Explore Whitsundays
The Whitsundays found in Northern Queensland are one of the most popular backpacker and resort destinations in Australia and it’s not hard to see the reason - the 74 islands are strewn across the bright turquoise water like emeralds in views so perfect, they are almost dream-like.
It is so popular with holidaymakers that there are many dive centres, mostly centred around Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, while the dive resorts often sit on castaway islands and are at the luxury end of the market. Diving courses are big business and it shouldn’t be too hard to find an appropriate centre - however during the busy periods (July/August and December/January), they book up fast! Liveaboards are a great way to see the outer reef and give you the opportunity to sleep under the stars. They mostly leave from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island and range from 1 to 7 nights.
Diving highlights include the variety of life which can include humpback whales and manta rays. The fringing coral reefs teem with life and the caves and caverns will keep experienced divers busy.
Places to Explore
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island lies within the Great Barrier Reef itself and it goes without saying that the diving is incredible. Found off the coast of Queensland, the famously sparkling cerulean waters hide a wealth of marine life and abundant coral reefs.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a backpacker hub located between Brisbane and Cairns in sunny Queensland. Acting as a jumping off point for the idyllic Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, which lies around 50 miles offshore, it attracts thousands of ocean lovers every year.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in the Whitsundays
Whitsundays diving is centred around the beautiful coral reefs that sit on its doorstep. The islands are surrounded by bright corals and sponges, with species numbering in the hundreds. The northern islands, like Hook and Hayman, have excellent fringe sites. The best time to dive here is on a rising tide, as clear oceanic water floods southwards.
The outer Great Barrier Reef is a long boat ride away so it is best enjoyed on a liveaboard. As the most popular sailing destination in Australia, there are plenty of them to choose from! Most dive sites do not exceed 20m, making this an ideal destination for more novice divers - though it is possible to find sites up to 30m. For the seasoned divers yearning for adventure, there are a few technically challenging dives including drifts and caverns.
The best Months to dive in the Whitsundays
Diving in the Whitsundays is possible year round due to the tropical climate. In the summer months (November - April) the air temperatures sit at a balmy 30oC while the water temperature is in the mid 20s. January to March is the wet season, although the short, sharp showers don’t affect diving. Coral spawning can be seen in October and November. The best visibility is from August to December, ranging between 8 and 30m - however liveaboards at the outer edges can experience visibility up to 50m.
The winter months (May - October) are still very pleasant and temperatures stay around the mid 20s. The water temperature stays roughly the same year round, anywhere between 24 and 29oC. One big benefit of diving during the winter is the opportunity to see whales - Minke between June and August and humpbacks from June to November.
Statistics
Historical data and trends
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Centers Map
OCEANSENSE FREEDIVING AIRLIE BEACH
5 COMMERCE CLOSE, 4802 AIRLIE BEACH, QLD - AUS
OCEAN DYNAMICS
1 Raintree Parade, 4801 HAYMAN ISLAND, QLD - AUS
REEF SAFARI DIVING
2 Waterson Way, 4802 AIRLIE BEACH, QLD - AUS
WHITSUNDAY EXPEDITIONS
PORT OF AIRLIE V05E, 4802 AIRLIE BEACH, QLD - AUS
OCEAN VOYAGER
4 THOMPSON STREET, Cannon Valley, QLD - AUS