2 hours • Ages 12+ • Comfortable in the water
Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a beginner-friendly scuba dive on Fitzroy Island. Experience expert-guided underwater skills and a stunning shallow reef swim, ideal for first-timers and curious travelers.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability and moderate fitness recommended to comfortably enjoy the session.
Wildlife
History
Fitzroy Island began as a volcanic formation and is now a protected marine zone within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park established in 1975.
Conservation
Operators follow strict guidelines to minimize reef impact and support ongoing marine conservation efforts including habitat protection and species rehabilitation.
Octopus Dive
2 hours • Ages 12+ • Comfortable in the water
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.
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes
Arrive ready to dive so you can manage equipment preparation efficiently.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect yourself and the reef from harmful chemicals while enjoying the outdoors.
Stay hydrated before and after your dive
Proper hydration aids comfort and reduces fatigue during water activities.
Listen carefully during the briefing
Mastering key skills on the beach ensures a safe and enjoyable dive experience.
Swimsuit
Provides comfort and mobility for diving and beach activities.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the delicate reef ecosystem.
summer
Towel
Useful for drying off after your dive and keeping warm.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is key during physical activity and tropical climates.