Frequently Asked Questions
DAY TRIP FAQs:
What time does our day trip start and finish?
For Townsville departures, the meeting time is 7:00am at the Breakwater Marina off The Strand (opposite the ‘waterfall’).
You will find our vessel on the fuel wharf at the end of Mariners Drive (Past ‘G’ wharf). The boat will depart at approximately 7:30am
Returns to Townsville from the Great Barrier Reef Day Trip at approximately 4:30pm and 5:15pm from the Yongala Wreck Day Trip, weather dependent.
Can I board the vessel for my day trip from Magnetic Island?
Yes, we do pick up from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal on Magnetic Island at 7:50am (by the Sealink pick-up point)
Returns to Magnetic Island at approximately 4:00pm from the Great Barrier Reef 4:45pm from the Yongala Wreck Day Trip, weather dependent.
Do I have to check in for my Day Trip?
Day Trip passengers will receive a trip status confirmation via text or email from Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive at 4:00pm the day prior to their scheduled trip.
A trip is confirmed when the forecast weather conditions are safe enough to travel and we have met minimum passenger numbers. If you do not receive a confirmation via text or email please check your junk mail. If you still have not received a confirmation by 4:30pm please call Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive’s office on: (07) 4724 0600 and select 2 if after hours.
How many dives do we do on the day trips?
– 2 dives on the SS Yongala Wreck
– 2 dives on the Great Barrier Reef
What is the minimum age to snorkel or dive with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive?
A minimum of school age (6) is recommended to come onboard with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive for snorkeling. The child snorkeling rate is from 6 to 11 years of age. A minimum age of 12 is required in order to try a SCUBA dive with us, (10 for an Open Water Course).
I suffer from seasickness, should I take any medication?
Yes, we recommend any passengers who may experience motion sickness to take appropriate medication prior to the trip. We have preventative herbal seasickness tablets (Travacalm) for sale on board for $4 for 2 tablets, but if you require something stronger, please check with your chemist prior to the trip. It is advisable to take one tablet the night before your trip, then one-two tablets (depending on your size) approx. an hour before you board the vessel, always read and follow the medication guidelines. Please drink extra water on board to combat the effects of dehydration.
What is the Mooring fee for?
Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive’s prices include Mooring fees so you don’t pay any extra on board.
When travelling to the S.S. Yongala and Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), there is a Mooring Maintenance fee which is a ‘per diver’ fee. Currently fees for diving on the SS Yongala is $25 AUD, and MOUA $15 AUD these fees are included in the price of the day trip.
Can we do one dive at the SS Yongala wreck and one dive at the Great Barrier Reef in one day?
Due the large distance between the SS Yongala Wreck and the Great Barrier Reef, the two have to be visited in two separate day trips. The 3 Day 3 Night Liveaboard Trip itinerary includes dives on Reef and the SS Yongala shipwreck.
When is the best time of year to dive?
Tropical North Queensland is great for diving all year round, with different marine life encountered with every season.
Winter (June to Sept)
Our winters usually bring cooler, clear days with better visibility. However the winds vary from light to 25 knots in about 1-2 weeks cycles. The following are to be expected during this time of year:
– Humpback Whales July to Sept.
– Visibility tends to be better: 15-25 m +.
– Water temperature 21-24 degrees Celsius.
– Daytime air temperature up to approximately 25 degrees Celsius.
– Night time air temperature down to 10 degrees Celsius.
Spring/Summer (Oct to Dec)
In summer the water warms up and generally offers lighter winds, perfect for more snorkeling and diving.
Coral spawning occurs around the full moon in October and November
January to April is our wet/cyclone season with high humidity but can offer some great diving with extended periods of calm seas between tropical low pressure systems.
– Huge schools of bait fish and Manta Rays and occasional Whale Shark are seen.
– Visibility approximately 10-15 m +.
– Water temperature approximately 25 – 31 degrees Celsius.
– Air temperature from 28 – 35 degrees Celsius.
I have heard marine stingers are in the water from October to April, can I still dive?
Yes, you can still dive in stinger season. We ensure all divers are offered full length wetsuits or stinger suits to protect them during the stinger season. Box jellyfish, are coastal dwellers and are therefore unlikely to be encountered at the reef. Irukandji Jellyfish are a planktonic animal found throughout the tropics. Their sting can be extremely distressing but unlikely to be life threatening.
I am travelling alone, who will I dive with?
The crew on board will find a dive buddy for you on the day trying to match your skill level as much as possible. We also offer experienced Dive Guides for $20 each dive and these can be paid for onboard.
Will I need to show my dive certification card?
It is easier for us if you present this card when boarding the boat so please don’t forget it. However, if you do not have your card or have lost it you will need to advise us in advance so that we can look up your certification with some of your basic information, there is a $10 charge for this. If you are not a PADI, NAUI or SSI diver you will need to provide us with some proof of your certification. CMAS, BSAC, RAID divers must bring and show certification cards as there is no other way to check!
What is the average length of a dive?
Your dive time depends on a number of things – your air consumption, experience, exertion, depth and even your excitement level! On average dive time could be around 40 minutes. Please note that currents can reduce your dive time.
Do you restrict dive times?
Yes, dive times are restricted to 60 minutes on the Great Barrier Reef and 45 minutes on the SS Yongala. We do not allow decompression diving so all divers must stay within their decompression limit. Nitrox is available to extend your personal no decompression limit which is great for multiple dives but must be booked in advance (fees apply). We offer Enriched Air courses so that you can take advantage of extended no decompression limits.
What’s involved in an Introductory Dive/Discover Scuba Dive?
If you’ve never dived before or you’re not certified, introductory dives are a great way to Discover Scuba Diving and see the Reef. We offer this option to our snorkelers when we visit the Great Barrier Reef. One of our Instructors will give you a thorough briefing on what to expect, using hand signals and a few different skills that you will do under water. You will be given a medical questionnaire, a liability release and a few questions to answer and then you’ll be experiencing the joys of SCUBA with your Instructor on a guided tour of the deep! A medical clearance from a doctor is obligatory for any YES ticked on the medical questionnaire.
The minimum age to complete a Discovery Dive is 12 years and there is a maximum of 4 students per Instructor whilst underwater. Once completed, you will be given a certificate of participation and can claim your DSD ecard from PADI. Discover Scuba Dives are not available on the SS Yongala.
What equipment is provided?
Snorkelers are provided with a mask, snorkel, fins and protective long-length suit.
Full dive gear hire incl. tanks and weights are included in the trip price for Scuba Divers. Full gear includes – All Snorkel equipment plus BCD, regulator, dive computer, wetsuit.
What is the recommended wetsuit type for different times of year?
Summer – full length suit to 3mm (October to April)
Winter – full length up to 5mm suit (April to September). If you feel the cold bring a vest or hood for extra warmth.
What size and type are the scuba tanks?
Our tanks are mainly 88 cu ft (11 Lt) aluminum tanks with “K” valves. DIN valves or adaptors are available on request.
Please inform us prior to trip departure if you have a ‘DIN’ regulator so we can ensure you are catered for.
I am a PADI Open Water Diver, can I dive the SS Yongala?
Yes, you can dive the SS Yongala on your Open Water certification, as long as you have 6 logged dives. Anyone with fewer than 15 logged dives will be required to do guided dives. A shared guide is $20 a dive per person. This is mandatory due to the wreck being considered an advanced dive due to the depth and possibility of strong currents at this site.
Are there cameras available for hire?
Yes, some hire cameras are available on board, but please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation fee:
Day Trips:
- 0% with more than 14 days notice
- 20% with 48 hours – 14 days notice
- 100% with less than 48 hours notice
Liveaboard / Dive Courses:
- 0% with more than 30 days notice
- 20% with 8 – 30 days notice
- 100% with less than 8 days notice
COVID-19
Proof of Vaccination is no longer required to join our excursions
Exposure/ Illness
If you experience signs or symptoms, you are not permitted to participate, or if onboard (overnight trips), you will be required to isolate in your cabin. This applies to both guests and crew.
We understand that a positive result is both disappointing and inconvenient, however the health and safety of all guests and crew is extremely important. Our reservation staff will assist you with your options and future trip/ course availability.
Regarding diving after contracting the virus we recommend contacting a dive medical specialist for a dive medical to evidence that you are fit to dive again.
Reschedule fees:
Day trips:
- $0 Admin Fee as a standby passenger
- 0% with more than 14 days notice
- 20% with 48 hours – 14 days notice
Liveaboard:
- $0 Admin Fee as a standby passenger
- 0% with more than 30 days notice
- 20% with 48 hours – 30 days notice
Dive Courses:
- $0 Admin Fee as a standby
- $300 for rescheduling Pool Session private session
- $160 for rescheduling Pool Session min 2 students
What happens if I am ill and cannot make the trip?
Our policies do not allow for cancellations at late notice so you should ensure you have travel insurance in place to cover this.
What is the recommended interval for flying after diving?
We recommend a minimum of 24 hours interval prior to flying after completing multiple dives.
Do you accommodate disabled passengers?
We have had disabled/mobility impaired passengers on board the vessel previously. However, due to the nature of the vessel and the dive itself, passengers must contact us prior to booking so we can assess their needs and give advise of the suitability for diving with us. In addition, anybody who cannot stand up with gear should notify us in advance.
Where is the nearest re-compression chamber?
The nearest re-compression chamber is at the Townsville Public Hospital.
Do I need Medical Insurance?
It is recommended that all non Australian passengers have Medical Insurance to cover evacuation and treatment if required.
Divers should check your travel insurance to ensure you are covered for diving to 30 meters as some insurance policies do not cover in-water activities. NB: in a medical emergency evacuation, medical expenses and repatriation are the responsibility of the diver. Divers Alert Network (DAN) offer insurance packages specifically for scuba divers. See www.danasiapacific.org for more information.
Liveaboard FAQs:
What time does my liveaboard check-in and depart?
You may check-in for your liveaboard trip with your ‘Passenger Registration Document’ and any gear you would like to bring and/ or leave behind in storage before 4pm on the departure day of your liveaboard trip. Or you may just meet us at the boarding time if your travel arrangements don’t allow for this.
Boarding is at 8pm that evening from the Breakwater Marina fuel wharf.
What do I bring with me?
– 1 small bag with your clothes and toiletries,
– Swimsuit and towels (no towels provided on board)
– Sunscreen, hat and coat for cool nights,
– Certification Card and Log Book,
– Completed Passenger Registration (online),
– If you wish, Alcohol (in tin or thick glass) in sensible quantities,
– Sweets or snacks,
– Cash or Credit Card for merchandise and soft drinks sold on-board.
What reefs will I visit on the Great Barrier Reef?
The central section of the Great Barrier Reef is a little further from the Queensland Coast than other sections and as a result has some of the best sites of the whole Great Barrier Reef. The reef sites we visit will depend on the weather and tides for that day. Reefs we regularly visit include Keeper, Lodestone, Wheeler, Davies, and Little Broadhurst Reef.
How many dives do we do?
Up to 10 dives on the 3 day/3 night liveaboard (8 dives at the Great Barrier Reef including two night dives and 2 dives at the SS Yongala wreck.)
Up to 5 dives on a 2 day/ 2 night Reef Weekend Getaway liveabord
Up to 6 dives on a 2 day/ 2 night Yongala liveaboard (includes 1 dawn dive at the SS Yongala wreck)
Do I need a current Dive Medical?
Certified divers generally do not need a dive medical. However, if you have a history of medical condition which is not appropriate for diving (i.e. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disorders) you will need to provide a medical certificate stating you are fit to dive.
Course FAQs:
Do I need a Dive Medical?
To embark on a PADI Open Water diver course in Queensland you may be required to have a current Australian Standard Dive Medical. When you book onto a PADI Open Water Dive Course you will be required to complete a medical statement. If you have any positive responses in this questionnaire you are then required to have an Australian Standard Diver Medical from a Dive Doctor.
If you are doing an Introductory Dive on the Reef or need to undertake any dive training (i.e. if you are an open water diver wishing to begin an advanced course or adventure dive) then you will be required to complete a medical statement prior to your dives. If you have any medical issues which might prevent you diving please contact us in advance. If you cannot dive on the day due to a medical issue – full charge will still be made.
When should I book my Open Water Course?
To make sure we can fit you in and so you get the best value out of your diving or course, please give us plenty of notice. We can go through different options and fit in around your schedule if we have enough notice from you.
What should I bring on the boat with me?
Please bring with you:
– Swimwear
– Towel
– Sunscreen
– A hat
– You might want to bring a camera
– A warm jumper or wind/waterproof jacket is recommended in winter (May – September)
– If you have booked through an agent please bring your voucher/ticket. For a liveaboard please bring your passenger registration document.
– If you are scuba diving please bring your certification card and your logbook
– Spending money for discover SCUBA dives, guides and merchandise.
What food and drink is provided?
We provide morning tea after you board the vessel. Lunch is a buffet-style spread with salads and cold cuts and is served between snorkels/dives at the reef. Afternoon tea is served after all in water activities. There is also unlimited tea, coffee, cordial and cold water on board. (Please advise upfront of any food allergies and be aware of that we are not catering for special dietary requirements).
What courses can I do with Adrenalin dive?
– Open Water Diver Course,
– Adventure Dives
– Advanced Open Water Diver Course
– Rescue Diver
– Divemaster
Specialties
– Deep
– Wreck
– Enriched Air Nitrox
– Peak Performance Buoyancy
– Digital Underwater Photography
– Emergency First Response
– First Aid at Work
– Oxygen Provider
– Coral Reef Conservation…. And lots more!!!
I am an Enriched Air Nitrox diver, can I obtain nitrox fills?
Yes, nitrox fills are available – usually 32% or 36% at $25 per fill. (Please advise us in advance if you will require nitrox tanks).
Nitrox certification cards must be shown and if using your own regulators they will need to be O2 approved by the manufacturer.
What is involved in the Enriched Air (Nitrox) Course?
There are two options for study, we suggest you contact us for details about the Enriched Air eLearning option, this will allow each person to complete the required knowledge development session in there own time prior to arrival. If you do not do the eLearning option then you must book in and arrive a day at approximately midday, this will allow you ample time to read and complete the manual prior to diving the next day. After you have done the theory component then you will have an exam, a DVD to watch and you will complete 2 dives conducted on nitrox. The theory must be completed prior to your dives.
Do you offer PADI eLearning Courses?
Yes, at Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive we offer eLearning for the following PADI courses;
– Open Water
– Advanced Open Water
– Rescue Diver
– Enriched Air (Nitrox)
– SCUBA Tune Up
– ReActivate
– And even Divemaster courses.
By starting your course online you can begin your training from home to fit around your own busy schedule! Or if you are on a tight schedule while travelling we can make the most of your time with us and complete your course before you have to move on.
If you wish to start your course via eLearning please visit the site below:
https://www.padi.com/elearning-scuba-registration/default.aspx?irra=8424
Other Important Information:
Where do I stay?
There are many Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, Guest Houses and Backpackers in Townsville City to suit every budget, and since we are centrally located many are within walking distance.
A great place to stay on a budget is Rambutan Townsville.
Work on Boats without Dive Experience/or with only Open Water/Advanced experience
Currently all our boat crew are at minimum Dive Master certified to meet our legal requirements. Should you decide to progress to Divemaster this would open the opportunity for employment on our current vessels. We can assist you with this training.
Can I dive if I am pregnant?
Diving when pregnant is not recommended because of the small risk of decompression illness to the baby and inconclusive research of possible risks to the baby.