Diving Australia

Drifting along a coral wall within perfectly luke warm water, observing the most colorful, animated, and symbiotic displays of life changes ones perspective in ways unimagined. If the thought of interacting in harmony with nature, completely immersed in a 3 dimensional environment where anything can and will happen, is something that tantalizes your sense of adventure than the Coral Sea and more specifically The Great Barrier Reef is the place to run amok!

As an avid adventure seeker, exploring the great Blue Planet that is the Coral Sea had great appeal. I never imagined that I would be caressed by the beautiful crystal clear waters for so long. Over 150 dives in 9 months, on board the top dive boats in Australia I lead explorations and dives alongside marine biologists, cinematographers, and some of the most interesting people on this planet. I hope that my experience and this illustration of what can be found along the East Coast of Australia's waters, pulls you in to explore and become one with some of the most incredible creatures on our planet.

Jennifer snorkelling with a Humphead Maori Wrasse off of Reef Magic

Essential Diving Information

For all my adventures the key to stretching the budget is to always, always shop around, and take advantage of the many discount options available. Many are not sure if choosing an agent or going directly through an operator is the best way - having dove with all the operators below and with some not listed (reasons not need be expressed :) - both operators and travel agencies are usually in the same range, though agencies offer the added luxury of bulk booking discounts and other incentives provided by the operators to lure in avid divers. Peter Pan travel and Happy Travels both are very popular and being focused on the travelling backpackers usually offer the best options.

Weather conditions and timing is also of massive importance! September and October are your Golden months as the water temperature is warming up, no worries from any deadly jellyfish and a calmness that casts a surreal vibe to any sunrise/sunset. The warmer water after October (the summer months) are still fantastic, though make sure to wear a 'Stinger Suit' provided by all the dive operators for a small rental fee.

For more specific information (water temperature, cyclone season, and best months for Whale sightings check out: https://www.divethereef.com/Guides/SeasonsF.asp )

Last note - make sure to refer to current weather forecasts!! Those rolling waves will hit hard without any seasickness tablets, trust me, it can get rough out there. In what may seem an average summer day can lead to 4 white squalls hitting. It was an incredible experience and entirely safe on a large vessel though this shows just how wild weather patterns may be.

Queensland - Cairns

The small city of Cairns is coined as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with approximately 45% of 1.6 million tourists exploring the waters of the Great Barrier Reef departing from Cairns, the city truly deserves such a prestigious title. The coastal waters off of Cairns provide activities for the whole family from relaxing at the beach/resort on Green Island, to heading off to the "Outer Reef Wall" to dive the incredible Cod Hole (encountering all forms of wildlife from massive sharks minding their own business to friendly Queensland Groupers larger than you!). The top Eco-Certified vessel is by far Passions of Paradise - though this was the ship I spent over 7 months diving with, the fact that they are a multi Queensland Tourism Award winner further establishes their awesomeness. Ocean Freedom is another great eco day tripper, for those of you searching for a multi day adventure Pro-Dive is another vessel I spent some time working on, is Eco-Certified and provides some incredible dive sites in and around Flynn and Millin Reef. If you're looking to get to the Cod Hole then The Spirit of Freedom is your choice though will take a minimum of 4 days providing you with the most incredible time of your life! The price ranges for these experiences, in order are $100-$1500 AUD.

Passions of Paradise aka my home in Oz

North of Cairns

Lies another incredible port, though smaller and more exclusive, Port Douglas boasts some incredible dive sites taking divers out to the 'Ribbon Reef' located on the Outer Reef, parallel to the Daintree Rainforest (the only place in the world where two World Heritage Ecosystem actually meet). For those of you looking to fulfill your Outer Reef fantasies in waters used in many cinematographic films then Port Douglas is your place. This port is also one of the few places that can take you out to the 'Outer Reef' for one day diving or snorkeling adventures. Top Eco-Certified Operators are Poseidon and Habba, both providing incredible experiences in an environmentally educative format. Prices are approximately $170 AUD per day trip including lunch and snorkel gear for both operators.

Checking out a "mystery hole" on one of my free diving adventures (one breath - 23 meters deep for 2 1/2 minutes was my max!)

South of Cairns

Much adventure lies below Cairns! Immediately south just off of Townsville is the world famous SS Yongala, an incredible dive location visiting the sunken ship amidst schools of hundreds of fish, diverse coral clusters and many circling rays (families of Bull Rays are common along with Manta's when in season). An advanced certification will get you close to the ship as it lies at a comfortable 30 meters below sea level. Further along the coastal highway are many cities and towns that will take you out on excursion, major islands to explore along the way down are Magnetic Island and Fraser Island.

Arlie Beach is the gateway city to the Whitsundays which next to Cairns hold another 40% of the population exploring the Great Barrier Reef. A great way to explore the Whitsunday reef is via chartered yacht, a three day outing will run $250 AUD and up, and they can easily organize dive expeditions at various locations. Expect to experience some fantastic coral formations, huge diversity in colors, and many many beautiful islands and endless beaches.