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To scuba divers around the world, the Great Barrier Reef represents the pinnacle of diving and Cairns is a perfect location to base yourself in to get a taste of the action.
The good news is there are loads of boats heading out to explore daily. Those who only have a day trip in mind will likely visit the Inner Barrier Reef which is close to the mainland. Those who'd prefer to get their feet wet can explore the Great Barrier Reef proper, including Ribbon Reef and Osprey reef which is deeper in and is often found on multi-day trips.
We've found options for all experience levels and dug deep to uncover the best deals. You can check them out below.
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Cairns offers great diving all year round but from mid-August to mid-December you'll find the best visibility and least rain and wind.
If you're keen to spot manta rays and hammerheads, consider a visit between April and September and for the best chance of seeing minke and humpback whales, visit between June and September.
We compare the above mentioned options by location, price, duration and extras to give a better idea of what you're setting yourself up for.
| Diving company | Experience | Duration | Includes | Suitable for | Cost (from) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns Dive Centre | 1 Day Certified Dive Trip | 9 hours | Afternoon tea, 4 hours on the reef, lunch, port and reef levy, snorkel and dive equipment | Certified divers | $190 | Adrenaline |
| Down Under Cruise and Dive | Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkelling Cruise | 8 hours 30 minutes | 5 hours on the reef, guided tour, snorkel equipment, lunch, onboard marine biologist | No experience necessary (for introductory dives) | $165 | Viator |
| Ocean Freedom | Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise | 9 hours | Luxury catamaran cruise, 6 hours on the reef, all port and entry fees, seafood buffet lunch, snacks and refreshments, wetsuits, snorkelling tour with a marine naturalist | No experience necessary (for introductory dives) | $215 | Viator |
| Silverseries Dive and Snorkel | Silverswift Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise | 10 hours | 5 hours at the reef, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, snorkelling and dive equipment including prescription masks, fuel surcharge and Environmental Management Charge | Ages 12 and up, no experience necessary (for introductory dives) | $227 | Viator |
| Tusa Dive Cairns | Great Barrier Reef Certified Diving with Lunch | 8 hours | 2 or 3 dives, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, all dive equipment including prescription masks, reef talk and presentation | Certified divers | $315 | RedBalloon |
| Sunlover Reef Cruises | Cruise and Scuba Diving at the Great Barrier Reef | 8 hours | Introductory dive, glass-bottom boat cruise, 4–5 hours at the reef, all day snorkelling including equipment, buffet lunch, semi-submersible coral viewing, marine touch tank, onboard reef ecology presentation by a marine naturalist, afternoon tea | Ages 12 and up, no experience necessary | $329 | RedBalloon |
| OceanQuest | Overnight Snorkel and Dive Trip | 2 days | Twin share cabin with private ensuite, use of dive and snorkel equipment including wetsuits and dive computers, all meals onboard, guided snorkelling tours, refreshments | Certified divers | $480 | Get Your Guide |
| Down Under Cruise and Dive | 4-Day PADI Open Water Dive course | 4 days | 2 days of diving, 2 barbeque lunches, dive equipment and wetsuits, PADI Open Water manual and PADI photo certification card, return hotel transfers | Ages 12 and up, no experience necessary (for introductory dives) | $620 | Viator |
| Rum Runner | Great Barrier Reef Adventure – 2 Days | 2 days | Overnight stay on the boat, snorkelling equipment,guided scuba dive, guides, meals, wetsuits | Ages 12 and up, no experience necessary (for introductory dives) | $330 | RedBalloon |
RedBalloon
Extra $10 off site-wide with code
Valid on all dates, including over Christmas, on activities like skydiving, quad biking, bridge climbing, canyoning, hot air ballooning, helicopter scenic flights, abseiling, scuba diving, cruises, ghost tours and more. Minimum spend of $80. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
Up to 42% off Australia activities
Available on select activities best as birthday gifts like skydiving, hot air balloon flights, quad biking, off road v8 race buggies, scuba diving and much more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
RedBalloon
Gold Coast school holiday activities from $27
Available on select dates and activities like zoos and animal interaction, snorkeling, scuba diving, SkyPoint climb, parasailing, getaways and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Groupon
Up to 89% off things to do in Melbourne
Available on select dates and activities including bike tours, river cruises, scuba diving, skydiving, classes and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Groupon
Up to 73% off things to do in Perth
Available on select dates and activities including scuba diving, sailing, surfing, classes and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Jul 2020 | Extra $10 off site-wide with code | FDR**** |
| 10 Jul 2020 | Up to $30 off Australia tandem skydive | RES**** |
| 6 Jul 2020 | Extra USD$10 off activities with code | TRA**** |
| 6 Jul 2020 | Extra USD$25 off activities with code | TRA**** |
| 6 Jul 2020 | Extra USD$40 off activities with code | TRA**** |
