Duiken en snorkelen

Cairns

The city with more than 30 boats to see the reef, including glass bottom ones. Luckily, suppliers want travel agents to know what they’re talking about which means I have been on all but 3 boats. You also have the choice of 3 islands: Green, Fitzroy and the Frankland Islands. Together we decide which boat and island is best for you. Do you want to go in the water, or prefer to stay dry? Glass bottom boats and islands are perfect if you don’t feel like going into the water. If you do, do you want to snorkel? Do you want to learn how to dive and have the opportunity to near private diving classes? Or are you already an experienced diver? Diving around Cairns is also not so deep, max 25 meters. You can also go to the reef for 1 or more nights, one boat even offers fluorescence night diving (fluro diving). You get a special mask and light torch and everything looks just epic. There are loads of options and depending on your budget and wishes I will happily recommend the boat that suits you best. Send me a message if you have more questions!

Mission Beach

I went out here for a day and it was super pretty. There is only one boat that goes to the outer reef and you don’t see any other people besides your own small group. We saw so many tiny fish hanging out together. We were there just after coral spawning so there was loads to see. Dunk Island is also loads of fun if you are in Mission Beach for longer.

Side note on coral spawning; this happens every year around November on a full moon and thus only visible during a night dive. The entire reef is reproducing by eggs and sperm being released into the water. There are only 1 or 2 full moons, so if you are in Cairns and surroundings that time of the year, let me know and I will see which boats are going out. I have done it myself and it is a really cool experience with eggs and worm-like creatures everywhere (much cooler and less disgusting than it may sound).

Ayr

Here you can find the Yongala shipwreck. It sank more than a 100 years ago during a tropical cyclone, with all the passengers still in it. For this reason, you cannot go inside this shipwreck, but no worries. The reason why this is one of the best dive spots in Australia is because it is untouched. The boat was missing for years and animals had the time to develop. It looks like everything is on steroids, like the rays, sea snakes, guitar sharks, turtles and other fish. Queensland grouper fish get so big it looks like a baby whale is swimming next to you!

Whitsundays

Breath taking and you cannot skip it when travelling on the East coast! Honestly, I think the best things about this location are Whitehaven beach, the epic sailing experience around the 74 islands and the sunsets! I have done different dives here and the reef is not that spectacular, but still pretty. The outer (but more expensive) reef is epic though. There are only a few boats that go out there. Pm me if you would like to know more about the 50+ options for the Whitsundays. You can do a day trip, an overnight trip, a 2 or 3-night trip and more.

Mooloolaba

This location is super high on my to-do list. Loads of nudibranchs and at the right time you can swim here with humpback whales!

Byron Bay

One of the locations that are a must if you want to see animals rather than corals. Byron Bay is the most Eastern point of Australia. Which means it is actually a bit cold but that attracts many animals like whales! From May until November, you can also see whales from the beach and the lookout point when you do the lighthouse walk. The diving location here is called Julian Rocks. You can see the rocks emerging from the water. Loads of Wobbegong Sharks to find here, but I really enjoyed the leopard sharks that come super close to you and then turn to another direction. It is also the home of turtles and different types of rays, in late summer (early February) you can also find mantas. Are you excited yet? Contact me here about the options if you want to explore this site yourself!

Sydney

I did my advanced course in Sydney which was cheap as chips but I don’t really recommend you to do the same. Why? Tons of seaweed and cold. At one point I had a blue bottle around my ankle and hand while wearing my wetsuit. Oh, and on our drift dive, the current took us miles away from where we had to be, which meant swimming back for ages and then clambering back over rocks with all our dive gear. On the other hand, I went out for one more dive at the Spit bridge to spot seahorses. Which we did, there are loads of places around Sydney where you can find these beautiful animals.

Baird Bay

Snorkeling and playing with sea lions! Underwater puppy cafe, if you play with them they play with you! No need to say more, another must do in Australia.

Ningaloo Reef

This West coast reef is famous for whale sharks that visit every year between May and August. And you can snorkel with them! There are certain rules, for example, you can’t get too close but that is not really a problem because they can be as big as a London bus! You can also find turtles, other sharks, manta rays, dolphins and whales.

Mantaray Island

From May to November there are hundreds of manta rays you can snorkel or dive with. I missed out on those, but still had a really cool dive with loads of sharks and beautiful reef sites!

Pacific Harbour

On the main island of Fiji you can find something special: diving with sharks but without a cage. You can see more than 8 different sharks here!