Dive into resort water sports
Fitzroy Island reveals innovative aqua programs
A NEW series of courses involving scuba diving, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking for all ages has been announced by an established Far North Queensland resort.
Ahead of the state’s December 17 border reopening, Fitzroy Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef said it had a new sports centre, appropriately named Fitzroy Island Sports Hub (FISH).
Fitzroy Island Resort general manager Sheena Matthews said introductory and refresher diving participants could take advantage not only of sensational reef attractions but also of the resort’s dedicated dive pool.
As Fitzroy Island is just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns and is home to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and the Great Barrier Reef’s first ocean-based coral nursery, it offers some wonderful water sport activities for the whole family.
“Discover Scuba Diving and a Refresher Dive update can be undertaken with Dive Master Jeff Jones or one of our experienced team,” she said.
“Divers can hire the equipment they need from FISH for guided and self-guided dives with tank refills available daily.”
She said Fitzroy Island Resort was expanding dive options for guests with residential dive courses beginning in November.
“These will take advantage of the range of accommodation available including camping in one of the resort’s tent kits, a resort studio room, or a contemporary island suite overlooking the Coral Sea,” she said.
“Lessons will be conducted in a classroom with rainforest views on one side and Welcome Bay on the other, in the purpose-built dive pool before diving the continental island’s fringing reefs.”
Ms Mathews said a glassbottom boat had been refurbished to take enthusiastic divers to stunning fringing reef sites that were sheltered by the island and which provided optimum dive conditions.
“At the aptly named Spot X you will find Nemo and the colourful nudibranch (both tropical fish) while diving among the soft and hard corals.”
“We will be introducing exciting Bubblemaker Scuba options for our younger guests aged 8-12 years and night dives for experienced divers to see the nocturnal reef life in coming months, including the Junior Marine Biologist Program,” she said.