Turtle School Byron Bay Dive Centre

Tucked into Byron Bay, Turtle School Byron Bay Dive Centre & Whale Watching is a PADI Dive Center where snorkelling and scuba diving run all year in the Cape Byron Marine Park — Nguthungulli Julian Rocks Marine Nature Reserve. Julian Rocks is the headline dive site, and the surrounding waters are home to sharks, rays, whales, turtles and other marine mammals and reptiles.

Conservation at heart

What sets this centre apart is its focus on sea turtles, especially the locally threatened Loggerheads. Holding a NSW government permit for scientific research within the park, the team runs citizen science and conservation workshops, gathering photographs for photo-identification and population monitoring. In winter they also lead whale watching tours — the only ones departing directly from Byron.

Tours run Thursday to Monday, weather permitting, in small groups guided by experienced, knowledgeable staff for a safe and fun adventure. On site you'll find a classroom, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, plus air fills and equipment rental. It suits divers and snorkellers alike who want a hands-on, conservation-minded day in the water.