About the Cruise
Your Great Barrier Reef adventure will begin with an early morning transfer from your accommodation to the boat. You are on your first dive in just under 3hrs. There are 16 dives sites to dive over 4 different reefs, all exclusive to Pro Dive. Scubapro will move between dive sites during your stay on the reef and you will do as many as 11 dives during this trip. Before each dive you will be given a thorough dive briefing and although we do not offer in water guided dives we have professional dive supervisors providing deck watch at all times.
Our vessels are 25 metres (80 feet) in length, centrally air-conditioned, light and airy. There are 2 large decks, one for scuba diving and snorkel gear and one strictly for sun tanning and relaxing. These vessels are the only purpose built outer reef dive liveaboards operating in the area. There are a total of 16 Cabins which sleep a maximum of two per cabin and a bathroom for every two cabins. Dinner, the menu changes each trip, however it will be wholesome, hot and of course lots of it. Dessert is served after the night dive. Please advise if you are a vegetarian and we will do our best to make sure we cater for you. Single travellers are accommodated in the twin berth cabins with another diver.
Snorkellers joining this itineray are well looked after. Gear hire for snorkellers includes wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel. When in the water you will have the use of pool noodles and flotation devices and supervised by Pro Dive's professional Dive Deck. Snorkellers can also try scuba diving whilst out on the reef. The Discover Scuba Dive is a professional programme which allows you to try diving without being a qualified scuba diver. During this cruise, snorkellers will have the opportunity to do several of these dives, there are minimum requirements to participate.
Flights to and from Cairns
OUTER REEF CRUISE
3 DAY 2 NIGHT ITINERARY
Departs: Cairns 6:15am day 1
Returns: Cairns 4:30pm day 3
Planning your travel arrangements
It si recommended to be in Cairns the night before departure. At the end of this trip, if flying out of Cairns the day after you return from sea, the airlines request you allow a minimum of 24hrs between your last dive and your flight.
Check-in and Hotel Transfers
1. Pro Dive Cairns include complimentary return transfers from your accommodations. These are available from hostel, hotel and resort properties in Cairns and as far north as Palm Cove.
2. If you have been able to note your accommodation stay at time of booking, then you will already have the pick up time confirmed.
3. If not, please can you advise at least 48hrs prior to departure and a confirmation of a pick up will be confirmed back to you. 4. If you are staying at an Air BNB or privately, then you will self check in at the Pro Dive Shop. Self Check in is at 6.15am at the Retail Shop, Cnr Shield and Grafton Street Cairns.
5.You can check in with Pro Dive Cairns Retail Dive Shop, between 4.30pm and 6.30pm on the afternoon prior to departure. . If you arrive into Cairns too late for this check in, you will complete the check in formalities first thing in the morning.
Please note you will pay the emc/fuel levy at time of check in.
Fit to Dive
Please complete and sign the waiver release and indemnity deed; and bring a copy with you when you check-in for your trip. This will determine whether or not you require a dive medical. As a certified diver, if you have a pre existing medical condition and have answered yes to the medical questions on this form, you will be required to provide a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to dive. If required, we recommend that you visit your own local doctor to obtain. This letter must be completed within 3 months of participating in this activity. If you are unable to provide this letter, you may not be able to dive. If you need to do the medical in Cairns- Web address for Cairns 24hr Medical Center www.thedoctors.com.au - daily up to 8.00pm
Dive Certification
Don’t forget to bring your Dive certification (physical or electronic copy), which must be presented at check-in.
Day 1: Diving The Outer Great Barrier Reef
5:45am - Complimentary hotel transfer - available from Cairns City & Northern Beaches accommodation
6:15am - Check in at Pro Dive retail shop - corner Shields & Grafton Streets
7:00am - Depart Cairns for 3 days & 2 nights of fantastic diving/snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. A light breakfast is served onboard
11:30am - Your first dive is before lunch. This dive will be offered as a guided dive with an instructor, for those divers who have not dived in a little while
12:45pm - Lunch is served - hearty soup with an array of fresh salads, cold meats & bread rolls
2:30pm - Your second dive - head off & discover more underwater delights. Once you have completed your dive the vessel moves on to the next site
4:30pm - After an afternoon of snorkelling/relaxing its time for your third dive of the trip
6:00pm - Dinner - the menu changes each trip however it will be wholesome, hot & of course lots of it!
7:30pm - The night dive! We generally try to do the night dive at the same site as the afternoon dive, as this way you are familiar with your surroundings. Keep a close eye out for our sleeping turtles, crustaceans & the occasional reef shark!
8:30pm - Dessert is served!
Day 2: Experience More Fantastic Diving On The Outer Great Barrier Reef
7:00am - The vessel moves for an early morning dive. Look out for splendid gorgonian fans, giant clams and bump-headed parrotfish
8:00am - Enjoy a hearty breakfast of cereal, fresh fruit, bacon and eggs as well as toast & spreads
10:30am - After breakfast the vessel moves on for the second dive of the day
12:00pm - Lunch on the second day is hot pasta with a variety of fresh salads
3:00pm - After lunch & a snorkel its time for your third dive
6:00pm - A hot dinner is served before your second night dive
7:30pm - Night dive!
8:30pm - Dessert is served!
Day 3: Morning Dives And Return To Cairns
6:30am - Your first dive of the day
7:30am - A hot breakfast accompanied with fresh fruit salad, cereals and toast
9:00am - After breakfast, the vessel makes its last site of the trip, where you will do your second dive of the day
11:00am - Your last dive! When you surface freshly made sandwiches are served as the vessel heads home
4:00pm - Complimentary accommodation transfers - Cairns city & Northern Beaches
7:30pm - Join fellow passengers & crew at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner if you wish
Please note, the above itinerary is a guide only, and the order of sites may change. The captain will always adapt the itinerary to the prevailing weather, tides and currents. Meals may vary slightly depending on availability of seasonal fruit and vegetables. Please advise if you are a vegetarian and we will do our best to make sure we cater for you.
Flying after Diving
We recommend you give yourself a 24 hour surface interval after your last dive before flying.
Reef Taxes and Levies
There is an additional fee of approximately AU$90 per person, which includes an Environmental Management Charge, as well as a Port Departure Tax and administration costs. This is payable on check in and is subject to change based on government advice.
Luggage restrictions
We request that you only bring a small bag on board. You can store additional luggage at the retail shop for the duration of the trip (free of charge).
What to bring
Please bring your own personal toiletries, swimming costumes, long sleeve top (for warmth in air conditioning), t shirts, shorts, sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. Also your own towels. A good book or Pack of Cards and of course record of your certification.
Cancellation Policy
Pro Dive Cairns guarantee: the trip amount is fully refundable up until 48 hours prior to trip departure. There is no refund for any reason after this time.
Alcohol Policy
No alcohol is served on this trip. You are welcome to BYO (no bottles please but wine is fine). Alcohol can only be consumed in the evening and Pro Dive Cairns encourages responsible drinking.
Please complete and sign the waiver release and indemnity deed; and bring a copy with you when you check-in for your trip. Please have with you your internationally recognised open water certification card.
HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR DIVING NOTE - If you are indicate yes to any of the questions listed below we will require a medical clearance from a doctor before you can dive. (Medical is required to be done within 90 days of the departure)
1. Since completing your last dive medical have you suffered any illness, injury or surgery that may effect your ability to dive safely?
2. Are you currently suffering any illness or injury?
3. Are you currently taking any prescription medical on other than the contracepive pill?
4. Is there any other condition, fact or circumstance that may affect your fitness or ability to dive safely?