Tour Highlights
- No scuba diving experience required, suitable for introductory and certified divers
- Private charter boat for up to 10 guests
- Fully customisable itinerary based on conditions and experience levels
- Modern, well-maintained scuba diving equipment provided
- Access to top Whitsundays dive and snorkelling locations
- Experienced skipper, deckhand and dive instructor onboard
- Ideal for families, small groups, cruise ship passengers and private celebrations
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- All scuba diving equipment provided
- Up to Two Dive Locations selected on the day
- Marine park fees included
- Private charter boat for up to 10 guests
- Experienced skipper and deckhand
- At least one quallified dive instructor
- Snorkelling equipment
- Basic refreshments
- Onboard restroom facilities
Private scuba diving and snorkelling charter in the Whitsundays for up to 10 guests. Suitable for beginners and certified divers, with flexible itineraries, expert crew, all dive gear included and access to sheltered reef locations.
This private scuba diving charter offers a flexible and personalised way to explore the Whitsundays by water. Designed for small groups, families and friends, the experience suits both first-time divers and certified divers who want time, space and expert guidance rather than a fixed group itinerary.
What to Expect
Charter your own private dive boat departing from Airlie Beach and explore the Whitsundays on your own schedule. Rather than following a set route, the skipper and dive team select locations based on weather, wind direction, visibility and the experience level of your group.
Dive and snorkelling locations are chosen daily, focusing on sheltered fringing reef areas where coral health, marine life activity and comfort levels are typically strongest. This flexible approach ensures the best possible underwater experience rather than adhering to predetermined stops.
This is a relaxed, private day on the water designed to maximise quality time underwater, whether you are trying scuba diving for the first time or returning as a confident, certified diver.
Features and Highlights
Tailored Diving Experience
Your itinerary is fully adaptable. Dive sites, snorkelling time and pacing are adjusted throughout the day based on conditions and your group’s preferences. This makes the experience suitable for mixed-ability groups, families and travellers who want a slower, more personal day on the reef.
Expert Guidance and Safety
Each charter includes experienced crew and at least one qualified dive instructor. All divers complete a medical questionnaire before entering the water, and instructors provide full briefings and supervision for every dive.
Scuba Diving Options Explained
This private charter can accommodate a range of diver combinations:
• For groups of up to 10 certified divers, one instructor is included
• For groups of 7–10 certified divers, a second instructor is recommended unless divers prefer unguided buddy diving
• An additional instructor can be arranged for a surcharge if required
• For introductory divers, one instructor can supervise up to two divers completing two dives, or up to four divers completing one dive each
• Larger groups of introductory divers require an additional instructor
Guests planning more than four introductory divers should discuss staffing requirements before booking.
Snorkelling and Reef Exploration
Snorkelling is available alongside diving and takes place in calm, protected bays chosen on the day. These areas are often home to large tropical fish, reef species and healthy coral gardens, making them ideal for first-time snorkellers and families.
Vessel and Onboard Facilities
• Purpose-built dive boats
• Easy-access dive ladder
• Shaded seating areas
• Onboard restroom facilities
• Cruise speed approximately 21 knots
• Maximum capacity of 10 guests
Two vessels are used depending on group size and conditions.
Who This Tour Is For
This private scuba charter is ideal for:
• First-time divers wanting a calm, supported introduction
• Certified divers seeking flexibility and fewer people
• Families and small groups
• Cruise ship passengers needing a tailored schedule
• Travellers who prefer private experiences over shared tours
Safety, Fitness and Suitability
Age Requirements
• Minimum age for introductory divers: 12 years
• Minimum age for certified divers: 10 years
Medical Considerations
• All divers must complete a medical questionnaire
• Certain medical conditions may restrict participation
• Guests unsure of suitability should discuss this before booking
Pregnancy
• Scuba diving is not permitted during pregnancy
Mobility and Accessibility
• Due to boarding access and vessel movement, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests requiring assisted mobility
Departure Information
• Departs from Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina
• Other island departure locations available on request
• Departure times arranged at booking
Barrier Reef Australia – Local Knowledge & Support
Barrier Reef Australia works directly with local Whitsundays dive operators and understands how conditions, tides and seasonal patterns affect dive quality throughout the year.
Our team is available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, to help match guests to the right charter option, staffing configuration and experience level.
If you would like help deciding whether a private scuba charter is right for your group, or need advice on introductory versus certified diving options, speak with our local team or request a Discovery Call.
Itinerary
Our Dive Boats
Our Whitsundays dive boats are “Liquid Fever” and "SharkBait".
SharkBait, our main vessel welcomes up to 10 guests whereas "Liquid Fevedr" is used for smaller groups up to 6 guests.
Our boats are purpose built for diving.
Equipped with a long dive ladder, it is easy to get onboard after your dives.
Learn more about other Great Barrier Reef Tours.
About Us
Whitsunday Dive Adventures operates in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering private and small-group scuba charters designed for divers of all levels.
With local expertise and a passion for the ocean, every charter is carefully crafted to highlight the Whitsundays’ extraordinary coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and crystal-clear waters.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Airlie Beach
Departure Time
7.30am
Departure Instructions
- Please meet at Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina Meeting Point B
- Guest(s) will get a reminder the day prior to travel between 8.00am and 10.00am with directions and mmeeting point photos
Destinations
- Whitehaven Beach
- Hook Island
- Black Island
- Hayman Island
- Mantaray Bay
- Destinations visited are chosen on day of travel according to weather conditions
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Duration
6 hours
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Additional Instructor
- Lunch
- Long Island pickup
Fitness Level Required
Active
Restrictions
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
- Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
What to Bring
- Please pack a small day bag and included the items you would take when you go to the beach
- Don't forget to bring your dive certification and log book
Child Policy
Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian/adult at all times
Cancellation Policy
Our T&Cs:
All cancellations must be in writing.
Please note that all cancellations will incur an administration fee.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's Cancellation Policy:
All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST.
Dive / Snorkel sites are weather and tide permitting.
Whitsunday Dive Adventures reserves the right to arrange alternate itinerary where necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tide dependent. Please reconfirm your booking at least 48 hours prior.
Whitsunday Dive Adventures may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media. If you do not consent please advise Whitsunday Dive Adventures before your trip.
Liability
Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. Minimum age 6 years. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance.
Fitness and Health
Although good physical health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in a Whitsunday Dive Adventure.
For diving, every diver is required to complete a medical questionnaire and satisfy age and medical requirements.
Queensland legislation requires every diver above the age of 45 to have a medical clearance signed by their physician!
We make it clear divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Should you wish to cancel your booking, all cancellations must be advised in writing to diving@whitsundaydiveadventures.com and the following conditions will apply:
Dive Courses
Cancellations, Refunds and Change of Date/Transfer
You are entitled to a refund:
- If you cancel up to 14 days prior to commencement date of the course. (course fee less $25 booking fee plus any associated course material)
- If you fail the dive medical (done prior to arrival to your course), we will refund your course fee, less a $25 booking fee plus any associated course material.
You are not entitled to a refund:
- If you cancel within 14 days of the booked event. (new bookings made within 14 days of course commencement date are also non-refundable)
- If the course was purchased on discount/special offer
- If you cancel once the course has commenced.
- if you answer “yes” to any question on our medical questionnaire in the morning of your course.
Any resulting change of dates, delays, or incapability of continuing the course will be charged as per pricelist.
Transfer/change of course dates:
- If you change course dates within 14 days of course commencement date, a $299.00 fee will apply
- Once you have started the course, if you request to complete the remainder on different dates, a $349.00 fee will apply
- Course dives postponed due to weather are non-refundable, alternate dates will be supplied or a store credit will be applied.
All SSI/PADI courses must be completed within 12 months of commencement date.
Dive Tours
- Fully refundable up to 48hrs prior to departure.
- Bookings cancelled within 48hrs of tour departure are non-refundable
Private Charters
- Private Charters cancelled within 21 days before booking date will receive a full refund.
- Private Charters cancelled within 20-14 days will loose their deposit.
- Private Charters cancelled within 14 days are non-refundable.
Please Note: On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, we may have to cancel tours due to unfavorable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund, minus 3% booking fee of the total fare price.
Payment Conditions
- Dive Course bookings made more than 14 days prior to course commencement date require a 30% deposit upon booking, with the balance to be paid 14 days prior to the course starting.
- Dive Course bookings made within 14 days of course commencement date must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Dive Tours must be paid in full at time of booking.
- Private Charter bookings made more than 14 days prior to departure date require a 40% deposit upon booking, with the balance to be paid 14 days prior to departure date.
- Bookings made using credit card will incur a non-refundable 1.5% surcharge.
Interstate/International Bookings
We understand that travel plans may be impacted due to the Coronavirus pandemic, personal/work circumstances and ongoing government travel restrictions and regulations. These circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking any travel. Any cancellations etc. may be claimed via your insurance.
Notes:
We do not have a minimum age in place for our private charters, we leave that decision for the parents.
We do have lifevests for toddlers/ young children of all ages - Please advise at time of booking if required.
From
au$3,999.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Tour Code: 1151
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