How do bookings work?
Our website shows
live availability. All bookings are made online and are confirmed with either a
25% deposit (courses are paid in full) or full payment if booking within 24 hours of departure. If an activity says “PLEASE EMAIL”, contact
bookings@sundive.com.au.
How are payments handled?
We use Square for card payments. If only a deposit is paid, the remaining balance is auto-charged the day before your trip. Square’s card fee is 2.2%.
What’s your cancellation policy?
You’re reserving a limited boat space and we roster staff the day before.
- Under 6 people: 24 hours’ notice
- 6–11 people: 72 hours
- 12+ people: 7 days
Dive courses (not Try Scuba/Refresher/ReActivate) require
7 days’ notice. If you choose not to partake on the day, we can’t refund or reschedule.
How do refunds work?
Refunds are issued via Square and typically appear in 2–7 business days (bank/card dependent). If you cancel, Square’s 2.2% card fee isn’t refunded (you may choose a gift voucher instead). If Sundive cancels, we issue a full refund including the card fee.
Are trips weather dependent?
Yes — especially snorkelling. Visibility is impossible to predict and can vary daily and even between dives. If we cancel due to conditions, it’s for safety; you can reschedule or receive a full refund. We appreciate kindness toward our team; rudeness/aggression is not tolerated.
Do you accept gift vouchers? How do I use one?
Yes. Gift vouchers are non-refundable, valid for 3 years, and can be used for any Sundive activity or in-store purchase (even if the voucher text mentions a specific activity). At checkout, choose “Pay by Gift Voucher” and enter your GV code. Please review our policies and prerequisites before purchasing.
Where can I park?
Can a certified diver join a Try Scuba participant?
Yes — book one of the limited Try Scuba spaces at the same time. Pool participation is optional for the certified diver. Try Scuba and certified dives may depart separately, so same-boat isn’t guaranteed if booked separately.
What time should I arrive?
Your booked time (7:15, 10:15, or 13:15) is the check-in time. Please don’t arrive earlier — your guide will be ready at that time. Meet at the Sundive shop on Middleton Street.
What proof of certification do I need?
Certified divers must show visual proof (physical or digital card) with photo, name, certification level, and certifying body. Logbooks aren’t proof. If you need us to look up your certification, please email us at least 24 hours before diving. If proof can’t be shown/found on the day, we can’t take you diving and no refund/changes can be given.
Medical conditions, waivers & age rules
Trips are offshore at Nguthungulli Julian Rocks without immediate medical facilities and can involve strenuous activity. Certain medical conditions or device requirements (e.g. epi-pen, inhaler) mean we can’t take you and no refund/credit/reschedule is available on the day.
Age: Divers/snorkellers 65+ need a doctor’s clearance (last 12 months; includes strenuous activity). Divers 70+ need a SPUMS (or equivalent) medical (diving only). Starting PADI Open Water at 55+ also requires a valid dive medical. Certified divers under 18 must be accompanied by a certified parent/guardian on the dive. Minimum age to dive in a certified group is 12 (Junior Open Water; private instructor required for 11). Minimum snorkel age is 7. Minimum Try Scuba age is 12 (parental permission required).
If you can’t agree to the waiver due to a past/current medical issue, a SPUMS recreational diving medical is required before diving/snorkelling.
Fitness level & launch safety
We launch through surf; boarding can be time-sensitive and the ride can be bumpy. Guests must be able-bodied, react quickly, board during launch, and climb the ladder post-dive. Trips are unsuitable for back problems/injuries aggravated by motion. All participants must be able to swim 200 m unassisted.
Swimming ability & snorkel requirements
All activities are in the open ocean and can be choppy. Everyone (including snorkellers and Try Scuba) must be a strong swimmer capable of 200 m unassisted. Snorkelling at Julian Rocks is an open-ocean experience; previous snorkelling experience is mandatory.
Diving ability & language
Conditions may include swell, current, surge, and cool water. Divers must have the fitness, confidence and competence to dive such conditions and follow a guided group. If unsure, please book a private guide. Minimum certification is Open Water Diver (PADI Scuba Diver and similar must book a private guide). Briefings are in English; understanding and communication in English are required for safety.
If you haven’t dived in 2 years, a Refresher is required; in 4+ years, a PADI ReActivate is required.
Weight & sizing restrictions
Upper weight limit is 118 kg (fully clothed). We use wetsuits as flotation for launch and carry sizes XS–XL. If you don’t fit our sizes, bring your own suitable wetsuit. If you don’t fit on the day and can’t provide your own, we can’t take you and we can’t reschedule, credit or refund.
Pregnancy
Scuba diving while pregnant is not permitted. Snorkelling in the third trimester is also not permitted. Due to dynamic conditions and launch demands, we recommend avoiding snorkelling during all stages of pregnancy.
Directions
