Keppel Dive

Keppel Dive is situated on the Spit of Great Keppel Island, positioned between the beach entrance and the Great Keppel Island Hideaway. For those travelling from the mainland, the centre is a 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon, providing access to the vast coral ecosystems of the southern Great Barrier Reef.

The centre operates within an archipelago of 1,454 hectares, surrounded by 17 different beaches. This location offers a diverse range of environments, from shallow reef flats to more established coral structures, making it a versatile base for both beginners and more experienced divers.

As a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort, the centre maintains high standards of training and reef stewardship. They are accredited by Eco-Tourism Australia and work in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to support local conservation and research efforts involving the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

The team is deeply integrated into the local environment, working alongside the traditional owners of the land and sea. They provide training for local students and focus on educational diving that respects the delicate nature of the reef ecosystem.

The training programme covers the entire PADI spectrum, starting with Discover SCUBA Diving for those new to the water. They offer the full range of core certifications, including the PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

For divers looking to refine their skills or progress in their hobby, the centre provides the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course, the PADI Rescue Diver course, and the PADI ReActivate programme. They also offer specialised training such as the PADI Certified Snorkel Guide Course.

The Keppel Adventure is the centre's primary vessel, specifically designed with accessibility in mind. It features a hydraulic rear platform and a beach landing ramp, making it suitable for divers with reduced mobility or those using wheelchairs.

This vessel allows for easy access to the various beaches and reefs of the Keppel Islands. The centre also operates a 'taxi' service for divers needing to reach isolated beaches or specific camping islands throughout the archipelago.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks. Lead is also available for buoyancy adjustment.

Safety is a priority on-site, with oxygen for first aid and emergency use always available.

The reefs around Great Keppel Island are home to a variety of large marine life. You can regularly encounter turtles and rays gliding over the seabed, as well as various reef fish species navigating the coral structures.

The ecosystem is also a habitat for dugongs, which can be found in the seagrass meadows. The surrounding waters support a healthy population of diverse reef fish that inhabit the various coral formations.

The underwater landscape is defined by vibrant coral reefs that provide the essential structure for the local marine community. These corals support a complex web of life, from the smallest organisms to the larger pelagic visitors.