Take the plunge
Head below the surface and into an underwater wonderland. Scuba diving gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef in a more intimate way than snorkelling, getting up close to vibrant corals, complex reef systems and a huge variety of marine life.
Dive sites are sprinkled all along the coast of Tropical North Queensland, through the Great Barrier Reef and out into the Coral Sea. Hop aboard one of the many daily reef trips that depart from Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach and discover some of the most spectacular diving destinations on the planet.
There is no such thing as an average scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef. Every dive is a journey into the unexpected. You might be greeted by a friendly 2m-long potato cod at the Cod Hole off Lizard Island, swim with turtles on the edge of the continental shelf or encounter sharks at North Horn in the Coral Sea.
You don’t need to be an experienced scuba diver, either. There are dives to suit every skill level, from introductory to Advanced Open Water certified experiences. If you’ve never tried scuba diving, the reef is the perfect place to learn. Sign up for a short course and get your dive certification from one of the many dive schools in Cairns. You will go home from your holiday with a brand new skill.
Serious divers might want to consider a liveaboard tour to renowned dive sites in the Coral Sea, including North Horn at Osprey Reef, Dungeons & Dragons at Bougainville Reef and Steve’s Bommie and Pixie Pinnacle, both on the Ribbon Reefs south of Lizard Island. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spirit of Freedom both run specialised expeditions on their custom-built dive boats departing from Cairns.
Where do I start?
Thinking of learning to scuba dive? Wondering what’s involved? Divers Den explain all there is to know about getting the PADI Open Water course. As a PADI Open Water diver you’ll be certified to dive anywhere in the world!
Take the plunge
No matter your skill level, there’s a dive adventure with your name on it.
Diving 101 – Everything you need to know about scuba diving
Have you ever dreamed of scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef? Just imagine sinking down into the warm waters, exploring coral gardens and seeing this wondrous world through the eyes of a fish. Learning to scuba dive is easy and is your passport to a brave new world. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about learning to Scuba Dive.
Snorkel vs intro vs certified dive
Check out this handy guide to find your reef style – from donning a mask and snorkel or taking your very first dive, to unique diving experiences reserved for certified divers.
This is what a day on the reef looks like
Ready to dive in? Pack your swimmers, hat and sunscreen. Quicksilver Cruises has you covered with all the rest.
12 Famous residents of the Great Barrier Reef
Only 12 residents? There’s probably a gazillion of them, but let’s start things slowly shall we. It’s not easy to keep track of every single one of the Great Barrier Reef’s inhabitants but here are some of the most famous ones in Tropical North Queensland.
Dreamy sand cays you must visit on the Great Barrier Reef
We’ve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. But what are they? More importantly, where are they? And how can we get a piece of sand cay action? We’re here to reveal all.
25 Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.
Diving Attractions
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accessible
Reef Magic Cruises
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diving
Tusa Reef Tours
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cairns northern beaches
Fitzroy Island Adventures
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accessible
Calypso Reef Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Divers Den
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cairns northern beaches
Pro Dive Cairns
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accessible
Quicksilver Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Spirit Of Freedom
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accessible
Great Adventures Reef and Green Island Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Adventures
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Down Under Cruise and Dive
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accessible
Sunlover Reef Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Passions of Paradise
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Freedom – Personal Snorkel and Dive
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cairns northern beaches
Coral Expeditions | Great Barrier Reef
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Free – Sail to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef
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diving
Mission Beach Dive
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diving
Sailaway Port Douglas
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cairns northern beaches
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
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diving
Reef Daytripper
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cairns northern beaches
Reef Experience Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
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boat tours
Reef Encounter – The Boutique Floating Hotel
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accessible
Marlin Coast Diving – Accessible SCUBA Diving Instruction
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Dive Adventures
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boat tours
Coral Sea Dreaming Dive and Sail
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boat tours
ABC Snorkel Charters
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accessible
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel
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boat tours
Scuba IQ
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