Two reef dives from 1770

About this experience

The Capricorn Bunker Group is the cluster of reefs at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and this day is built for people who already hold a dive certification. Per the listing, the operator works more than 70 dive sites on seven reefs in the group, so the two sites you dive are chosen on the day. Each dive lasts about an hour, with an hour's surface interval in between and one guide for every seven divers. You can snorkel in the break, and a private dive guide is available for hire if you want one to yourself.

Be clear about what it isn't. The listing names no island landing, lagoon or island walk, so this is not a way onto Lady Musgrave. For the island itself, the Lady Musgrave Island day cruise takes you into the lagoon and walks you across the cay. Non-divers in your group can join a reef day too: the small-group snorkel trip heads to reef sites in the same area with no more than ten snorkellers.

The rules are strict, and that is a good sign. The listing says Queensland legislation requires an approved refresher course if you have not dived in the last 12 months, and every diver fills in a medical and diver assessment form. It is a young listing, with two five-star ratings and no written reviews yet, so everything on this page comes from the listing itself.

• Two guided dives at two different reef sites
• About seven divers per guide, per the listing
• Speedboat from Town of 1770, about 1.5 hours each way
• Optional snorkelling in the surface interval
• Packed lunch, snacks, drinks and reef presentations on board

How the day runs

1. StartCheck in at 1770

   Meet at 535 Captain Cook Drive in Seventeen Seventy with your certification card. Every diver completes a medical and diver assessment form.

2. About 1.5 hSpeedboat to the reef

   The boat crosses open water to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Take seasickness tablets before you leave if you need them.

3. 10 min + 1 hBriefing and first dive

   A safety briefing, then the first dive of about an hour with your guide.

4. About 1 hSurface interval

   An hour's break on board. Snorkel if you feel like it, or rest before the second dive.

5. About 1 hSecond dive

   A different reef site for the second dive, again about an hour underwater.

6. 45 min + 1.5 hLunch and the ride back

   Individually packed lunches on board, then the speedboat back to the meeting point in 1770.

What's included

Who it suits

Tips before you book

• Pack your certification card. If your last dive was more than 12 months ago, book an approved refresher course before the day: the listing says Queensland legislation requires it.
• The listing's packing list is short: hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water and comfortable clothes.
• Manta rays peak around Lady Musgrave from May to August, according to Lady Musgrave Experience, and humpbacks pass from July to October.
• The water off this coast averages about 21 to 22°C in July and August and about 27 to 28°C in February and March (figures for the Bundaberg coast). Ask about wetsuit thickness when you book.
• Stinger season runs from November to May, and Surf Life Saving places this part of the reef inside the Irukandji range. A full-length suit is the sensible choice.

Read next:

• Snorkelling, stingers & sharks
• 1770 to Lady Musgrave
• Best time to visit

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Small-Group Reef Snorkelling from 1770Ten snorkellers at most, a guide in the water and two reef sites. Wetsuit and lunch included; no island landing.★ 4.9 · 9 hours · from $220Lady Musgrave Island Day Cruise from 1770The one trip here that lands on Lady Musgrave: lagoon snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat, an island walk and lunch.★ 4.3 · 9 hours · from $225Gladstone Scenic Flight over Islands and ReefsThree helicopter flights from Gladstone, 15 to 60 minutes; the hour-long one circles Heron Island. A new listing.New · 15 min to 1 hour · from $126