Full Day Dive the Great Barrier Reef from Shute Harbour

Need to know:

• Certified Diver Requirements
  • ALL DIVERS MUST produce their certification card or log book and complete the pre-dive medical questionnaire at the time of booking. Failure to complete and return this form prior to travel may result in a non-refundable cancellation.
  • All certified divers are required to hold a minimum of an Open Water Certification or equivalent an have dived within the last 12 months.
  • Your full day experience includes two dives at the reef and all gear hire.
  • You will be guided by our experience Divemasters or Instructors.
  • Children must be 12 years and older to participate in diving. Divers aged 12 to 14 years old must dive with a certified parent or guardian.

   

• Reef FAQ's

  Is Explore operating to the reef?
  Yes - We operate to Bait Reef on our full day tour 

  Is it still worth visiting the reef?
  Yes - The reef is still very much alive, healthy and definitely worth visiting. Although certain parts of the reef does sustain natural damage during cyclone events there are plenty of healthy areas to snorkel or dive.

  What is visibility like?
  The visibility out at the reef changes every day dependent on weather conditions. 

  What can I expect to see?
  Both locations are packed with coral, colour and marine life. The fringing inner reef tends to be slightly more colourful due to the nature of the soft coral that grows around these areas. You will find numerous smaller reef-dwelling fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, damselfish and fusiliers. At the outer reef, you can expect to see a hard coral platform reef with impressive drop offs and our friendly resident giant trevallies, along with countless colourful reef fish. If you're lucky you might even get a visit from a turtle, ray or white tip reef shark while on one of our trips!

  Is the reef bleached?
  No - We are lucky in the Whitsundays to have healthy reef systems which have not been dramatically affected by coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when higher than average water temperatures cause Zooxanthellae (little creatures that live within the coral) to leave. When this happens, you are left with the skeleton of the coral. Our water temperatures sit between 22-28 degrees celsius all year round, making for ideal coral conditions.

  What happens if weather conditions affect the planned reef route?

  Depending on weather and sea conditions, we may adjust our cruise route to ensure the most enjoyable experience on the day. Our priority is to provide the best possible conditions for snorkelling, diving and relaxing on the water.

  Our alternate cruise: This is still a full day cruise for the same duration and includes visits to two inner reef locations with abundant marine life, as well as an added beach stopover.

  Any changes to the planned route will be communicated prior to departure.

• Important Information - Dive tour

  Weather & visibility
  Tours are subject to weather conditions including wind, tides and visibility. Conditions may affect what can be seen during your cruise. You will be advised of weather conditions at the time of boarding.

  Children & families
  Suitable for all ages. Children may have the opportunity to take the helm when conditions allow.

  Certified divers only

  • All certified divers are required to hold a minimum of an Open Water Certification or equivalent an have dived within the last 12 months.
  • ALL DIVERS MUST produce their certification card or log book and complete the pre-dive medical questionnaire at the time of booking. Failure to complete and return this form prior to travel may result in a non-refundable cancellation.
  • Guests aged 65 years and over will be required to obtain a dive medical prior to participating in any scuba diving activity.
  • Your full day experience includes two dives at the reef and all gear hire.
  • You will be guided by our experience Divemasters or Instructors

  Children & diving

  • Children must be 12 years and older to participate in diving. Divers aged 12 to 14 years old must dive with a certified parent or guardian.

  What to bring

  • Hat
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Flat-soled shoes or thongs (no high-heels)
  • A jacket or warm clothes for after swimming, or in case the weather becomes cool
  • Please also limit your baggage to one backpack or small, soft bag per couple if possible.
  • Don't forget your camera!

  Booking & cancellations

  • Bookings cancelled within 24 hours of departure, including a no show, are non-refundable
  • Bookings cancelled 24 to 48 hours prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee, in addition to the 1.24% non-refundable booking fee
  • Bookings cancelled more than 48 hours prior to departure are fully refundable, less the 1.24% non-refundable booking fee
  • In the event that Explore Group cancels the tour you will be offered a full refund or an alternate date of travel
  • These conditions also apply when changing booking dates
  • We recommend our passengers hold a comprehensive travel insurance policy in case of any unexpected changes in their travel plans that may incur a cancellation fee.

  Full T&Cs here