Experience what it's like to breathe underwater with these beginner and certified dives on the Gold Coast.
Ever stood on the shore and wondered what's out there? Take a chance and discover the wonders of the ocean with a scuba dive when you're on the Gold Coast.
A day of scuba fun can include an introductory dive for beginners where you'll be guided through the experience, or you can just get out there and see a new part of the ocean with a certified dive.
Popular locations include Gold Coast Seaway (including Wave Break Island), Scottish Prince Wreck, Palm Beach Reef, Kirra Reef and Narrowneck Beach. The following dives can take you there and further, and to help you decide which to book, we've picked out our favourites based on budget and experience.
Our top picks:
Best for price: Gold Coast certified scuba dive tour with Queensland Scuba Dive from Gift It Now
Highlights:
- Cost: $99
- Duration: Full day
- Departure location: Mariners Cove, Main Beach
- Diving location: Off Wave Break Island – 4 dives in total
- Suitable for:Licensed divers only. Must be aged 12+ years
- More details: Includes courtesy pick-up and drop-off and all equipment. You can also hand-feed the fish off Wave Break Island when you're done
Best for value: Introductory scuba dive with snorkelling with Gold Coast Scuba Diving from RedBalloon
Highlights:
- Cost: $119
- Duration: 4 hours in the water
- Departure location: Main Beach, Gold Coast
- Diving location: Wave Break Island
- Suitable for: No experience necessary. Suitable for ages 12+
- More details: Suitable for first-time divers, this tour includes scuba and snorkelling equipment, light refreshments and return transfers
Best for kids and first-timers: Introductory Scuba Diving on the Gold Coast with Gold Coast Dive Centre from RedBalloon
Highlights:
- Cost: $99
- Duration: Half a day with a 45-minute scuba dive
- Departure location: Miami, Gold Coast. Hotel pick-up is available for free
- Diving location: Wave Break Island
- Suitable for: Ages 12+, no experience necessary
- More details: All equipment and complimentary transfers included and you'll receive a full briefing and instructions for health and safety rules
Best for experienced divers and for experience length: Advanced Open Water Diver Course on the Gold Coast with Gold Coast Dive Centre from Viator
Highlights:
- Cost: $435
- Duration: 3 days, including overnight stays
- Departure location: Gold Coast Dive Centre in Miami, hotel transfers included
- Diving location: Various. Experience involves five dives, each focusing on a different speciality
- Suitable for: Certified divers only
- More details: Do a deep dive to 30 metres, dive using a compass to navigate and try a night dive
When is the best time to dive in the Gold Coast?
With its tropical climate, it's possible to dive in the Gold Coast all year round. For the very best weather, consider planning your dive for April or May when you can expect the most comfortable temperatures and lower rainfall.
Scuba diving experiences in the Gold Coast compared
We compare the above-mentioned options by location, price, duration and extras to give a better idea of what to expect. All start on or near Miami Beach, Gold Coast.
| Diving company | Experience | Duration | Includes | Suitable for | Price (from) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Dive Centre | Introductory Scuba Diving on the Gold Coast | 4 hours | Complimentary pick-up and drop-off to most hotels, all snorkelling gear | Beginners 12 years and over | $99 | RedBalloon |
| Queensland Scuba Dive | Gold Coast Certified Scuba Dive Tour | 4 hours | Courtesy pick-up and drop-off, all scuba equipment | Certified divers | $99 | Gift It Now |
| Gold Coast Dive Centre | Gold Coast Scuba Diving Experience on Wave Break Island | 4 hours | Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all scuba equipment | Beginners | $119 | Viator |
| Gold Coast Scuba Diving | Introductory Scuba Dive with Snorkeling | 4 hours | All scuba and snorkelling equipment, return transfers | Beginners | $119 | RedBalloon |
| Gold Coast Dive Centre | Advanced Open Water Diver Course | 3 days | Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all gear provided | Certified divers | $435 | Viator |
| Gold Coast Dive Centre | Open Water Certification Course | 3 days | Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all gear provided | Beginners | $470 | Viator |
| Gold Coast Scuba Diving | Certified Open Water Scuba Diving Course | 3 days | Return transfers, all scuba equipment | Beginners 10 years of age or older | $470 | RedBalloon |
| Gold Coast Dive Centre | Gold Coast Rescue Diver Certification Course | 3 days | Hotel pick-up and drop-off, all gear provided | Certified divers | $550 | Viator |
Scuba diving deals
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra $40 off site-wide with code
Valid on select dates on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. Minimum spend of $249. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Adrenaline
Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code
Valid sitewide on experiences $79 or more across Australia including skydiving, ghost tours, driving, go karting, sailing, hot air ballooning, diving, bridge climbing, scuba diving and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
$30 off activities and experiences
Valid on select dates and activities like hot air ballooning, skydiving, horse riding, ghost tours, surf lessons, scuba diving, theme parks and more. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne. Minimum spend of $179. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Adrenaline
Extra $40 off purchases with code
Valid for use on a single order. Experiences include skydiving, scenic flights, hot air ballooning, V8 experiences, rally driving, scuba diving and more. Discount applies with a minimum spend of $199.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Adrenaline
10% off activities and experiences
Valid on select dates and activities like whale watching, sailing, jet ski, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and more. Must book two or more people in single order. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Experience Oz
Cook Islands experiences from $89
Valid for travel on select dates until June 2020. Includes activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, sightseeing of marine life, return transfers and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Adrenaline
Up to 40% off water sports activities
Valid on select dates and activities like whale watching, sailing, jet ski, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and more. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Tourist Attractions & Experiences coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra $40 off site-wide with code | SAV**** |
| 16 Apr 2019 | Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code | EXT**** |
| 15 Apr 2019 | $30 off activities and experiences | SUM**** |
| 9 Apr 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code | FIN**** |
| 28 May 2019 | Rugby sale: Extra $5 off Japan activities and experiences with code | AUR**** |
