Private Diving

Day and Overnight Private Trips

Whitsunday Diving Charters

Book Now
Scuba Diving With Turtles

Diving charters

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking underwater world of the Whitsundays with Texas T Charters. Our dive charters are designed to offer both novice and experienced divers a unique and unforgettable scuba diving experience.

Explore vibrant marine systems, encounter stunning underwater life, and create lifelong memories against the backdrop of Australia's stunning coral reef landscapes from the comfort and privacy of Texas T.

Details

Texas T is a 28m bespoke expedition motor yacht

Departures from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach or select Whitsunday Islands

All dive gear provided

Led by PADI qualified Dive Master

Private charter day trips to the best dive sites in the Whitsundays

Our day trips cater for up to 36 guests

Private longer term charters for up to 8 guests in four luxurious suites, all with ensuites

We can facilitate dives with up to 4 certified divers at once

Airlie Beach
Diving Charters

Texas T has its home base at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Our diving charters depart from Airlie Beach by default. Coral Sea Marina is just half an hour from the Whitsunday Coast Airport which has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Newcastle. Helicopter transfers to Coral Sea Marina are also possible.

Our Airlie Beach diving private charters offer privacy, luxury and a focus on unforgettable experiences.

Book Now

Island Diving Charters

Looking for an unforgettable addition to your Whitsunday Island holiday? A private charter with Texas T allows you to explore the best diving and snorkelling sites in the Whitsundays in true comfort and elegance. We offer departures from Coral Sea Marina and explore the best dive spots including those off Hook Island and Bait Island.

Book Now
Hamilton Island

Private Day Charters

Private day charters available for up to 36 guests plus crew

Up to 4 guests can dive at once and need to be certified divers

All dive equipment provided including wetsuits, fins, snorkel and mask, dive tank for oxygen and a scuba regulator

Non-divers can enjoy incredible reef snorkelling, stunning beaches such as Whitehaven, paddle boarding or relaxing on the luxurious decks of Texas T

Full and part-day trips available.

Overnight Term Charters

For those who crave a deeper immersion in the world of scuba diving, we offer overnight custom diving charters for up to 8 guests.

Accommodates 8 overnight guests in 4 luxury cabins: Master King stateroom, VIP double, and 2 twin bunk cabins, all with private ensuite facilities.

One night up to several week charters available.

Excellent onboard spaces, including spacious deck areas and a comfortable lounge.

These expeditions range from one night to several weeks and provide the opportunity to venture out to the outer reef and far beyond. The Texas T, a full expedition yacht, is uniquely equipped to reach areas of the ocean many other luxury yachts cannot.

Equipped with a variety of toys including a tender, jet ski, Fliteboards, Seabobs, kayaks, mesh pool, snorkelling and fishing gear, paddle boards, inflatables, and sun lounges.

Chef prepared meals tailored to guests' dietary requirements.

Bespoke charters available on the Great Barrier Reef, Arnhem Land and beyond.

The Woodpile, North
Hook Island:

The Woodpile features a rockwall drop-off, deep scattered corals, and a sandy bottom that travels around to some scattered bombies. You can find giant gropers, reef sharks, large turtles and an array of large pelagic fish at this site. Depths range from 5-30 metres.

Woodpile Hook

The Pinnacles, North
Hook Island:

At depths of 3-18 metres you can spot large coral bommies, massive boulder-shaped Porites corals, and towering structures. Potato cod, flowery cod, turtles, clown fish and parrot fish are just a few of the fish you could expect to find around the pinnacles. Manta rays are common during the winter months.

Pinnancles North

Blue Pearl Bay, West Hayman Island:

Here you can explore a long stretch of stunning coastline. On one side, a maze-like structure of corals leads towards Castle Rock. On the other side, lush coral gardens extend towards Dolphin Point. Clown fish, yellow tail fusiliers, parrot fish, turtles and Maori wrasse are prevalent around these mazes and cab be seen grazing through the coral gardens.

Blue Pearl Bay

Bait Reef:

Situated 65 kilometres east of Airlie Beach, Bait Reef offers an exceptional diving experience for divers of all levels. This vibrant underwater spectacle, close to Hardy Reef, is home to an array of marine life, from manta rays and turtles to parrotfish and barracuda. With dive sites featuring underwater canyons, steep walls, swim-throughs, and a breathtaking reef wall that plunges to 40 metres, Bait Reef provides an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're exploring the inner lagoon's shallow coral gardens, venturing through the strong current at Manta Ray Drop Off, or seeking big fish at Stepping Stone's Maze dive site, diving at Bait Reef is a colourful feast for the senses.

Bait Reef

Mackerel Bay and Saba Bay, East Hook Island:

These sites offer relatively shallow diving with small canyons, ledges, and swim-throughs. They boast some of the best soft corals in the Whitsundays, accompanied by giant clams, eagle rays, turtles and an abundance of colourful reef fish. These sites are ideal when the wind is from the north​.

Mackerel Bay

Underwater Life and Marine Ecosystems in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are home to a rich and diverse marine life, featuring a blend of vibrant coral systems, fascinating fish species, and other enchanting marine creatures.

Every dive promises a new and exciting encounter, immersing you in the magic of the Whitsundays' underwater world.

Underwater Life and Marine Ecosystems in the Whitsundays
Underwater Life and Marine Ecosystems in the Whitsundays

Encounter everything from graceful manta rays to playful dolphins, majestic sea turtles, friendly reef sharks to schools of colourful tropical fish.

Yacht

Have Questions? We Have Answers.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, we want everyone to have an unforgettable experience on Texas T. We prepare meals tailored to guests' dietary requirements. Whether you have food allergies, are vegetarian, vegan, or have specific dietary needs, we ensure to cater to your preferences. Please let us know in advance, and we will take care of the rest.

How do we check availability?

Click the book now button to check our availability calendar. The easiest way to book a day charter is online via the book now buttons where you can get real time availability and instant confirmation. For overnight charters you can book online or contact us online or via phone to plan a bespoke trip.

For events including weddings, engagement parties, special occasions and corporate events, you can book online (just choose the option you want such as a half day charter) and then we can arrange catering and any other requests after this. Or you can also enquire online or call so we can start planning your perfect unforgettable occasion.

Are there medical conditions which impact the ability to dive?

Before going diving, it's crucial to consider your health status, as some medical conditions and medications can impact your ability to dive safely. Texas T will provide a medical questionnaire that you must answer honestly to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Scuba diving is a sport that requires good health. You don't need to be an athlete, but a good level of fitness is beneficial.

Medical conditions impacting the ability to dive include:

  • Asthma
  • Being prone to fainting, seizures of blackouts
  • Past chest surgery
  • Epilepsy
  • Serious ear problems when flying
  • Diabetes
  • Brain, spine or nervous system disorder
  • Heart disease
  • Collapsed lung
  • High blood pressure
  • Pregnancy

Note: This is not an exhaustive list and there are other conditions that can affect your ability to scuba dive. Always consult with a healthcare professional such as your GP if you have any concerns about your health and diving.

Where are charters available?

As a true expedition motor yacht, Texas T can travel long distances in comfort, offering an immersive, luxurious experience. Potential locations include the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Far North Queensland, including destinations like Port Douglas and Cape York, and voyages around the Top End to Arnhem Land. These locations provide a stunning backdrop for your unforgettable sea adventure. Departures are normally from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach but at some times of year for longer charters we can do other starting locations such as Port Douglas.

When can I fly after scuba diving?

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) recommends the following minimum time before flying after scuba diving.

  • For a single no-stop dive, a minimum preflight surface wait of 12 hours is suggested.
  • For multiple dives per day or multiple days of diving, a minimum preflight surface wait of 18 hours is suggested​. Texas T recommends 24 hours to be safe.

These recommendations are based on minimising the risk of decompression sickness due to the reduced atmospheric pressure in an aeroplane cabin. It's important to note that these are guidelines and individual responses can vary. For a definitive answer tailored to your personal circumstances, you should consult a diving professional or a medical professional with knowledge of diving medicine.

How long are the stay onboard charters?

Subject to availability, these can be anywhere from overnight to a few weeks. We will work with you to create an unforgettable experience tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you are a keen diver, chasing the thrill of a catch with ocean fishing or simply want to kick back and relax, Texas T and our crew are ready to create amazing memories for you.

Does everyone on the charter have to dive?

Absolutely not, we've got lots of options to create an unforgettable experience for everyone. It's common that not everyone on a charter is wanting or able to dive.

At many dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and along the shores of the Whitsunday Islands we can also offer fantastic snorkelling to see beautiful reef fish and turtles up close. We've also got paddle boards, a tender to take guests onto the stunning beaches such as Whitehaven as well as a range of areas to relax onboard.

Does scuba diving harm the reef?

As much as scuba diving is a remarkable way to explore the underwater world, without proper precautions it can pose a risk to the delicate ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. Divers, whether intentional or not, can sometimes damage these ecosystems by touching or accidentally stepping on the coral, stirring up sand which smothers corals, or even leaving behind litter.

At Texas T Charters, we are committed to preserving the beauty and health of the Great Barrier Reef and its diverse marine life. We believe in responsible tourism and follow stringent guidelines to ensure our diving activities cause minimal impact on the marine environment.

Here are some tips for avoiding damage to the Great Barrier Reef when scuba diving:

  1. Avoid Contact: Never touch, step on, or collect corals. Even a simple touch can damage the delicate coral polyps. Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid accidental contact with the coral or seabed.
  2. Be Aware of Your Gear: Make sure your equipment is secured and not dragging along the seabed or coral. This includes fins, which can inadvertently break corals if not controlled.
  3. Don’t Feed the Fish: While it might be tempting to attract fish with food, it can disrupt their natural feeding habits and can have adverse effects on their health and the ecological balance.
  4. Respect Marine Life: Avoid chasing or harassing marine animals. Remember, we are visitors in their home.

We encourage our guests to follow these guidelines and join us in our commitment to preserving the Great Barrier Reef for generations to come. Together, we can enjoy the remarkable beauty of the reef while ensuring its survival and prosperity.

What do I need to bring?

We provide almost everything you need but some clothing to protect yourself from the sun and sea spray is recommended below.

  • Sun cream - Factor 50+ with water resistance is recommended. Zinc sticks are also ideal for your face.
  • Sunglasses
  • Long sleeve shirt - a long sleeve shirt or fishing top is recommended to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun
  • Sun hat - we recommend a wide brimmed hat
  • Non-slip shoes

Are children allowed onboard Texas T?

Yes, children are extremely welcome onboard Texas T and in the words of a 6 year old on-board, it was the "best day of my life!". However, parents must supervise children at all times, especially around the deck and ladders.

It's time to turn your dreams into reality -

make an enquiry today

Whether you're planning a luxurious Whitsundays day charter, a unique wedding celebration, or overnight custom charters designed around your interests, the Texas T and our dedicated crew are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience. Get in touch today.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.