Tag Archive for: Turtle Town Scuba

Scuba Diving Bundaberg Dive Shop BargaraTurtle Town Scuba

How Deep The Ocean Really Is (Mind-Blowing Video)

The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the deepest known point in Earth’s oceans. In 2010 the Center for Coastal & Ocean Mapping measured the depth of the Challenger Deep at 10,994 meters (36,070 feet) below sea level with an estimated vertical accuracy of ± 40 meters. That means if Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, were placed at this location it would be covered by over one mile of water.

The first depth measurements in the Mariana Trench were made by the British survey ship HMS Challenger, which was used by the Royal Navy in 1875 to conduct research in the trench. The greatest depth that they recorded at that time was 8,184 meters (26,850 feet).

In 1951, another Royal Navy vessel, also named the “HMS Challenger,” returned to the area for additional measurements. They discovered an even deeper location with a depth of 10,900 meters (35,760 feet) determined by echo sounding. The Challenger Deep was named after the Royal Navy vessel that made these measurements.

In 2009, sonar mapping done by researchers aboard the RV Kilo Moana, operated by the University of Hawaii, determined the depth to be 10,971 meters (35,994 feet) with a potential error of ± 22 meters. The most recent measurement, done in 2010, is the 10,994 meter ( ± 40 meter accuracy) depth.

Credit for this wonderful visualisation of the Deep Sea goes to Neal Agarwal. Here is an interactive version for you to explore the depth of the sea: https://neal.fun/deep-sea/

Want to explore and experience the ocean first hand? Get started with one of our PADI Scuba Diving Courses and become a certified scuba diver!

Scuba Gear Assembly How-To VideoTurtle Town Scuba

How To Assemble Your Scuba Gear Before Diving

If you’ve just started your PADI Open Water Diver course, or simply haven’t been in the water for some time, we’ve got you covered. This video gives you a full visual breakdown on how to perfect the skills of assembling your gear, so you are safe and comfortable in the water. If you ever need help with assembling your gear, come visit us at our Bundaberg Dive Centre.

Scuba Gear Assembly in 14 Easy Steps

  1. Inspect dates (visual and hydrostatic tests)
  2. Inspect o-ring (for damage)
  3. Place BCD on the cylinder
  4. Tighten BCD strap (and clamp on the cylinder)
  5. Hold regulator setup (regulator hoses in your right hand)
  6. Remove the dust cap
  7. Attach 1st stage onto cylinder (seat on o-ring)
  8. Use three fingers (do not overtighten)
  9. Attach low-pressure inflator hose to BCD
  10. Streamline hoses (inflator, octo, gauge console)
  11. Place gauge console facing BCD (away from eyes)
  12. Fully open cylinder valve
  13. Check pressure for a full cylinder Step
  14. Lay gear down on cylinder (or strap down on boat)

We hope you found this short guide helpful. At Turtle Town Scuba, we can help you with scuba gear hire in Bundaberg and Bargara and are always happy to answer any questions you might have in regards to your equipment or diving in general. Be sure to also check out our Scuba Diving FAQs on our website.

Want to get PADI Open Water Diver certified? Here’s how to get started!

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Scuba Diving The Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg QLDTurtle Town Scuba

Scuba Dive The Great Barrier Reef with PADI & Turtle Town Scuba

The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia has always been a world-renowned location for divers in search of the ultimate dive experience. Make the most of your trek to Australia and visit the beloved Great Barrier Reef to see incredible corals and the richest areas of biodiversity.

The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.

Because of its natural beauty, it has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations. A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

The marine park stretches over 3000km (1800 miles) almost parallel to the Queensland coast, from near the southern coastal town of Bundaberg, up past the northern tip of Cape York.

A closer encounter with the Great Barrier Reef’s impressive coral gardens reveals many astounding underwater attractions including the world’s largest collection of corals (in fact, more than 400 different kinds of coral), coral sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old.

The reef is a breeding area for humpback whales, migrating from the Antarctic and is also the habitat of a few endangered species including the Dugong (Sea Cow) and large Green Sea Turtle. In recognition of its significance, UNESCO listed the Great Barrier Reef as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Want to learn more about scuba diving in Queensland? Turtle Town Scuba is a PADI-recognised dive centre in Bundaberg, Queensland. We provide scuba diving courses for all levels, including beginner courses, advanced courses and specialty courses to continue your dive education.

If you are new to scuba diving, our PADI Open Water Diver course is the perfect place to start.

To find out more about our dive courses in Bundaberg and Bargara, visit our course page and find the one that’s right for you.

 

Plastic Pollution - Turtle Town Scuba BundabergTurtle Town Scuba

Why We Need To Stop Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans For Good

Our oceans are being filled and killed by throwaway plastics. But together, we can create a movement to reduce throwaway plastic at the source and save our precious oceans.

Oceana and an international group of nongovernmental organisations are coming together to do something big, and they need all the help they can get.

Their goal is to work together to stop plastic pollution in our oceans. Here at Turtle Town Scuba, we share the common values of environmental protection and these shared values guide our work in building the world in which we wish to live.

Oceana and their allies are already winning plastic-free victories – victories that aren’t possible without our help. If you would like to be part of the #BreakFreeFromPlastic movement, click here to take the pledge and help protect our oceans from plastic pollution: http://bit.ly/32POrQV

 

Discover Scuba Diving in Bundaberg & BargaraTurtle Town Scuba

How To Keep Your Wetsuit Clean And Make It Last Longer

A good scuba diving wetsuit can be a significant investment. However, just like other scuba equipment, it can last for many years if you look after it well. Here are six steps to clean and care for your scuba wetsuit as recommended by our PADI instructors.

It’s important that you follow these steps right from the start, and then again after every saltwater dive in order to keep your wetsuit in great condition for many more diving adventures to come.

1. Soak your suit in freshwater

After each dive, soak your wetsuit in cold or lukewarm freshwater as soon as you can. Don’t use hot water, as it can cause your suit to lose its flexibility. You can use a mild solution of baking soda or special wetsuit shampoo. Using a mild detergent will keep the neoprene from taking on an odour. Soak your suit for about 30 minutes, then turn the suit inside out to soak for another 30 minutes.

2. Scrub your wetsuit

While soaking your suit, pull the zipper up and down to remove any dirt that may have gotten trapped in it. Scrub all zippers and velcro patches with a nail or toothbrush to remove any sand, dirt or other debris. Continue to clean until all zippers operate smoothly.

3. Rinse your wetsuit

After you have soaked your wetsuit for a while, give it a thorough rinse with fresh, cool water to remove any cleaning product.

4. Inspect your suit for damage

Look for tears or gouges, especially along the seams. If necessary, resew the nylon with heavy polyester thread, or repair the neoprene with wetsuit cement. Fix any small damages as soon as possible. The longer you leave them, the higher the chance they will turn into a larger problem.

5. Hang your wetsuit out to dry

Turn the wetsuit inside out, and hang it on a flat hanger. Outside in fresh air is always best, however, keep it out of direct sunlight. When one side is dry, turn it right-side-out and repeat.

6. Store it in a cool dry place

Store your wetsuit on a hanger to keep it in shape, or loosely folded. Make sure to keep it in a place where the temperature is consistent and outside of direct sunlight.

In need of a new wetsuit?

Come and visit our Bundaberg Dive Centre for all your scuba diving needs! Here at Turtle Town Scuba, we have everything you need to make your next scuba dicing adventure a hit.

48 Hours in Bundaberg - Bundy's Best AttractionsTurtle Town Scuba, Bundaberg

48 Hours in Bundaberg – Discover Bundy’s Best Attractions

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This awesome video was shot by Phoebe and Matt from Little Grey Box who spent 48 hours exploring Bundaberg.

Things to do when visiting Bundaberg, Bargara & the Southern Great Barrier Reef

Did you know that the Southern Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,200 species of marine life? From manta rays and turtles to the unspoilt coral reef, The Bundaberg Region is the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive in crystal clear waters.

Outside of the water, there are also plenty of other great places and attractions to visit. Here are just a few attractions featured in the video above.

Bundaberg Rum Distillery

The Bundaberg Rum Distillery is the home of Australia’s most iconic rum, which has been made to a time-honoured tradition since 1888. 

The Visitor Experience offers three tours; the Bundaberg Rum Museum Experience, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery Experience and a Blend Your Own Rum Experience. There is also a Retail Store, where visitors can purchase exclusive and limited edition products, and the Bear Garden Cafe & Bar area.

Grunske’s Seafood & Fish Market

With a great range of local seafood to choose from, there will definitely be something to tempt your taste buds at Grunske’s by the River. Indulge in succulent specialty wild-caught prawns, delicious Bundaberg scallops or fresh reef and estuary fish direct from the ocean to your plate. A must-visit for seafood lovers when in Bundy!

Segue Bundy

Jump on one of our All-Terrain Segway style PMD’s (Personal Mobility Device) and have the most sensational experience while gliding along the Wongarra Scenic Coastline.

It’s never been easier or more fun to explore than on an eco-friendly PMD, a self-balancing, two-wheeled, electric vehicle, that’s extremely easy and intuitive to operate. Segue Bundy offer exhilarating guided adventures all year round. Gift vouchers are also available.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre

No visit to Bundaberg and Bargara is complete without a stop at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre. It’s an unforgettable adventure for the whole family where you’ll learn heaps about the endangered marine turtles, and the conservation and research programs that are protecting them. You’ll also find out how a colourful history and ancient connections have shaped the Mon Repos you see today.

Every year, from November to March, you can join expert Park Rangers and Master Reef Guides for a rare and wonderful experience (bookings and fees apply) that you will remember for a lifetime. You can see turtles nesting from November through to January, or visit anytime between January and March to see the little sea turtle hatch and make their way into the ocean. No-one else is allowed to access the beach during turtle season and the popular tours have limited places, so be sure to book early.

And if you want to take those coastal feelings home with you, check out K-Luxxe, a small Bundaberg business that hand-blends beautiful fragrances to fill any space with joy in the form of reed diffusers, scented candles, air fresheners and more.

Lady Musgrave Experience

Lady Musgrave Experience provide unique ECO Friendly, Great Barrier Reef Day Tours with Scuba Diving and Snorkelling, a Guided Island Tour of Lady Musgrave Island, as well as a fun Glass Bottom Boat ride. If you are looking for an experience the entire family can enjoy, Lady Musgrave Experience is a fantastic pick while visiting Bundaberg and Bargara. The tours are eco-friendly and provide optional scuba diving trips for anyone who is curious to discover the fascinating underwater world of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Looking for a scuba diving adventure in Bundaberg or Bargara?

Here at Turtle Town Scuba, we provide a range of PADI certified diving courses, led by our team of experienced Bundaberg scuba diving instructors. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your scuba diving skills to the next level, we’ve got the right course for you!

Click here to get $25 OFF your first scuba diving course!

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Freedive Against All Odds – The Incredible Story Of Ashleigh Baird (Documentary)Elianne Dipp

Freedive against all odds – The incredible story of Ashleigh Baird (Documentary)

She swims with sharks, jumps into ice-cold water and can dive over 100 feet down on any given day. Ashleigh Baird discovered her love for the underwater world as a child — and now, she’s become an extraordinary freediver. Here, learn more about her journey to becoming the real-life aqua woman.

Ashleigh’s dream of becoming a professional freediver almost ended before it was even a thought. Battling an auto-immune disorder left her physically inactive for most of her childhood.  Join Ashleigh as she overcomes a traumatic childhood and puts her Architecture career on hold to pursue her dream of becoming a professional freediver. She now experiences another world some rarely get to see and gains incredible accomplishments along the way.

Ashleigh has an amazing showcase of freedive photography on her Instagram that will inspire anyone with an interest in diving.

Ashleigh Baird on Instagram

 

See more of Ashleigh

Ashleigh’s Instagram – @deepleigh

Documentary by Brian Russell

Film Credits: Brian Russell, Ashleigh Baird, Michael Dornellas, Igor Liberti

 

Scuba Diving Courses in Bargara & BundabergTurtle Town Scuba

The Best Places To Stay When Scuba Diving in Bargara

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As a diving spot, Bargara is a popular destination for beginners and advanced divers alike. Sunrise waterfront walks, farm-fresh produce, temperate beaches and a variety of bars and cafés are just a few reasons why Bargara is etching itself on bucket lists worldwide. And it’s all just a 15-minute drive from Bundaberg’s CBD.

Whether you are looking for a romantic snorkelling spot or a scuba diving adventure at the southern Great Barrier Reef, Bargara is the perfect place to stay for a while and take in some of Australia’s best beach vibes. To make your stay a guaranteed hit, we’ve put together a list of Bargara’s top accommodation for you. In no particular order, here our favourite places to stay while scuba diving in Bargara.

C Bargara

The ‘C’ Bargara

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this beautiful boutique resort offers some of Bargara’s best ocean views. Whether you are travelling with just your partner or the entire family, C Bargara provides a beautiful, calm space to retreat at the end of your scuba diving adventures.

Bundaberg C Bargara Resort is a great choice of accommodation in Queensland’s Coral Coast Region, with 38 beautiful apartments, all offering ocean views. Couples particularly like the location!

Check out C Bargara

Kellys Beach Resort

Kellys Beach Resort, Bargara

Only 4 hours by road or rail from Brisbane, Kellys Beach Resort has all the conveniences of a family holiday resort and is the ideal place to stay to experience the best dive spots Bundaberg & The Southern Great Barrier Reef has to offer.

“Take it easy”, that’s the motto at Kelly’s in Bargara. With 40 self-contained and standalone holiday units on 5.5 acres of gardens with a Licensed Restaurant, Pools, Spa, Sauna, Games Room, Tennis Court, BBQ areas, Kiosk & Tours Desk, it is a great choice for families and other small or larger groups.

Kellys Beach Resort is wonderfully located by a nature reserve just one block from Kellys Beach, the main swimming beach in Bargara, so you have the benefit of being close to the beach as well as being protected from the main road by a natural creek & forest area.

Check out Kellys Beach Resort

Bargara Gardens Motel and Holiday Villas

Bargara Gardens Motel in the heart of Bargara

Bargara Gardens Motel and Holiday Villas is superbly positioned in the heart of the Bargara village. You can enjoy the relaxing ambience of the self-contained beach villas nestled in beautiful gardens right in the hub of the village. A short walk will take you to alfresco dining, specialty shops, and the Esplanade boardwalk – a truly scenic track for walkers and cyclists.

With only 100 metres to the year-round stinger free beaches, it’s needless to say that this is a popular option amongst scuba divers and snorkelling fans. Bargara Gardens is a great base to enjoy both onshore and offshore scuba diving and snorkelling trips in Bargara.

For those looking for complete privacy, Bargara Gardens also has a stunning Beach Hideaway holiday rental home located at the southern end of Bargara.

Check out Bargara Gardens Motel & Holiday Villas

 

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