Intro & Certified Scuba Diving

Experience scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Perfect for beginners and certified divers with incredible outer reef dive sites and expert dive guides.

Cost: Adults $345 (17yrs+), Child $245 (age 10yrs+ certified, 12yrs+ intro)

Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

Scuba diving in the outer Great Barrier Reef is one of the top things to do in Cairns. Discover the marine wonderland of the outer reef, with colourful fish, turtles, an array of coral and more!

Catering to both dive beginners and certified divers, our scuba diving package includes our full day reef cruise, snorkelling, up to 3 introductory or certified scuba dives, full dive & safety briefing, specialised top-rated dive gear, and a fully qualified dive instructor.

Day Tour Itinerary

7:15 - 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard1:00pm: Evolution arrives at reef location 23:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns

Introductory Diving

Introductory dives are for those who are not certified and want to experience scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. After an in-depth briefing from our expert dive staff, we gear you up and jump in the water for the thrill of a lifetime as we guide you through this amazing wonderland.

During your introductory scuba dive, you will learn the basic skills required to dive down to a depth of up to 12 metres while accompanied by one of our experienced PADI qualified dive instructors. The scuba dive experience lasts up to 20 minutes giving you time to feel comfortable and begin to enjoy your first dive on the Great Barrier Reef. The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old.

Certified Diving

Certified Diving means you hold a certified diving qualification and are competent to dive in a group guided by a Dive Master. Certified Scuba Divers can either buddy up with a friend for the scuba dive or upgrade to include a PADI dive guide as we plunge into the abundance of marine life and check out the amazing ecology of the reef. The minimum age for certified diving is 10 years old.

How many scuba dives can I do?

Three scuba dives can be completed during our Full Day Reef Cruise. Pre-book your first dive for a discount. Your second scuba dive and third scuba dive can be purchased onboard, however, we highly recommend pre-booking during busy seasons to avoid any disappointment.

Important Diving Information and FAQs:

All Divers: divers over 65 years must have medical clearance from a doctor confirming they are fit to dive. For advice please contact our office directly.

We recommend not flying within 24 hours of your last dive.

Introductory Divers: Certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctors name and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review our Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.

Scuba diving can be strenuous under certain conditions. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health. All body spaces must be normal and healthy. You will not be allowed to dive until you are declared medically fit to dive.

Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card.

Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years.

What's Included

• Cruise onboard luxury 35-metre superyacht, Evolution
• Visit 2 unique outer reef locations
• 5 hours of reef time for unlimited snorkelling
• Introductory or Certified Scuba Dive, price includes 1 dive (up to 3 dives available)
• All snorkel gear and lycra suits
• Start-of-the-art dive and snorkel equipment
• Lycra suits and wet suits for divers
• Hot BBQ Lunch including fresh fish, prawns, steak and a variety of salads (Vegan, Vegetarian, GF, DF)
• Arrival tea, coffee and mini-muffins
• Glass of wine, cheese and biscuits on return journey
• PADI-qualified dive instructors and Master Reef Guides
• Spacious air-conditioned lounges and upper deck to relax in comfort

Add optional extras:

• Pre-book a 2nd dive and add a 3rd dive on the day
• Scenic Helicopter Flight over the reef
• Snorkelling tour with our Marine Biologist
• Semi-Submersible Tour
• Return transfers

What to Bring

• Sunscreen & Hat
• Travel Voucher
• Spare Clothes
• Swimmers and a towel
• Cash or Credit Card for bar and souvenir purchases
• Australian Standard Dive medical (if required)

Important information:

Helicopter: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides.

Diving: All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire onboard. Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card. Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years. Please read the important diving safety information prior to booking.