Dive Locations

EXPLORE OUR DIVE SITES

FITZROY ISLAND

A tropical paradise just 45 minutes from Cairns, Fitzroy Island offers stunning fringing reefs and diverse marine life.

Ideal for both beginner and experienced divers, with guided dives departing daily.

Diving Fitzroy Island:

Fitzroy Island dive day trips for certified dives are usually from a glass bottomed boat, weather permitting.

A minimum of two people for certified dives are required for the booking to go ahead. (If you book for one person and no one else books in, you will be notified the day before and the booking will be fully refunded.)

Introductory (non-certified) or discover dives are also available.

Why dive here?

Shallow coral reefs & marine life
Glass bottom boat access to dive sites
Snorkel directly from the beach, great for beginners
Options for both certified & intro divers
Get the full island experience

How to get to Fitzroy Island:
Fitzroy Island is easily accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. The ferry departs from Marlin Marina, with multiple departure times available. View the departure map here.

Stay the night:
Extend your adventure with an overnight stay at Fitzroy Island Resort. Unwind after a day of diving, enjoy beachfront dining, and explore a range of island activities, from snorkelling and hiking to kayaking and visiting the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Fitzroy Island Itinerary Example

Ferry to Fitzroy Island: Check-in at 7:30am at Berth 20, Marlin Marina Wharf (download map here). Ferry departs at 8:00am, arriving at Fitzroy Island by 8:45am.
Meet Instructor: 9:15am at Fitzroy Island Sports Hub for paperwork, gear fitting, and briefing.
Certified Dives aboard Glass Bottom Boat: 10:30am (finish 11:45am) + 2:30pm (finish 3:45pm).
Intro Beach Dives: Briefing at 9:15am or 12:15pm; dives at 10:00am or 1pm. Dependant on schedule and number of divers. Dives are 45 minutes.
Free Time: Enjoy lunch at Foxy’s, snorkel, kayak, visit the turtle rehab centre, or explore the islands walking trails.
Return to Cairns: Be at the jetty by 4:30pm-4:45pm for the 5:00pm departure. Arrive in Cairns by 5:45pm.

CRATER LAKES

Located in the Atherton Tablelands, the Crater Lakes offer a unique freshwater diving experience surrounded by lush rainforest.

Formed within ancient volcanic craters, these lakes are perfect for dive training, skill development, and deep diving.

Why dive here?

Freshwater diving and unique volcanic formations
Great for deep & advanced dive training
Ideal for perfecting buoyancy & navigation skills
Various marine life, including fish, eels, turtles, and unique underwater landscapes
No tricky currents or waves to deal with, creating a serene diving experience.

How to get to Crater Lakes:
Crater Lakes are about a 1.5 hour drive from Cairns, south on the Bruce Highway, then turn inland onto Riverstone Road towards the Gillies Range.

Crater Lakes Itinerary Example

Pick-Up: Around 8:00am from Cairns City, or meet directly at the lakes. Arrive between 9:30am-10:00am.
First Dive: Approximately 10:30am. You may do a 2nd dive directly after depending on your schedule.
Lunch Break: 45 minutes.
Second/Third Dive: Approximately 1:00pm.
Depart Lakes: Leave for Cairns around 3:00pm for a 4:30pm arrival.

SMITHFIELD POOL

We use Smithfield Swimming Pool for confined water training as part of our PADI courses. This local pool offers a safe and controlled environment for learning essential dive skills, perfect for beginners and those refreshing their abilities.

Why train here:

Ideal for beginners & skill refreshers
Used for Open Water, Rescue & Divemaster courses
Convenient training location in Cairns

How to get to Smithfield Pool:
Located just 15 minutes north of Cairns, divers meet us directly at Smithfield Swimming Pool. Exact meeting details will be provided upon booking.

Ready to Dive in?

Become the best diver you can be with Octopus Dive today! Make a booking online now!