A liveaboard is the best way to scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns: you sleep on the outer reef, dive several times a day and add night dives the day boats cannot offer. Trips from $730.
Choose your dive liveaboard
Outer Great Barrier Reef trips from Cairns. Snorkellers welcome too.
Ocean Quest 2 Day LiveaboardPro Dive Cairns 3 Day LiveaboardOcean Quest 3 Day LiveaboardOcean Quest 4 Day LiveaboardCompare all Cairns liveaboards
Why dive from a liveaboard?
Day boats spend several hours travelling to and from the reef. On a liveaboard you stay out there, so more of your time is spent underwater. You can dive at dawn before the day boats arrive, between meals during the day, and after dark when the reef changes completely. See night diving.
Quick answers
“Do I need to be a certified diver?”
Certified divers can join any of the trips above. Not certified yet? You can learn on a liveaboard: Ocean Quest and Pro Dive Cairns both run PADI Open Water courses at sea. See dive courses.
“How many dives will I do?”
It depends on the trip. The Pro Dive Cairns 3 day liveaboard offers up to 11 dives, including two night dives. Longer trips give you more dives and more night dives. Check each trip for the details.
“Can a snorkeller come with me?”
Yes. Snorkellers can travel on these liveaboards too, so a diver and a snorkeller can share the trip. Choose the snorkel option when you book.
“Should I choose 2, 3 or 4 days?”
Two days with one night is a great taste of liveaboard life. Three or four days take you to more reef sites with more chances to dive at night.
“Do I need a dive medical?”
Every diver completes a medical declaration. Some medical conditions need a doctor’s clearance before you dive, so check the medical requirements before you book.