Take the plunge with our 4 day, 3 night Cairns liveaboard Open Water Course and become a qualified scuba diver at the Great Barrier Reef! Live, eat, sleep and learn how to scuba dive aboard the leading dive training boat, ‘Reef Encounter’.
Upon successful completion of your Great Barrier Reef scuba dive course, you will receive your Open Water Diver Licence – an internationally recognised qualification that lets you scuba dive across the globe.
All academic and practical training is conducted onboard our modern cruise ship, with guaranteed small group numbers of 4 students to 1 Instructor.
On Your Learn To Scuba Dive Course
- 11 Daytime scuba dives & 1 night dive (8 training dives and 3 fun dives).
- All scuba diving equipment, including dive computer and wetsuits
- All course materials provided onboard including your own take-away Divers Log-Book
- Personalised tuition, maximum 4 students per Instructor
Onboard Our Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Reef Encounter:
- Chef prepared breakfast, lunch, and 2 course evening meal
- Ensuite cabins – twin or double beds available.
- Towels provided
- Tea & coffee service. Fresh fruit platter available all day
- Vessel fully air conditioned throughout
- Large dining saloon, television and games area, fully licensed bar and outdoor hot-tub
- Reef tax, fuel levy & national park fees
- Visit a number of different Outer Great Barrier Reef locations during your stay
Prior Requirements
- Minimum age 12 years. Children under 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or adult
- Students must be able to swim at a basic level
- After booking your Learn To Scuba Dive Course you will receive an email with information asking you to complete an online training lesson. Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended.
- Compulsory dive medical in accordance with Australian Standard AS4005-1. It is law in Queensland that all scuba diving students get a medical check-up. Upon booking your course, you will be provided with information on how to get your medical check. Fee is payable directly to doctor.
Day One
- 7:30 am Breakfast onboard Reef Experience, Marlin Jetty, Cairns
- 8:00 am Depart Marlin Jetty
- 9:00 am Marine Biologist Presentation
- 9:15 am Scuba Dive Snorkel briefing
- 10:30 am Arrive Outer Great Barrier Reef ~ Transfer to Reef Encounter
- 11:00 am Scuba Dive Snorkel Sunbake and relaxation time
- 12:00 pm Lunch
- 1:30 pm Dive 1 with skills
- 3:00 pm Cruise to our next spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef location
- 3:30 pm Dive 2 with skills
- 4:00 pm Glass bottom boat tour
- 6:00 pm Dinner & Dessert
- 7:30 pm Introductory resort night dive at own expense
- 8:00 pm Relaxation time, star watching, board games, movies
Day Two
- 6:30 am Scuba Dive 3 with skills
- 7:30 am Breakfast
- 9:00 am Scuba Dive, snorkel or lounge on a deck chair
- 11:00 am Cruise to our next spectacular reef location
- 12:00 pm Lunch
- 1:00 pm Dive 5 with skills
- 3:00 pm Cruise to our next spectacular reef location
- 3:30 pm Scuba Dive 6 with skills
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:00 pm Introductory resort night dive at own expense
- 8:00 pm Relaxation time, star watching, board games, movies
Day Three
- 7:00 am Dive 7
- 7:30 am Breakfast
- 9:00 am Dive 8
- 11:00 am Cruise to our next spectacular reef location
- 11:30 am Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Diving, Snorkeling, Sun baking Relaxing time
- 12:00 pm Lunch
- 1:30 pm Scuba Dive, snorkel or lounge on a deck chair
- 2:00 pm Cruise to our next spectacular reef location
- 3:30 pm Scuba Dive, snorkel or lounge on a deck chair
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:00 pm Night Dive as a certified diver
- 8:00 pm Relaxation time, star watching, board games, movies
Day Four
- 6:30 am Scuba Dive or snorkel
- 7:00 am Breakfast
- 8:30 am Scuba dive or snorkel
- 10:30 am Cruise to our next spectacular reef location
- 11:00 am Glass Bottom Boat Tours, Diving, Snorkeling, Sun baking Relaxing time
- 12:00 pm Lunch
- 1:00 pm Cruise tour to our next spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef location
- 1:45 pm Snorkel, Sun bake, Relax
- 2:30 pm Transfer to Reef Experience
- 3:30 pm Complimentary Wine and Cheese, fresh tropical fruits
- 4:30 pm Arrive Cairns
Optional Extras
- Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to the Marina
- Bar purchases – soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
- Scenic helicopter tours over the Great Barrier Reef
- Prescription masks