Do I need to be certified to hire gear?

Yes — Squids Dive Co requires Open Water certification or higher and photo ID at pickup.

Can I hire individual pieces or switch packages on the day?

Individual items may be available depending on stock and you can change packages on the day if gear is available.

Do hires include tanks and weights?

Full Gear Hire includes a full tank and weights; other packages may exclude tanks depending on selection.

Do you offer tank refills?

Not yet — tank refills are not currently offered on-site, though the business is planning to add this service.

Can I take rented tanks on a flight?

No — tanks cannot be taken on aircraft; plan local refills or coordinate with your dive operator.

What happens if I return gear late or damaged?

Late returns or damage may incur fees; the shop enforces return times to avoid conflicts with courses and bookings.

Scuba Gear Hire at Squids Dive Co — Port Stephens' Reliable Dive Kit | Scuba | Rentals

Adventure Brief

Hire professionally serviced scuba gear at Squids Dive Co in Shoal Bay and dive the varied reefs of Port Stephens with confidence. Personalized fittings, modular packages and local site knowledge make this rental service a smart choice for certified travelers.

24 hours

easy

From A$180.20

Squids Dive Co runs a compact, professional scuba gear hire operation in Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales. Located at 41 Ocean Beach Road, this shop outfits certified divers with serviced, top-tier equipment for shore and boat dives around Fly Point, Halifax, Little Beach and nearby reefs. For visiting divers who want dependable kit without lugging luggage across flights, the shop’s personalized fitting session removes the guesswork: masks sealed to faces, regulators tuned, weights arranged and computers configured so you can focus on the water.

Port Stephens itself is a varied marine playground—sandy bays, rocky headlands and subtidal reefs that shelter seagrass beds and kelp gardens. The underwater terrain changes quickly from shallow sandy flats to broken bommies and submerged ledges that attract tropical visitors in summer and resident temperate species year-round. On any given dive you can expect to see schools of silverfish, reef wrasse, cuttlefish and the playful native bottlenose dolphins that patrol the bay.

Squids Dive Co’s hire options range from full gear with tank and weights to soft-gear packages for shore divers, plus modular packages if you only need a few pieces. Every hire includes a fitting and a walkthrough of setup and safe handling, and staff will gladly talk through transport advice and on-water logistics. Important practical notes: you must present Open Water certification and photo ID at pickup; tanks can’t be taken on flights; and late returns or damaged equipment may incur fees.

This service is an excellent local touchpoint for divers new to Port Stephens or for experienced visitors who prefer rental reliability over baggage hassle. The shop’s location beside Shoal Bay provides quick access to slips and parking, and it’s a useful staging area before meeting a boat charter. Staff knowledge of local dive sites adds real value—ask about tide windows at Fly Point and the calmer coves for beginner profiles.

Whether you’re chasing a reef swim-through, an easy shore dip among kelp, or a multi-tank day with a charter, sensible kit matters. Squids Dive Co offers gear that’s regularly serviced to industry standards, and they’ll advise on which package fits your plan. Bring your certification, a willingness to check your rig frame-by-frame at pickup, and leave space in your day for one more dive: Port Stephens rewards the curious diver.

Squids Dive Co also has a helpful phone line at 0437288977 for quick checks on stock and same-day swaps, and they’ll discuss options if you’re joining a local charter. If you’re upgrading from rental to ownership, staff can arrange purchases and demos. Plan for sun protection and a dry bag for valuables; with the right kit and timing, Port Stephens’ underwater scenes make every dive an efficient and memorable adventure.

About Squids Dive Co

Squids Dive Co is a Shoal Bay-based dive school and snorkel operator serving Port Stephens. Specialising in freediving instruction, guided snorkel tours, and equipment hire, the company focuses on small-group experiences and personalised attention. Founded to share the marine environment of Fly Point Marine Reserve, Squids Dive Co operates hands-on training sessions in both pool and ocean settings and offers practical, safety-first teaching for beginners and intermediate participants.

The 2-Day PFI Freediver Course teaches breath-holding, equalisation, and safe diving techniques under PFI standards and concludes with an internationally recognised certification. Sessions combine classroom theory, pool training, and open-water dives so participants gain practical skills and confidence. Guided snorkel tours visit Fly Point Marine Reserve, where local guides highlight coral gardens and marine life at a relaxed pace suitable for all skill levels. Snorkel gear hire lets visitors explore independently, with optional guidance for novices or the chance to join a guided experience.

Safety and quality equipment are central to Squids Dive Co's approach. Small group sizes allow instructors to deliver personalised coaching and maintain safety standards. All courses and tours follow recognised training protocols and local marine regulations. Visitors receive clear briefings, guided site selection based on conditions, and support tailored to ability levels.

Squids Dive Co operates from Shoal Bay, New South Wales, providing accessible access to Port Stephens' sheltered bays. The business caters to holidaymakers, local divers, and anyone seeking professional freediving training or a curated snorkelling experience. Bookings are made online or via direct phone enquiry today.