Adventure brief
Introductory Dive
Step beneath the surface on Lord Howe Island with Dive Lord Howe’s 3-hour Introductory Dive. Designed for first-timers, this guided experience in a calm lagoon delivers all the essentials for your first breath underwater.
Lord Howe Island, a remote and pristine volcanic remnant in the Tasman Sea off New South Wales, Australia, offers an extraordinary gateway to underwater adventure. Famous for its crystal-clear lagoon, vibrant coral gardens, and exceptional marine biodiversity, this island is a diver’s dream—and Dive Lord Howe welcomes newcomers to experience it first-hand with their Introductory Dive. This 3-hour beginner-focused course is tailored for anyone curious about SCUBA without a long-term commitment, beginning with a concise instructional video that breaks down the fundamentals of diving safety and equipment.
Following this, participants move to the protected lagoon just off the island’s shore, where the calm, shallow waters create a perfect environment to practice breathing and buoyancy techniques. Here, under the guidance of expert instructors, divers take their first underwater breaths and master four essential skills before descending to a maximum depth of 12 meters on a gentle guided dive. What sets Dive Lord Howe apart is its dedication to balancing safety, accessibility, and immersion.
Unlike crowded dive centers elsewhere, this experience ensures small groups and personalized attention in one of the world’s clearest, warmest marine sanctuaries. The island’s unique geographic isolation supports an abundance of distinctive marine life, including large schools of multi-colored fish and occasional visits by green turtles, making your debut dive a memorable introduction to ocean ecology. Completing the course earns a Certificate of Recognition and can be directly credited towards an Open Water diving certification, encouraging sensible progression.
Beyond diving, Lord Howe Island offers a range of outdoor pursuits—hiking up Mount Gower, snorkeling along coral reefs, or simply unwinding in this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Dive Lord Howe is an integral part of this wilderness experience, championing sustainable interaction with the environment and welcoming visitors from age 10 and up. For anyone ready to meet the ocean underwater for the first time, this Introductory Dive is an accessible and authentic entry point to the Pacific’s underwater frontier.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book in advanceessential
Dive Lord Howe limits group sizes to ensure personalized instruction, so secure your spot ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- 02Prepare for medical screeningessential
Complete the medical questionnaire honestly and consult your doctor if you have health conditions that may affect diving safety.
- 03Wear reef-safe sun protectioninfo
Protect the delicate marine environment by using eco-friendly sunscreen during surface intervals and onshore.
- 04Bring water and towelinfo
Staying hydrated and having a towel handy post-dive keeps the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Swimwear
Wear comfortable swimwear suitable for movement and fitting comfortably under wetsuits.
EssentialReef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the coral reef ecosystem with environmentally friendly sun protection.
summerEssentialTowel
A towel is essential for drying off after your lagoon dive and staying warm.
EssentialWater bottle
Hydration is important during the course and surface time on the water.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Ettrema Lagoon, a quiet snorkeling spot with abundant fish, Chinamans Beach coral formations, less visited and easily accessible
Local fauna
Green sea turtles grazing around reef patches, Colorful parrotfish and anemonefish in shallow coral gardens
Historic heritage
Lord Howe Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, recognized for its unique geology and largely intact marine ecosystems.
Mindful exploration
Dive Lord Howe works closely with local conservation groups to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible diving practices.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Lagoon entry point for surface reflections, Coral bommies at 10-12m depth, Island shorelines framing underwater scenes
- Subjects
- Marine life schools, Coral textures and formations, First dive buddy moments underwater
- Best times
- Morning light before currents pick up, Golden hour underwater for vivid colors, Calm midday for clear shots
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How do I book the Introductory Dive?
You can book online through booking platforms or contact Dive Lord Howe directly by phone at (612) 6563 2253.
Is prior diving experience required?
No previous diving experience is necessary. The course is designed for beginners with full instruction provided.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the Introductory Dive.
What if I have medical concerns?
A medical questionnaire must be completed before diving; if you answer yes to certain conditions, medical clearance is required.
What equipment is provided?
All SCUBA gear including tanks, regulators, masks, wetsuits, and weights are supplied as part of the course.
Can this intro dive count toward certification?
Yes, the cost of the Introductory Dive can be credited toward the Open Water Course if you choose to continue training.