Martin Connolly
Martin Connolly
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Introduction
We first met Martin whilst recording an episode on The Scuba GOAT Podcast and it was very apparent that he's an awesome dude with a vast amount of experience. Fast forward a few months and Matt (Nomadic Scuba's founder) received an invite to join Martin for a trip on the Great Barrier Reef and we haven't looked back since. Martin's professionalism, fantastic character and love for our sport makes him a shining example of what we expect in the dive industry. The perfect dive Ambassador and we are proud to promote his services.
About Martin
Based: Scuba IQ, Port Douglas, Australia
Origins: New Zealand
Qualified instructor: PADI & SDI/TDI
✓ Bespoke guiding services
✓ Scuba training courses
✓ Expert Knowledge of Great Barrier Reef
✓ Minke Whale expedition leader
Features
Dive Services
Bespoke diving services
Package includes 3 dives
Boarding at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Port Douglas*, you will make your first dive on the Great Barrier Reef outer reef around 1030 am. Two further dives are conducted at different dive sites before heading back into harbour for disembarkation around 1630 pm. Snacks and lunch are provided during the day and dive equipment is included with this service.
Scuba courses
Try Scuba Diving
If you've not tried scuba diving yet, then this is the course for you. Conducted over 1 day, the introductory diving experience has a maximum depth of 12m and you'll be under Martin's watchful eye for the entire time.
Open Water Diver
The Open Water course is considered the first certification level and is delivered via online training, in-person pool sessions with Martin and ocean dives to complete the course and gain your certification. This will then enable you to dive with operators anywhere in the world.
Advanced Open Water
The advanced diver is the next level in building upon your Open Water foundations. There are quite a range of dive options available to gain your certification such as wreck diving, drift and night diving. All options can be discussed with Martin to find the best option for you.
Sidemount certification
Sidemount training enables a certified diver to dive with two independent systems; a tank and regulator under each arm running the length of your body. This increases your gas supply, your independence and is much less stressful on your back. The systems can be removed in the water enabling the sidemount diver to have more flexibility during dives, hence its popularity with cave divers.
Expeditions
Minke Whales liveaboard on the Great Barrier Reef
Join Martin on board the MV Argo for 5 nights when the Minke Whales migrate through the region. To find out more, head on over to the expedition page.
Please note that courses and fun diving require a minimum of two paying guests. Private 1:1 can be arranged at additional cost. *Local accommodation pick-up available
Included
Courses
✓ PADI online training material, dive shop affiliation and certification fees
✓ All practical instruction conducted at Scuba IQ dive shop
✓ All relevant dive equipment required for your course*
Fun Diving (certified divers)
✓ Martin Connolly - your dive guide
✓ Equipment rental including dive computer
✓ Snacks, water, tea and coffee on the dive boat
✓ Local hotel/resort transfers
Please note that courses and fun diving require a minimum of two paying guests. Private 1:1 can be arranged at additional cost.
* Inclusions are dependent on the course you are undertaking.
Excluded and additional fees
✓ Dive or travel insurance*
✓ Camera rental
✓ Flights or accommodation
✓ Additional purchases made on the dive boat
*Dive and travel insurance is advised prior to booking
Payment Plan
0% - Now, take your time to process your plans
100% - 72 hours after we invoice you.
Note: The Great Barrier Reef is a highly popular location, as such, full payment is required to secure a booking.
Cancellation Fees
Each payment made becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. Please ensure you have travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.
The booking process
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Initial planning
Found the perfect trip, or interested in recommendations? Submit a query and we’ll tailor something for you
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Email proposal
We’ll coordinate with the operators and collate the relevant information for you; to make selecting your next dive adventure easy
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Invoice and deposit
When you want to proceed, we’ll secure your spot and issue an invoice.Deposits usually due within 48hrs, then once we receive your deposit your booking is confirmed
Know before you go
How do I get there?
Scuba IQ: Port Douglas, FNQ, Australia
Nearest International Airport: Cairns (CNS)
Cairns International Airport is approximately 1 hour from Port Douglas by road.
Here's an easy way to see all the Flight Connections to Cairns.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is here.
All ETA-eligible passport holders must apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app. Agents can assist you in the application process, but you must be physically present as a live facial image is required.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.
What level of dive training do I need?
You can dive with Martin as a complete novice or a seasoned diver. Some courses do have prerequisites. If you are unsure, get in touch and we will guide you with your decisions.
What are the dive conditions like?
GREAT! The sea temperatures tend to be between 24-28ºC (75-82ºF).
Winter (Dry season): Starts in May and finishes in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and relatively low humidity.
Summer (Wet season): extends from November to April and refreshes the region with tropical downpours often in the afternoon with the occasional storm.
I have a large group, can we still dive with Martin?
Absolutely! Martin is extremely well connected and should your group need more than one dive guide then he will bring the best with him to accommodate your needs.
Do I need dive and travel insurance for this trip?
Absolutely, without a doubt! Comprehensive travel and diving insurance is essential for planning any scuba diving trip. Many operators require proof of both before allowing you to participate in their activities or use their services here's why.
We recommend DiveAssure for both dive and travel insurance. You can choose between single-trip or annual coverage.
To arrange your insurance now, please use this link -DiveAssure registration.
Do I need any medical documents to dive?
Operators providing dive services will require you to complete an RSTC medical declaration. Should you need to answer ‘YES’ to any of the questions then you will need a doctor to sign as authorizing you to be medically fit to dive. You can find an example of the RSTC medical questionnaire here.
Images provided by Taz Diving.
Photography credit to: Alvaro Herrero - Mekan Photography