Queensland Scuba Diving Company PADI Scuba Diver Course

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A two-day PADI course on the Gold Coast that leaves you a qualified Scuba Diver, able to dive to 12 metres with a PADI professional anywhere in the world. It is the shorter first step to certification, and you can build on it to the full Open Water card later.

Days

2 days

Age

10 years and over

Group size

Instructor-led course

Start / finish

Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise / Chevron Island

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

No accommodation is included

Transport

Dive boat Discover to Wavebreak Island

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Queensland Scuba Diving Company PADI Scuba Diver Course

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Included experiences

Chevron Island dive centre — classroom and skills training
Wavebreak Island — training dives in calm, sheltered water
PADI Scuba Diver card — certified to 12 metres with a professional

Queensland Scuba Diving Company PADI Scuba Diver Course

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Itinerary

Map

STARTING AT CHEVRON ISLAND

Your course starts at Queensland Scuba Diving Company's PADI Five Star centre on Chevron Island, a small residential island in the Nerang River joined by bridges to Surfers Paradise. Courses begin every day, so you choose when to start. You fill in a dive medical questionnaire, meet your instructor and get fitted with all the gear you'll need, which is included. This is the halfway step between a one-off try dive and full certification: more time in the classroom and the water than an introductory dive, and a card in your own name at the end of it. Your instructor sets the two days around the tides.

BOAT DIVES ON THE BROADWATER

Your boat dives leave from the centre aboard Discover, the catamaran that runs about 25 minutes north into the Broadwater every day to Wavebreak Island. The island was built from sand in the mid-1980s, when the Gold Coast Seaway was cut, to shield the Broadwater from the ocean swell, and the calm, sheltered water around it now holds more than 50 species of fish. It's a forgiving place to learn: little current and plenty to look at. Over the two days you practise the core skills of scuba with your instructor, from clearing your mask to controlling your buoyancy, until they come without thinking.

YOUR PADI SCUBA DIVER CARD

Pass the course and you're a certified PADI Scuba Diver for life. The card lets you dive to 12 metres anywhere in the world under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster or Instructor, and get air fills and hire or buy gear for those dives. If you catch the bug, you can carry it straight on to the full PADI Open Water certification. Once you start, you have 12 months to finish, so the two days don't need to fall back to back.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Queensland Scuba Diving Company, 19 Karloo Street, Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise.
Departure time: Courses start daily. Dive times move each day with the tide, between 7am and 2pm, and your start time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: Two days. Once you start, you have 12 months to finish.
Minimum age: 10 years.
Fitness: You fill in a dive medical questionnaire; a yes to any question means you need a doctor's dive medical before you start.
Please note: 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.

What to bring

Swimwear
Towel

What is included

PADI Scuba Diver course over two days
All dive gear for the course
Boat dives from the Chevron Island dive centre

Not included

PADI e-book and registration, $99, paid to 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.