Certified divers can discover Fitzroy Island’s stunning reefs with Octopus Dive’s guided trips—including glass-bottom boat dives, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking just minutes from Cairns.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have reasonable stamina for surface swims and light hiking between dives.
Wildlife
History
Fitzroy Island is an ancient volcanic remnant with a long Aboriginal heritage, now a protected national park.
Conservation
Octopus Dive supports sustainable practices by minimizing reef disturbance and promoting reef-safe products among visitors.
Octopus Dive
Certified divers can discover Fitzroy Island’s stunning reefs with Octopus Dive’s guided trips—including glass-bottom boat dives, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking just minutes from Cairns.
Octopus Dive is a dive operator based on Fitzroy Island, Queensland, offering guided dives, certification courses and introductory experiences for divers and non-divers. Located on Fitzroy Island, the operator runs trips that include certified guided dives from a glass-bottom boat, Discover Scuba sessions (pool-only and ocean dives), and PADI certification courses such as the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.
The Open Water Diver Course is offered as a three-day PADI certification with eLearning and practical dives in small groups. Participants complete confined and open-water training dives, gain skills to dive to 18 meters, and can enjoy on-island leisure activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and hiking. The Advanced Open Water Diver Course is a two-day program with five dives, including a Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation; electives include Altitude Diving and Fish ID, and certified students can progress to 30-meter depths on completion.
Discover Scuba options include a pool-only session designed to teach basic breathing and buoyancy, and an ocean dive that begins with a briefing, equipment preparation, beach skill practice and a 30-minute shallow reef swim. Certified Divers trips depart from a glass-bottom boat and combine guided reef dives with free time for kayaking, snorkeling or hiking. Many trips include a 45-minute ferry transfer from Cairns.
Octopus Dive emphasizes practical training, small-group instruction and clear briefings to build diver confidence. All activities take place on Fitzroy Island’s reefs and beaches, making the operator a convenient choice for accessible reef diving near Cairns. Booking is available online.
Location
Fitzroy Island
Tropical island off Cairns
Ferry Time
45 minutes
Transfer from Cairns
PADI Courses
Open & Advanced
Certification courses offered
Small Groups
Personalized
Focused training and briefings
Reserve Discover Scuba, guided dives, or PADI courses with Octopus Dive and secure a spot on the next Fitzroy Island departure.
Arrive Early for Ferry Check-In
Ferry departs at 8:00 am from Marlin Marina Wharf—arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect both your skin and the coral ecosystem by using reef-safe sunscreen during all surface activities.
Hydrate Before and After Diving
Stay well hydrated throughout the day to support your body during dives and island excursions.
Wear Sturdy Footwear for Island Trails
Bring shoes with good grip if you plan to hike the island’s tropical trails after your dives.
Diving Certification Card
Proof of certification is mandatory to join guided dives.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ecosystem from harmful UV rays during island activities.
summer
Light Waterproof Jacket
Useful for sudden rain showers or cooler days on the island.
fall
Closed-Toe Water Shoes
Provide grip and protection while hiking trails or moving around rocky shorelines.