Let me help you plan your perfect dive vacation to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas. I have been actively involved in the dive industry here for over 30 years and have either worked for the companies listed here or have travelled on all the vessels extensively. I only list the ones we would personally use if I was visiting Cairns. In fact I still do go out on the trips listed when I can find the time!
If you don’t have the time to do a live-aboard trip, or simply don’t wish to stay overnight on the reef, you may wish to book a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas to the Great Barrier Reef.
These trips cater for snorkelers, certified divers, as well as those wanting to try diving for the first time. Certified dives can be guided or not. Traveling alone – no problem!
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The ultimate way to see the best of the Great Barrier Reef is to spend time on a live aboard dive vessel.
Trips range from 2 day 1 night, to full 7 day safaris. You get to see a wide variety of reefs.
Select from Outer Reef tours only a few hours from Cairns, right up to the remote Ribbon Reef areas, including the Coral Sea and Cod Hole.
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What better place in the world to dive than the Great Barrier Reef! Learn to dive or continue your education in the spectacular waters off of Cairns.
We can offer plenty of options for those looking to learn to dive as well as those wanting to continue their education.
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Take the fastest trip to the historic S.S. Yongala wreck, voted as one of the Top 10 Dives in the World. Yongala Dive will take you to wreck in 30 minutes. The artifacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are spectacular. It’s a dive experience you will remember for the rest of your life!
More InfoChoosing the right dive trip can make all the difference. That’s where our experience comes in.
For more than 30 years, I’ve been part of the Cairns diving industry, gaining first-hand experience with the operators and vessels we recommend. I know the boats, the crews, the dive sites and what each trip has to offer — because I’ve personally experienced them myself.
I started as a dive instructor here in 1990 with Peter Tibbs SCUBA school and never looked back. I’ve worked with all the big players and a lot of the smaller ones! I know the Cairns Reef system better than most, and can tailor any trip specifically to your needs.
As a PADI Course Director (instructor trainer), Master Class 5 (skipper), Marine Biologist (I have a Master’s in Oceanography and ran a unique self-authored PADI Tropical Reef Diver district specialty course), you will get unbiased, honest advice with the best prices and deals available.
My recommendations are based on real Cairns and Ribbon Reef diving experience, not simply what looks good on a brochure. I only feature Cairns operators and trips I would be happy to recommend to my own friends and family. Many are trips I still enjoy whenever I get the chance.
Whether you’re an experienced diver, new to diving, or looking for a great snorkelling experience, we can help you choose a trip that matches your experience, interests, and expectations.
Independent advice. First-hand experience. Better diving decisions.
