Frequently Asked Questions

This page covers the most common questions we receive from guests planning a Great Barrier Reef diving or snorkelling trip from Mission Beach. Topics include trip logistics and what to bring, health and safety requirements for scuba diving, details on our PADI courses from beginner to advanced level, information about our special experiences including full moon night dives, seasonal whale watching tours (July to September), and coral spawning reef trips (November to December), as well as pricing, booking and cancellation policy.

If you are new to diving, the General and Learn to Dive tabs answer the most important questions about experience requirements, minimum age, and the difference between a Discover Scuba Dive and a full PADI Open Water certification. If you are already certified, the Reef Trips tab covers what to expect on a typical day, which reef sites we visit, what is included in the price, and our environmental policies — including why we require reef-safe sunscreen and the science behind oxybenzone and octinoxate bans in Hawaii, Palau and the Florida Keys.

If you have a medical condition, are travelling with a guest who has a disability, or have a question that is not answered below, please contact us directly. Our team at Mission Beach Dive is small and locally operated — when you call or message us, you speak directly to the people who will be on the boat with you, not a call centre. We are happy to talk through any concern before you book.