Whitsundays Scuba Diving Boats
Scuba diving around the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that makes its way onto most travellers' bucket lists. With flourishing, colourful coral reefs, and thriving, unique marine life, it's no wonder taking a look beneath the ocean's surface is such a popular holiday activity along Australia's east coast!
While some tourists opt to embark on their scuba diving adventure up in Cairns, others head to the Whitsundays, where they can combine their scuba excursion with an overnight boat tour. That's right, there are a number of boat tours that combine two of the most sought-after Aussie experiences - diving on the Reef and sailing the Whitsundays - into one exciting trip!
Whitsunday tours that offer scuba diving are perfect for anyone with an interest in exploring the underwater world - from certified dive masters to total beginners. Even if you haven ever tried diving before, the Whitsundays are an idyllic location to try it, thanks to its sheltered, warm waters. Sound good? Read on for your favourite Whitsundays scuba diving boats!
Whitsunday Scuba Diving Boats
While most Whitsunday boat tours tend to focus on snorkelling around the islands and the Reef, there are a few special boats that take it to the next level. They're fully equipped with high-quality scuba gear, expert guides and instructors, and knowledge of the best dive spots in the region. In most cases, tours that offer scuba diving are overnight trips. This gives the crew enough time to get out to dreamy diving sites, and spend time teaching beginner divers any theory, safety tips, and skills they need to know.
Our favourite scuba diving boats in the Whitsundays
Summer Jo
Summer Jo is a spectacular, modern yacht that takes guests on a tour through the Whitsundays for either 2 days and 2 nights, or 3 days and 3 nights. While both of their tours offer plenty of scuba diving opportunities - whether you're certified or a beginner - there are slight differences between the two.
Summer Jo 2D2N
Suitable for ages: 18+
Activities: This tour is perfect for groups that might want to dabble in diving alongside other activities like snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and chilling out on the beach
Where you'll go: The 2D2N tour stays around the tropical Whitsunday Islands and their fringing reef, taking guests to the most vibrant and exciting diving and snorkelling spots nearby.
Summer Jo 3D3N
Suitable for ages: 12+
Activities: This tour is a must-do for anyone keen to get in as much diving as possible. Of course, there's still plenty of time to snorkel, paddleboard, and enjoy the beach, and the crew will make every effort to keep guests of all kinds entertained. A huge bonus is that this tour gives crew enough time to offer scuba diving certifications on board. That means you can get your Open Water or your Advanced certification with either PADI or SSI all while you're enjoying your sailing tour!
Where you'll go: The major perk of the 3D3N tour is that, if weather conditions allow, there's enough time to sail out as far as the Outer Reef, meaning there'll be even more phenomenal diving and snorkel sites to explore. If the conditions aren't right for the Outer Reef, your diving and snorkelling spots will stay within the of the Whitsunday Islands.
New Horizon
Suitable for ages: 18-35
Activities: New Horizon is an overnight sailing tour that explores the Whitsundays for 2 days and 2 nights. This tour takes 32 passengers at a time and welcomes both introductory and certified divers. The sailing boat also visits the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, and offers snorkelling, stand-up paddleboards and the use of a mega slide that lands right in the ocean!
Where you'll go: This tour stay within the shelter of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands
Kiana
Kiana is a completely different trip altogether, taking scuba enthusiasts around the Whitsunday Islands and to the Outer Great Barrier Reef! Kiana is a special trip that is particularly focused on scuba diving, and while it doesn't offer introductory dives, non-certified divers can snorkel on this tour. With low passenger numbers so you enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with both shared and private accommodation available. Plus, your first scuba dive is free!
Kiana 3D2N
Suitable for ages: 12+
Activities: Kiana's tours are designed with scuba divers in mind, and diving is the main activity on board. That being said, this trip also includes snorkelling and a visit to Whitsunday Island, where you can take time to explore the award-winning Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.
Where you'll go: This tour gives you plenty of time to dive in the Whitsundays and at the outer Great Barrier Reef!
Kiana Outer Reef 5D4N
Suitable for ages: 12+
Activities: Taking just 8 guests per trip, this tour is the ultimate personalised scuba adventure for passionate divers. Kiana's longer 5D4N tour takes this slow, giving divers and snorkellers ample time to explore each site. This trip also includes the essential visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout.
Where you'll go: Venturing out to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, this is the only tour that visits dive sites like Bait Reef, Elizabeth Reef, Kennedy Reef, Seagull Reef, Net Reef, and Wansfell Reef
Atlantic Clipper
Suitable for ages: 18-35
Activities: Atlantic Clipper offers the most social and largest tour of all the diving boats in the Whitsundays. With up to 53 guests on board at a time, it's the best boat for meeting people and socialising! Atlantic Clipper also offers onboard scuba diving to both intro and certified divers. This tour also has the added bonus of paddleboards, a waterslide and an onboard spa!
Where you'll go: This tour stay within the shelter of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands
