Watch the full course explained
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Watch before you choose
Learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef
Underwater footage is illustrative. Marine life varies by site, season and conditions.
Choose your course
All three end on the same 3-day, 2-night reef trip, with up to 9 dives. The difference is how you do the theory and pool training.-
5-day
5-day Learn to Dive
Starts every day except Sunday
$1315*
*Goes up to $1385 for dates from 1 April
- Days 1–2: classroom theory and pool training at the training centre in Cairns
- Theory exam on day 2
- Days 3–5: the liveaboard trip
- The most popular option: same group and instructors from start to finish
- See the 5-day itinerary, day by day
-
4-day eLearning
4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
Starts Tuesday to Saturday
$1235*
*Goes up to $1305 for dates from 1 April
- Do the theory online before you travel. Login details arrive within 24–48 hours of booking
- Finish all the modules before your pool day
- Day 1: one day of pool training at the training centre
- Days 2–4: the liveaboard trip
- Suits you if you're short on time
- See the 4-day itinerary, day by day
-
Referral
3-day, 2-night Open Water Referral
Departs every day except Tuesday. Pool training must be finished before the trip.
$1205*
- Only if you have already finished your pool training. This option has no pool day: you go straight to the boat
- Before the trip, at home: do the theory, the exam and all the pool (confined water) training with a PADI instructor
- In Cairns: just the four ocean training dives, on the 3-day, 2-night reef trip
- Bring your signed PADI referral paperwork and show it at check-in. No paperwork, no training dives
- Pool training not finished, or trained with another agency? Book the 4-day or 5-day course instead, or call 1800 820 820 to add a training day in Cairns before the trip
- See the referral itinerary, day by day
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars (AUD) and can change by date. Your booking shows the price for the date you choose.
Pickup points (5:45–6:15 am): Referral Pickup points (8:00–8:30 am): 5-day / 4-day eLearning See the boat
Dates
Choose a date to see prices and spots left, then book.- Sat, 14 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Sun, 15 NovFrom $1205Check availability
- Mon, 16 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $1205Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water Referral
- Tue, 17 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13154-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Wed, 18 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Thu, 19 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Fri, 20 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Sat, 21 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Sun, 22 NovFrom $1205Check availability
- Mon, 23 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $1205Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water Referral
- Tue, 24 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13154-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
- Wed, 25 Nov5-day Learn to Dive $13153-day, 2-night Open Water Referral $12054-day eLearning Learn to Dive $1235Check availability: 5-day Learn to DiveCheck availability: 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralCheck availability: 4-day eLearning Learn to Dive
Prices are per person and can vary by date and option.
How does learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef work?
You train in Cairns first, then finish your course living on the outer reef. The 5-day course starts every day except Sunday with classroom and pool days at the training centre; the 4-day course replaces the classroom with PADI eLearning at home and starts Tuesday to Saturday; the referral option is for divers who did their theory and pool training elsewhere. All three end with the same 3-day, 2-night liveaboard trip: your four PADI Open Water training dives on the reef, then up to five more dives as a certified diver, including a night dive, up to nine in all. Dive gear, including a computer and 5 mm wetsuit, meals on board, twin-share cabins and transfers from Cairns city accommodation are included. The reef and fuel levies are paid at check-in. A $250 deposit holds your place, and you need to be in Cairns the night before you start.
What’s included
- PADI Open Water certificationIncluded
- Theory and pool trainingClassroom days (5-day) or eLearning (4-day), plus pool training at the training centre
- Open Water manual5-day course; various languages
- Two passport photosIncluded
- 3-day, 2-night outer reef liveaboard tripTwo nights on board in twin cabins, with bed linen (no towels)
- All meals on boardIncluded
- Up to 9 dives4 training dives and 5 fun dives, including a night dive
- Dive gear hireIncluding a dive computer and 5 mm wetsuit. Prescription masks too, if you need one.
- TransfersFrom Cairns city accommodation
Not included
- Flights and accommodationFlights to and from Cairns, and accommodation in Cairns.
- Reef levy and fuel levyPaid at check-in, per person. They’re set each year: see the current reef levy and fuel levy.
- Lunch on the training centre daysBring money for lunch.
- Nitrox fillsNot included.
- Camera hireNone is available on board.
- Dive medicalIf you need one.
- Travel and trip-cancellation insuranceNot included.
- Towels and toiletriesBring your own deck and bath towels, and toiletries.
- Drinks and snacks on boardSoft drinks, juice and chocolate bars.
- Northern Beaches pickups$25 each way, as far as Palm Cove.
Your day-by-day itinerary
Pick your course to see exactly what happens on each day.
5-day course: 2 days in Cairns, 3 days on the reef
- Day 1Theory and pool
8:00 am Free pickup from your Cairns city accommodation (Northern Beaches $25 each way)
8:30 am Register at the Pro Dive Cairns Training Centre
Morning Classroom theory
1:00 pm Lunch break (lunch not included)
2:00 pm Pool training
5:30 pm Free transfer back - Day 2Pool, final exam, gear up
Morning Pool training
12:30 pm Prepare your gear for the reef trip at the dive shop
Afternoon Classroom theory and final exam - Day 3Out to the reef
5:45 am Free pickup
6:15 am Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
7:00 am Depart Cairns. Light breakfast on board.
11:30 am Training dive 1, then lunch
2:30 pm Training dive 2
Rest of the day Snorkelling, then dinner on board - Day 4Certified
7:00 am Training dive 3, before breakfast. This is the deepest training dive.
10:30 am Training dive 4, your last for PADI Open Water certification
3:00 pm Your first dive as a certified diver
7:00 pm Guided night dive after dinner - Day 5Last dives, back to Cairns
6:30 am First dive of the day
9:00 am Second dive at the last site of the trip
11:00 am Your last dive. Sandwiches are served as the boat heads home.
4:00 pm Free transfer back to your accommodation
7:30 pm Optional farewell dinner with the crew and other passengers (extra cost)
Times are a guide. The skipper changes the plan to suit the weather, tides and currents.
MV Scuba Pro moves between 16 sites across Flynn, Milln, Pellowe and Thetford reefs — reefs only Pro Dive Cairns dives. Depths range from 10 to 25 metres, and the best diving is usually between 10 and 15 metres. The reef has up to 1,500 species of fish.
The training centre's pool is 4.5 metres deep in the middle, so you get a real feel for diving before you reach the reef.
4-day eLearning course: theory at home, 1 day in Cairns, 3 days on the reef
- Before you arriveTheory online, at home
Work through the PADI Open Water eLearning in your own time: every module and quiz. Bring your dive medical too, if you need one.
- Day 1Pool training in Cairns
8:00 am Free pickup from your Cairns city accommodation (Northern Beaches $25 each way)
8:30 am Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns Training Centre
9:15 am Pool training
12:00 pm Lunch break (lunch not included)
1:00 pm More pool training
4:00 pm Gear up for the reef trip at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
5:00 pm Free transfer back - Day 2Out to the reef
5:45 am Free pickup
6:15 am Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
7:00 am Depart Cairns. Light breakfast on board.
11:30 am Training dive 1, then lunch
2:30 pm Training dive 2
Rest of the day Snorkelling, then dinner on board - Day 3Certified
7:00 am Training dive 3, before breakfast. This is the deepest training dive.
10:30 am Training dive 4, your last for PADI Open Water certification
3:00 pm Your first dive as a certified diver
7:30 pm Guided night dive after dinner - Day 4Last dives, back to Cairns
6:30 am First dive of the day
9:00 am Second dive at the last site of the trip
11:00 am Your last dive. Sandwiches are served as the boat heads home.
4:00 pm Free transfer back to your accommodation
7:30 pm Optional farewell dinner with the crew and other passengers (extra cost)
Times are a guide. The skipper changes the plan to suit the weather, tides and currents.
MV Scuba Pro moves between 16 sites across Flynn, Milln, Pellowe and Thetford reefs — reefs only Pro Dive Cairns dives. Depths range from 10 to 25 metres, and the best diving is usually between 10 and 15 metres. The reef has up to 1,500 species of fish.
Open Water referral: pool training at home, 3 days on the reef
- Before you comeAt home, with a PADI instructor
Theory and exam finished
Pool (confined water) training finished, every skill
PADI referral paperwork signed by your instructor. Pack it: you show it at check-in. - The day beforeCheck in at our dive shop
Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop on the corner of Grafton and Shields Streets, between 12 pm and 6 pm. We size your dive gear and check your referral paperwork. Arriving later than that? You can check in on the morning of departure instead.
- Day 1Out to the reef
5:45 am Free pickup from your Cairns city accommodation (Northern Beaches $25 each way)
6:15 am Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
7:00 am Depart Cairns. Light breakfast on board.
11:30 am Training dive 1, then lunch
2:30 pm Training dive 2
Rest of the day Snorkelling, then dinner on board - Day 2Certified
7:00 am Training dive 3, before breakfast. This is the deepest training dive.
10:30 am Training dive 4, your last for PADI Open Water certification
3:00 pm Your first dive as a certified diver
7:30 pm Guided night dive after dinner - Day 3Last dives, back to Cairns
6:30 am First dive of the day
9:00 am Second dive at the last site of the trip
11:00 am Your last dive. Sandwiches are served as the boat heads home.
4:00 pm Free transfer back to your accommodation
7:30 pm Optional farewell dinner with the crew and other passengers (extra cost)
Times are a guide. The skipper changes the plan to suit the weather, tides and currents.
MV Scuba Pro moves between 16 sites across Flynn, Milln, Pellowe and Thetford reefs — reefs only Pro Dive Cairns dives. Depths range from 10 to 25 metres, and the best diving is usually between 10 and 15 metres. The reef has up to 1,500 species of fish.
What you’ll see
Turtles, reef sharks and schooling fish year-round — and in winter, the chance to swim with dwarf minke whales.
Requirements
Age
- The minimum age in Queensland is 10.
- Divers aged 10 to 14 qualify as Junior Open Water Divers, with depth limits for their age.
- Anyone under 15 must be with a parent or an adult over 18.
- Under-18s need a signed parent or guardian consent form, available at the dive centre.
Medical
- Fill in the Entry Level Student Diver Medical Declaration before you start. Read about dive medicals.
- In Cairns you’ll complete the operator’s own medical form. It asks the same questions, in a different format.
- If you answer "yes" to any question, you need a dive medical certificate from a doctor. It must be done within 90 days before the course starts, and before you start with us.
- Any dive medical is accepted. It doesn't need to be to the Australian Standard, so a medical done overseas is fine.
Diabetes
- You need an up-to-date dive medical saying you're fit to dive with your condition.
- Diabetic divers are limited to 2 dives a day, with at least 2 hours between dives.
Swimming
- Before you start, swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres, without stopping.
- Then tread water or float for 10 minutes.
Language
- PADI manuals in other languages may be available with 7 days' notice, but this isn't guaranteed. Note your language when you book.
Dive training starts with the standard recreational diver medical questionnaire, the same wherever you train. What it involves, and when you need a doctor. Each trip operator’s own medical and waiver requirements are emailed with your booking confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Open Water referral, and can I do it?
The referral is the second half of the PADI Open Water course. You do the first half at home with a PADI instructor: the theory, the exam and all the pool (confined water) training. Then you come to Cairns for the 3-day, 2-night reef trip and do the four ocean training dives. Your pool training must be finished before the trip: there is no pool day on the referral. Bring your signed PADI referral paperwork to check-in. If you haven't done the pool training, book the 4-day eLearning or 5-day course instead.
Should I do the 5-day course or the 4-day eLearning course?
The 5-day course is the most popular. You learn with the same group and instructors the whole way through. The 4-day course suits people short on time. You do the theory online before you arrive, which saves a day.
Can my partner or friend come on the boat while I do the course?
Yes. A certified diver is buddied with another certified diver while you do your four training dives. After that, you can do your five fun dives together. There's also plenty of time to snorkel and hang out with a non-diver. See snorkelling trips.
How many students are there per instructor?
Standards allow no more than 8 students per instructor. Pro Dive usually runs 6 to 1 or better.
How deep will I dive?
The Great Barrier Reef isn't a deep-diving destination. The sites range from 10 to 25 metres, and the best diving is usually between 10 and 15 metres. Junior divers aged 10 to 14 have depth limits for their age.
Are there sharks?
Yes, as in every ocean. The ones you're most likely to see are smaller species that pose no threat to divers or snorkellers. Great white sharks don't live in Far North Queensland.
When is the best time of year?
Any time. The water is 22–28 °C year-round.
Summer (Dec–Feb): about 29 °C, excellent visibility, generally calm
Autumn (Mar–May): 25–27 °C, good visibility
Winter (Jun–Aug): 22–24 °C, good visibility, minke whales
Spring (Sep–Nov): 25–27 °C, excellent visibility, coral spawning in November
What is the boat like?
The Scubapro boats are 24 metres long and air-conditioned, with two big decks: one for dive gear, one for relaxing. There are 16 cabins: 14 twin cabins with bunk beds and 2 double cabins, at the same price (doubles go first come, first served). There are 8 shared toilet and shower rooms. Solo travellers share a twin cabin with another diver. Each cabin has a 240 V power outlet. Meals are buffet style and freshly made, with unlimited tea, coffee and Milo. Filtered chilled water is on board, but no bottled water, so bring a drink bottle. For allergies or special diets, tell the crew at check-in. They can cater for peanut and seafood allergies, and there's gluten-free bread and pasta and soy milk on board. Vegan or gluten-free guests should bring snacks that don't need a fridge. Fridge space is tight.
What should I bring on the boat?
Two towels (one for after diving, one for the shower), swimwear, casual clothes for three days, something warm for the evenings, pyjamas and toiletries including sunscreen. For the pool days, bring swimwear, a towel, your dive medical if you need one, photo ID and money for lunch. Leave sleeping bags and bulky luggage behind.
What if I fail the dive medical?
Get your dive medical done before the course: at least 48 hours before the 4-day eLearning course, or before day one of the 5-day course. If you don't, and can't dive, there's no refund.
Terms and conditions
- 5-day Learn to DiveRead the terms and conditions
- 4-day eLearning Learn to DiveRead the terms and conditions
- 3-day, 2-night Open Water ReferralRead the terms and conditions
