Forster Dive Centre

Located in the Forster and Tuncurry area of New South Wales, Forster Dive Centre operates within the rich biodiversity of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes marine park. This region is a vital corridor for marine life, offering everything from shallow reef flats to deeper wreck and cave environments.

The centre is deeply integrated into the local ecosystem, holding Ecotourism Australia certification. Their approach is built around the protection of the coastline, participating in local shark monitoring programmes and supporting indigenous cultural partnerships. For those looking to dive with a purpose, their commitment to marine conservation is evident in every aspect of their operation.

The team consists of PADI-qualified instructors who are also 100% AWARE, ensuring that conservation is part of the educational process. For every certification completed at the centre, a donation is made to the PADI AWARE Foundation to support ocean restoration.

They are particularly noted for their expertise in adaptive and inclusive diving, providing specialised programmes for divers with disabilities. The centre also offers instruction in both English and French, making it accessible to a wider range of divers.

Beyond local waters, the instructors facilitate international dive trips to destinations such as the SS President Coolidge in Vanuatu, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.

The centre offers a complete range of PADI training, starting with Discover Scuba Diving and the Open Water Diver course. For those looking to progress, they provide Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster training.

Speciality courses are extensive, covering technical and recreational interests such as PADI Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and Drift Diver. They also offer Peak Performance Buoyancy, Sidemount Diver, and Drysuit Diver courses to refine your skills.

For divers returning to the water after a break, they provide various refresher options, including pool-only sessions or combined pool and ocean programmes. They also teach essential safety courses like Emergency Oxygen Provider and First Aid & CPR.

The Omega II is a fast and stable RIB, built to military specifications to ensure reliable transport to the dive sites. It is used for guided boat dives, providing a solid platform for exploring the surrounding reefs and wrecks.

On morning trips involving double dives, tea is provided on board alongside water. The boat allows access to a variety of sites, from shallow reefs to deeper offshore locations.

The centre provides full kit hire for those who do not wish to bring their own. This includes regulators, BCDs, and cylinders, as well as essential items like masks, snorkels, and fins. Wetsuits are also available for rent.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also maintains safety equipment, including emergency oxygen providers, to ensure a high standard of safety during all operations.

The area is a critical habitat for the critically endangered Grey Nurse shark, which is most frequently seen during the winter months. You may encounter them at several sites, including The Pinnacle, Latitude Rock, and Big Seal.

Large pelagics and reef residents are common, with sightings of dolphins, eagle rays, great barracuda, and reef sharks. You might also spot manta rays or dugongs in the surrounding waters.

For macro enthusiasts, the reefs are a haven. You can find a vast array of nudibranchs, particularly at Black Head Reef, along with seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, and various species of shrimp and cuttlefish.

The reef architecture is supported by a diverse range of life, including wobbegongs, moray eels, octopuses, and turtles. The presence of many different species of nudibranchs and various reef fish makes the shallow sites excellent for photography.

Divers should be aware that certain sites, such as Black Head Reef, can experience very strong currents that require careful navigation. It is important to monitor local conditions before heading out.

Shore dives require coordination with the tides; for these excursions, the rendezvous is set one hour before high tide at the centre.