Scuba diving for the first time? Here’s how you can prepare.
The Great Barrier Reef stretches from Bundaberg to Australia’s northern tip, Cape York. It’s home to over 1600 fish species, and it’s abundant with tropical marine life. As one of the most popular places in the world for diving, the Great Barrier Reef is an essential part of any coastal Queensland holiday.
When is the best time to dive in the Great Barrier Reef?
Some avid scuba divers on the Great Barrier Reef swear that November to April is the best time, others believe that May to October is better. Ultimately, it all depends on what kind of diving experience you’re after. Summer months are usually more reliable for clearer waters, but winters offer more bearable temperatures. The water is warm all year round, though, and you’ll see lots of marine life whatever time of year you go and visit. There are over 1600 species of fish that live here, so you won’t be stuck on marine life to see.
Top tips for preparing for your dive:
Here’s our top tips:
- Arrive wearing your bathers
- Get to know the itinerary
- Don’t fly before or after due to decompression sickness
- Get to know the diving equipment
Clothing for your trip
Taking comfortable swimmers to wear underneath a wetsuit is a must. To allow for a quick change between your clothes and your wetsuit, it’s probably a good idea to put your swimmers on underneath when arriving.
Get to know the itinerary
Find out what the itinerary will be for the day. Normally, for first-time divers, this is how your fun dive might go something like this:
- Arrival at the dive shop. Signing medical forms and admin
- A lesson in the pool and getting to know the basics
- A test of your knowledge
- Putting knowledge and skills to the test – go out on the boat into the ocean!
- Equalise and descend downwards into the ocean (the first dive will be 12 meters)
- Follow the guide and explore all the marine life in the depths of the ocean!
- Get back on the boat and head back!
Plan your dive around your flight time
If you’re flying up to the Great Barrier Reef for your diving trip, you’ll most likely be flying up to Cairns. However, be sure to plan your diving trip around your flight times. The varying pressures can cause health issues.
Avoid decompression sickness and make sure you have not been flying at least 24 hours before, or 24 hours after your dive! Lowered pressure at a high altitude can be dangerous.
Get to know the equipment
Of course, all the diving equipment will be provided for you by the dive school. However, it might be a good idea to get to know all the equipment you’ll be using.
You’ll have a pair of goggles, some flippers, an oxygen tank and a regulator.
Ready to dive?
Whether you’re after a first dive, or you’re keen for a splash with a snorkel, we have a whole range of different Great Barrier Reef tours available.