Broughton & Cabbage Tree Island Boat Day Trip
Broughton & Cabbage Tree Island Boat Day Trip
Salty Pilgrims Freediving
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Duration: 5 hours
Location: Nelson Bay, NSW
Departing at: 8am
Departing from: Little Beach, Nelson Bay, NSW
Arriving back in Nelson Bay: 1pm (approx)
Never before has Broughton Island & Cabbage Tree Island been accessible like this for freedivers & snorkellers!
Broughton island is situated a short 35-45 minute boat ride from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens (2.5 hours drive from Sydney). With an array of beautiful bays, clear blue water, amazing underwater marine life and set behind the stunning cliff lined backdrop and white sandy beaches, it is without a doubt one of NSW's biggest gems. The famous Looking Glass at Broughton Island is where we set anchor for the morning, and this dive site is famous for it's local Grey Nurse Shark population!
We are commonly joined by dolphins on the drive out to the islands, and you will most likely see Blue Gropers, loads of fish, turtles & more often than not, the local Grey Nurse Sharks!
What's included
- Freediving / Snorkelling at The Looking Glass*
- Freedive a Shipwreck at Cabbage Tree Island*
- Freediving Line Training if you have a certification (a freediving instructor will be in the water with you)
- Pickup and drop off in Nelson Bay
- BYO Alcohol
- Freediving instructors to guide you & show you all the best spots!
** (depending on conditions)
Freedivers & Snorkellers
Everyone is welcome. The day will be spent either snorkelling or freediving the best spots on the island, with lunch in between the dives and the option to change spots so you get the opportunity to see our favourite dive sites. We will be stopping off at the gorgeous Cabbage Tree Island for a dive on the way back from Broughton.
If you have a Freediving certification, you are able to wear your weight belt.
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Water bottle
- Beach Towel
- BYO Alcohol (for after the dives/snorkel)
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Spray jacket
- Sunglasses & hat
- GoPro (if you would like)
- Mask & Snorkel
- Fins (optional but recommended)
- Wetsuit (optional but recommended)
- Weight belt (for certified freedivers)
- Dry bag
Gear Hire is available for $30
* We are also available for private charter & run at an hourly rate.
Trips must meet a minimum booking number to operate. Tours will NOT operate in unsafe conditions.
* If weather conditions leading up to the trip are looking unfavourable, you will be contacted and have the option to either rebook or receive a refund.
* Please read our 'Product Terms & Conditions' under the section 'Terms or Service' at the bottom of the website before booking. This also includes our refunds policy.
Freediving Course FAQ's
Are there any pre-requisites to join the Wave 1 freediving course?
- The minimum age is 16
- Must be able to swim 100m unassisted
- Must complete the Medical and Liability forms
What is the difference between a Boat Dive course and a Shore Dive course?
Boat Dive Course- the second day of the course includes 2 freedive sessions run from our commercial dive boat. The location for the dive sessions is weather dependent, but these are usually run at Cabbage Tree Island and Broughton Island.
Shore Dive Course- there is a dive session on both the first and second day of the course. The dive session is run from the shore of a protected cove in Nelson Bay. The swim out to the dive spot is either a relaxed 2 minute swim or 4 minute swim.
Are there requirements for the course?
Yes, there are. However we enjoy freediving because of its positive benefits to both mental and physical health, and we do not put any pressure on completing requirements. We are confident that our teams safe, fun and passionate approach to teaching freediving leads our students to passing requirements without putting any emphasis on them.
For those interested, the requirements to pass are listed below
Pool Requirements
STA (breath hold laying face down with no movement) 1min 30sec
DYN (kicking underwater with fins on) 30m
Depth Requirements
Free Immersion (pulling yourself down and up the line) minimum 12m and max 20m
Constant weight (kicking down the line with the use of fins) minimum 12m and max 20m
Rescue simulation (practicing a blackout rescue by bringing up a 'blacked out' diver) minimum 6m
What happens if the weather is poor?
If we deem the weather conditions (swell and wind) to be unsafe or unsuitable for freediving, we will either change the location and times for the course, or reschedule the course.
If we have to reschedule the course, you will be given a list of alternative dates to choose from.
Our top priority is safety, followed by ensuring you have the best possible experience freediving.
What happens if you need to reschedule a booked course?
If you need to reschedule your course at least 14 days or more from your booked course date, you can change free of charge.
If you need to reschedule your course within 14 days from your booked course date, you will be charged a $175 booking fee.
This is because by 14 days out from the course, we have already paid for instructor costs, boat captain costs, room hire, pool hire and fees, and your learning materials.