dive victoria

The dive group I was with had arranged for Dive Victoria to provide a lift to the dive site. The captain and crew seemed well organised and checked that we had our air turned on and it was operating correctly. We were given a good dive brief of the area and clear instructions how to exit and board the boat. The hot milo and biscuits and biscuits on the way back were welcome. We got to the dive site and back very quickly. Really enjoyed the dive site (The Grotto) with lots of overhangs and a wide variety of fish, sponges and plants.Richard J

My first hire experience with Dive Victoria in Queenscliff and definitely my last. Went to hire 2 tanks from them, all was well until I got to the dive site which was 30 minutes drive away, only to find out that my partners tank was nearly empty.Called them up to tell them what's wrong and the lady at reception said she couldn't do anything about it and that it was our fault for not checking the tanks before we left. To my surprise I didn't know I had to tell her how to do her job by checking the tanks for air.We got back to the shop and decided to get a refund for the tanks as it would have been too late to try dive again with the swell picking up. The lady was unapologetic and uninterested in what happened. We got our money back and as we left, she says "Thanks guys."Yes, thanks Dive Victoria, we drove all the way from Melbourne for that experience.

Living overseas with a non-Australian partner, my family thought this would be a good Christmas present for a trip home. They were right - how excited we were to see some wonders in Port Philip we had no idea existed!We did get off to a rough start when the rather clueless worker forgot to tell us to arrive an hour early for the dive when we phoned to book (he also tried to book us on the wrong trip, from the wrong starting point, at the wrong time), but credit to the staff there - they were obliging and helpful and had us on our way in quick time. We snorkelled and really enjoyed the marine life at Pope's Eye. The "swimming" with the seals was underwhelming but by then we were happy with what we had seen and done. Staff on the boat were very friendly and helpful, if a little more interested in socialising with one another. Quite pricey, especially for the scuba, so we were glad we got it as a gift!

My American Cousin and wife (both SCUBA divers) decided this was a good idea -3 adults with 6 kids 6-15 in tow. The younger couple got cold but the others had a great time - we only went for the snorkelling option - Pope's eye and the seals. The amount you can see in great and the boat crew supportive of all - looked after the kids well went they returned cold. I would say kids need to be 8+ (and good swimmers) - the younger two while good swimmers struggled to find wetsuits that fitted - staff where great in trying to outfit them.Overall a great day

There is no need to go over-seas or even to the Great Barrier Reef, fantastic though it is--for here in Victoria you can experience it all. Sea life, variety, colour, caves, wrecks--you name it > we have it in Victoria. Eighty percent of the world is underwater and so never seen properly by most of us outside TV. But once one is enabled to stay under water, below snorkel depth then a whole new world is revealed. Dive Victoria, who have several charter boats and training facilities also have two headquarters at both Queenscliffe on the Bellarine Penninsula and Portsea on the Mornington Penninsula.This dive company are very very strict on safety when training scuba divers of the future. Whilst training is one part of their business they primarily are Dive operators-taking tens of thousands of divers from all over the world to the innumerable dive sites at various depths in and outside Port Phillip Bay. They, more than anyone have dived on each part of every wall, wreck and Bommie countless times. If you want to dive the HMAS Canberra then you have to really go through Dive Vic--and I highly recommend those who are qualified consider the chimney dive, check the mural in the Galley and sit in the Skippers/captains (remnants of) chair. If you want to scallop dive, drift dive, get giant Crays from legal non-marine park sites-you need to go with Dive Vic. If you want friendly capable, competent boat skippers, deckies, office staff, cheap accommodation and to see some of the best dive sites anywhere, having one adventure after another--always every-ones safety is stressed before anything--then You gotta go with Dive Vic. If you want your kids or loved ones to get the very best training to become safe confident and competent divers--guess who you should entrust their lives and thrilling future with: - ----Naturally---DIVE VIC. I was taught by them and they do not give you certification just because you are mediocre and reasonable. they have high standards and are not afraid to suggest you redo the course. I know because I have been failed---and am HAPPY that they wanted me to become an old safe diver, not a young bold, unsafe diver. Thanks to Jason and his staff, like Bryon, who gave me the confidence in myself and them by failing me as I deserved--then taking me to never ending dive spots that never cease to produce alien like flora, fantastic colours, and pleasant delightful surprises that continue to produce in all divers, the need to return to gain to the serenity, peace, harmony, beauty and wonders of in and outside the heads of Port Phillip Bay. Isn't it great that Professionals run Dive Victoria! I can only fervently suggest that all readers do not procrastinate in taking up diving or going down to live life to the full--in the bubbles And I promise I have no connection to or investment in Dive Vic--but almost a 100 dives with them and hopes of hundreds more. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DIVE COMPANY