THREE shipwrecks, undisturbed coral reefs and waters protected from strong sea breezes - Keswick Island should be teeming with dive enthusiasts.

But the difficulty in accessing the island has meant until now Keswick's surrounding waters have remained mostly unexplored, and operators who have sought to start dive tours at the island have been unsuccessful.

Recently, island stakeholders have sought to make Keswick more accessible to Mackay locals, and at least one business owner is gearing up to offer scuba trips in the island's protected bay.

Peter McIlhatton, of Keswick Underwater Adventures, said the first dive tours would begin on February 9.

"You've got the natural marine life from large pelagic fish to small nudibranchs," he said.

"You've got clear, calm water, and all within literally minutes of the shore."

Mr McIlhatton said Keswick Developments Pty Ltd, which owns the island, had been instrumental in allowing him to start the business.

"The only way any of this can be provided is through their support," he said.

Keswick's air service, Island Air, will be used to transport customers to the island. A Keswick Developments spokeswoman said the company was working to introduce a number of new initiatives to the island over the coming months, with the aim of marketing them to the people of Mackay.

For more information head to keswickunderwateradventures.com.au.

Welcoming tours

MACKAY Tourism interim chairman Russell Spurrell has welcomed Keswick Development's plan to increase local visitor numbers to the island.

On Wednesday, Mr Spurrell met with Keswick Island stakeholders.

He said Keswick offered an eco experience, which many of the more developed islands in the Whitsundays did not.

But he said it remained difficult for visitors to access the island.

"Mackay doesn't have any seaborne products and we've suggested that could be something to incorporate."