Discover some of the most remarkable scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef from Orpheus Island Lodge. Located within the pristine waters of the Palm Island group, Orpheus offers access to vibrant local reefs and remote outer reef dive sites teeming with marine life. The surrounding waters are home to 1,100 of the reef’s 1,500 fish species and 340 of the 359 varieties of hard coral, along with some of the region’s most impressive soft coral gardens.
Guests can explore nearby reefs just moments from the island or venture further afield to the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef, located approximately 75 minutes by boat. These sites offer exceptional visibility, thriving coral ecosystems and the chance to encounter reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and vast schools of tropical fish.
Scuba Diving at Orpheus Island Lodge
Discover Scuba Diving
This PADI course is designed for beginners with no prior experience who have always dreamed of diving without committing to the full open water course. The course includes equipment hire, classroom session and one supervised shore dive with a qualified dive instructor. Upon completion of the course you may choose to book follow-up dives with your private PADI instructor aboard one of our vessels to the reef.
*Minimum age of 12 years is required and subject to successful completion of a medical questionnaire.
Certified Scuba Diving
For certified divers, Orpheus Island Lodge offers exceptional access to some of the most pristine and lightly visited sections of the Great Barrier Reef. With vibrant coral gardens, dramatic bommies and extraordinary marine biodiversity, the surrounding reefs provide rewarding dives for experienced explorers. Certified guests can join private dive charters to nearby sites or venture further to the outer reef, approximately 75 minutes from the lodge, where visibility is often superb and encounters with reef sharks, turtles, giant clams and vast schools of tropical fish are common. Each dive experience is guided by experienced crew, with equipment, refreshments and personalised service included for a seamless day on the reef.
Bubblemaker Scuba Diving – For the Little Ones
Experience scuba diving under the direct supervision of a PADI Pro. Take your first breaths underwater in water shallower than 2 metres/6 ft. For children who are at least 8 years old.
Bubblemaker is as fun as it sounds – a chance for kids to blow bubbles by scuba diving. Children who are at least 8 years old can use scuba gear to breathe underwater and swim around in shallow water.
Coral Gardens
For a truly personalised experience, private scuba diving charters can be arranged directly from Orpheus Island Lodge. Both local reef and outer reef charters include a skipper, experienced guide, full dive equipment and refreshments, allowing guests to explore the reef in complete comfort and privacy.