Small group Whitsundays scuba diving tours from Airlie Beach for beginners, certified divers and snorkellers. Professional instructors, flexible dive sites and a maximum of 10 guests.
These Whitsundays scuba diving tours offer a professionally guided way to explore the underwater environment of the region from Airlie Beach, with options for both certified divers and beginners. Snorkellers are also welcome, making this a flexible experience for families and mixed-ability groups.
This full-day scuba diving experience departs from Airlie Beach and travels to carefully selected reef and snorkelling locations within the Whitsundays region. Dive sites are chosen on the day by the skipper and instructors based on weather, sea conditions and underwater visibility to ensure the best possible experience.
Certified divers can expect two guided dives at different locations, while beginner divers take part in a structured introductory scuba session led by qualified instructors. Snorkellers enjoy time in clear, protected waters alongside the dive program.
This tour is designed to be relaxed, personal and adaptable, with small group numbers allowing instructors to focus on safety, comfort and individual ability.
Certified divers complete two guided dives at reef locations selected on the day.
• Two guided dives
• Dive times typically range from 45 to 60 minutes
• Depths generally between 5 and 18 metres
• Visibility varies depending on conditions
• Professional dive guide included
• All equipment and Marine Park fees included
Prerequisites
• Open Water certification or higher
• Minimum age of 12 years
• Completion of a medical questionnaire
This option is ideal for guests with no previous diving experience.
• One instructor-led dive in calm, beginner-friendly conditions
• Dive duration approximately 30 to 45 minutes
• 2:1 student to instructor ratio for safety and confidence
• Full equipment and training provided
• One snorkelling session at the second location
• Marine Park fees included
Prerequisites
• Minimum age of 12 years
• Must be able to swim unaided
• Completion of a medical questionnaire
Snorkellers and non-divers are welcome on this tour. While divers complete their underwater sessions, snorkellers explore nearby reef areas using provided equipment under surface supervision.
This makes the tour suitable for families and groups where not everyone wishes to scuba dive.
• Lunch can be added to your booking
• Guests may bring their own food if preferred
Dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
• Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
• Departs approximately 7:30am
• Returns between 2:00pm and 3:00pm depending on conditions
• Full day
• Maximum of 10 guests
Moderate. Guests should be comfortable swimming and climbing a ladder from the water.
Scuba diving is not permitted during pregnancy. Snorkelling participation should be discussed with us prior to booking.
Due to vessel boarding, ladder access and movement onboard, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or guests requiring assisted mobility.
All divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions and medications may restrict participation.
This tour suits certified divers, first-time divers and snorkellers who want a small group experience with personalised instruction. It is ideal for couples, families and travellers seeking a flexible dive day from Airlie Beach.
No. Introductory divers are welcome and complete a guided training session before their dive.
Yes. Snorkellers are welcome and participate alongside the dive program.
Group numbers are capped at 10 guests to maintain safety and comfort.
Barrier Reef Australia works closely with local Whitsundays dive operators and understands how weather, visibility and sea conditions affect dive locations throughout the year.
We are available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, to help travellers compare scuba diving options, understand suitability and choose the right experience.
If you would like help deciding whether this scuba tour or another option is right for you, speak with our team or request a Discovery Call.
Are you already certified and eager to explore the underwater world? Join us for an unforgettable dive experience around the stunning Whitsunday Islands! Our seasoned crew will choose the best dive sites based on the day's weather, taking you to explore the most vibrant fringing reefs in the region.
Lunch is available as an optional extra, and we cater to all dietary needs!
We depart at 7:30 AM from Coral Sea Marina (unless otherwise advised). The approximate return time is between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, depending on weather conditions and dive locations. Get ready for an epic day exploring the underwater wonders of the Whitsundays!
Experience the thrill of scuba diving with the SSI Try Scuba program—the perfect way to take your first breaths underwater! Dive into the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands under the care of our friendly and professional instructors. Discover the magic of scuba diving and get ready for an experience that will make you want to explore more. Your journey starts here!
While the certified divers are on their first dive, you’ll receive a comprehensive lesson from our experienced team. We’ll prepare you for your dive by introducing you to the equipment you'll use, explaining essential diving behaviors, and teaching you how to equalize the pressure in your ears. This ensures you're fully comfortable before taking the plunge!
You will:
Lunch available as an optional extra, with options for all dietary needs!
We depart at 7:30 AM from Coral Sea Marina (unless otherwise advised). The approximate return time is between 2:00 and 3:00 pm, depending on weather conditions and dive locations. Get ready for an epic day exploring the underwater wonders of the Whitsundays!
Learn more about all the best things to do on the Great Barrier Reef.
EnglishAirlie Beach
January - December
Daily
6 hours
Medium, Active
Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
Scuba Diving Restrictions
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.
au$399.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$399.00
Family: au$1,596.00
Tour Code: 1160