We track 23 dive operators in Southern Reef. 5 teach certification courses (6 PADI). 8 run snorkelling trips. 1 offer accommodation alongside diving. The biggest cluster is around Bundaberg, with 3. Listings are ordered by Fin Rank: a published score for how complete and verified each listing is.
The 8 highest-ranked of 23. How Fin Rank works
| Rank | Operator | TripAdvisor | Try dive | Agencies | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hervey Bay Dive Centre | 4.8(304) | none | $300 | PADI | Visit |
Which centres run each site, named on their own websites or confirmed by the owner.

Fin lists 23 dive operators in Southern Reef, with the biggest cluster around Bundaberg. 5 of them run certification courses.
PADI is the most common agency (6 centres).
Published try-dive prices we hold range from $149 to $300 USD. Treat these as a guide and confirm with the centre before booking.
1 operator in Southern Reef offers accommodation alongside diving.
8 of the 23 operators we track run snorkelling tours.
Operators are sorted by Fin Rank, a 100-point profile strength score: contact details, what they offer, the dive sites they run, their Google reputation, whether the owner has claimed the listing, and whether their own website links to Fin. 0 listings here are owner-verified. The formula is published in full on the Fin Rank page.
Hervey Bay Dive Centre is a family run dive and charter operator based at the Boat Club Marina in Hervey Bay. They provide guided dive tours of the ex-HMAS Tobruk and various local wreck sites in the Great Sandy Marine Park. The centre also offers a range of PADI dive courses and seasonal whale swim tours.

Dive Coaching Australia is a PADI Dive Centre located in Bundaberg, Queensland, offering a comprehensive range of scuba diving courses and training. They provide professional development and recreational diving education, with a focus on skill development and diver safety. Their services include all levels of PADI certification.

Turtle Town Scuba is a dive shop located in Bundaberg, Queensland, offering scuba diving and snorkeling services. They provide courses, equipment rental, and guided dives to explore local marine life. The business appears to be focused on providing a comprehensive diving experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Bundaberg Aqua Scuba is a dive centre in Bundaberg, Queensland, offering a variety of scuba diving services. Their website indicates they provide PADI courses, equipment sales and rental, and dive trips. They cater to both beginners and experienced divers.
Lady Musgrave Experience is a family owned and operated tour company based in Bundaberg that provides access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. They offer day tours and overnight stays on the Lady Musgrave HQ pontoon, featuring activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and whale watching. The operator uses luxury vessels to transport guests to Lady Musgrave Island for reef exploration.
The Heron Island Marine Centre provides scuba diving and snorkelling services on the Great Barrier Reef. They offer PADI certified courses, equipment rental, and boat trips to various local dive sites.
Dive Spear and Sport offers scuba diving and snorkelling day trips to various reefs on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. They provide a range of training courses including open water, freediving, and spearfishing. The operator also conducts educational programs and multi-day diving retreats.
Hervey Bay Dive Centre operates guided dive tours to the Ex-HMAS Tobruk wreck. The operator uses two high speed vessels and limits trips to 10 customers to provide personalized service.
Keppel Explorer operates daily boat tours from Keppel Bay Marina to the Keppel Islands. The operator provides small group island hopping experiences that include sightseeing, beach visits, and snorkelling.
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort offers marine encounters including snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours. The resort provides opportunities to view turtles, rays, and reef sharks in the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
| 2 | 4.9(24) | none | none | PADI | Visit |
| 3 | 4.8(102) | none | none | PADI | Visit |
| 4 | Bundaberg Aqua Scuba | 4.7(15) | none | none | PADI | Visit |
| 5 | Lady Musgrave Experience | none | none | none | none | Visit |
| 6 | Heron Island Marine Centre | none | none | $280 | PADI | Visit |
| 7 | Dive Spear and Sport 1770 | none | none | $149 | none | Visit |
| 8 | Hervey Bay Dive Centre | none | none | none | PADI | Visit |
