Explore Sunshine Coast

Australia’s Sunshine Coast is a hidden gem for scuba divers, offering a remarkable underwater experience in Queensland’s vibrant marine ecosystem. With the warm, subtropical waters teeming with life, divers can explore a diverse range of environments, from the bustling reefs of Mooloolaba to the historic Tangalooma Wrecks. These sunken treasures, nestled in sandy seabeds, are home to an array of marine life, including grey nurse sharks, stingrays, and the occasional loggerhead turtle. The area’s rich biodiversity ensures that every dive is filled with captivating encounters.

Dive enthusiasts have a plethora of options when it comes to exploring the Sunshine Coast. From shore dives to boat and liveaboard experiences, the region caters to all preferences. Adventurous divers might find themselves embarking on a weekend trip aboard a liveaboard, venturing out to the iconic Ex-HMAS Brisbane and the stunning coral formations near Noosa. With dive centres strategically located near hotspots like Mooloolaba, accessing these underwater wonders is both convenient and thrilling. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, the Sunshine Coast promises unforgettable adventures beneath the waves.

Courses and Events

Navigation

In this specialty program, you will gain the advanced skills and knowledge you need to safely and confidently navigate underwater. You will learn how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques, estimate distance, how to leave and return to a designated point, plus basic navigation patterns. You will also be taught how to combine navigation techniques to enhance your diving experience. All of which hones your underwater observation skills, improves your dive safety and helps you to get the most out of every dive. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Navigation Specialty certification.

04 April +2 More
€268.38
A$449.00

Stress & Rescue

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

11 April +2 More
€427.37
A$715.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

23 May +1 More
€134.49
A$225.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

23 May +1 More
€134.49
A$225.00

Perfect Buoyancy

The SSI Perfect Buoyancy specialty is the best way to improve your buoyancy and get the most from every dive. Buoyancy is an essential dive skill, but any diver will tell you it takes time to perfect. The Perfect Buoyancy specialty will teach you advanced buoyancy skills and techniques, so you can master your buoyancy more quickly and enjoy more relaxed dive adventures. In this fascinating program, you will also learn new skills that protect the environment and work in every diving situation. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Perfect Buoyancy Specialty certification. With better buoyancy skills, you will soon be able to hover with ease and take the underwater photographs you dream of!

24 May +4 More
€208.61
A$349.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

26 July +1 More
€134.49
A$225.00

Enriched Air Nitrox (40%)

As a Nitrox diver, you can increase your bottom times and safety margins, plus shorten your surface intervals - so you can spend more time diving and less time waiting! In this program, you will learn new skills and increase your diving knowledge whilst learning how to safely plan and dive with enriched air mixtures of up to 40% oxygen. Upon completion, you will earn an SSI Enriched Air Nitrox 32% or 40% certification.

20 November +1 More
€134.49
A$225.00

Dive Activity

Diving in the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast diving is renowned for its impressive shark diving, where divers will find themselves swimming alongside large grey nurse sharks, white-tip reef sharks, shovel-nosed and sleek whaler sharks. Wreck-enthusiasts will delight at the vast range of aircraft and ships that can be explored including the Ex-HMAS Brisbane and the Tangalooma Wrecks at Moreton Island. Both the Noosa and Mooloolaba Reefs have an incredibly diverse topography. Divers can venture around canyons, ridges, bommies, pinnacles, walls and caves while discovering several intricate reef systems including the Inner and Outer Gneerings. Keen macro-photographers will be impressed by the array of ‘small stuff’ adorning gorgonian sea fans, soft and hard corals.

Top Wildlife Sightings in the Sunshine Coast

On the Ex-HMAS Brisbane alone; clownfish, anemone, octopus, scorpionfish, lionfish, and giant Queensland grouper can be encountered. On the sandy seafloor surrounding the wreck, hermit crabs, leopard shark or shovelnose ray and spectacular soaring bull rays can be seen. At the impressive reef systems of Mooloolaba, Noosa, and Flinders Reef, loggerhead and green turtles can be witnessed breaching the surface for a breath of fresh air while wobbegong shark rest lazily on the seabed. The coral gardens are home to an array of marine invertebrates including feather stars, hermit crabs, urchins, and over 100 varieties of nudibranch. Occasionally, seasonal manta rays appear while grey nurse shark and sleek whaler sharks glide around the reef searching for their next meal.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
634 Sightings
J
78
F
26
M
42
A
40
M
26
J
67
J
70
A
62
S
45
O
70
N
41
D
67

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
605 Sightings
J
144
F
47
M
42
A
37
M
14
J
36
J
24
A
19
S
23
O
66
N
69
D
84

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
597 Sightings
J
72
F
34
M
36
A
31
M
19
J
55
J
58
A
63
S
63
O
54
N
70
D
42

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
557 Sightings
J
47
F
11
M
23
A
31
M
17
J
33
J
56
A
81
S
59
O
70
N
58
D
71
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
204 Sightings
J
32
F
1
M
5
A
4
M
10
J
19
J
12
A
20
S
26
O
26
N
32
D
17
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov

Hawksbill Turtle
187 Sightings
J
41
F
14
M
1
A
2
M
0
J
14
J
0
A
13
S
23
O
43
N
26
D
10
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
153 Sightings
J
24
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
1
J
7
J
3
A
20
S
21
O
24
N
22
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
106 Sightings
J
31
F
0
M
5
A
4
M
4
J
1
J
11
A
5
S
12
O
5
N
12
D
16
AdobeStock-Magnus

Humpback Whale
84 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
0
A
17
S
40
O
23
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
1.1k Sightings
J
140
F
30
M
59
A
84
M
51
J
92
J
120
A
119
S
80
O
101
N
134
D
91
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 12

iStock/cinoby

Lionfish
976 Sightings
J
109
F
38
M
61
A
71
M
37
J
95
J
105
A
96
S
100
O
88
N
83
D
93

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
892 Sightings
J
135
F
41
M
42
A
48
M
42
J
51
J
84
A
109
S
71
O
88
N
95
D
86

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
859 Sightings
J
114
F
34
M
49
A
69
M
48
J
64
J
78
A
92
S
80
O
86
N
74
D
71

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
650 Sightings
J
100
F
24
M
36
A
44
M
40
J
26
J
52
A
75
S
47
O
64
N
84
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
580 Sightings
J
61
F
29
M
27
A
30
M
26
J
58
J
57
A
65
S
52
O
59
N
68
D
48

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
544 Sightings
J
71
F
20
M
20
A
23
M
18
J
52
J
46
A
80
S
49
O
50
N
53
D
62

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
494 Sightings
J
49
F
21
M
24
A
25
M
20
J
38
J
41
A
75
S
45
O
49
N
60
D
47

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
483 Sightings
J
43
F
14
M
30
A
35
M
16
J
56
J
59
A
36
S
48
O
50
N
51
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
473 Sightings
J
55
F
13
M
24
A
19
M
17
J
36
J
57
A
60
S
27
O
44
N
49
D
72

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
428 Sightings
J
43
F
12
M
20
A
24
M
20
J
32
J
43
A
62
S
46
O
43
N
58
D
25

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
406 Sightings
J
44
F
3
M
20
A
26
M
35
J
37
J
33
A
64
S
27
O
40
N
37
D
40

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
365 Sightings
J
73
F
27
M
24
A
27
M
1
J
17
J
17
A
17
S
16
O
38
N
42
D
66

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
363 Sightings
J
30
F
11
M
22
A
24
M
18
J
36
J
32
A
29
S
28
O
40
N
46
D
47

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
341 Sightings
J
31
F
1
M
15
A
20
M
6
J
42
J
37
A
41
S
37
O
23
N
44
D
44
iStock-Nigel Marsh

Wobbegong
322 Sightings
J
19
F
2
M
8
A
22
M
16
J
24
J
62
A
101
S
34
O
22
N
6
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak

Nurse Shark
272 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
9
J
74
A
91
S
51
O
25
N
15
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
259 Sightings
J
44
F
7
M
10
A
19
M
0
J
14
J
23
A
30
S
19
O
30
N
46
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
254 Sightings
J
30
F
0
M
2
A
16
M
10
J
30
J
26
A
36
S
23
O
22
N
26
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
252 Sightings
J
21
F
1
M
9
A
2
M
1
J
27
J
28
A
44
S
35
O
20
N
36
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
247 Sightings
J
38
F
0
M
5
A
2
M
0
J
27
J
24
A
22
S
17
O
38
N
35
D
39

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
232 Sightings
J
27
F
0
M
3
A
14
M
12
J
26
J
31
A
20
S
18
O
22
N
31
D
28

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
204 Sightings
J
29
F
16
M
14
A
22
M
0
J
19
J
12
A
19
S
13
O
32
N
14
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
135 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
5
A
3
M
0
J
5
J
13
A
17
S
22
O
8
N
43
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
125 Sightings
J
20
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
16
J
2
A
17
S
15
O
18
N
23
D
13

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
124 Sightings
J
12
F
0
M
4
A
17
M
4
J
6
J
7
A
37
S
4
O
6
N
16
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock-bearacreative

Emperor
103 Sightings
J
16
F
0
M
2
A
2
M
1
J
27
J
0
A
14
S
11
O
6
N
13
D
11

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett

Guitarfish
75 Sightings
J
25
F
0
M
14
A
0
M
0
J
12
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
10
N
14
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
68 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
22
J
0
A
0
S
12
O
13
N
11
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
56 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
13
J
0
A
7
S
0
O
5
N
14
D
13

The best Months to dive in the Sunshine Coast

Due to its subtropical climate, Sunshine Coast diving is possible year-round yet some species are more abundant at certain times of the year. During the winter months, from June through to October, humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coastline. At these times, divers are likely to see humpback whales on their surface intervals. In the later winter months, sharks are also more abundant and this is the most popular time to dive alongside grey nurse sharks.

Dive Centers

SCUBA WORLD

207 Brisbane Road, 4557 Mooloolaba, QLD - Australia

Dive Sites

SCUBA WORLD, 4557 Mooloolaba

Hanging Rock (★3.7)

Hanging Rock was given its name due to an enormous rocky outcrop which overhangs a sandy trench below. The underside of the overhang is a photographers delight! Here you will find beautiful sun corals feeding in the tranquil sway of the ocean.
SCUBA WORLD, 4557 Mooloolaba

HMAS Brisbane (Wreck) (★4.1)

The HMAS Brisbane was scuttled in July 2005 to create an artificial reef off Mooloolaba’s Sunshine Coast. The Queensland government created a Conservation Park around the wreck. This wreck is buzzing with beautiful marine life.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Big Plates (★3.7)

Big Plates boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

MKVI (★3.8)

MK6 boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Wonderland (★3.8)

Wonderland boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Scubapro

Pinnacles (★3.7)

The pinnacles is one of the most popular dive sites on the Mooloolaba Coral Reefs. There are 2 pinnacles that rise from the sand in 24 metres. The top of one pinnacle is 16 metres and the other rises to 14 metres. This site is very easy to navigate with beautiful corals and tropical fish.
Scubapro

The Caves (★3.4)

It’s virtually impossible to get lost at this great dive site, given the ledge that runs in an East – West direction. We recommend you check out the mini cave that usually has large pelagics,
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Soup Kitchen (★3.6)

Soup Kitchen boasts a beautiful display of healthy, hard and soft corals. The anchor sits in approx 10m of water, which makes it a perfect site for new divers or those who have not dived for a while. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore, as well as a mini cave, unfortunately you cannot fit inside it.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Butterflies (★3.9)

Butterfly is a unique dive site that we get to visit on special occasions. Hill like surroundings and overhanging structures, lots to see on this amazing dive site.
Aqualung

Wobby Rock, Gneering Shoals (★4.2)

A scattering of boulders appear to have formed a reef (tops with depth of approx 13 metres and a sea floor sitting between 15 and 18 metres). There are plenty of gaps and holes for marine life to hide, including a small cave.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Nurse Rock (★3.9)

Imagine a mini grand canyon, two large rocks rest side by side, with a split between the two. There are lots of bait fish between the two rocks. At the base of the rock you will find two tight swim throughs (tunnels).
Mares, Janez Kranjc

THE HOLE (★3.9)

Local reef dive site, suitable for beginner divers. Vary depths. Majority of the topography is coral and sand with slight rocky face in areas.
Scubapro

Clown Reef (★4.0)

CLOWN FISH EVERYWHERE! Dropping down on this site looks like boulder city at one end and gullys at the other. You can find 1000’s of anemonies and clownish at this site.
Mares

Aussie’s Reef, Gneering Shoals (★4.0)

A reef top (approx depth 13 metres) sticks out from the sea floor (approx depth 18 metres), forming some overhanging structure. A sandy bottom lies between the structure and flatter coral sea beds.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Mudjimba Island Reef SW (★3.6)

The reef to the SW of Mudjimba Island offers a shallow wall that drops off (to approx 8 to 15 metres) from the reef top (depth of approx 3 to 6 metres). “Mudjimba“ is the islands aboriginal name (and translates to “Old Woman“), with origin from an indigenous dream time story.