Category: Reef Trips

North Stradbroke Island – Expect the Unexpected!

The Dive Site

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.

There are 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
-EAN (nitrox) is available upon request
-Diving by yourself? We will buddy you up with another diver with similar experience

Trip Dates

Saturday, 10 March 2018

Saturday, 17 March 2018

Sunday, 18 March 2018

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

Price

4 dive Day Trip- $350 per person

The following are recommended upgrades for this trip

Diving on Nitrox@ $ 20 per double dive
PADI Deep Diver speciality Course @ $195 per person
PADI Enriched Air speciality Course @ $255 per person for manual learning or $395 for on-line learning (both prices include 2 Nitrox fills)
Peak Performance Buoyancy @ $195 per person
Shark Awareness @ $195 per person

What’s Included

4 dives
Return ferry transfers to Stradbroke Island
Land transfers whilst on Straddie
Tanks Weights
Return transport from Woolloongabba to Cleveland (6 spots only)

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 if arranged in advance and are subject to availability.

Itinerary

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 5 am sharp at Adreno, 54 Deshon Street, Woolloongabba. You are able to park your car here for the day, either off street parking or at the rear of Adreno.

Departing Cleveland

We will be catching the Gold Cat passenger ferry which will depart Toondah Harbour (1 Emmett Drv, Cleveland) at 5:50 am sharp . Please meet John at the ferry by 5:40 am.

We will aim to catch the 5:55 pm ferry from Dunwich (North Stradbroke Island) and should be back at Cleveland by 6:30pm. 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.

Courses & Specialities Suitable for this trip

Advanced Open Water
Under water Navigation
Enriched Air (Nitrox)
Deep Diver *
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Underwater Videographer
Search and Recovery
Peak Performance Buoyancy
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.

* Site dependant

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

April 11, 2013
Dive the Magnificent South Solitary Islands Marine Park

THE TRIP

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

Season of the Year. Which is better??

This is an extremely difficult question to answer; in the Summer months (November to April) the water temperature rises from 19c to peak in March at between 24c and 26c. During that time we see tropical varieties breeze thru with the East Australian Current, with the larger fish like Manta Rays andLeopard Sharks thru to the smaller critters like the Ornate Ghost-Pipefish.

Then from May thru to the end of June the water temperature stays above 20c. Then it drops to about 19-18c for the rest of Winter months. The Winter brings us a more abundant number of Grey Nurse Sharks and the special appearance of Giant Cuttlefish. We really like the diving in the winter, and at the temperature it is, it compares to the southern tropical waters of the Barrier reef.

DIVE INFORMATION

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

TRIP DATES

Friday, 3 – Sunday, 4 August 2018

PRICE

$650 per person

WHAT’S INCLUDED

6 dives
2 night’s accommodation
Return private transport from Woolloongabba to Coffs Harbour
Dive Master services
Tanks and weights.

Nitrox is available at an additional $20 per tank

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

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

GEAR HIRE

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

ITINERARY

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

SPECIALITIES SUITABLE FOR THIS TRIP

Advanced Open Water
Under water Navigation
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

HOW TO BOOK

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

April 6, 2013
Dive Australia’s Most Historic Shipwreck the SS Yongala!

THE SS YONGALA

The Dive Site

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

She sank just 12 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Bowling Green in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with the loss of all 122 passengers. Exactly what happened we will never know – although research indicates the vessel was steaming, the fact no life rafts were found indicate the loss of the Yongala was sudden and tragic.

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

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

Dive Information

Suitable for Open Water Divers (certified to 18 metres) but Advanced Open Water is an advantage.

Wreck certification is not a requirement to dive this site

Depth ranges from 6 – 28 metres

EAN (nitrox) is included!

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

Trip Dates

Australia Day long weekend Thursday, 23 – Monday, 27 January 2020

Price

$2,500 per diver with flights included ($550 for flights including additional bag as of 26/06/2019)

$1,950 per diver without flights

What’s Included
Return flights from Brisbane to Townsville – if flights included
4 nights accommodation at Alva Beach/ Alva Beach Tourist Park
3 triple boat dives (9 dives) on Australia’s most iconic shipwreck and at Stanley Reef including a night dive on the Yongala! Lunch on all dive days
2 bags per person (1 clothes and 1 dive gear) – if flights included
Private van transfers from Townsville to Ayr and transport for the duration of the trip
Personal Divemaster and PDS tour leader for the group
Nitrox fills for all dives and weights

What’s Excluded

All Dive Gear (excluding tanks & weights)
Travel Insurance
Personal spending money
Excess luggage surcharge
All Meals apart from lunch on dive days

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.

The hire gear will be part of your luggage allowance and will travel with you and we will need to arrange to give this to you prior to the trip. Alternatively, gear hire can be arranged from the operator.

Itinerary

Day 1
The group will travel on the same flight unless alternate arrangements have been made. Upon arriving in Townsville we will be collected and our group whisked away to Alva Beach and Yongala Dive, where we will stay for the duration of the trip.

Day 2 , 3 & 4

3 dives in the morning each day and then you will return to Yongala Dive. Lunch is included on all dive days. We will mainly be diving the Yongala wreck but we will also be diving at Stanley Reef. A VERY rarely dived pristine reef within an hour’s travel of the Yongala wreck. Will will also be doing a night dive (conditions dependent) which is truly incredible! A world famous wreck, pristine healthy reef and nitrox for all of your dives!

Day 5
Morning at leisure. We will leave Alva Beach to be back at Townsville Airport by 12.30pm to check in for any departing flights.

(Due to the depths you will be diving at, we must leave 18 hours between your last dive and your departing flight. Due to our last dive on Sunday we are unable to depart Townsville any earlier)

Specialities Suitable for this trip
Advanced Open Water
Nitrox
Deep Diver
Digital Underwater Photographer
Underwater Photographer
Self Reliant Diver
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Underwater Naturalist

HOW TO BOOK
Click here to be taken to our shopping cart where you can book online.

February 12, 2013
The Ultimate Easter Eggstravaganza – The Best of New South Wales!
This trip sold out quickly last year and was talked about for months after! So why would we change the winning formula?! Well we have! You get an extra two dives at South West Rocks! Given the action in Shark Alley at the moment I am sure the extra two dives will be used getting up close and personal with these marvellous sharks! Escape the craziness of Brisbane and head south for a weekend that you will replay on your deathbed! Starting off the Easter long weekend we are heading down to South West Rocks to dive at Fish Rock Cave, hitting up the South Solitary Islands and if the conditions prove right, the North Solitary Islands. THREE of the BEST dive sites in New South Wales in one weekend!!

Fish Rock and Solitary Islands – ONLY 6 SPOTS TOTAL!!
Departing Brisbane at 5:00am on Friday you will be chauffeur driven down to South West Rocks where we will check in at midday to dive the world famous Fish Rock Cave and play with the Grey Nurse Sharks at Shark Alley. These are two phenomenal dives!! For what you can expect check out Leigh Workman of Moist Multimedia’s video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg01KV_TWhM ! After two dives we will then head back to Coffs Harbour for a relaxed evening.

We have two air conditioned family suites in Coffs Harbour close to shops and amenities were we will be staying for the weekend. With multiple restaurant options in close proximity and more importantly within walking distance to the latest opening bar in the area! After a sleep in on Saturday we will then venture back to South West Rocks to do two more dives at Fish Rock. Whether you have another crack at the cave or savor the opportunity for another dive with the magnificent Grey Nurse Sharks, it is up to you!

Sunday morning we will then to do more dives with Grey Nurse sharks at the South Solitary Islands which is a MACRO photographers paradise. There are nudibranchs galore, cuttlefish, and then there of course the big boys and girls – Grey Nurse sharks! We will have a leisurely dinner on Sunday night before getting up early the next morning where if the weather is in our favour we will be looking to get out to the North Solitary Islands. The conditions have to be perfect to make it there from Coffs so if the heavens are not on our side we will continue to explore the plethora of dive sites that the South Solitary Islands have to offer! I will then drive everyone back to Brisbane after we return on Monday.

This is a unique opportunity to dive three of the most desirable dive sites in Australia in one weekend ALL for ONLY $850! This amazing weekend which includes:
- 8 dives at 3 of Australia’s BEST dive sites!
- 3 nights accommodation in a family suite
- Return private transport
- Tanks
- Weights
PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER Course can also be done this weekend for only an additional $220! This includes online learning! No boring classrooms! Do all of the learning in the comfort of your own home with a glass of wine or beer in hand. The best part of the AOW is that there are NO exams!! Just practical knowledge and 5 dives to challenge and improve your skill set. If you would like to do your Advanced Open Water on this weekend please mark the box on the booking form and we will get the online learning pass to you ASAP!

I can organise all gear requirements for the weekend for $80 (with the exception of mask, snorkel and fins – every diver must provide their own) which is very reasonable as most dive shops in Brisbane charge $80 a day! If anyone needs to buy gear I am more than happy to assist and ensure that they get the best value and quality. If you are interested in joining us for the weekend please fill in the attached booking form and make sure your don’t miss out on this trip of a lifetime!

As always if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact John on 0457 007 040 , [email protected] or Lisa on 07 3204 5857 , [email protected] .

** Please note whilst it is not compulsory in New South Wales to dive with a snorkel, safety sausage, knife or whistle, Professional Dive Services highly recommends that all divers dive with these items in the interest of their own safety.**
February 11, 2013
Advanced Digital Underwater Photography Techniques with U/W Photography Legend Ross Gudgeon!
4 to 6 July 2014

Ross Gudgeon has been running digital photography workshops at Sundive for years but this is the FIRST time he will run one on one of our favourite dive locations, the North Solitary Islands at Wooli, NSW! This is an opportunity you WON’T want to miss! Most published photographers will agree that the turning point in their photography was a course with an industry expert and Ross is at the top of his game! I have seen first hand the significant improvements that have come with attending one of Ross’s courses. Always generously willing to give of his time, knowledge and expertise you will not only be getting Ross for one weekend but a mentor for life!

Availability on this AMAZING weekend is strictly limited so make sure you don’t delay and secure your spot TODAY! Fill out the booking form and send it back to secure your spot! The course is $800 and is PACKED FULL of value!

Aside from the phenomenal course that Ross runs (details below of the format for the weekend) the weekend also includes:
- 4 dives
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- BBQ dinner on Saturday night
- 2 nights accommodation
- Tanks
- Weights
- A weekend of picking the brain of one of the world’s foremost U/W photographers improving your Macro and Wide Angle photography!
Ross Gudgeon learned to dive in December 1979 and still remembers the thought that went through his head on his first dive clearly, “I’ve gotta get a camera, no one is going to believe this!”. Three months later he got his first underwater camera, a second hand Nikonos III and has been taking photos underwater ever since. After shooting film underwater for 18 years Ross made the switch to digital underwater photography with in 2002 and currently uses a Canon 7D in a Nauticam housing. When not diving there is nothing more he likes to do than pass on his 30+ years of underwater photography knowledge and experience to help others improve their underwater photography skills and currently runs underwater photography courses at Sundive in Byron Bay, Australia.

Ross has won awards in many major underwater photographic competitions including:
- Our World Underwater International Underwater Photo & Video Competition 2012
- 2012 Beneath the Sea Photo & Video Competition
- Underwater Festival 2011
- Our World Underwater International Underwater Photo & Video Competition 2010
- 2010 Beneath the Sea Photo & Video Competition
- 2010 Underwater Photography Guide Ocean Art Photo Competition
- 2009 British Society of Underwater Photographers Underwater Excellence Competition
- 2009 Celebrate The Sea Festival Underwater Imagery Competition
- 2008 Los Angeles Underwater Photographic 46th International Underwater Photographic Competition
- 2008 Northern California Underwater Photographic Society SEA International Underwater Photographic Competition
He has been published in several magazines including Scuba Diving Magazine (USA), Asian Diver and Ocean Geographic. In 2010 Ross had one of his shots included in an article published in the Guardian and Telegraph newspapers (UK) titled I The World’s Best Underwater Photographs 2010

This 2 Day course designed for those who have their own camera, have been shooting for while and are frustrated with not getting
the results they want and/or want to learn new techniques to improve their UW photography.

Course structure:

Friday Night

Welcome from Ross and start absorbing his wealth of information!

Camera knowledge & settings
Taking better UW photos
Composition

Saturday

2 dives to set the bar – Where your photography is up to

Lighting
Wide Angle Photography
Macro Photography
Q&A session

Sunday
2 dives to practice skills
Post Processing
Critique and Q&A session
February 10, 2013
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
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
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
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
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