Hamilton Island

[Artin]

Hi all,
I will be going to Australia (Hamilton Island) in early December for my honeymoon, my fiance and I want to dive the GBR. We cannot wait, pretty excited about it.
I have a few questions regarding the diving. Any info is greatly appreciated.

1. Any particular dive companies which are highly recommended?
2. Can I do without going on an overnighter?
3. What would you guys recommend as far as which areas to target near Hamilton Island to get the most out of my diving experience as far as marine life and really cool things to see..
4. This may be tough one.... I will be in New Zealand for a week prior to Australia. I do have a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs. I don't know if I should rent gear at the Island or not, are the equipment rentals reliable? What do you guys think about mailing gear to the hotel and mailing it back?

Thanks,
Artin

 

[Travelnsj]

Been there a couple of times.....There is a dive operation at Hamilton Island. They go about an hour out to the "pods" and you swim around them. I do not recall if they have any excursions for areas further out......Not a lot of fish action other than when you throw your lunch left overs over the side....LOL....One thing not to miss is the visit to White Haven beach excursion.

Hamilton Island is a very nice resort....you will have a great time...Just the diving is OK.