Water Visibility & Diving Conditions for the Gold Coast

We aim to give reliable and honest information regarding water visibility during freediving courses and freediving training sessions and diving conditions on the Gold Coast – primarily of offshore diving conditions (#unfiltered #real&reliable). Offshore is where we specialise and develop you as an ocean freediver. Regrettably, we do get busy and don’t get time to update this section of the website as often as we’d like (volunteers, anyone?) Important to note: We run freediving courses regularly but we rarely run freediving courses in the Gold Coast Seaway (unless we’re desperate) as conditions are far, far more favourable to dive offshore – with less current, better dive window for you, little boat noise / traffic and far, far greater visibility and, generally, safer all round. As far as freediving courses are concerned, your real freediving action is happening offshore – poke about in the Gold Coast Seaway – but only if you have to (remember to take a good dive flag with you, hug it closely, and have a shore-based lookout to ward off the boat and jetski traffic). To get a good indication of predicted water temperatures please click on Gold Coast Monthly Sea Temperatures. On average, Gold Coast water temperatures reach a minimum of 19 degrees centigrade in July/August and a maximum of 27 degrees in February. For all dates below you can check out actual pictures of water and conditions on Facebook. We believe the following descriptions below are the most comprehensive historical record of real water visibility and diving conditions off the Gold Coast.

If diving the ocean is not your thing and you looking for flat, consistent diving conditions 365 days per year then we would recommend one of our Crater Lakes Retreats. Diving in freshwater surrounded by lush tropical rainforest is a bucket list  experience. This is one of the most serene freediving experiences in the world and it is Australian made and on our back doorstep.

19th November 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

We had a 4 to 5 knot S at departure. This slowly built up to 9 knots ESE by the time we finished at 11am. Swell was 1.0m, Water temperature hovering just above 22 degrees. Water visibility just under 10m. Overall, good surface conditions for freediving with a max of 26 degrees and very little cloud cover.

21st October 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were lucky to get a Deep Dive Day in as the winds were high in the previous week and the week after this date. We were fortunate to have winds around 5 knots early and a swell of around 1 metre making this the best dive day in some 14 days. Air temperature was a maximum of 26 degrees and 23 degrees water temperature. Visibility was a nice 12 metres at the 42m depth contour.

6th August 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

The big plus: water visibility of 25 metres. The big negative: visibility decreased to about 15 metres about 30 minutes later. The reason: not sure but perhaps change in wind direction? We only went out to the 32m depth contour. Swell was up to 1.4m – so not our usual under 1m swell and flat seas.  It was a little choppy but not in an uncomfortable way. Water temperature was about 20 degrees but as it was a cloudy day the air temperature was only a maximum of 21 degrees.

30th July 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Almost as good as yesterday with under 5 knots wind all morning until about 10am and then it increased to 7 knots. Seas still flat at 0.5m swell. Visibility at 22m and water temperature about 20 degree centigrade. But like yesterday the 24 degree air temperature made it very pleasant diving Conditions. FYI we were at exactly the same position as yesterday in 43-44m of depth and this really helps in visibility.  Our 36th dive trip off the Gold Coast this year. We offer more depth (up to 45m) diving for freedivers than any other freedive business in SE QLD.

29th July 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Great morning out on the water offshore Gold Coast with a pleasantly higher than predicted air temperature of 24 degrees, under 5 knots NW all morning (except perhaps for a few gusts) and a swell of 0.6m. What made it magical was the water visibility of 30m and no cloudy layer towards the bottom (we were in 43 metres of depth) – clear all the way to the bottom. Water temperature 20 degrees centigrade.

9/7/23; 30/6/23; 25/6/23; 24/6/23; 2/6/23; 29/5/23; 28/5/23: 27/5/23.

Sorry guys we missed the condition reports for these days due to our busy diving commitments. Checkout our Facebook and Instagram for highlights.

20th May 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Relatively calm conditions with winds from 4 to 7 knots all morning and 1.0 metre swells.  Water temperatures from 21 to 22 degrees while air temp very similar at 22 degrees. Water visibility around 12 to 13 metres at the 40m depth contour.

Our next DDD will be Saturday 27th and Sunday 28. Before you miss out, BOOK NOW. All welcome.

7th May 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

A bit of an overcast day with a max air temp of 25 degrees. The big plus was the visibility was back to 20 metres! A little choppy at the surface with winds on average 7 knots all morning. Water temperature varying from 22 to 23 degrees. We would recommend wearing 5mm wetsuits from now on.

6th May 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

A great morning with perfeectly flat seas – as flat as the proverbially bathtub – with cloudless blue skys.Helepd by 0 knot winds at times and definitely under 5 knots all morning with a swell of 0.6m. Water temeprature at the surface and all the way down to 24m was 23 degrees. Water visibility has improved to 12m.

5th May 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Back in the water after 14 days of high seas and big winds. We went out to the 40m depth contour but drifted into about 32m over the course of the morning. Positives – seas and swell down to 0.6m and winds just under 10knots most of the morning. Negatives –  visibility only about 6m and this was constant all the way down to at least 25m. Water temperative ok at 23 degrees and also constant all the way to 25 metres. I (Clinton) was still in my 3mm open cell wetsuit. It was just enough but starting to get a little cool after 1.5 hours in the water. We are expecting better conditions Saturday and Sunday with wind under 5 knots predicted for both days all morning.

Do you want to learn to freedive in perfect diving conditions 365 days per year? Then check out our Crater Lakes Freediving Retreat.

Summary of last 6 Deep Dive Days

We have just completed 6 Deep Dive Days in 15 days. Average visibility across all 6 dive days was 19m with average water temperature 25 degrees. We had divers diving up to 40m. We believe this cements our reputation as one of the premier depth training facilities in Australia. If you want regular freediving depth training in Australia then come train with Freediving Gold Coast.

15th April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another pleasant morning diving with 15m visibility and 25 degree water temperatures.Surface conditions were also pleasant with wind varying from 0 knots to 8 knots SE later in the morning. Swell was 0.7m. Air temp was about 26 degrees towards midday.

12th April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

We have been out so many times lates I have been unable to update all our trips out. We had another magnificient day of 22 to 23 metres visibility and flat seas (under 5 knots of wind most of the morning and 0.7 metre swell). Water temperature is getting slightly cooler at 25 degrees and with air temperature only 26 degrees by mid-morning. Nevertheless, our 3mm wetsuits are still doing the trick. A beautiful day. All pics on Facebook with some great underwater shots showing the visibility.

10th April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

We had a nice 5 knots of breeze early but it came up to around 16 knots for one hour which was some 5 knots above expected. This made surface conditions and preparing for a dive uncomfortable out at the 35m depth contour. Fortunately, we moved in a bit close (around 25 metres depth) mid-morning to take advantage of the westerly winds. This was about 10 knots wind so we were able to finish off the morning in much more pleasant conditions. Visbility was about 18m and a sunny day of about 26 degrees later in the morning.

7th April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Today was the best day on record with a magnificent 32m visiblity. Just amazing. Full pics on Facebook. Water temperature was a great 26 degrees centigrade. On a day like this the Gold Coast is eqivalent to the best diving conditions in the world. Surface conditions complemented the great udnerwater conditions – less than 5 knots wind and a swell of 1m. It was partly cloudy but air temp was a nice 26 degrees centigrade towards midday.

2nd April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Wind was an average of 9 to 10 knots all morning but the surface was choppy. Visibility was about 15m. Wierldy temperature of the water was 24 degrees and caught us a bit of guard. Some divers were a little cold. Not helped by air temperature also being around 23 to 24 when predicted max was 26 degrees.

1st April 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Low winds most of the morning with an average of 6 knots. Swell also low with 0.6m so quite pleasant on the surface. 12 metres visibility overall.

24th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Largely under 5 knots NW to N wind all morning. Surface conditions were good with only a 1.0m swell. Max air temperature was 29 degrees. Visibility was excellent at 20 metres and water temperature 26 degrees.

19th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Today has been the best day in the last week of our three days of diving. Essentially as close to perfect as you can get – flat, no swell, cloudless sky, 30 degrees air temperature, 27 degrees water temperature and just touching 20m visibility.

18th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Almost no wind at the befinning of the morning but slowly increased to 11 knots by 11am. A very warm day with air temperatures reaching 30 degrees. Even though there was very little swell (0.6m) there was a little jiggle in the water. Visibility was 20m and water temperature was 27 degrees.

15th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another great day with conditions the best for over a week. Low wind early (3 to 4 knots NW) that increased to 6 to 7 knots by 11am. Swell was 0.9m. Visibility was 12m with a water temperature of 25 degrees.

12th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

8 to 12 knots NE with a swell of 1.0m. Partly cloudy day with a max air temp of 27 degrees. We got about 15 metres visibility but at 20m depth it really deteriorated and the temperature dropped a few degrees.

10th March 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

There was a a 6 to 8 knot WSW wind early but was nearly 15 knots by 11. This was one of those days when the BOM got it wrong by about 7 knots. An overcast day with a top of 28 degrees. Water temperature was 25 to 26 degrees. Water visibility was at best 12 metres or so and quite poor visibility at 20m depth.

27th February 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Trying to make the most of the better conditions with a Monday trip. 5 to 10 knot northly winds with 1.0m swell. Mostly sunny with a max of 29 degrees. Water visibiloity not great at 10m.

17th, 18th & 19th February 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

We have just had an amazing three days of diving in close to perfect conditions for all three days. The average water temperature is now hovering around 27 degrees centigrade – super comfortable. It was essentially flat conditions with swells varying from 0.5m to 0.7m. Winds were largely southerly to south easterly under 5 knots for all three mornings. Visbility was 20 metres for the 17th and 18th but 15 metres on the 19th. All pictures, and video are on Facebook and Instagram.

26th, 27th January, and 2nd February 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Sorry guys we went out these days but failed to log the conditions in a timely manner due to workload.

15th January 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

Again another 25 metres visibility but decreased to 15m later in the morning. Not too sure why. Again a little joggly in the boat due to the on average 9 to 10 knot winds. Swell was 0,9m. Air temperature was a very comfortable 27 degrees max on the boat and 26 degrees in the water.

9th January 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

A whopping 25m visibility so the good times are continuing. A beautiful day with max of 28 degrees air temperature and about 24 degrees water temperature. Slightly jiggly on the boat but still only 1.0m swell with winds on average 6 to 8 knots. A very pleasant morning of diving.

3rd January 2023 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was our first Deep Dive Day for 2023 (after missing a few reports at the end of last year). We were a little unsure of conditions with some 1.5m swells predicted. The swells made it a little challenging getting out through the Southport Seaway Bar but once through we were treated to almost no wind (under 5 knots most of the morning, almost flat seas and a very blue 22m visibility with a comfortable 25 degrees water temperature. It was a pleasure to dive in these very comfortable conditions. Keeping our fingers crossed that these conditions will be present for our next DDD on the 9/1/23.

16th October 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was a day that didn’t look too good a few days before but as the day approached the wind and swelled dropped. We had a 4 knot SE at departure at 7.13am. It temporarily went up to 9 knot mid-moring but most of the morning stayed around 5 knots. Swell 1.1m. Max air temperature was 24 degrees. Water visibility was probably almost 15m erly but decreased under 10m as the morning progressed. Water temperature was a consistent 21.6 degrees all mornig down to 20m depth. Slowing warming up.

25th September 2022 Water visibility & Conditions

5 to 7 knots wind al morning with 0.9m swell. Nice conditions. Visibility was only about 10m.

18th & 19th September 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

We went out both days and we have some great vids on Facebook. Essentially around 15 metres visibility both days and water temperatures slowly edging up to 21 degrees (but 26 degrees air tempteratures). Very little wind (under 5 knots) and low swell (0.6m) resulted in almost flat conditions. Great freediving conditions.

11th September 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

What can I say just awesome. Today was as good as anywhere in the world. Flat as a pancake and 20+m visibility. Pictures on Facebook. Specifics are: 5 knits N at departure, 0.6m swell, max air temperature of 23 degrees centigrade and water temperature 20 to 21 degrees centigrade. Wind stayed under 6 knots all morning. Both air and water temperature will slowly increase from now. Whales jumping fully out of the water in the distance.

22nd August 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Pleasant conditions with on average 5 to 8 knots all morning. Sell 1.1m. Partly cloudy with a max of 21 degrees centigrade. Water temperature 20 degrees. Visibility about 10 metres.

7th August 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Flat seas (0.7m swell and 5 to 8 knot winds) all morning. Combined with absolute sunny conditions we had very pleasant diving all morning. There was no or very little current with water temperature 20 degrees centigrade and visibility about 10 metres. Max air temperature about 21 degrees.

3rd August 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

A great morning with under 5 knots W tending NW all morning, and an astounding 22 metres of blue visibility. Swell was 0.7m, water temperature 20 degrees and max air temperature about 22 degrees.

29th July 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Under 5 knot W to NW wind with a 0.7m swell most of the morning. A few whales in the distance despite being deep at 43 metres. Water temerature about 21 degrees. Visibility was about 14m. This was a great morning with essentially flat seas and nice diving conditions. Our 25th ocean dive trip for the year.

17th July 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Wind from 6 to 8 knots NW all morning. Swell 0.7 metre. Again pretty flat seas. Water vibility started off about 12 metres and then went to about 22 metres. A little weird but we assume the change of currets. Water temperature was about 21 degrees and air temperature later in the morning abot 20 degrees.

22nd June 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Flat esase and 21 degree water temperatures. Our last dive day before our North Queensland adventure diving Lake Eacham.

17th June 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

A cracker of a day with both awesome surface and underwater conditions. It was under 5 knots wind all morinng and at times 0 knots!  It was 1 to 3 knots southerly at departure and 3 knots SSE on return at midday. Swell under 0.6m and a totally sunny day. Water temperature was 22 degrees with 17 metres vertical visibility. Water temerature was 22 degrees centigrade. Lots of whale sightings out at the 48 metre depth contour. Our 19th dive day for 2022 and probbly the best for conditions since January.

12th June 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another chilly morning of 11 degrees centigrade at departure and 6 knots W. While air temperature reached a maximum of 18 degrees at 11.30am water temperature was still around 20 degrees centigrade. Swell was 0.6m. Water visibility was just 12 metres.

10th June 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was a chilly morning with air temperatiure only 7 degrees at 7am and it never exceeded 17 degrees for the morning. Unfortunately water temperature was only 20 degrees –  not sure why. This combination of air and water temperature made the morning uncomfortable for diving unless well orgnaised with appropraite dive gloves, socks and 5mm wetsuits. Visibility was still only 10 metres. But surface conditions pretty reasonable with on average 5 knots wind and 06m swell.

5th June 2022 Water Visibility & Condition

A continuation of Fridays excellent weather with wind hovering around the 5 to 7 knots W to NW and air temperatures around 20 degrees. The vis remained at 10 metres and water temperature 22 degrees.  Slighly more current at the end of the morning but overall excellent diving conditions which look set to continue for the next week. Get in while you can! Our 16th dive day for 2022.

3rd June 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Probably some of the best surface conditions this year and cetainly since all the rain has stopped. Wind was under 5 knots W to NW all morning resulting in very flat seas with the 0.5m swell. Vis is still only about 10m but absolutely no current making diving a pleasure. Air temperature was only about 20 degrees but warmer in the water with 22 degrees.

29th May 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

It was a bit touch and go about the weather conditions but we departed with 4 to 5 knot WNW and the wind never went past 9 knots all morning. This was below the predicted wind speed of 12 to 13 knots. Swell was 1.4m but seemed flatter except when entering the Gold Coast Seaway. Visibility was about 8 metres but this seemed more once we were below the 5 to 6 metre depth. Water temperature is now dropping to 23 degrees centigrade so time to bring out the 5mm wetsuits (or hire one of our high tech 5mm wetsuits). Air temperature was at best 22 degrees so probably cooler on the boat than in the water.

6th May 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another break in rain/windy conditions and we were out. Only 2 to 4 knots SW at departure and never got past about 8 knots. We dived deeped intially and finished off at the wreck of the Scottish Prince. Out deep the vis was about 14m but in close at the wreck about 5m vis. Water temperature remains surprisingly warm at almost 25 degrees. Swell about 1.3m and max air temp was 24 degrees.

2nd April 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were fortunate to get out after another week of rain and unpredictable conditions. While the wind stayed under 6 knots all morning and swells were 1.1m the visibility was probably the worst we have experienced for more than a year – at best only 5m. Water temperatures were 25 to 26 degrees and air temperature was a max of 26 degres.

27th March 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

The wind was only 2 to 4 knots WSW at our departure and stayed under 6 knots all morning. Swell was only 0.8m. This was a pleasant morning with water temperatures up around the 27 degrees centigrade still and max air temperatures 26 degrees. About 10 metres visibility.

23rd March 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

A bit of a sneaky trip out to  check conditions. We were surprised to get about 12 metres of visibility. Water temperature was 27 degrees. Wind was 6 to 10 knots with the swell at 0.7m really helping keep the surface flat. Max air temperature was 28 degrees.

20th February 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Visibility even better today at 22m. Surface conditions were calmer than yesterday with 6 knots SSW on our departure and 8 knots wind on our return. Seas and swell under 1.0m which is always nice. Water temperature a comfortable 26 degrees. Our ninth ocean diving day for 2022.

19th February 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Visibility was 20m today with a lovely blue colour that comes with that vis. The day started with a light 5 knot SW but increased to 13 knots SE. As a result the surface was a little choppy even though seas and swell were only 1.0m. Water temperature remaining a very comfortable 26 degrees centigrade (even down at 20m depth. Max air temp was 29 degrees centigrade. Our 8th ocean diving day for 2022.

18th February 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Visibility increasing to 15m today. In fact when you dived below the surface layer of particle matter of 3 to 5m it opened up to about 20m vis. Water temperature was at least 26 degrees though my dive watched stated 27 degrees late in the morning. 6 knot WSW wind on departure and a gentle 8 knots N on our return. Swell about 1m. Top air temperature was 30 degrees.

17th February 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

Today, Thursday,and up until at least next Monday are looking great for diving. 5 knots WSW wind and 1 metre swell at departure, essentially giving flat seas. Couldn’t have asked for much better given the past few weeks. Visibility was about 12 metres with a water temperatue of 26 degrees centigrade. A bit cloudy early but cleared up to a fine day with a maximum air temperature of 28 degres.

9th January 2022 Water Visibility & Conditions

This has been the first day we have been able to get out for the past fortnight with high winds and big seas making it unsafe for boating. Fortunately, today the swell was down to 1.1m and actually there was no wind when we departed at 7am. It slowly crept up to 9 knots by 8.30am where it pretty well stayed for most of the morning. Visibility looked terrible close in but at the 39m depth contour we were getting around 10m visibility looking down.. It was only “cloudy” in the first 10m. After we got below the 10m depth mark it cleared up to about 15m visibility. Water temperature had dropped to about 26 degrees though it semd very comfortable in the water. The sun broke thorugh at about 8am resulting in a very sunny morning – probably the first in 2 weeks!

19th December 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another awesome morning out off the Gold Coast departing at 7am with only a 4 to 5 knot WSW wind and staying under 10 knots all morning. Seas flat with a 0.7m swell. Our first stop was out at the 35m depth contour where we were greeted with a good 22m visibility. For our second session we dived the Scottish Prince where we were able to view the wreck from the surface – suggesting a good 10m visibility. Water temperature a lovely 27 degrees centigrade. All pics on Freediving Gold Coast Facebook.

17th December 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Wind low all morning (5 to 10 knots S) creating flat seas (about 0.8m swell) and great conditions for diving off the Gold Coast. Visibility an awesome 27m and a a very comfortable 27 degrees water temperature. Check out Facebook to see what 27m vis looks like.

11th December 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

This is one of those days where we got it wrong. Things were looking awesome like yesterday when the BOM changed its prediction some 12 hours out to about 14 knot winds by 11am. It all looked good at our departure at 7am with 5 knots WSW winds. But we ended up with 18 knot SE winds and this made surface conditions for freediving very uncomfortable even though under the water it was quite pleasant with some 12m visibility and 27 degrees water tempterature. Once past the top 5m it was quite blue and very good visibility underneath.

10th December 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Great conditions this morning with a whopping 20m visiblity at the 40m depth contour and about 8m visibility at the Scottish Prince wreck. This was combined with a 26 degrees water temperature. Very comfortable diving. When we departed at 7am winds were 5 knots NW. Still only about 6 knots wind mid-morning. 10 knots WNW on our return some 4 hours later. Swell 1.0m. Air temperature 28 degrees at 11.34am.

27th & 28th November 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

No diving this weekend because of the high winds over 15 knots and up to 20 knots.

21st November 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was one of those days when the BOM got it wrong. We departed with a 4 knot westerly and returned with an 8 knot NNE but at times the sea was as flat as a pancake as the saying goes. Just no wind most of the morning. Full pics on Facebook. Pretty good visibility too at about 12 to 13 metres. Water temperature close to 22 degrees centigrade and air temperatire was a good 26 degrees.

14th November 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We departed with a 5 to 7 knot NW at 7am and returned with a 9 knot NW at midday. Air temperature was a comfortable 26 degrees but water temperature was still hovering around the 21 to 22 degres mark. Again seas were pretty flat with only a 0.4m swell. The big downer was visibility which was at best 5 metres from the surface. But surprisingly it was some 12 metres plus – once you got below the 18 metre depth mark.

7th November 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We thought yesterday would be the better day based on the BOM but today turned out much better. Flatter seas (swell 0.8m), less wind (0 to 7 knots), warmer air temperatures (up to 27 degrees) and better visibility (perhaps 13 to 15m at times). The down side was patches of brown stuff that moved in at times. It first appeared at the 9 metre depth mark. It was about 1 to 2 metres thick and when you were in it vis was close to zero until you swam through it. Then vis was back to 13 to 15m again. Over the course of the mornning it moved in and out of our dive zone. Overall a surprisingly good day for diving. Looking at the latest weather reports we expect diving and boating outside to be off limits except for this Wednesday and possibly next Sunday morning.

6th November 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Choppy on the way out with some bog swells but fortunately the conditions improved by mid-morning with very little wind (under 5 knots) and around 9 knots wind on our way home. Quite cloudy too with the sun only coming out towards the end of the morning. This did not help water visibility which was at best 12 metres but probably dropping down to 10 metres at times. Water temperature was 22 degrees and pretty consistent all the way down to 20 metres depth. Air temperature was a maximum of 24 degrees.

17th October 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Very pleasant surface conditions today with swell under 0.6m, and wind (SW tending S) under 5 knots all morning and a max air temperature of 25 degrees. Wind reached 10 knots on our return journing home at around 11.15am. Underwater wasn’t as pleasant with vis only 7 to 8 metres for the top 15 metres. Once under the top layer and to 30m vis was greater than 10 metres. At the surface water temperature was 21 degrees but down at 30 metres it was 19 degrees.

10th October 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was the best day to go diving this weekend so we switched our ocean day from the Sunday to take advantage of the conditions. This is the advanatage of having your own boat. At around 7am there was almost no wind and this was pretty well maintained all morning and only coming up after 10.30am. By the time we got home the wind might have been a maximum of 10 knots. Sea conditons were very good with a swell of around 0.5metres. Water temperatures still hovering around the 20 to 21 degrees centigrade. The downside was the visibility with only 8 to 10 metres and this decreasing to around 3 to 4 metres at 16 metres depth. Air temperature was a comfortable 27 degress. This was our 31st dive trip for this year taking just freedivers out.

3rd October 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were pleasantly surprised with conditions today. Perfectly sunny with a max of 28 degrees centigrade. Wind was from 0 to 5 knots mostly NW all morning with the wind only coming up at around 10.20am to a max of 9 knots by 11am (when we came home). Visibility was 13m at 8am but improved to a good 15m by the end of the morning. Water temperature still a bit on the cool side with 21 degrees centigrade.

19th September 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

5 knot NW wind at 7am increasing to ESE by midday. Swell under 1.0m. 8 to 10 metres water visibility that increased over the course of the morning. Mostly sunny with a max of 25 degrees air temperatures. Water temperature still hovering around 20 degrees centigrade.

11th September 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

A little choppy today and some big swells on the way out. Fortunately mid-morning was very calm (under 5 knots wind) but then picked up again to around 9 knots at the end of our diving. Visibility was at best 12 metres but again the top 15 metres was the worst but deeper down it cleared up. A cooler day with a top of 24 degrees air temperature and water temperature about 22 degrees down to 20m depth.

15th August 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Awesome day. Essentially the same conditions as yesterday (see report below) but a totally sunny day of 24 degrees. Water visibility a good 15 metres. Close to a perfect day for freediving.

14th August 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Winds were below 5 knots all morning and seas were 0.7m swell leading to esentially flat seas. Water temperature was 20 degrees centigrade. Problem was it was a cloudy day so a 5mm wetsuit essential or one of our new 5mm rental wetsuits.  Water visiblity 15 metres.

18th July 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Seas were very flat with little swell and almost no wind most of the morning. Visibility was about 10 to 12 metres. The down side was an overcast day and we doubt the air temperature went past 20 degrees. This was not a good combination with water temperatures at 18.5 degrees centigrade. Definitely a 5mm open cell wetsuit required with gloves and booties. It doesn’t ever get much colder than this on the Gold Coast with air and water temperatures about the same – a very unusal combination that rarely occurs.

18th July 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Weather conditions, especially the wind has been all over the place recently but we managed to get a pretty good day with winds from 6 to 11 knots and even better the winds dropped over the course of the morning. Swell was a predicted 0.4m so the seas were pretty flat. We had 13 metres visibility and water temperature was 20 degrees (which matched the air temperature of 20 degrees at midday). Overall a pretty good day for our 7 freedivers.

6th June 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Great conditions this morning with wind from 0 to 5 knots, swell 0.6m, visibility 15 metres and water temperature 22 degrees centigrade. Couldn’t really ask for better freediving conditions.

15th May 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

The offocial forecast was under 5 knot winds and 1.0m swell. What did this mean? Glassy conditons! Water temperature was slightly higher than last week with 24 degrees centigrade. Water visibility was 15m. Very pleasant conditions for freediving.

9th May 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Our run of good conditions continue with no wind this morning and up to 20 metres of visibility. The reported swell was 1.0m but this was very gentle. It seemed very flat to us. The water temperature is decreasing and it seemed a constant 23 degrees centigrade all the way from the surface to 30m depth. Air tempterature was 26 degrees but because of the cloud cover it was probably cooler.

25th April 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

For some weird reason water visibility had decreased to 14m with a slight green colour. I assume due to winds. Water temperature was 26 degrees.

24th April 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Great visibility with 25m+, flat seas, and water temperative 26 degrees at 11m.

23rd April 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Visibility was 22m with water temperature varying from 25 to 26 degrees. It seemed slightly warmer at depth. Again seas flat with little wind.

14th March 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Water visibility down from two days ago to about 15m. We had a layer of particle matter on the top but once below that it was much clearer. We were out at the 42 metre cdepth contour with our advanced students. Winds were from 5 to 10 knots with a little bit more chop/current than 2 days ago so we elected to drift dive from the buoy. Water temperatures being maintained around the 27 degree mark.

12th March 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Wind conditions under 5 knots for most of the morning, swell under 1 metre and 17 metre water visibility. Great day.

7th March 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were a bit unsure about today as there was some variability in swell predictions and 40% chance of rain in late morning. Well there was no rain and in fact quite sunny by lunchtimte. Swell was 0.9 metre and wind at times was almost nothing. It was a 6 knot southerly on our departure and a 5 knot easterly by our return at 10.30am. Great visbility at 20 metes and water temperature was just under 27 degrees.

5th March 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We are going out again this morning to take advantage of the excellent sea state. Predicted is zero wind and up to a max of possibly 5 to 6 knots of mainly NE. Swell is 1 metre. Partly cloudy with a max of 29 degrees centigrade air tempterature. This prediction was pretty accurate. We would add that the water visibility was 20 metres and water temperature was a lovely 27 degrees.

26th February 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Finally after a break of two weeks of some high winds and seas back out on the water at the 34m depth mark. We were met with relatively flat seas with a swell of 1.1m and winds on average of 4 to 5 knots with a max of about 7 knots on our way home at 11am. And a very pleasant water tempterature of 27 degrees which was constant all the way to about 20 metres. The only downside was a vis of about 10 metres.

12th February 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Winds on average 3 to 7 knots and swell just under a metre so pleasant surface conditions for diving. Water temperature just 27 degrees. Visisbility about 10 metres looking down the line.

24th January 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

We can’t beleive how much water visibility can change over 24 hours – down to 8 metres after yesterday. Admittedly we weren’t so deep at the 32 metre depth contour but still…  Postively, relatively calm conditions on the surface (a constant 6 to 8 knot SE all morning and a swell of 0.7m). Sea temperatures remaining constant at 26 degrees.

23rd January 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

An absoluting brilliant day with almost no wind (from zero to 5 knots all morning predominantly an easterly); water visibility a magical 20 metres and 26 degrees centigrade water temperature. Swell 0.7m. We were at the 42 metre depth contour for a special Deep Dive Day for our advanced freedivers.

18th January 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was one of those days when the BOM and other websites got the conditons completely wrong. We expected NNE winds of 5 to 10 knots with an average of 6/7 knots. We ended up with 19 knots NE at 9.30am and it only decreased to around 4 knots when we got back to the boat ramp. Fortuinately, the predicted swell was 0.9m otherwise we would not have persevered and completed our dive day. Visibility remained at 10 metres. Water temperature was a comfortable 26 degrees though cooler at depth (deeper than 20 metres).

15th January 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

Great conditions this morning for our Assistant Instructor students with flat seas (officially swell was 1.1m), almost no wind until 9am and then slowly crept up to about 7 knots N by 10.30am and warm water of 26 degrees centigrade. Visibility was 10 metres from the surface but once you got under the first 5 metres it then increased to about 15 metres visibility.

3rd January 2021 Water Visibility & Conditions

A totally surprising day with the possibility of winds around 10 knots and 1.5m swell. Should we go out or not? We did and we ended up with winds under 5 knots all morning and relative calm seas. On top of all that we had 20 metres visbility and 25 degrees centigrate water temperatures at the 38m depth contour.

27th December 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Winds were from 5 to 10 knots all morning with an average of 7/8 knots. The winds were all over the place from E, NE and SE. This might explain the choppy conditions on the way out. Positively the swell was only 1 metre. We had a nice 16 metres visibility at the 34 metre depth contour and 25 degrees water tempterature. This was expecially nice after the previous two dive trips were cancelled because of torrential rain and poor conditions. The only downside to the whole morning is that we had to get out of the water three times and move the boat to find clean water because of an attack of blue bottles.

22nd November 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Again we picked a great day to go out to the 33m to 37 metre depth contour. As they say one pic is worth a thousand words:

Wind was below 5 knots NE early in the morning and it came up to about 8 knots NE by 11am when we returned to the Broadwater. Swell was a gentle 0.8m. Water temperature is now a nice 24 degrees centigrade. Water visbility was from 8 to 10 metres depending on the time in the morning. It seemed to improve over the course of the morning.

 

16th November 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

It has been very windy lately but we picked an excellent day to go out with pond like conditions. Wind was around 2 to 3 knots NW all morning and only came up to about 8 knots when we got back into shore. Swell was supposedly around 0.9 metre but as you can see from our pictures on Facebook it couldn’t have been any flatter. Unfortunatey the great topside conditions were not reflected underwater with only about 7 metres visibility out at the 32m depth contour. Water tempteratures are getting warmer with 23 degrees centigrade water temperature and I (Clinton) was comfortable in my 3mm open cell freediving wetsuit.

30th October 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another brilliant Friday on the water. We intentionally avoided the weekend as the wind was coming up again. This is one of the many advantages of having our own dive boat. But today was no wind (2 to 3 knots) and flat seas (supposedly 1m swell but for practical purposes flat). Water temperature is increasing to 23 degrees centigrade (time to bring out he 3mm wetsuits). Water vis about 12 metres at the 34m depth contour.

23rd October 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Awesome day with flat seas and no wind. We were blessed with a 0.5m swell and winds only 2 to 3 knots most of the morning. On top of all that we had 15 metres visibility out at the 33m depth contour. Water temperatures getting slighly warmer with 22 to 23 degrees centigrade. As usual photos on Facebook.

17th October 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We went out at 7am to take advantage of the almost flat seas (swell 1.1m) with under 5 knot N wind early. The wind came up to about 8 knots by 11am. Visibility was 12m and water temperature remaining constant at 22 degrees centigrade.

11th October 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Slightly jiggly morning out at the 33m depth contour but a constant 7 knots SW most of the morning with a 1 metre swell. Visibilty just 10 metres and water temperature about 22 degrees centigrade.

4th October 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Out at the 33m depth contour with our Advanced Freedivers. A pleasant morning with a 5 knots E varying to up to 9 knots NE later in the morning. Swell below one metre. Visibility about 10 metres. Water temperature 22 degrees centigrade.

27th September 2020 Water Visibility & Condtions

We were at the 37metre depth contour today and despite trhe windy condtions over the last few days we were blessed with almost no wind in the morning and certainly under 5 knots SW most of the morning. At midday when we returned it had increased to about 12 knots E. Water visibility was only about 10 metres and water temperature had decreased to about 20 degrees centiigrade though our boat depth sounder was reporting closer to 19 degrees. Seas were flat with a 0.5m swell. The highlight was the whales who came within 20 metres of our buoy and line. Even some dolphins came in close a bit later in the day.

14th September 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We postponed from the Sunday to the Monday to take advantage of the better conditions and this was a good move (this is the advantage of having our own dive boat). A lovely day on the water with flat seas (officially 1.1m swell but it appeared much lower) and wind under 5 knots for most of the morning and only coming up a little by midday – perhaps 9 knots). We were blessed with a very comfortable 17m visibility and water temperatures are increasing to around 21 to 22 degrees centigrade depending on the depth.

30th August 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

The weather prediction looked good with 0.8m swell and with wind of 5 to 7 knots. For some reason it was rock and roll out there. Wind was 12 knots southerly when we first went out and swell was definitely greater. Once in the water it was ok with a nice 15 metres of visiblity and water temperature still around the 20 degrees centigrade mark. We had some deep divers on board (diving beyond 30 metres) and the vis was definitely much less around the 17m depth mark.

16th August 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were fortunte to get the best day for diving in the last week with flat seas (swells of 0.5m) and winds on average 7 to 10 knots. It became a little choppy later in the morning. We were diving at the 35m depth contour. Water visibility was about 10 metres. Water temperature was still about 21 degrees centigrade. We were blessed with blue skies and not a cloud in sight. Whale sounds underwater. A great day to be on the water.

9th August 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

A lovely sunny day with not a cloud in sight. However, a 7 to 11 knot westerly made the air temperature a little cool but water temperature was in the range of 20 to 21 degrees centigrade. Visibility was about 13 metres at the 33 metre depth contour but seemed to vary a little over the course of the morning. Swell was about 1 metre.

19th July 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Beaufiful flat conditions with a gentle 5 to 10 knot south westerly thoughout the morning. Visibilitibility was 20 metres which was great with dives up 42m depth for the advbanced students. Water temperature 21 degrees centigrade.

12th July 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We had an awesome 29m visibility at the 43m depth contour. Wind was low (most of the morning under 5 knots) with a swell of about 1.1m). Essentially flat conditions. Water temperature was 21 degrees centigrade.

21st June 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another awesome day out on the water at the 32m depth contour with 20 metres visibility, low wind (most of the morning under 5 knots northerly) and flat seas (swell was apparently 1.1m). Water temperature is still around 22 degrees centigrade. Check out Facebook for underwater shots of our divers completing their Ocean Freediver and Advanced Ocean Freediver courses.

14th June 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We went out to the 30 metre depth contour for the Ocean Freediver course. We had a nice 17 metres visibility and 22 degrees centigrade water tempterature. Winds were southerly from 6 to 8 knots all morning. Swell was 1.3 metres.

31st May 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Awesome diving conditions today with 28 metres plus visibility at the 47 metre depth contour. Wind was about a 6 knots southerly on the way out but dropped below 5 knots during the morning. This is also flatened the sea that was a little swelly early in the morning (predicted 0.9 m though seemed more on the way out). Water temperature remains at 22 degrees centigrade. The only downslide to the morning was the cloudy sky. Click on the picture below for an eye-witness video report on the visbility and conditions (picture taken at 20 metres depth looking up).

23rd May 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

This was probably one of the coldest days we have ever experienced diving on the Gold Coast. Air temperature was 14 degrees centigrade all morning and not helped by the cloudy conditions. Fortuantely, water temperature was warmer at 22 degrees centigrade (even all the way down to 30 metres depth) but the boat trip out and back was defintely cool because of the wind chill factor. We would recommend all students to wear a jacket of some sort in winter over their wetsuit for this trip out and back. Wind speed was on average 10 knots; visibility was unexpectedly “average” at 12 metres; and the sea a little lumpy with a slight swell of 1.1m..

8th May 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another awesome day of diving off the Gold Coast with 22 metres visibility, 24 degrees centigrade water temperature and flat seas (according to the BOM under 5 knots of southerly wind). I (Clinton Laurence) did a dive to 41.8 metres and it was still 24 degrees down at that depth. Similar conditions are expected on Saturday 9/5/20.

26th April 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another awesome day off the Gold Coast with about 20 metres visibility, winds under 5 knots all morning and flat seas (about 0.5m swells). Water temperature was about 24 degrees centigrade.

22nd April 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were blessed with very pleasant and flat sea conditions with winds uder 5 knot westerly all morning and 0.3m swells. We were diving at the 42 metre depth contour. Unfortuantely water vis had deteriorated to about 8 metres looking down vertically (with sun above us) and perhaps as bad as 3 metres at 20 metre depth. Water temperature is now decreasing with about 23 degrees centigrade on the surface and all the way down to 20 metres. See the Youtube video below to see actual surface conditions.

 

18th April 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Today we had very good conditions with almost no wind by 10am and flat seas (0.6m swell). We did a bit of exploration today and wanted to see how long it took to get out to 50 metres of depth. This was 30 minutes from the Gold Coast Seaway. See Facebook for a video of this exploration. Interestingly the 40 metre depth contour is within 15 minutes of the Gold Coast Seaway making this very accessible for most of our diving. We did some diving at the 40 metre depth contour and was rewarded with 18 metres visibility and 26 degrees temperature on the surface and 25 degrees at 20 metre depth. Visibility would have been better except for a layer of particle matter some 10 to 15 metres down. Once past this layer the visibility cleared up again.

14th April 2020 Water Visbility & Conditions

Today we visitied the 120 year old wreck of the Scottish Prince some 800 metres offshore. We were hoping for good visibility close in. It was reasonable with just 10 metres of visibility. Vis was better closer to the bottom (12 metres depth). Surface water temperature close to 26 degrees still.

30th March 2020 Water Visibility & Conditions

Another awesome day on the water with 22 metres visibility, almost no wind (BOM stated a southerly under 5 knots with a 1.1 metre swell). We went out a bit deeper to the 47m depth contour and this partly helped the better visibility. Water temperature was from 26 to 27 degrees centigrade. We have a video on Youtube (below) and on Facebook of AIDA Instructor Cristy Gearon doing a very relaxed free immersion dive to 20 metres. This video shows off the great visibility for the day.

22nd March 2020 Water Visbility & Conditions

A great day of freediving at the 45 metre depth contour with our advanced freedivers. Visibility was about 18 metres in this deeper water and very good even all the way down to 34 metres. Water temperature remains at about 27 degrees centigrade. We had almost no wind (3 to 5 knots southerly) and flat seas with 0.7 metre swell. Just beautiful out on the water. In our opinion the best dive day this year.

21st March 2020 Water Visbility & Conditions

We had a full boat of freedivers at the 30 metre depth contour. Slightly windy when we went out with 11 knot NE but this dropped off to about 3 knots mid-morning making a great day of diving in the 1 metre swell – essentially flat seas. Water visibility was about 13 metres and water temperature 27 degrees centrigrade.

1st March 2020 Water Visbility & Conditions

Awesome visibility today with 20 metres from the top and it was still about 20m horizontal visibilty at 20 metres depth. We were at the 32m depth contour. Combined with at least 27 to 28 degrees water temperature at the surface and at 20 metres you couldn’t have asked for a much better underwater dive day. A bit choppy at the surface in the later part of the morning as SE winds increased from 5knots to 12 to 14 knots by 11am (with swells at 0.8 metre).

16th February 2020 Water Visbility & Conditions

From the 4th to the 14th February the Gold Coast Seaway recorded over half a metre of rain (actually 566mm of rain) which apparently was some kind of record. As a result of the run off from this rain we would not expecting good visibility. We think it was 4 to 5 metres out at the 33m depth contour.  Perhaps a lot better than the Seaway which was just brown! Nevertheless the surface conditions were brilliant with almost flat seas (1.1 metre swell) and no wind at 7am but slowly picked up to 9 knots SE by 11am. Finally, the water temperature was a comfortable 27 degrees centigrade. Unless there is a lot more rain we expect March to May to be very good diving.

2nd February 2020 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Conditions are improving compared to a week ago with a good 10 metres visibility. Water temperature was about 25 degrees on the surface but about 23 degrees at 20 metre depth. Surface conditions similar to last week with a 7 knot north easterly wind most of the morning but picking up to about 10 to 11 knots by 11am.  Swell was about 1 metre.

27th January 2020 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Back out after the big rains and seas of a week ago. We went out to the 42 metre depth contour. Today we had a pleasant 0 to 8 knot NE wind all morning with most of the morning almost no wind at all. Visbility was a poor 4 metres at the beginning of the morning but this improved to about 8 metres as the morning progressed. Water temperatures similarly started at 23 degrees but warmed up to 26 degrees by 11am. It seemed as if a warmer and cleaner water current came in mid-morning.

5th January 2020 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Our first Deep Dive Day for 2020 with relatively flat seas of 0.8m swell and winds northerly/north westerly from 7 knots to 14 knots by the time we finished. As a result seas were flatter for the early morning dive session. There was a drop off in wind mid-morning. We managed to just get 10 metres visibility (looking vertically down the dive line) with water temperatures about 24 degrees centigrade on the surface though there was a colder thermocline at around 8 metres and bit colder again by 16 metres. Full pics on Facebook.

22nd December 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Visibility a pleasant 12 metres and 24 degrees centigrade water temperature. We were blessed with flat seas and low winds of around 5 knots most of the morning.

10th November 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Another awesome day on the water. This was a “By Special Arrangement” Day (i.e., not listed on our website calendar) as conditions looked so great and we were not dissapointed. We went out to the 45m depth contour as seas were almost flat and no wind (under 5 knots until about 10am). We were drift diving so no current. By the end of the morning we were in about 39 metres of water. Visbibility was about 14 metres and sea temperative was 21 degrees centigrade at 38m depth and 22 degrees centigrade at the surface.

4th November 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

It was a bit of a lucky dip before going out this morning as winds of 14 knots were predicted so we went out at 6.30am instead of our usual 7am. Good move as winds were only 4 knots making seas relatively flat (see Facebook pics of this day) despite the 1.3 metre swell. Even when we came back in at 10.30am the winds had only crept up to a 11 knots north easterly. Water temperatre remains around 21 degrees centigrade and a visibility of 10 metres.

19th October 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

The great conditions are being maintained. We had around 16 metres visiblity at the 32 metre depth contour), no winds (certainly under 5 knots), and flat seas (0.7 metre swell). However, we read the weather forecast very well and changed our dive day from the Sunday to the Saturday. This is the advantage of having our own dive boat and not going out on a scuba boat. We have the flexibility to change our dive days to get the best dive conditions for the satisfaction of our customers. We would have had to cancel the Sunday because of the 20+ knot winds predicted.

6th October 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

We had the best conditions imaginable -17 metres water visibility, almost no wind and certainly uinder 5 knots (generally a SE direction) and flat seas (predicted swell was 0.7m) with 21 degrees water tempterature. On top of all that we have never seen so many whales and dolphins within 100 metres of the boat while anchored. We were diving in 43 metres of water and we must have been exactly in the middle of the whale highway as they were heading south. Perhaps 6 whales went past. A pod of dolphins came so close I saw one swimming just underneath us while on the buoy. Just an amazing morning.

22nd August 2019 Water Viiblity and Conditions

Back to 4 metres water visibility today. Luckily for us freedivers we spend more time looking inwards and exploring the self rather than outwards. We were fortunate to have only 6 knots of northerly wind when we went out at 7am and this dropped down to almost zero at 8.30am. While the swell was large at 1.4m or so the low wind kept the white tops away. Water might be warming up with 22 degrees centigrade at 20 metres depth.

14th August 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

I think we got to 8 to 9 metres visibility today. We went out further to the 40 to 46m depth contour and this might have helped with the slightly better visibility. The poor visibility was made up by the spectacular surface conditions – very sunny (25 degrees), slight wind of 7 to 10 knots, and almost flat seas with 0.6m. Water temperature has increased slightly to 20 degrees.

8th August 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Well absolutely amazing visibility today – NOT. Sadly we only managed 6 metres visibility. This is the worst visibility all year. Not sure why. Positively there was absolutely not  current. There was a mild chop as such with the on average 10 knot westerly winds. Water temperature still cold at around 19 degrees centigrade though all divers had 5mm wetsuits with complimentary vest/hood combo. Conditions can only improve from here.

4th August 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Visibility about 17 metres today at the 43 metre depth contour. Awesomely blue sky with air temperature around 22 degrees and relatively flat seas (0.6 metre swell). Winds 5 to 10 knots. Water temperature was 21 degrees centigrade but perhaps slightly warmer at the surface.

16th June 2019 Water Visiblity and Conditions

Another great dive day with about 20 metres visibility and water temperature of 22 degrees at the surface and about 21 degrees at 23 metre depth. Wind was a nice 6 knots and flat seas with a swell of 0.5 metre.

9th June 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

While we weren’t too sure of the conditions a few days earlier the weather forecast said a constant 10 knots of wind but it was about half of this for the first two hours. The wind increased to an 8 knots southerly by midday. Swell was 1 metre. Water temperature seemed a constant 22 degrees all the way down to about 35 metres depth. Visbility had decreased from our last dive trip to about 15 metres. This seemed a little unusual as the water seemed quite blue but there was a cloudiness to it that decreased the visbility.

26th May 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

We are on a roll with another 22 to 25 metres visibility at the 43 metre depth for one of our Deep Dve Days.  Water temperatures are holding up to the 24 degrees centtigrade and was pretty consistent throughout the depth ranges of 5 to 20 metres. On average wind speed was 7 knots with a 1 metre or so swell.

28th April 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

Another awesome day of freediving. We were blessed with almost no wind (average 5 knots), relatively flat seas (1.1 metre swells), and no current. Water temperature was a constant and comfortable 26 degrees on the surface but 24 degrees at 30 metres depth. Water visibility was 20 metres plus but some particle matter reduced the visibility compared to Anzac Day diving.

25th April 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

We were at the 38 metre depth contour for Assitant Instructor training. While swelly on the surface (1.5 metre swell) there was no current and an amazing 25 metres plus visibility. Wind was a constant 10 knots but it did not interfere with diving or preperation on the surface.

14th April 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

We were a little unsure about diving today because of predicted weather conditions but we had two very keen Assistant Instructor students (Jack and Jono) urging us to go out so what the heck. We were glad we did as we were met with some 25 metres visibility. Water temperature was still around 26 degrees centigrade. It was choppy in the boat with SE winds from 7 knots at 7am but up to 14 knots at one stage with a 1.4 metre swell. Neertheless, the choppy conditions did not affect dive preperation on the surface and overall they were very comfortable diving conditions.

17th March 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

Absolutely amazing conditions today with 22 metres visibility at the 36m depth contour. We knew we were in for a cracker of a morning when we took our lifejackets off just outside the Gold Coast Seaay. We could easily see the bottom in about 8 metres depth  We were blessed with flat seas (Burea of Meteorology stated 0.8 metre swell), almost no wind (under 5 knots) and a very comfortable temperature of 26 degrees centigrade at all depths. All pics on Facebook.

10th March 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

Our first day back out after Cyclone Oma. We headed out to our usual dive site at the 30 metres contour but had significant current. so after about 30 minutes of diving headed into shallower water of 22 metres depth. Here we had no current at all. Visibility was about 8 to 10 metres with a water temperature of 26 degrees centigrade.

26th January 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

We manged to get out and celebrate Australia Day diving at the 32 metre contour. Water visibility was improving at about 12 metres from the surface though a bit hazy down at 30 metres. But the big plus was finally the warmer water conditions had arrived with 27 degrees on the surface and 25 degrees at 30 metres. Wind was a low 3 or 4 knots at 7am but picked up to about 11 knots by 11am. Overall, a great day of freediving with 7 freedivers in the water enjoying the summer conditons. Full pics on Facebook as usual.

20th January 2019 Water Visibility and Conditions

This was our Deep Dive Day for advanced freedivers. We were diving from 40 to 45 metre depths. Water and visibility conditions had been atrocious with an influx of blue bottles some two weeks earlier. Luckily conditions had improved with a minimum of 7 to possibly 10 metres visibility and no blue bottles to be seen or more importantly felt! The water temperature was still surprisingly cold with 23/24 degrees on the surface but 21 degress down at 45 metres. This was compensated by the flat seas and almost no wind.

1st December 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

We have missed the last few diving reports. Apologies for this. Today we went out early at 7am to make the most of the calmer conditions. Wind was perhaps about 10 knots at this time but dropped down to 5 to 6 knots mid-morning before increasing again by 11am but we were dived out by then. Visibility was around the 10 to 12 metre mark with some particle matter. Water surprisingly cold for the beginning of December with about 23 degrees centigrade at 20 metres depth.(in fact last week we had an unseasonal 19 degrees at the 20 to 30 metre depth mark). Fortunately warm on the surface with 30 degree air temperatures, blue sky, and gentle swell. Some dolphins swam by some 15 metres away too. Pics as usual on Facebook.

28th October 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Another great dive day. We got out early at 7am to avoid the anticipated increase in winds (which was 30 knots by 6pm) and we were rewarded with 20 metres visibility. Divers reported the visibility dropped off dramatically at the 20 metre mark but this was only a minor concern to the two 30 metre depth divers.  There was also a thermocline at about the 15 metre depth with possibly a 3 degree drop in water temperature. Nevertheless, my dive watch was reporting 23 degrees centigrade at 24 metres depth and 24 degrees centigrade at about 5 metres. Slightly choppy at about 8am but the wind dropped off completely by 10am giving us flat seas again.

21st October 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

After some two weeks of wild weather and rain including 4 metre swells the previous Sunday it was good to get out but we weren’t too sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised with almost no wind which tended to flatten the predicted 1.2 metre swell. From our perspective the seas were flat. There was no current which made diving from the buoy a pleasure. The million dollar question what was the visibility like? It was pretty good depending on what depth you were diving to. From the surface looking down the line we perhaps had 8 metres of visibility but once under the 5 metre top layer we had vis almost all the way to 20 metres. The two divers who dived to 30 metres reported that it dropped dramatically after that with maybe only 3 to 4 metres vis. The water is getting nice and warm with 23 degrees centigrade. Back to our 3mm open cell wetsuits. Full pics on Facebook as usual.

Diving Conditions Gold Coast Saturday 18th August 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Conditions report. Well, we went out on the Saturday to avoid to winds that were predicted to come up on the Sunday. At 8:30am the offshore visibility was at 15m but slowly declined by midday and a slight chop forming on the surface. Slight current at the 32m depth point but nothing concerning. Sunny skies all day with a water temp (so the dive watch said at 20m) of 19 degrees.

Best Diving Conditions Gold Coast 5th August 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Conditions today were great. A full boat – dolphins are getting used to our divers and their curiosity is bringing them over more regularly and they seem to be comfortable just hanging around. 16m+ vis. 19-20 degrees water temp. Calm, calm, calm seas. Mirror like. No wind. Loggerheads around and a few mantas jumping out of the water. Busy floats. Plenty of sunshine and … an Ex Australian Freediving Champion on board – Ben Noble. How do you like that? The Gold Coast’s standard conditions are living up to their usual wonderful winter conditions.

22nd July 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Perhaps not the best day for freediving from a boat with 11 to 13 knot winds and one metre swells which for some reason made it a bit jiggly out there and not the best for those prone to sea sickness. Vis was about 13 to 15 metres with water temperatures still at 21 degrees centigrade (which was excellent given some of the recent overnight air temperatures getting down below 10 degrees on the Gold Coast). This was a depth diving day and given that we were diving up to 40 metres in depth we were further out from the coast than usual perhaps exposing us to rougher conditions.

1st July 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Another awesome day freediving with at least 22 metres water visibility, 0.9m swell and very flat/no wind when we first arrived at about 8.30am though the wind picked up to about 8 knots by midday. Water temperatures slowly dropping to about 21 degrees centigrade which was not helped by the cloudy day. A big plus was the total absence of current which was perfect for freediving on a buoy and line at the 33m depth contour. All pictures on Facebook.

17th June 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

We had a great 20 metre visibility, 22 degrees water temperature, 0.6 metre swell and an on average 8 knot westerly wind. All great conditions for freediving.

This is what 20 metres water visibility looks like.

20th May 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Very pleasant conditions offshore with maximum south westerly winds of 8 knots and half metre swells resulting in almost flat seas. Water visibility varied from 12 metres when we first arrived to about 16 metres later in the morning (and towards the top of the tide). Water temperature was 23 degrees centigrade. Still comfortable diving in our 3mm open cell wetsuits. The surprise of the morning was a visit by a pod of dolphins which swam by to check us out at several metres below the surface.

6th May 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Conditions were blown away offshore with 20 knot plus winds so we headed inshore to the Blue Lagoon. While the water was colder at 23 degrees centigrade, there was no current or wind, and we still had a good 7 metres visibility to finish our course.  This photo was taken just below the surface but gives a good indication of visibility.

A good 7 metres visibility at the surface as this photo nicely shows.

25th April 2018 Anzac Day Water Visibility and Conditions

Conditions were awesome to say the least with the best diving conditions of the year with 25 metres plus visibility, no wind and sea temperatures around the 25 degrees centigrade mark. Video of surface conditions and dive photos are on our Facebook page. The improvement in conditions becomes apparent when you look at the pictures from our last dive report.

Water visibility looking up from 24 metres to see one diver on the rope at the surface and the outline of the boat to the right.


Water visibility at the 16 metre depth mark on Anzac Day.

16th April 2018 Water Visibility and Conditions

Well finally a break in the seas and we went out to be met with almost flat seas and no wind. It was flat as a millpond on the surface.  Visibility was only about 5 metres at the surface looking down from the buoy but some 15 metres visibility once beyond the 5 metre layer of poor vis. Water temperature was about 24 degrees centigrade. Check out Facebook where we have a video of the surface conditions.

Water visibility at 16 metres depth – 16/4/18

18th March 2018 Water Visibility & Conditions

Probably the best day for going out in the ocean since our last time out on the 4th (though should be good for tomorrow too). The Gold Coast has been feeling the effects of a cyclone some 1500 kms away for the past two weeks. The water was a nice 27 degrees according to my dive watch, winds under 10 knots, and a jiggling one metre swell. Visibility was a nice even 10 metres throughout but some particle matter stopped further visibility (from the cyclone seas stirring things up). We were a bit closer to shore diving on the 25 metre depth contour.

4th March 2018 Water Visibility & Conditions

Photo taken at about 7 metres depth showing the two layers of visibility.

Photo taken at about 7 metres depth showing the two layers of visibility.

Conditions were much better this weekend compared to last weekend.  While a little choppy when we first got out around 8am and some current this settled right down to flat seas and only a slight current at the surface and no current past the 5 metre depth.  In fact, water visibility was about 10 metres from the surface looking down but when we got past the 5 metre layer the water was really blue to about 15 metres visibility.  Depending on rain levels over the next week or two we would like to think this top “dirty: layer will disappear.

25th February 2018 Water Visibility & Conditions

We were very fortunate in being able to get out on this Sunday despite the previous two weeks of big seas and rain. We had relatively flat seas (1.1 metre swells), manageable winds, mostly sunny, little current in the water, and comfortable water temperatures around 26 degrees. The only downside was water visibility of around 6 to 7 metres. Nevertheless, a big effort by some freedivers including Damian Papworth completing his Advanced Ocean Freediver (AIDA 3 Advanced Freeediver certification) with a number of dives around the 30m depth.

18th February 2018 Water Visibility & Conditions

With swells of 2.5 metres today no boats were going outside (except submarines) so our course was  conducted around Wave Break Island. Unfortunately, there was a very strong current exacerbated by the surges at the entrance to the seaway. In fact, high tide was 10am but there was a only a small window of no current around 11am. Water visibility was also poor with at best 3 metres looking down (with the sun behind me). Far from ideal conditions for a freediving course and which is why we prefer to head offshore whenever possible. Despite the seaway being popular with scuba divers, the best freediving is clearly offshore.

21st January 2018 Water Visibility & Conditions

Water visibility was about 10 metres today which was slightly unusual as no particle matter and very good until about 10 metres but then just dropped off. Because of the somewhat lumpy seas caused by the 13 to 15 knot winds we only went out to the 26 metre depth contour – some 3 kilometres out to sea. Nevertheless very pleasant diving conditions with no current and quite comfortable on the buoy with a 26 degrees water temperature on the surface. Jamie McCulley was very happy with his 25.5m constant weight dive.

Jamie McCully pretty stocked with his 25.5m constant weight dive


A closer pic of his time and depth of 25.5m

23rd December 2017 Water Visibility & Conditions

Today was our last AIDA 2 Ocean Fun Day for 2017 and we were fortunate to be blessed with calm seas (apparently 0.5m swells) and almost no wind at 8am though it picked up towards lunchtime. As you can see flat as a pancake at about 8am when this picture taken. Visibility was about 10 metres though improved with less particle matter around the top of the tide (11am).

Flat as a pancake at 8am on 23/12/17

Water visibility was at about 10 metres on 23/12/17

15th December 2017 Water Visibility

Friday freediving was in full swing this morning with 16 metres water visibility and  a more comfortable 25 degrees centigrade water temperature.  Diving conditions were very pleasant earlier in the morning but winds started coming up towards the end of the diving. Fortunately, we got out early to take advantage of this window for diving. We expect similar conditions for diving tomorrow.

4th December 2017

Finally weather and ocean conditions appear to be improving and we expect largely sunny days, and flatter seas by the coming weekend for our Ocean Freediver course on Saturday 9/12/17 and Sunday 10/12/17.

26th November 2017 Ocean Freediving Course

Ocean conditions have been poor for freediving since the 18th of November with unseasonal large easterly swells and these are predicted to continue for at least one more week with easterly swells of 1.5 metre plus. In fact, the swell could build up to 2 metres by Sunday 3rd of December. But it seems this is a great time for surfing with waves of 1.5m off popular Gold Coast beaches.  We hope to get back on track with regular ocean freediving by the weekend of 8th, 9th and 10th of December. Nevertheless all our courses are continuing as per normal. If for some reason you have enrolled in a freediving course which includes the the best part of freediving – fun ocean diving, then we will make this available to you as soon as weather conditions improve for ocean freediving.

17th November 2017 Ocean Freediving Course (Friday ocean day)

Rougher conditions expected for the weekend so we gave our students the option of ocean diving on the Friday. Only 2 nautical miles offshore we had warmer waters with 24 degrees water temp and 16m plus visibility. It’s the end of whale season but we saw three hanging about the surface while they were heading south. Sunday ocean diving was cancelled – unfortunately – as it was well chopped out with all white caps so Friday was definitely THE day. Well done to the ‘Big B’ for his personal bests on the float.

29th October 2017 Ocean Freediving Course and Freediving Training Sessions

We were 3 nautical miles offshore. Despite rains during the week and northerly winds, we had lovely 16+ meters visibility. Whales were still hanging around as they continue to head south. High tide at 1230. Winds came up, as predicted so nice to start the day early. Water temp was a fresh 22.9 reading on the sounder but Clint’s watch was registering 24 degrees on the surface. Well, the sun was out shedding plenty of warmth. Best place on the Gold Coast to be, as always. Quiet out there. Just a pack of freedivers exploring the depths and listening to the whales singing out the last of their season. Zip current until 1130. (When we say ‘no current’ people always seem surprised. That’s right – we mostly have no current – the Gold Coast coastline is almost, essentially, a ‘bay’ – we aren’t the furthest eastern coastal area in Australia so we have plenty of ocean to be in without us being in the EAC (East Oz Current).

27th August 2017 Ocean Freediving Course and Freediving Training Sessions

North westerly winds changed the visibility to 10m plus+ on the Sunday. The westerlies flattened out swell. Some chop on the seas 2 nautical miles offshore but nothing to distract from the quality diving and breathups. No whales sighted but they, as usual, were heard loud and clear on the line. Water temperature was 1 degree warmer at 20.4 degrees.

13th August 2017 Ocean Freediving Course and Freediving Training Sessions

Visibility offshore is phenomenal at 25m + plus. Water temperature was 19.4 degress Celcius. No current. Smooth seas. Light chop later in the day. Perfect training conditions. Perfect conditions for beginner freedivers and advanced training freedivers. Two whales sighted and a pod of dolphins but the highlight was the magnificent blue water and visibility. It was peaceful out there and totally conducive to a peaceful freediving mindset.

6th August 2017

Perfect conditions today. 18m+ visibility at the 40m contour. A couple of whales passed by us (when we were on the boat). Flat seas for the whole morning. Water temp was a fresh 19 degrees Celcius.

30th July 2017

Lovely dive conditions on the weekend for the AIDA 2 Ocean Freediver Course and open water sessions for certified freedivers. Plenty of winter sun, 15m + plus visibility and a curious dolphin popped on over. Here we all were – 2nm offshore on a perfect Gold Coast Sunday day. Congratulations to Andre, from Brazil, for his 3mins 40sec breath hold during the AIDA 2 pool session and 20m depth dives. Thank you everybody for joining us on the Sunday and enjoying the Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, offshore. No whales seen Sunday, but our divers assure us they were sung to at depth.

16th July 2017 Ocean Freediving Course & Freediving Training Sessions

Mmm no whales sighted today. Dredging happening close to the coastline and, perhaps, impacting on visibility today. Current at the 35m contour. Visibility was about 10m. Closer in, no current but the visibility was less than 10m. Water temperature was 21 degrees Celcius. Storms were predicted to happen during the morning or afternoon – but our morning opened up to rays of sunshine and we had the winter sun on our backs all day which was … bloody lovely. Rare sighting of a seabird from east Asia – the black tailed gull. Yes, the divers on float 2 had a very close inspection. It happily placed itself on the float. That was unexpected. But, then again, I don’t think it was expecting us out there floating around either. So we kind of just studied each other. The experience, like most of them in freediving, was… unique.

9th July 2017 Freediving Training

Very pleasant conditions in the water and on board today due to little breeze. We did dive in an outgoing tide but, even still, visibility was fairly poor at less than 10m at the 42m contour – even less so much closer in (less than 5m on a 20m contour). Little breeze on the water so just winter sun, sun, sun. Dolphins and whales – a plenty. Green turtle sighting. Hammerhead passed on through. Well, such is the sea when it’s little over 0.5m and you can see for miles. Still 22 degrees water temperature outside which is warmer than inside for divers who dive the Seaway. You’ll notice… it’s always warmer outside. About 115 boats counted – simply whale watching and doing the usual Sunday outing but we kept clear of the crowds. This always makes for pleasant diving.

8th July 2017 Freediving Training

Saturday…our on board lookout counted 30 whales moving north so things were pretty noisy under the water. Visibility at the 42m was 12m plus and then at the 20m it cleared up to see the bottom. Diving outside on a low tide. Cool breeze on board so it was warmer to stay in the water. Very comfortable breath ups in water. Just stillness on the ocean. 22 degrees. Expecting no winds tomorrow and less sea state. Seas were under 1m.

2nd July 2017 Ocean Freediving Course

Freediving courses weekend dive report? Water visibility’s cleaning up 2 nautical miles offshore after the rains with a 12 metres plus+. Water temperature was a fresh 22 degrees and was warmer in the water than out. Blue, blue skies. Zero current at the 30m contour made for some very pleasant diving. Rug up in your winter warmers with a steamer under your 5mm scuba suit, if you only have a scuba suit. For males, 3.5mm Cressi Apnea suits are handling the cooler waters at the moment with only a lava core vest underneath.

28th May 2017 Ocean Freediving Course

Condition’s report? 20 metres plus+ for visibility and sun, sun and more sunshine for this Ocean Freediving Course (AIDA 2 Level). We were 2 nautical miles offshore on the Gold Coast on this fine Sunday. Zero current and unaffected by tides (neap) made for some very easy conditions and some lengthy dive sessions. Complimentary 5mm hoods for our divers are making for toasty winter warmers – albeit, only 2 of our students felt the need to wear them (water temp 22 degrees celcius). Whale watching boats were out for sight seeing but no whales that we could hear and if they were around we always know about it. The deeper we go, the louder their song. Well, no singing today from whales but everything else was worth singing about.

14th May 2017 Freediving Course

Today was cloudy all day with intermittent rain. Nevertheless we had 12 metres water visibility some 2 kilometres offshore at the 20 metre depth contour. No current so a very long and nice window to do skills – no rushing. We also did some diving off Wavebreak Island at the top of the tide to finish off skills (swell did pick up outside). It was surprisingly good for this overcast day to finish off at Wavebreak Island and after recent rains with about 7 metres water visibility (Wavebreak Island). Water temperatures were around 22 degrees centigrade. Fortunately, we are offering 5mm hoods as a special throughout winter and all our freedivers were toasty warm in their 5mm wetsuits and 5mm hoods. Don’t let a bit of overcast weather put you off ocean diving or a freediving course – there’s a stillness that comes with rainy days on the water – boat traffic stays away, allowing for peaceful dives at Wavebreak and, well, offshore diving is generally always peaceful – more like mid-week traffic – but less boats on the water is always synonymous with wildlife visits and a calmer, quieter environment all round.

30th April 2017 & 1st May 2017 Freediving Courses

We have had awesome water visibility over this long weekend running two courses: Ocean

Freediving Course and the Advanced Ocean Freediving Course. On the 30/4/17 in about 30 metres of water we had 15 metres plus water visibility. On the 1/5/17 we went further out (6 to 7 kilometres) in 40 metres depth of water. I think we were close to 24 metres visibility. The picture of the two freedivers at the yellow float shown here was taken over 5 metres away and gives a good indication of the great water visibility and clarity for freediving in winter on the Gold Coast when you go well offshore in our dedicated freediving boat. The 1st May was better as the wind had dropped and there was literally no current so perfect conditions for advanced diving.  Water temperature is now closer to 23 degrees centigrade requiring a good 5mm scuba wetsuit or a good 3mm freediving wetsuit with a hood.

16th April 2017 & 17th April 2017 Freediving Training Camp

We dived over the Easter weekend and water visibility is recovering from Cyclone Debbie. We were getting approximately 13 metres visibility and 24 degrees centigrade water temperatures. However, at depths of 35 metres the visibility had decreased to about 5 metres due to settlement of particles in the water. At that depth, who cares? Freefalling into oblivion from well before this depth and just enjoying the ride.

5th March 2017 Freediving Courses

Conditions today were in excess of 15 metres visibility 2 nautical miles off the Gold Coast.  We had a group of AIDA 2 and AIDA 3 Star students

and these conditions were ideal in helping them achieve personal bests. As usual the dive report in the Gold Coast Bulletin the day before suggested 10 metres visibility.  Perhaps. But we seek out the best visibility for our students and have a choice of locations off the Gold Coast where currents are minimal. Some photos from the day are on Facebook Freediving Gold Coast. Thanks to our boat captain Cristy in getting the conditions right for learning to freedive. Very sweet conditions. This is the Gold Coast.

29th January 2017 Freediving Courses

We had close to the best conditions possible for our Open Water Freediver Course today (see picture of 7 freedivers on the two floats). Surface temperature was 26.7 degrees Celsius.  We had in excess of 16 metres visibility looking down from the float. Visibility and water temperature decreased at the 20 metre mark. There was little wind with a swell of 0.8 metres – essentially flat as the picture shows. A full dive report and pictures are on our Facebook Page for Freediving Gold Coast.

13th January 2017 Freediving Course

Conditions off the Gold Coast have been unpredictable lately with strong northerly winds and swells . On our last Open Water Freediver course on the 13/1/17 we had very flat seas and little wind but water visibility was limited to about 5 metres. Checkout out our Freediving Gold Coast Facebook video of the freediving conditions of the day. We suspect freediving conditions in the Seaway and at the Pipe are very poor especially given recent rains adding to very short dive times with a rip-roaring

current.