Byron Bay Dive Centre
ProHighlights
- Snorkel and dive tours at Nguthungulli Julian Rocks in Cape Byron Marine Park
- Turtle School workshop on sea turtle behaviour and photo identification
- Three boats for larger group, school and conference bookings
About Byron Bay Dive Centre
Byron Bay Dive Centre, which trades as Turtle School, runs guided snorkel, dive and whale watching trips from a shop in central Byron Bay. Every tour heads to Nguthungulli Julian Rocks, a sanctuary zone inside Cape Byron Marine Park where warm and cool currents meet. Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles live here all year, along with rays, wobbegong sharks and hundreds of fish species. Leopard sharks and manta rays turn up in summer, and grey nurse sharks in winter. The sea turtle snorkel tour takes about three hours, with roughly an hour in the water once paperwork, a briefing, gear fitting and the boat ride are done. Turtle School adds a workshop beforehand on turtle behaviour, ecology and how to tell individual turtles apart, then you snorkel or dive to look for them. Certified divers can book a guided fun dive. From June to October the team also runs whale watching trips, with a whale guarantee that lets you rebook if none are seen. For groups, the centre has three boats, each taking up to 13 people including crew, so larger bookings can be spread across them depending on the activities chosen. Conference and school groups are also catered for. Snorkel tours suit ages 10 and up and dives 12 and up, and everyone must be able to swim comfortably in the open ocean. Tours run in the rain but are called off when swell, wind, current or storms make it unsafe. Send an enquiry to plan a group trip.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
Can you take a large group?
Yes. The centre runs three boats, each holding up to 13 people including crew, and spreads larger bookings across them. How many can go out depends on the mix of snorkelling and diving, so send an enquiry with your numbers.
How much does the snorkel tour cost?
The sea turtle snorkel tour starts from $119 a person, Turtle School with snorkelling from $149 and a guided Julian Rocks fun dive from $180. Group and charter bookings are confirmed with a 50% deposit.
Is there a minimum age?
Snorkel tours and the Turtle School workshop take participants from 10 years old, and the fun dive from 12. Everyone must be a confident swimmer who is comfortable in the ocean.
What should we wear and bring?
Wear shorts you can roll up above the knee, since you wade out to the boat, and bring warm layers in winter. Fins, mask, snorkel and a 5mm wetsuit are included, and there are hot showers back at the shop.
What happens if the weather turns?
Tours still go ahead in rain, but strong swell, wind, current or a chance of thunderstorms can cancel a trip. If the centre cancels for conditions, you are offered a full refund or a new date.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
meaghan wilson
4 months ago
What an emotional and spiritual experience. We got to see whales up close and hear them. It was on my husband’s bucket list to see whales breach. We were treated with a double breach. It was truly an amazing experience.
Sarah Whitrod
4 months ago
These guys are next level!! Been out on the water with them twice in research and leisure capacities and they are all so wonderful - professional and knowledgeable staff, exceptional water people, fun vibe and beautiful…
Sami Mavrothalassitis
6 months ago
An outstanding diving experience with Byron Bay Dive Center! The equipment was top-quality, the environmental briefing was insightful and well done, and the logistics throughout the whole activity were perfectly organize…
Linde Kappers
8 months ago
Had an amazing snorkelling trip to Julian Rocks in Byron Bay today. The briefing beforehand was excellent — super clear on what to expect, how to respect the marine environment and wildlife, and a solid safety rundown be…
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