the Eastern Fields, Papua New Guinea – 31 Dec 2013 to 7 January 2014

The Eastern fields/Coral Sea operate November through to December and April through to May – prime time for this area. On these cruises, you will find the waters of the barrier reef system around Port Moresby teem with beautiful flora and fauna to satisfy the keenest sports diver or the most dedicated underwater photographer, with Mantas, Sharks and Turtles.

Divers have encountered the rare Great hammerhead shark as well as his smaller Scalloped brothers and Whale Sharks are sighted annually as far in as the capital’s main harbour! The more exotic treats include the Lacy Scorpion fish (Rhinopias aphanes and his rarer brother R. fondoza), Leaf Scorpion fish, Stone and False Stonefish, Crocodile fish, Pygmy sea horse and Tasselled Wobbegongs, Epaulette and Leopard Sharks. The waters here are moderate in visibility but excellent for close-up photography.

Further offshore, in the clear waters of the Coral Sea, GOLDEN DAWN is pioneering dive operations at the spectacular Eastern Fields, a submerged atoll rising from over 4,000 ft /1,200 mtrs and covering some 400 square miles. Most of this reef system is still unexplored – suffice it to say that over 200ft / 70mtr visibility has been experienced. Eastern Fields is located 90 nautical miles south west of Port Moresby in the northern reaches of the Coral Sea.

The Coral Sea trip is not recommended for the beginner diver or those who are prone to seasickness as it is all open ocean diving. Nitrox fills and sorb are available for extended and rebreather diving at a reasonable additional cost. MV Golden Dawn allow divers with experience and certifications to solo/self reliant dive and use CCR.

This area of the Coral Sea is rarely troubled by the cyclone’s passing by on their way to the southern latitudes leaving the coral in pristine condition. Being close to the eastern approaches of the Torres Strait (the name for the passage of water between Australia and Papua New Guinea) gives this area the currents that attract the pelagic marine life such as schools of large Dog Tooth, Yellow fin, Blue fin Tuna, Spanish Mackerel and Wahoo. Eagle and Manta rays can be found patrolling the walls, as well as schools of horse eye jacks in their balling formations and schools of spiralling Barracuda. On our shark dives Grey reef Sharks and their elegant brothers the Silver tips are frequently encountered. The Great and Scalloped hammerhead shark will often make an appearance when you least expect it! You will enjoy dive sites like “Carls Ultimate”, where the marine life is so rich and diverse that it is not uncommon for divers to do 12 dives and still ask for more. The small and the unexpected should not be left out, with species of Nudibranch and Flat worm we have not been able to identify as yet! Many different types of Shrimp Goby, Blennies and clouds of Anthias and Fusiliers are to be found while diving.

This Trip of a Lifetime is ONLY $3, 450 per person!!

PRICE INCLUDES:

• 7 nights accommodation on board the MV Golden Dawn

• All meals on the MV Golden Dawn

• Return flights from Brisbane to Port Moresby with Virgin Australia

• 2 bags – 1 x clothes and 1 x dive gear (up to 23kg per bag)

• Entry/Exit Visas and Chamber Fees

• Up to 30 dives in the Eastern Fields with a check out dive at Port Moresby on arrival

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Travel Insurance

• Personal spending monies and Excess Luggage surcharges

Click here for Booking Form – MV Golden Dawn- Booking Form

October 30, 2012
Galapagos Islands in luxury on the Penguino Explorer, 7 to 16 September 2015

Scuba Dive one of the most untouched and influential locations on the planet…

The Galapagos Islands!!! Come with us as we follow Darwin’s path and dive with whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks…. the list of pelagics is endless! Meet a century old tortoise, dive with an iguana, all the while living it up in style aboard the Penguino Explorer. This is a trip worth saving for!

10 nights Ex Brisbane

From $9,891

Price Includes:

Return flights ex. Brisbane to San Cristobal via Santiago and Guayaquil flying with Qantas , LAN Airlines and Aero Gal Airlines
1 Nights twin share acc. Chile, Includes : Buffet Breakfast and return airport transfers
2 Nights twin share acc. Guayaquil, Includes: Buffet Breakfast & Return airport transfers
7 night Galapagos diving expedition aboard the Humboldt Explorer Twin share cabin accommodation & Breakfast
3 meals daily, plus daily snacks ( except Sunday night dinner ), Alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, Towels and linen
Up to 4 dives per day : Including Wolf and Darwin
Use of tanks and weights
Return airport transfers Ex San Cristobal
Land visit to Santa Cruz on last day to visit the highlands, lava tubes and town
Australian Departure tax

Cost Does Not Include:

Travel Insurance & Personal spending monies, Excess Luggage Surcharges
Passport and visa fee’s
Santiago tourist card $95.00 USD
Nitrox $150.00 USD per person / per week
Sunday meal approx $15.00 USD pp
Galapagos National park fee $100.00 USD pp
Guayaquil Tourist card $10.00 USD pp
Chamber fee $35.00 USD pp
Fuel surcharge $150.00 USD pp

Conditions Apply: Prices are subject to change due to 2014 rates increases, schedule changes and fluctuations in USD exchange rates without notice.

Booking Requirements:
To secure your place on this expedition, you will need to complete a booking form and return it together with a non refundable deposit amount of $500.00 per person. Additional payment installments will be required throughout the duration of this booking. These will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Itinerary:

Days aboard the Penguino Explorer generally involve a 6:30 a.m. dive followed by breakfast, a dive at 9:30, lunch at 12:00, and afternoon dives at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served at approximately 7:00 p.m. Under current National Parks guidelines, no night dives are allowed by any vessels within the Galapagos National Park.

Please note that this itinerary is an example only, and will change depending on local regulation, weather and logistics at the Captain’s discretion. Currently, each week the itinerary includes the same islands. The number of dives and the dive sites may vary depending on sea conditions, crossing times and currents.

Monday 25th August 2014 : San Cristobal

Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the Galapagos islands mid-day. Guests are met at the airport and taken to the vessel. Boarding the vessel after 12:00 noon, guests will depart for a short crossing to the a calm site for a
check out dive and safety briefing. Lunch will be served before the dive and dinner will be served after the check out dive. The vessel will make a late day departure to the next destination.

Tuesday 26th August 2014 : North Seymour – North Seymour Canal, North Seymour Point

6:30, 9:30, dives. Sightings include turtles, hammerheads, sea lions. Afternoon/overnight transit to Darwin (20 hours).

Wednesday 27th August 2014 : Darwin – Darwin’s Arch

6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Night at anchor.

Thursday 28th August 2014 : Darwin – Darwin’s Arch

6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Evening crossing to Wolf Island (2.5 hrs).

Friday 29th August 2014 : Wolf Island – Landslide, Shark Bay, Pinaculo

6:30, 9:30, 1:30 and 4:00 dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, turtles and silky sharks. Overnight transit to Isabela Island (15 hours).

Saturday 30th August 2014 : Isabela Island – Cabo Marshall

6:30 and 9:30 dives. Sightings include giant manta rays, mobula rays, turtles, hammerheads, black-striped salema. Overnight transit Cousins Rock (8 hours).

Sunday 31st August 2014 : Cousin’s Rock

6:30, 8:30 dives – wall and macro diving with excellent chance of seeing sea horses, sea lions, eagle rays. Breakfast and transit back to Santa Cruz (3 hrs). Land trip to see the giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and transit to Puerto Ayora for shopping and possible visit to Darwin Centre on your own. 7 p.m. return to the boat, dinner and crossing to San Cristobal.

Monday 1st September 2014 : Baltra/San Cristobal

Breakfast; depart the vessel by 8:30 am . Trip to the interpretive centre and time to visit the beach in town to see sea lions and marine iguanas. Transfer back to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Download the booking form here

October 30, 2012
Dive the EX HMAS Brisbane, Wreck and Nitrox courses

THE DIVE SITE

Commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1967 the HMAS Brisbane was a 133 metre, Charles F Adams Class DDG, guided missile destroyer of approx 5000 tons. The HMAS BRISBANE served Australia faithfully for 34 years, till she was decommissioned in 2001. She served in both the Vietnam and Gulf wars and assisted on many humanitarian missions such as in Darwin in 1974 after cyclone Tracey.

In January 2003, the Queensland Government agreed to accept the decommissioned HMAS Brisbane from the Commonwealth Government for sinking off the Sunshine Coast as an artificial reef and dive site.

On 31 July 2005, with the expertise of a crew who had extensive experience in scuttling ships for artificial reefs at a site 2.9 nautical miles east of Mudjumba Island off the Sunshine Coast these explosives were detonated and in 2 minutes and 10 seconds, the former HMAS BRISBANE was on the bottom in 28 metres of water.

The HMAS Brisbane offers a great opportunity for you to complete your enriched air and wreck diving specialities.
The wreck now serves as a world-class artificial reef and diving site. Sitting bolt upright the HMAS Brisbane has 15 metres of water over her forward decks and 18 metres over her stern.

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 6 – 28 metres
EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

TRIP DATES

Sunday, 22 November 2020

Friday, 27 November 2020

Wreck course : Sunday 22 and Friday 27 November 2020

To book online for a day or weekend dive trip click HERE

PRICE

Day Trip

$250 per person – 2 dives, tanks and weights, return transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

Enriched Air Speciality– additional $245 (total $495) – course materials (manual learning), nitrox fills and the services of your dive instructor

(2 day trip)

$500 per person – 4 dives, tanks and weights, return transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

PADI Wreck diver speciality course @ $675 per person- includes course materials, 4 dives over 2 days, tanks and weights, the services of your dive instructor and transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

PADI Wreck diver and Enriched Air speciality courses @ $850 per person- includes course materials, 4 dives over 2 days, Nitrox fills and weights, the services of your dive instructor and transport to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane

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 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

To book online click HERE

October 21, 2012
Lady Elliot and the Capricorn Bunker Group Liveaboard Weekend

LADY ELLIOT ISLAND & THE CAPRICORN BUNKER GROUP

The Trip
Come and join us on South East Queensland’s ONLY live aboard Big Cat Reality. The Big Cat crew will be taking us to the Bunker group of Islands and Cays. This trip is 4 days of unique dive sites in the Capricorn Bunker Groupand surrounding Lady Elliot Island! 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)

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 & PRICES

24 – 28 March 2016 – Easter Long Weekend – $1,359 per person- SOLD OUT

What’s Included
Up to 18 dives including a night dives
Accommodation on all nights in air conditioned bunks
All your meals, including fresh fruit and snacks between dives
Large Stable 25 metre vessel
Huge dive deck and fresh water tubs for your camera equipment
All air fills
Transport to Bundaberg for the first 6 to book on

What’s Excluded
$20 per person GBRMPA reef tax to be paid on board
Tanks
Weights
All Dive Gear
Transport to Bundaberg if you are making your own way
Alcohol (No alcohol can be brought on board as this is a licensed boat)
Soft drinks

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.

4 Day Trip Itinerary

The First Night: (Thursday 24th March) (Passage Plan) We all meet at the Bundaberg Port Marina by 5.00 pm, where everyone stows their gear and settles in onboard. The master then introduces the crew, gives the safety brief and you watch our induction DVD. A light supper is served and we depart Burnett Heads at about 8:30pm. (For anyone wanting a meal before boarding, there is a great fish & chip takeaway located at Burnett Heads 5 min from the Marina). “Big Cat Reality” then steams overnight to Llewelyn Reef and arrives ready for an early morning dive.

Day One: (Friday 25th) Day one starts with two great dives at Llewelyn Reef to get you started and then a short move north to Lamont Reef for an afternoon of exploring this amazing and rarely dived reef. After completing 5 dives for the day, we settle down for our first night on the Great Barrier Reef.

Day Two: (Saturday 26th) On the second day we start the day with an early morning dive at Lamont Reef before move south to spend the rest of the day diving the sites around Hoskins Island where we generally get the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal clear lagoon with reef sharks and baby sea turtles.

Day Three: (Sunday 27th) On the second day we wake up at the world famous Lady Elliott Island where there is always heaps of beautiful Manta rays and great viz. You will have the opportunity to dive all the best sites here including the Blow hole, Hero’s Cave and Lighthouse Bommie. Our last night on the reef is finished off with a calm night dive and a BBQ on the top deck followed by a great night’s sleep.

Day Four: (Monday 28th) Our last day gives us the RARE opportunity to explore a little known dive site called the “Snake Pitt”. This site is well off shore and has an amazing landscape with huge over hangs and swim throughs and of course heaps of Sea Snakes and Big Fish. Weather permitting we are able to dive the Snake Pitt we will then do two dives at Lady Elliot before we head back to Bundaberg, arriving at approximately 6:30pm. If we are unable to dive the Snake Pitt we will do three dives at Lady Elliot.

This trip is truly great fun and top value. Included: up to 18 dives, all air fills, all meals, 4 nights air-conditioned accommodation, dive master services and full use of all facilities onboard.

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

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

October 21, 2012
Wooli – Pimpernel Rock and the North Solitary Islands!

THE TRIP

The islands are just a short 20 minute ride away and will provide you with some absolutely world class diving. The islands are not only home to the temperate species, but being the southernmost limit of permanent colonies of tropical species.

North Solitary Island is only 7 nautical miles from Wooli. 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. The cave is very dark and a torch is required to appreciate it. There are air bubbles trapped at the top of the cave. Fish life includes Lion Fish, large schools of White Bait 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.

Pimpernel Rock

The depth of this site is 40 metres and features steep pinnacles and a large tunnel.

Pimpernel Rock is one of the finest scuba diving locations along the entire New South Wales Coast. This site is also isolated, doesn’t break the surface and is some distance from solid earth. There is an enormous cavern approximately 12m high and 15m wide in the centre of the vast main structure some 40 metres from the surface. All manner of sea life including sharks inhabit the giant shelter.

Sponge gardens decorate a reef spreading from the base of each of the three pinnacles. Large rocky bolders, small trenches and overhangs, flat areas and step overs host seafans, seawhips and anemones.

Tom Byron arguably one of the most prolific divers in Australia and one of the godfather’s of East coast diving rates this as his number 1 site. Two Pinnacles with an underwater cavern connecting them surrounded by Grey Nurse sharks and prolific sea life.

DIVE INFORMATION

Suitable for Advanced Open Water Diver only
Depth ranges from 6 – 40 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

Friday, 24 – Sunday, 26 June 2016

PRICE & INCLUSIONS

Midweek Trip @ $400 per person and includes 3 dives, 1 nights’ accommodation, return transport from Brisbane to Wooli, BBQ dinner of arrival and continental breakfast in the morning, tanks and weights.

Weekend Trip @ $600 per person and includes 4 dives, 2 nights’ accommodation, return transport from Brisbane to Wooli, BBQ dinner on Saturday night and continental breakfast each morning, tanks and weights.

WHAT’S EXCLUDED
All Dive Gear
Travel Insurance
Personal spending money
All meals are at your leisure (with the exception of meals otherwise specified)

GEAR HIRE
PDS is able to rent you 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 gear must be arranged prior to the trip.

ITINERARY
The group travelling in the PDS van will be departing Brisbane (Woolloongabba) late in the afternoon on first day of the trip and from here you will be driven in our company van to Wooli. Upon arrival we will check in to our accommodation, have a BBQ dinner and get a good night sleep ready to dive in the morning.

Depending on the trip and the number of dives will determine the return time to Brisbane at the end of the trip. A full itinerary with more accurate timings and details will be sent to the divers prior to the dive trip.

SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THE TRIP
Advanced Open Water
Nitrox(Enriched Air)
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Underwater Videographer
Search and Recovery
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].

October 18, 2012
Wolf Rock – Grey Nurse Sharks All Year Round!!

THE DIVE SITE

Wolf Rock at Rainbow Beach is one of the few places in Australia where you can see Grey Nurse Sharks all year round and they are HUGE! Compare Wolf Rock to other dive sites where Grey Nurse Sharks are only seen in winter, this site is truly unique. Wolf Rock is also the ONLY known aggregation site for pregnant female grey nurse shark on the whole east coast of Australia.

At the end of mating season (Oct- Dec) the numbers of grey nurse shark found at Wolf Rock increases dramatically; meaning that you will be diving with mainly female sharks. It is understood that Wolf Rock receives 50% of the pregnant females and no-one knows where the other 50% go. This has triggered scientists to research their movements and find other aggregation site/s. They suspect it is somewhere in southeast Queensland, perhaps even at the top end of Fraser Island.

Wolf Rock – Video by Simon Walkden-Brown

DIVE INFORMATION

-Suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers or Open Water Divers doing their Advanced Open Water Course
-Depth ranges from 10 – 35 metres
-EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
-Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

TRIP DATES

DAY TRIPS

Thursday 31 December 2020

To book online for one of our Wolf Rock day trips click HERE

WEEKEND TRIPS

11 to 13 December 2020

To book online for a weekend trip click HERE

PRICE

Day Trip – $300 per person- 2 dives, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

Midweek Overnight Trip – $600 per person- 4 dives, 1 night accommodation, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

Weekend Trip – $650 per person 4 dives, 2 nights accommodation, tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, lunch, photos from your trip and return transport to Rainbow Beach.

The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

Diving on Nitrox@ $ 40 per double dive
PADI Advanced Open Water Course @ $275 per person
PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $245 per person
PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $295 per person for manual or $445 for on-line learning. These prices include 2 nitrox fills

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

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

GEAR HIRE

PDS is able to provide you 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.

Alternatively, gear hire can be arranged from the operator, however this could be at a much higher cost.

COURSES & SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

Advanced Open Water
Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Deep Diver
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

Book online via one of the following links:

Day Dive Trip- To book online for one of our Wolf Rock day trips click HERE

Weekend Dive Trip- To book online for a weekend trip click HERE

September 15, 2012
Australian Giant Cuttlefish, Leafy Seadragons and Great White Sharks!

THE TRIP

OPTION ONE- Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Only

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions want you to see Great White Sharks! And not just a quick flashing pass of grey, they want you to really see and experience the wonder and amazement of Great White Sharks. Get that tickle down your spine as one of the world’s prehistoric, amazing and definitely misunderstood fish swims by you.

After nearly 50 years, Rodney and Andrew Fox are the world’s foremost cage operators and they can hold their heads up high knowing that their combination of more time on location, more cages and less people makes them the South Australian shark viewing company with the most successful shark encounters.

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions are the most established and respected cage diving operation in the world. They are the ONLY operators worldwide to put the cage on the sea floor so you can truly see the sharks in their natural environment. They react entirely different at depth than they do at the surface when they are predating. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!!

The RFSE only leg begins in Port Lincoln where you will fly in and meet the rest of the group. After a good night sleep we will then board the MV Rodney Fox. We will then secure our bunks on board and steam out of Port. We will then journey to just short of Hopkins Island to jump in the water with Australian Sealions. These creatures are incredible and you will be amazed how quickly the time passes as you watch them pirouette and glide past you! We then head to the Neptune Islands to anchor for the night ready for the main event and in search of the main star, the Great White shark.

Once we arrive on site we put the surface cage and start the surface cage rotation. This trip is normally predominantly filled with SCUBA divers so if you aren’t certified as soon as the bottom cage rotations begin you will pretty much have the surface cage to yourself! We will return from our incredible adventure on the evening of the 10th for disembarkation where we will stay the night at the Marina Hotel before leaving the next morning to head back to Adelaide. You can either join us for the bus ride back to Adelaide or fly back from Port Lincoln (please ensure to take no fly times in to account before booking your flights.).

OPTION TWO – The Best of South Australia

On day one we will meet in Adelaide at the baggage claim and from here the group will be some of the first visitors to view the newly established Rodney Fox Great White Shark Museum. This incredible exhibit used to be housed in Glenelg when the Failie was the vessel that RFSE used for their tours. The exhibition has been substantially expanded and given a new home to be the BEST great white shark exhibit in the world! Even more exciting is we will be doing a meet and greet with the man himself Rodney Fox! We will then begin our road trip to Whyalla, where we will stay for the night. On day two the group will head to the best site in South Australia to dive with the LARGEST cephalopod aggregation in the world with mating Giant Australian Cuttlefish. The numbers of cuttlefish have dropped over the years and were continuing to significantly decline with only an estimated 25,000 returning each year. Twenty years ago the numbers were around 1 million. We are pleased to say that after four years of gradually increasing the population is the largest it has been in over 8 years as of June 2017! Don’t miss the opportunity to see these stunning creatures.

After our dive with the cuttlefish, we will then drive to Port Lincoln, where we will get a good night sleep ready to dive with another of South Australia’s most iconic creatures, Leafy Seadragons. In the morning we then head to Tumby Bay to dive with the largest seahorse in the world, the Leafy Seadragon! Endemic to Australia these incredible animals are truly fascinating. The largest of the seahorse family they are absolutely stunning creatures and masters of camouflage! It is not just the seadragons that will have you captivated! You will be mesmerised by the kaleidoscope of colour on the pylons, a hallmark of temperate water jetty/pier diving! Our group will then meet any members joining us just for the liveaboard at the Marina Hotel to stay the night ready to board the MV Rodney Fox the next morning. On Monday morning we begin the RFSE portion of our epic adventure starting off with playful Australian sealions before powering out to the Neptune islands in search of the Great Whites.

We can take up to a maximum of 18 divers for the Best of South Australia tour.

DIVE INFORMATION

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions
You do not need to be dive certified to join this trip

The Best of South Australia
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 & PRICES

The Best of South Australia- Friday, 4 – Friday, 11 June 2021 – $3,950 per person

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Only- Sunday, 6 – Friday, 11 June 2018- $2,950 per person

To book a spot on this trip online click HERE

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Only
3 nights accommodation aboard MV Rodney Fox
A dive with Australian Sea Lions aboard MV Rodney Fox
3 days of boat diving with Great White Sharks with Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions aboard the MV Rodney Fox
All meals on the MV Rodney Fox
2 nights accommodation at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln
Transport (van) from Port Lincoln to Adelaide (final day)

The Best of South Australia
Entry in to the Rodney Fox Great White Shark Museum
Meet and greet with Rodney Fox himelf!
1 nights accommodation in Whyalla
Transport to various dive locations in South Australia
A shore dive with the mating Australian Giant Cuttlefish at Whyalla
3 nights accommodation aboard MV Rodney Fox
A dive with the Leafy Sea Dragons at Tumby Bay
A dive with Australian Sea Lions aboard MV Rodney Fox
3 days of boat diving with Great White Sharks with Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions aboard the MV Rodney Fox
All meals on the MV Rodney Fox
3 nights accommodation at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln
Return Transport (van) from Port Lincoln to Adelaide

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions Only
Flights to and from Adelaide
Flight to Port Lincoln (option to travel back to Adelaide with the rest of the group at the trip cost)
Travel Insurance
Excess luggage charges
Spending money

The Best of South Australia
Flights to and from Adelaide
Travel Insurance
Excess luggage charges
Spending money and gratuities
All meals when not on board MV Rodney Fox

GEAR REQUIREMENTS
Regular dive gear is all you require for this trip with a minimum of a 5mm semi dry wetsuit, hood and gloves as the water can be very cold. Gear can also be hired from the Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions for the Great White Sharks only leg of the journey and please contact us for pricing.

ITINERARY
Upon booking or upon request, PDS can send you the recommended flights to Adelaide and To Port Lincoln. A full itinerary will be sent to all divers prior to the trip.

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 click HERE

August 10, 2012
Come and explore the President Coolidge in Vanuatu!

THE TRIP

Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the nation of Vanuatu, with an area of 3,955.5 km² (1,527.2 sq mi) and a population of around 40,000^.It belongs to the archipelago of the New Hebrides in the Pacific region of Melanesia. It is in the Sanma Province of Vanuatu. The town of Luganville, on Espiritu Santo’s southeast coast, is Vanuatu’s second-largest settlement and the provincial capital.

A Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, established a settlement in 1606 at Big Bay on the north side of the island. Espiritu Santo takes its name from Queirós, who named the entire island group La Austrialia del Espíritu Santo believing he had arrived in the Great Southern Continent, Terra Australis.

The main draw card to the diving tourism of the island is off course the SS President Coolidge. Considered by many divers to be the best wreck dive in the world, the SS President Coolidge was a luxury passenger liner converted to a troop carrier during WWII. While entering Santo harbor she contacted friendly mines, providing divers with a remarkable underwater playground.

Almost completely intact, you can swim through the numerous holds and decks viewing the reminders of her glorious days as a cruise liner and the remnants of her days as a troop ship. There are guns, cannons, jeeps, helmets, trucks and personal supplies left by some of the soldiers, as well as the beautiful porcelain statue of “The Lady,” chandeliers, engine room, the swimming pool and a mosaic tile fountain. The wreck is covered in coral and is the home to a plethora of sea life such including barracuda, lion fish, and a host of reef fish. To see the whole wreck you will need ten to fifteen divess as she’s 200 metres in length and rests in 20 to 69 metres of water!

Come and be awed by one of the most famous wrecks in the world. Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu is home to arguably (aside from the Titanic of course) the most famous wreck in the world… the President Coolidge! This trip includes 12 dives with Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge, 6 nights accommodation at Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge, unlimited shore diving on Aore island, return airport transfers and much more!

This is all about the Coolidge! If you have ever wanted to dive her or wanted to go back… this is THE TRIP!!

DIVE INFORMATION

Depth- 5- 69 metres

TRIP DATES

7 days/ 6 Nights Ex Brisbane

2 to 8 January 2018- SOLD OUT!

PRICE

$3,000* (includes flights ex Brisbane to Santo via Air Vanuatu + 2 bags)

* Based on current flight prices and subject to change

$2,200—prices do not include return flights to Vanuatu. These will need to be organised by the individual.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

6 nights in our own private beach front villa– Aore Adventure Sports and Lodge
5 double boat dives of local reefs, Coolidge & million Dollar Point
2 night dives on the Coolidge
Unlimited shore diving on Aore Island
Tanks, weights & guide services
Morning tea and lunch provided on boat dives
A tour of WII bunkers and the jungle on Aore
A shopping stop on arrival into Santo
Return airport transfers to Aore

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

Travel Insurance
Personal spending monies

All meals unless otherwise indictaed
Excess Luggage surcharges

CONDITIONS APPLY

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

BOOKING REQUIREMENTS

To secure your place on this trip; if you are arranging your own flights, you need to complete a booking form and return it together with a non refundable deposit of $500 per person. If you would prefer the flights included price please pay $700 deposit so that we can immediately secure them on your behalf. Current price including flights is based as of 21 July 2015. There may be an increase in flight price so please check with Lisa on the current price by calling her on 07 3204 5857.

PADI SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

Advanced Open Water
Underwater Navigation
Enriched Air/ Nitrox
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Underwater Videographer
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Underwater Naturalist

Self Reliant Diver

Wreck Diver

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

June 27, 2012