Scuba Dive Cairns

The Ultimate Reef Experience

Looking for an exciting scuba diving or snorkelling adventure? Cairns is the perfect place to dive into the deep blue! Located in Far North Queensland, Australia, Cairns is world-famous for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef - one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

The Great Barrier Reef is constantly top-rated for scuba diving and snorkelling due to its 3000+ reef systems and coral cays with ample marine life. For one of the experiences of a lifetime come scuba diving Cairns. 

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. It is a site of remarkable variety and beauty, containing the largest collection of coral reefs in the world. With over 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 molluscs, the Great Barrier Reef is truly an incredible place to explore and have a range of reef experiences.

From Cairns, it's easy to get access to the Great Barrier Reef: dozens of boats leave daily (30m - 1h 30) from Cairns outwards to the reef. Visitors can charter boats, take scenic flights in helicopters, or liveaboard extended dive tours on the reef. However you choose to experience it, the Great Barrier Reef is an unforgettable destination.

If you're looking for the ultimate reef experience, scuba diving from a liveaboard is the way to go. These extended tours allow you to dive and explore the outer reef, getting up close and personal with the incredible marine life. With expert guides, you'll learn about the reef and see things you would never have thought possible.

Scuba Diving Cairns

Scuba diving Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef can be a life-changing experience. The diversity of marine life, warm tropical waters, incredible visibility, and variety of dive sites make it hard to beat. Cairns is the perfect base for exploring the reef, with a wide range of diving operators offering day trips and liveaboard charters.

Whether you're a first-time diver or a seasoned certified scuba diver, there's something for everyone on the Great Barrier Reef. With over 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, the options for diving are endless. Popular dive sites include the Cod Hole, where you can swim with giant potato cod, and the Ribbon Reefs, home to a variety of sharks and rays.

 Water temperatures on the reef range from 24-29 degrees Celsius, so a wetsuit is not required, although a wetsuit will maximise your dive time. Visibility is often over 30 metres, making for some incredible underwater photography opportunities.

Cairns is the perfect place to start your adventure if you're considering scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. With a wide range of diving operators offering everything from day trips to liveaboard trips to the outer reef, there's sure to be something to suit your needs.

You have three options to scuba dive in Cairns:

Already Have a Dive Certification

We recommend that you go to Cairns as a Certified Diver because you will get the most time diving the actual reef. You won't need to be sitting out on the sandy bottom practising to clear your mask, and because you are certified, you will get the opportunity to scuba dive in the better parts of the reef. Remember that you can learn to dive with your local PADI dive shop before going to Cairns - it can take as little as two days. If you're looking for diving license Cairns options, look no further than right here in beautiful Sydney!

Learn to Dive in Cairns

If you get to Cairns and have not had the chance to do your dive course, there are still plenty of opportunities to learn to scuba dive

Most learn-to-dive courses in cairns take 4 to 5 days, typically with two days of classroom and pool time and two days on the reef.

Choosing a dive centre in Cairns can be overwhelming because there are dozens of options. If you're visiting Cairns and want to learn to scuba dive, I recommend either of these two centres:

1. Divers Den are a reputable dive centre with experienced instructors who will make sure you have a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience. With over 40 years of experience, they are one of the longest-established dive centres in Cairns and have all the necessary facilities under one roof. This makes them the ideal choice for those wanting to learn to scuba dive. All Divers Den courses are PADI courses.
2. Pro Dive Cairns is one of the best places to become a certified scuba diver. The program takes two days and includes pool and classroom training in Cairns, followed by three days on an Outer Great Barrier Reef liveaboard trip. Pro Dive Cairns has excellent facilities and experienced instructors that will ensure you have a safe and fun experience learning to scuba dive, become open water certified and explore the Great Barrier Reef. Pro Dive Cairns is a one-stop shop for your PADI dive training and anything related to a great barrier reef tour.

Introductory Scuba Dive

An introductory scuba dive, also called Discover Scuba Diving, is typically 20-30 minutes long and determined by air consumption. If you are 12 or older and can answer a dive medical questionnaire affirmatively, then you qualify to go on introductory dives! No experience is needed whatsoever--it's a fantastic way to test the waters (literally).

If you are keen to try some introductory scuba diving and explore the Great Barrier Reef, an introductory dive is a perfect way to start!

Specific Questions About Diving in Cairns

When Should I Go Scuba Diving Cairns?

Cairns is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do while you're in town.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors, the best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season from June to October. This is also the busiest time of year, so that you can expect higher prices for flights and accommodation.

If you don't mind a little bit of rain and want to avoid the crowds, autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November) are good times to visit. Although it's wetter during these months, you'll find deals on accommodation and tour packages.

Ultimately, the best time for you to visit depends on your budget and what you want to do while you're in town. If you're flexible, shoulder season (April/May or September/October) can be a good time to snag deals.

Can I Scuba Diving in the Stinger Season?

The answer is yes! Although there are two main types of dangerous jellyfish in our local waters, scuba divers are rarely troubled by either species. However, it is still a good idea to wear full body coverage when jellyfish are prevalent, just to be safe while scuba diving. So dive into the fun and come explore Cairns during the stinger season!

Is it Better to Dive from Cairns or Port Douglas?

There's no easy answer to this question, as it depends on what you're looking for in a scuba diving destination. Cairns is the place for you if you're after adventure, buzzing nightlife, great food, and shopping. It offers more things to do, even for those on a tighter budget. Port Douglas is more suited for those wanting a relaxed, laid-back holiday surrounded by nature in a small village atmosphere.

When it comes to diving, both Cairns and Port Douglas have a lot to offer. Cairns is a larger city with more scuba diving operators to choose from. Port Douglas is only an hour's drive from Cairns, so it's easy to move between each.

Do I Need a Medical Certificate?

If you are learning to scuba dive or taking an Introductory Dive, you will need to fill out a Dive Medical Declaration form. This is to ensure that any existing medical conditions won't affect your safety while diving.

 If you answer yes to any of the questions on the Dive Medical Declaration, you will need to obtain a dive medical certificate from a medical practitioner. This certificate will state that you are fit to dive, even with a pre-existing condition.

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