Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
$1032
Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
5 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LTDD25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour, where you'll learn to dive in one of the world's most stunning marine environments. Starting in Cairns, you'll spend the first two days mastering scuba diving theory and practical skills at the Pro Dive Cairns training center. Once you're ready, it's time to dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Over the next few days, you'll have the chance to complete your open water certification and enjoy up to nine dives, including a thrilling night dive. Discover the reef's incredible biodiversity, from colorful corals to majestic marine life like turtles and rays. Relax on the dive boat, soaking up the sun and the breathtaking views. Conclude your journey back in Cairns, where you can celebrate your new skills and friendships with a farewell dinner. Dive into this extraordinary experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Welcome to Cairns (Gimuy)! Are you ready to take on a fun filled few days learning to dive? Can we get a heck yeah? The first 2 days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills of scuba diving from our pro's. After that, you're nearly ready to go.
Day 2: Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
We know, we know…you want to get out there, but good things take time. It's back to the books today as we continue learning the A to Z of diving, with your day spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills you'll need on the reef. Excitement will be at an all time high as we get ready for the next few days and what's in store for you on this mind-blowing reef.
Day 3: Gimuy (Cairns) To Dive Boat
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It's GO TIME! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of our 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your first 4 dives will complete your open water certification & then as a certified diver you are able to take up to 5 more recreational dives, one of which is a guided night dive. Boom. So, what can we tell you about this spectacular reef? Here goes - more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals and 134 species of sharks and rays call this clear blue water home. Add over 30 species of marine mammals to the mix, and that's your mind blown.
Day 4: Dive Boat
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With another day on our boat, why not take this incredible opportunity to continue diving for your chance to spot yet more colourful marine life. We're talking giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams and some of the best coral in the world. And with the deck of the boat providing you with the perfect spot for some sunbaking, book reading and bliss, you might just call this total paradise.
Day 5: Dive Boat To Cairns
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll return to Cairns late this afternoon where there’s the option to join your new mates & crew for a farewell dinner. There's nothing like a spot of bonding over a #NOREGRETS experience to make for strong friendships. So where's next on the agenda?
What's Included
-
Dive Training
The first two days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory and practical skills of scuba diving.
-
Open Water Certification
Your first four dives will complete your open water certification.
-
Recreational Dives
As a certified diver, you are able to take up to five more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
-
Meals
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Gilligans (or similar) and on the Dive Boat at the Great Barrier Reef.
What's Not Included
The farewell dinner in Cairns is optional and not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a journey from Cairns to the dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef, providing access to exclusive dive sites and a return trip to Cairns.
Accommodation
Stay at Gilligans in Cairns for the first two nights, followed by accommodation on a dive boat at the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique experience surrounded by stunning marine life.
Dining Summary
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
Check out our Q&As
-
What will I learn during the first two days of the tour?
During the first two days of the tour, you will spend time at the Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory and practical skills of scuba diving. This will prepare you for the diving experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
-
How many dives can I participate in during the tour?
You will have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The first 4 dives will complete your open water certification, and as a certified diver, you can take up to 5 more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
-
What kind of marine life might I see while diving on the Great Barrier Reef?
While diving on the Great Barrier Reef, you might see more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals, and 134 species of sharks and rays. Additionally, there are over 30 species of marine mammals, giant turtles, stingrays, and huge clams.
-
What activities are available on the dive boat besides diving?
Besides diving, you can enjoy sunbathing, book reading, and relaxing on the deck of the boat, which provides a perfect spot for some blissful downtime.
-
Is there a social event at the end of the tour?
Yes, there is an option to join your new mates and crew for a farewell dinner in Cairns, providing an opportunity to bond over the experiences shared during the tour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026
Monday - Friday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Monday - Friday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 02, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 03, 2025Monday - Friday
May 12, 2025 - May 16, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 13, 2025 - May 17, 2025Monday - Friday
May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
May 27, 2025 - May 31, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Monday - Friday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Monday - Friday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Monday - Friday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Monday - Friday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Monday - Friday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Monday - Friday
Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Monday - Friday
Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Monday - Friday
Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025Monday - Friday
Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Monday - Friday
Dec 15, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 16, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025Monday - Friday
Dec 22, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Monday - Friday
Dec 29, 2025 - Jan 02, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Dec 30, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Thursday - Monday
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 12, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 13, 2026Thursday - Monday
Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 19, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 20, 2026Monday - Friday
Jan 26, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Jan 27, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Monday - Friday
Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 03, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026Monday - Friday
Feb 16, 2026 - Feb 20, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 17, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026Monday - Friday
Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Feb 24, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Monday - Friday
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 03, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026Monday - Friday
Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026Monday - Friday
Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Mar 24, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026Monday - Friday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Monday - Friday
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Tuesday - Saturday
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.