Learn to Scuba Dive Course

About the course

Embark on an unforgettable journey and learn to dive to become a certified SSI Open Water Diver aboard Summer Jo! This 3-day, 3-night liveaboard adventure offers the perfect balance of hands-on training, breathtaking reef dives, and total immersion in the underwater world. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn to dive and develop the skills and confidence to explore the ocean safely, earning a globally recognised certification that allows you to dive anywhere in the world.

All dives and SSI eLearning (theory) are completed on board so all your time is spent exploring the inner and outer reefs of the Whitsunday Islands while completing you dive course.

With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible marine life, there’s no better place to take your first breaths underwater than the stunning Whitsundays. Get ready for an adventure that will change the way you see the ocean forever!

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Departure Times:

Departs: 4pm – Friday
Returns: 2pm – Monday
Departure Point: Port of Airlie

Course Overview:

Day 1 (Embark & E-Learning Review)

• Board Summer Jo in the afternoon and settle in.
• Meet your instructor and go over your completed e-learning.
• Enjoy a relaxed evening on board, preparing for the training ahead.

Day 2 (Confined Water Dives)

• Practice essential scuba skills in a sheltered, confined water environment.
• Master buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and emergency ascent techniques.
• Spend the rest of the day snorkelling, relaxing, and soaking in the ocean views.

Day 3 (Open Water Dives – Outer Reef & Border Island + Certification!)

• Complete your four open water dives in stunning locations.
• Explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter incredible marine life.
• Upon successful completion, celebrate becoming an SSI Open Water Diver!
• Enjoy an optional fun dive before heading back to port.

By the end of this course, you’ll be an internationally recognised certified SSI Open Water Diver, ready to explore the underwater world with confidence.

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Why Choose Summer Jo?

• Small group training for personalised attention.
• Unforgettable 3 Night Liveaboard experience with breathtaking reef dives.
• Comfortable air-conditioned cabins, delicious meals, and top-tier dive equipment.
• Night dives & adventure opportunities (optional for certified divers).
• Explore the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• Friendly expert dive instructors and crew

Sample Itinerary (Subject to Weather & Sea Conditions)

Day 1: Departure & Hook Island

4:00 PM – Depart from Port of Airlie, cruising northeast toward Hook Island. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Whitsundays as you settle into your cabin.

E-Learning & Course Review – Open Water students begin their theory review, while those who have completed e-learning receive an instructor-led recap.

7:00 PM – Anchor in a sheltered bay at Hook Island. Enjoy a gourmet dinner before relaxing under the stars, setting the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Outer Reef Exploration

4:00 AM – Early morning departure to Bait Reef Lagoon, a spectacular Outer Reef dive site.

6:00 AM – Arrive at Bait Reef Lagoon and fuel up with breakfast.

6:30–9:00 AM – First dives & snorkeling sessions:

• Certified divers – Dive 1
• Advanced Open Water students – Dive 1
• Open Water students – Confined Water Dive 1

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Additional sessions:

• Certified divers – Dives 2 & 3
• Advanced Open Water students – Dive 2
• Open Water students – Confined Water Dive 2
• Discover Scuba & Introductory Dives

10:00 AM – Morning tea served by the onboard chef.

12:30 PM – Lunch onboard.

1:30–4:30 PM – More diving & snorkeling:

Certified divers – Dives 4 & 5

• Open Water students – Confined Water Dives 3 & 4
• Snorkeling & introductory dives
• Afternoon tea served

5:00 PM – Return to Summer Jo for a well-earned dinner.

5:30 PM – Night Dive: Certified divers can experience the reef’s nocturnal marine life (Dive 6 & Advanced students Dive 3).

6:00–7:00 PM – Instructor-led debrief & preview of the next day’s dives.

7:00 PM – Dessert & stargazing, sharing stories with fellow travelers.

Day 3: Outer Reef & Border Island

6:00–9:00 AM – Breakfast onboard.

8:00–11:00 AM – Open Water students complete Dives 1 & 2 at the Outer Reef, while snorkelers explore the surrounding waters.

11:00 AM – Depart Bait Reef and cruise south toward Border Island.

12:30 PM – Lunch served en route.

3:30 PM – Arrival at Border Island, where guests can:

• Open Water students – Complete Dives 3 & 4 (Certification!)
• Snorkel among thriving coral gardens
• Join a guided bushwalk to a breathtaking Whitsundays lookout
• Relax on the beach, paddleboard, or enjoy beach games

5:00 PM – Freshly prepared dinner served onboard.

5:30 PM – Optional Night Dive for certified divers & newly certified Open Water divers.

7:00 PM – Dessert & a relaxed final evening on board in the serene Whitsundays.

Day 4: Whitehaven Beach & Return to Airlie Beach

5:00 AM – Depart Border Island for Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Island.

7:00 AM – Disembark via tender for a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, offering incredible panoramic views of swirling white sands and turquoise waters.

Morning at Whitehaven Beach – Explore the famous pure silica sands, swim, or relax.

10:00 AM – Return to Summer Jo for the scenic journey back to Airlie Beach.

2:00 PM – Arrive at Port of Airlie, bidding farewell to the crew and new friends.