Queensland Scuba Diving Company Introductory Scuba Dive

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Your first scuba dive, with no experience needed: a PADI instructor stays beside you the whole way as you start at waist depth on the sand at Wavebreak Island and go down to about 5 metres to hand feed the fish. Afterwards there is time to snorkel, and you take home a certificate.

Days

About 4 to 5 hours

Age

12 years and over

Group size

Shared boat, instructor-led dive

Start / finish

Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise / Wavebreak Island / Chevron Island

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Catamaran Discover to Wavebreak Island; transfers from selected Surfers Paradise hotels

Meals

Light refreshments on board; no meals included

Route

Map of Queensland Scuba Diving Company Introductory Scuba Dive

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Included experiences

Broadwater — 25 minute cruise north on the catamaran Discover
Wavebreak Island — first scuba dive with a PADI instructor
Fish feeding — hand feed fish at about 5 metres
Snorkel — time in the water after your dive

Queensland Scuba Diving Company Introductory Scuba Dive

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHEVRON ISLAND: CHECK-IN AND GEAR

Your first dive starts at the dive centre on Chevron Island, a small residential island in the Nerang River joined by bridges to Surfers Paradise. Check in half an hour before departure; the time moves each day with the tide, and yours is set when you book. You fill in a short medical questionnaire, and only a yes to one of its questions means seeing a doctor first. Then the crew fit you with a wetsuit, mask, fins and all the scuba gear, and your bags stay locked in the floating dive centre. You don't have to be a strong swimmer. Your PADI instructor is trained to help beginners and stays with you from start to finish.

UP THE BROADWATER TO WAVEBREAK ISLAND

You board Discover, the centre's catamaran, for the cruise of about 25 minutes north into the Broadwater, the calm estuary sheltered from the Pacific by South Stradbroke Island. Your destination is Wavebreak Island, a sand island built in the mid-1980s, when the Gold Coast Seaway was cut, to shield the Broadwater from the ocean swell. More than 50 species of fish live around it, and the water stays calm and sheltered. At the island you step off the boat into shallow water, and your instructor runs a briefing and a few skills while you stand on the sand at waist depth, until breathing through the regulator feels natural.

YOUR DIVE: BREATHING UNDERWATER

Then you go under, for 30 to 40 minutes. You move gradually deeper, only as far as you feel comfortable, down to about 5 metres, where the fish crowd in close to be fed by hand. This is when the strange part of a first dive kicks in: breathing easily below the surface and hanging weightless in the water, like an astronaut in space. Look up and you'll see the light on the surface above you. Your instructor is beside you the whole time.

SNORKEL, REFRESHMENTS AND HOME

Back at the surface, there's snorkel gear on board if you want more time in the water, or you can relax on the boat with water, tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Every diver gets a certificate to take home. Discover then cruises back to Chevron Island, about four to five hours after you checked in.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Queensland Scuba Diving Company, 19 Karloo Street, Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise. Check in 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Set by the tide each day, between 7am and 2pm; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About four to five hours from check-in to return, with 30 to 40 minutes underwater.
Minimum age: 12 years.
Fitness: You do not need to be able to swim. Everyone fills in a medical questionnaire; only a yes answer means you need a doctor's dive medical before diving.
Please note: Hotel transfers run from selected Surfers Paradise hotels only and seats are limited. Chevron Island has free timed public parking, buses 740 and 731 stop two minutes' walk away, and Surfers Paradise tram station is about 10 minutes' walk. Instructors between them speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Swedish, Spanish and Italian.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen

What is included

Introductory scuba dive with a certified PADI instructor
All scuba gear and wetsuit
Return boat trip to Wavebreak Island on the catamaran Discover
Snorkel gear for a snorkel after the dive
Light refreshments on board
Dive certificate
Return transfer from selected Surfers Paradise hotels (limited seats)

Not included

Lunch (you may bring food on the boat)
GoPro hire, available at the dive centre
A doctor's dive medical, if your questionnaire answers mean you need one

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

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.

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.

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.