Testimonials

Find out what others had to say about their experience at the Australian Divemaster Academy.

Julian Rocks could not be better!

As somebody who had never scuba dived before, undertaking the Divemaster Course with Byron Bay Dive Centre was slightly daunting but something I was looking forward to. Any worries I might have had were unfounded as the instructional team at the dive centre are fantastic. They are confident, knowledgable and always happy to put in the extra time allowing you to master skills, gain confidence and digest all the associated theory to do with scuba diving. The accommodation above the dive centre is nice and lends itself to the sociable environment meaning you make lots of friends. Julian Rocks could not be better as a dive site. During my Divemaster course we saw everything from Manta Rays, Leopard Sharks and Lionfish to various species of Turtles, Nudibranchs and even Mantas Shrimp. Best of all are the numerous pods of bottlenose dolphins which can be spotted during the trips to and from the dive site.

Alex G Age group: 19-24

Amazing Opportunity

Scuba diving is something I have loved since I first tried it many years ago and something I have always wanted to do professionally but never thought I could.

Byron Bay Dive Centre gave me that opportunity, from the moment I arrived the team at BBDC have took me under their wings and shown me how to get the most from my divemaster, from giving me the confidence and skills needed, then showing me how to use them and teach them to students.

BBDC is like a big family and living with the people on your course means you soon make some lifelong friends. Crew BBQ’s on a Sunday is a great way to relax after a busy week of diving and tell stories of what you saw under the water, from manta rays to grey nurse sharks and everything in between, diving at Julian Rocks never gets boring.

I loved doing my divemaster so much I haven’t left the dive center but instead stayed and continued to learn and help out so that I can be ready to do my IDC eventually.

Kirsty C Age group: 25-29

A fun and life-changing experience

I completed my ADA Program in early December 2015 after amazing 10 weeks at Byron Bay Dive Centre. Learning to become a Divemaster under the excellent tutorage and mentorship of the ADA instructor, Vanessa ( Nessy ). You never feel pressure trying to rush yourself through the program and Nessy is more than happy to spend her time getting you up to the correct standard. All the other instructors are also more than happy to spend time with trying to teach and explains things in different ways to help you understand.

During the ADA program you learn how to become a better diver in a fun and safe environment. The program covers every aspect you'll need to know to become a Divemaster, the course even teaches you the basic care of dive equipment and vessel handling. Whilst it can be long days, you have plenty of time to enjoy Byron and the area around. During my ADA program there where 5 other ADA's living upstairs with 6 dive centre crew making the time upstairs fun and enjoyable. We spent many nights talking about the dive that day or enjoying the night life of Byron, everyone is more than happy to chat and spend time no matter where they are from around the world.

Without a doubt the ADA program is one of the best things I have ever done not only becoming a Divemaster but making friends for life. In fact I loved the Dive centre so much 6 months later I am still at the dive centre as Divemaster hoping soon to further my diving career to instructor.

Dominic M Age group: 19-24

The best experiences of my life

I completed my ADA from Oct-Dec last year. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and crew were amazing, so welcoming from day 1. They made the whole experience much easier by being such an easy-going and thoughtful group of people. My instructor Vanessa was incredible. She always made sure we were understanding everything there was to know about becoming a Divemaster, and always offering her help if we needed it, both in and out of the Dive Centre.

The accommodation, and living with a group of people all with the same love of diving, made it super easy to get along with everyone instantly. All the crew, staff and skippers made the whole experience one to never forget. Everyone was willing to go out of their way to offer help you if you needed, creating such a positive learning environment.

I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to dive, because it has given me some dive experiences that I will never forget.

Zoe L Age group: 19-24

An experience others dream about

Byron Bay Dive Centre all the way! I completed my ADA course with BBDC last spring and I have nothing but good things to say about the program as well as for the centre and staff. Not only did I get to explore the underwater world out at Julian Rocks on a daily basis, where we collected experiences most could only dream about, but I got to share these experiences with open minded people from all over the world who quickly became like family. Our instructor, Ness, supported us in and out of the water throughout the program, while always encouraging us to push ourselves to the next level.

This course not only arms you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a Divemaster, but also the confidence and training to handle anything that comes your way in the ocean. The level of passion, commitment and care for diving is unparalleled and rather contagious. Thank you BBDC!

Mary Kate V Age group: 19-24

I became a dive instructor

I completed my ADA program in October 2010 for 10 weeks and had an incredible time. I was already an open water diver but completed this quite a few years before coming to Australia. When I arrived the team were great and very accommodating, I completed a refresher on site before starting my advanced open water. The way the course is scheduled is fantastic and allows adequate time for each course as well as the whole program being completed within 10 weeks!! You also have weekends off to explore Byron Bay and do your own thing. My instructors were really helpful throughout the whole program and taught me all the skills I needed to excel in the diving industry. Since completing my ADA program, I went on to become a dive instructor with the Byron Bay Dive Centre and as well as to managing the store.

Lizzy R Age group: 25-29

Memories of diving with the sharks

I joined the Australian Divemaster Academy program in 2009 and it was an incredible experience. I was very happy overall with the schedule, the instructors and all the crew involved in running the program.

Some of my best memories of this experience was diving with Sea Turtles, big Rays and lots of different friendly sharks :) I was uncertain that I would be able to achieve my Divemaster rating when I signed up, but thanks to the expert tuition and coaching of my instructors I was able to accomplish this. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone!

George Age group: 25-29