Jump in and find out what lies beneath with our guide to diving in Cairns.
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.
Our top picks:
Best for price: 1 Day Certified Dive Trip from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- One certified dive plus snorkelling for $190
- All equipment and fees included in the price
- Spend 5 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Enjoy a full-day cruise with tropical buffet lunch included
- Suitable for certified divers
Best for value: Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns from Viator
Highlights:
- Full-day diving tour with 3 dives and all-day snorkelling for $265
- Enjoy 5 hours at 2 spectacular outer reef locations away from the crowds
- Includes snacks, refreshments, buffet lunch and live entertainment
- Visit multiple dive sites
- Suitable for first-time divers
Best for experience duration: Great Barrier Reef Overnight Snorkel and Dive Trip from Get Your Guide
Highlights:
- Enjoy up to 5 dive sessions each day in exclusive reef locations
- Take in the sunrise over the Great Barrier Reef with a dive before breakfast
- End the day with a night dive before heading to bed
- Re-energise with fresh meals prepared by the onboard chef
- Suitable for certified divers
Best for kids: Silverswift Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive from Viator
Highlights:
- Available for kids 12 and up
- All equipment included
- Combine introductory dives with snorkelling
- Visit 3 different sites and spend 5 hours on the reef
- Suitable for first-time divers
Best for first-timers: Learn to Scuba Dive on the Great Barrier Reef from Adrenaline
Highlights:
- Learn to dive up to 18 metres
- Includes snorkel training dive and 4 open water dives
- Practice with state-of-the-art dive gear including dive computers
- Explore the best of both worlds: 1 day on Fitzroy Island, another on the Great Barrier Reef
Best for experienced divers: Great Barrier Reef Certified Diving with Lunch from RedBalloon
Highlights:
- 3 certified dives plus a reef talk and presentation
- Spend 4–5 Hours at 2 outer reef site visits
- Includes morning and afternoon tea, refreshments and buffet lunch
- Choose to dive with your buddy or join a guided dive
- Suitable for certified divers
When is the best time to dive in Cairns?
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.
Scuba diving experiences along the Great Barrier Reef, compared
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 |
Scuba diving deals
RedBalloon
Extra 20% off site-wide
Bonus savings available on any activity like skydiving, hot air ballooning, sightseeing, helicopter scenic flight, rally car driving, scuba diving, snorkeling and more. Minimum spend of $150. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
RedBalloon
Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off 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, ghost tours and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Adrenaline
Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code
Valid sitewide on experiences $79 or more across Australia including skydiving, ghost tours, driving, go karting, sailing, hot air ballooning, diving, bridge climbing, scuba diving and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
$30 off activities and experiences
Valid on select dates and activities like hot air ballooning, skydiving, horse riding, ghost tours, surf lessons, scuba diving, theme parks and more. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne. Minimum spend of $179. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Adrenaline
Up to 40% off water sports activities
Valid on select dates and activities like whale watching, sailing, jet ski, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, fishing and more. Destinations are Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Popular Tourist Attractions & Experiences coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 26 Mar 2019 | Extra 20% off site-wide | BON**** |
| 26 Mar 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra 10% off with code | FIN**** |
| 13 Feb 2019 | Up to 67% off + extra $15 off with code | EXT**** |
| 29 Jan 2019 | $30 off activities and experiences | SUM**** |
| 15 Feb 2019 | Extra 15% off first Groupon purchase | BRA**** |
| 25 Mar 2019 | Italy: Rome sightseeing from $72 | ******** |
