Helicopter Eco-Tours

The Helicopter is a unique enterprise to this facility here at BCDA.
Nicknamed ‘Nemo’ for obvious reasons in both colour and resemblance to the world renown anemone fish and also the decision by the Helicopter crew acknowledging Nemo meaning no name was appropriate!
The Helicopter itself is the only fully working amphibious Sikorsky S62A in Australia and only three of its kind in the world!
Following trial flights back in November 2005 economic viability suggested the opportunity to provide ‘Eco Tours’ catering for Scuba Diving, snorkeling or ornithological activities to be on offer at a pristine location at the Abrolhos Islands.
In collaboration with Batavia Coast Dive Academy and the Batavia Community Rescue Helicopter each person is provided with a unique fun day out onboard a helicopter which can carry 8 passengers and 3 crew combined with their choice of activity.

Abrolhos Helicopter Eco Tours offer memories that will be cherished forever.
At the airport prior to departure the adventurers are given:

1. A Helicopter Safety briefing
2. Daily program briefing

Following a 35 minute low flight to take in the Aerial Spectacular views we arrive at the Islands. On arrival A Dive brief is provided by one of our Dive Professionals to ensure accessing the wonders of the underwater world whether via the Open Glass window onboard our pontoon, snorkeling or diving according to your appropriate level of experience. Diving qualifications are requested at the time of your booking. The day at the Islands provides the opportunity to take two dives with a surface interval to enjoy lunch and light refreshments onboard the pontoon offering changing facilities to allow you to discover the visual feast provided for your comfort. You'll need to pack a camera, towel and bathers as you will want to capture your memories to recall the aspect of what's on offer at this remote location.
You'll agree that your day offers you a truly spectacular way to travel to experience the unique qualities to be availed at the Abrolhos Islands. You'll take only pictures and happy memories of an enjoyable fun day out for all.
Word of mouth is a terrific advert for our trips... we have had repeat customers who bring along their friends and family to repeat the experience and joy this great day out has to offer.

Abrolhos Island Diving

Discover an unspoilt world that is the Abrolhos Islands. The spectacular coral gardens offer sheltered warmer seas to offer you their unique mix of both tropical and temperate marine species.
Warm Southern Flowing currents create a marine environment that breeds fish life at every turn. The Coral growth provides a spectacle of colour offering home to many species of plant and marine life. The warm sea currents around the Abrolhos maintain temperatures allowing the corals, sea grasses, tropical fish and other sea life to thrive in an area they wouldn't normally be found. Sea lions often accompany our divers and escort our snorkelers through the colourful reef systems.
Exploring the delights underwater is where the islands really come to life. Discover a richness of corals with drop offs that can access up to 40 metres to offer you dives within your comfort and certified level. As with coral walls you don't have to dive deep to enjoy the life beneath most of the colour and life are in those precious first ten metres making this a true paradise for all whether a diver or not you'll be tempted to get wet!
We can provide a variety of ways to accessing getting there... being some 60 — 90 Kilometers from the mainland you can take a short 35 minute flight by Helicopter to take up two dives in a day or take a window of time and come onboard one of our dive excursions. As there is no accommodation out there you will we have to opportunity to join one of our live aboard trips accommodation is provide onboard whereby we can arrange for group bookings over a weekend. So contact us today so we can arrange to provide you with an unforgettable experience in accessing the wonders these Islands have to offer.

Pontoon

The positive response to our helicopter eco tours from domestic and International tourists alike encouraged that a Dive Pontoon be custom built to OH&S Standards. To allow us to provide first class facilities at the remote Abrolhos Islands. The 12 metres x 5.5 metres pontoon was moored at the Easter Island Group in 2006.
With the Pontoon we are now able to offer our customers the required essential amenities to make their trip as comfortable as possible. When out in the open elements the pontoon offers shade from the sun and wind protection, ease of access to the sea, toilet facilities, seating and tea and coffee available.
We also have access to storage space aboard the pontoon to contain our diving equipment. There is also a glass viewing section built in to the deck where the undersea world is viable for all to see accessing the visual spectacles to be had without the need to get wet!
The pictures below show the pontoon under construction and now moored complete on the islands of Cervantes.
Having the pontoon in place ensures safe access and facility with minimum impact on the reef system through our ability to maintain eco tourism.