LORD HOWE ISLAND WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
ReActivate on Lord Howe: A brisk, confidence-first SCUBA reset in a subtropical lagoon
A concise guide to the ReActivate SCUBA Refresher Course on Lord Howe Island — what to expect, what to bring, and how it fits into your dive prep.
ReActivate on Lord Howe: A brisk, confidence-first SCUBA reset in a subtropical lagoon.
ReActivate offers an engaging way to refresh your scuba skills with targeted in‑water practice alongside a dive professional on Lord Howe Island. The course is designed to move quickly through familiar topics, drill essential techniques where needed, and issue a new card that records your updated ‘‘ReActivated’’ date so you can return to open‑water diving with confidence.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Focused in‑water practice with a pro
The core of ReActivate is supervised in‑water practice: assemble a SCUBA unit, practice basic skills, and troubleshoot common problems under the guidance of a dive professional so you leave comfortable and competent.
A new card that records your refreshed date
Completing the ReActivate session earns you a new certification card that recognises your updated ‘‘ReActivated’’ date — practical proof that your skills have been renewed.
Tailored pacing: quick where you’re fluent, thorough where needed
The format lets you move quickly through topics you already know while spending more time on areas where your knowledge has lapsed — an efficient path back to confident diving.
What the day feels like
What the ReActivate experience feels like
Expect a compact, hands‑on session that blends independent online study with supervised practical work in the water. After completing roughly 2–3 hours of required online preparation, you meet a dive professional for in‑water drills, equipment assembly practice, and problem‑solving exercises — finishing with formal recognition of your refreshed status.
SKILL RESET
Focused in‑water practice with a pro
The core of ReActivate is supervised in‑water practice: assemble a SCUBA unit, practice basic skills, and troubleshoot common problems under the guidance of a dive professional so you leave comfortable and competent.
CERTIFICATION
A new card that records your refreshed date
Completing the ReActivate session earns you a new certification card that recognises your updated ‘‘ReActivated’’ date — practical proof that your skills have been renewed.
EFFICIENT LEARNING
Tailored pacing: quick where you’re fluent, thorough where needed
The format lets you move quickly through topics you already know while spending more time on areas where your knowledge has lapsed — an efficient path back to confident diving.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dive Lord Howe operates outside its winter closure; plan visits during the recommended season when weather and visibility are best and the operation is running.
Bring swimwear, a towel from your lodge, water, reef‑safe sun protection, your dive certification card or proof, and sea sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness.
Plan to meet at Shed 2, Lagoon Road, Lord Howe Island, NSW 2898; the ReActivate session runs approximately 3.5 hours.
Book in advance — groups are small and pre‑booking is recommended. Check the operator’s cancellation policy and consider travel insurance in case weather forces changes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I book?
You can book your diving online or contact the operator on 02 6563 2253; see the operator’s Terms & Conditions for booking policy details.
Do I need to book my diving prior to arriving?
Yes. Because only small groups are taken, it is recommended to pre‑book dive packages prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.
Where on the island do you dive?
Dive sites are chosen from the variety surrounding the Lord Howe Island Group according to prevailing conditions and suitability.
What if I haven't dived in a while?
If you haven't dived within a few months you may opt for the quick refresher or complete the ReActivate course; the quick refresher omits in‑water skill practice and is not recommended for those who have been out of the water for some time.
What is the best time to come for diving?
Anytime from September to May is suitable, with December–March being the peak season; the operator is closed from 1 June to 31 August for equipment servicing and reduced winter diving options.
What are typical water conditions?
Summer visibility ranges from about 25 to beyond 40 metres and temperatures 22–26°C; cooler months can see visibility of 10–20 metres and temperatures down to about 18°C.