Keppel Dive & Water Sports Introductory Scuba Dive

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Try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef with no experience and no certificate. A PADI Professional teaches you the basics in shallow water off Great Keppel Island, then stays beside you as you breathe underwater on the reef for the first time.

Days

2 hours

Age

12 years and over

Group size

Supervised by a PADI Professional

Start / finish

Great Keppel Island / Great Keppel Island

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Beach or dive boat; ferry to the island not included

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Keppel Dive & Water Sports Introductory Scuba Dive

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Included experiences

Shallow water — learn and practise the key scuba skills
Great Barrier Reef — guided first dive among the coral
Gear briefing — how the equipment works and feels

Keppel Dive & Water Sports Introductory Scuba Dive

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

AT THE DIVE HUT: MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

You start at Keppel Dive's blue beach hut at the northern end of Fisherman's Beach on Wop-pa (Great Keppel Island). Wop-pa is the Woppaburra people's name for the island, and at about 1,450 hectares it is the largest in the Keppel group, ringed by 17 white sand beaches and with no roads at all. Your PADI Professional runs through the gear you'll use, from the mask and fins to the regulator, buoyancy jacket and tank, and the few safety rules every diver follows. You'll also fill in a short medical questionnaire.

IN THE SHALLOWS: YOUR FIRST BREATHS UNDERWATER

Next you kit up and wade into shallow water, off the beach or from the dive boat. Kneeling where you can still stand, you put your face in and take your first breath through the regulator. It feels strange for a moment, then it doesn't. You practise a few key skills, like clearing water from your mask and finding your regulator, until you're comfortable moving with the gear on.

ON THE REEF: A GUIDED DIVE

Then you head out onto the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981, with your instructor beside you the whole time. The Keppel reefs are the southern end of the reef, where hard and soft corals shelter tropical fish and green turtles often cruise past. There's nothing to do but swim, look and enjoy it.

BACK ON THE SAND

Back at the hut, your instructor explains what it takes to become a certified diver through the PADI Open Water Diver course, which you can also do on the island. The whole session takes about two hours.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Keppel Dive's Blue Beach Hut at the northern end of Fishermans Beach on Great Keppel Island, along the sandy path from GKI Hideaway. The island is 12 km off Yeppoon, about 30 minutes by ferry from Keppel Bay Marina or Pier One.
Duration: About 2 hours.
Minimum age: 12 years.
Fitness: No diving experience is needed, but you must be in reasonable health. You'll answer a short medical questionnaire; if you answer yes to any question, the dive team need to advise you before you dive.
Please note: This is not a certification course. A minimum of 3 people is needed for the dive to run, so book ahead.

What is included

Instruction and supervision by a PADI Professional
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, dive gauges and tank
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park environmental charge

Not included

Ferry to and from Great Keppel Island
Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.