• Jump in the ocean for a night dive with head torches to see the marine life that are nocturnal on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• Our Cairns dive boats have permits to scuba dive 16 exclusive sites on 4 different reefs on the outer sections of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• Book your learn to scuba dive between May and September and into October to experience the annual migration of the mighty Humpback whales and the inquisitive Minke whales and in November for coral spawning.
• This is a high quality learn to scuba dive course that is conducted at our purpose built Cairns Dive School and on our award winning dive boats out on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Learn to dive on some of the best dives sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with excellent training facilities and first-class equipment. Take the plunge and learn to be a certified scuba diver with this 5-day PADI ‘open water’ dive course, on the world-famous Great Barrier Reef in Cairns.

The 5 Day PADI Learn to Dive course in Cairns is broken down into two components - two days of classroom and pool training and then a three day, two night liveaboard dive trip including nine dives at amazing dive sites on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

This Cairns dive course is the most popular learn to dive option as it provides greater overall diving experience and is great value for money.

Guests have the opportunity to sleep out on the reef in comfort, complete nine dives including the night dive experience, visit a greater variety of dive sights and have all their food and accommodation included for the boat portion of the learn to scuba dive course.

Learn To Dive On The Great Barrier Reef in Cairns

The Cairns 5-Day PADI Learn to Dive course includes two days of land-based theory and private in-pool training, then three days and two nights at the Great Barrier Reef staying onboard liveaboard dive vessels.

With a total of four training and five certified dives, including one night dive, this course is totally unmatched for experience and greatest value for money and safety.

PADI Learn to Dive Days 1 - 2

Learn the basics of scuba diving, both in the classroom and the pool, at the purpose-built modern, diver training centre in the middle of Cairns City.

You learn all about regulating your breathing, how much air is in the tanks and how long you can scuba for.

All safety aspects of diving are covered to ensure safety both in and around the water.

There is also the option of attending Reef Teach, a two-hour marine biology presentation (minimal additional cost.)

This informative presentation shows you a taste of what you will experience out on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

PADI Learn to Dive Days 3 - 5

With an early departure on day three and a delicious breakfast served onboard, you are finally on your way to the Great Barrier Reef.

Experience the excitement as you complete your first four training dives, which will complete your PADI certification.

The next five recreational dives allows you to enjoy your new skills and gain experience.

One of the dives is a guided night dive if you are game!

The fleet of modern dive vessels boast expansive dive and sun decks and air-conditioned interiors.

Accommodation is either twin or double share.

The dive vessels provide access to 16 exclusive sites on four different reefs from Cairns, chosen for your variety of quality of coral and marine life and great visibility.

On the final evening, and upon returning to Cairns, join the crew and fellow passengers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. 

See more learn to scuba dive courses in Cairns and on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

Tour Languages Offered

• Chinese
• English
• German
• Japanese

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Day 1: 8:00am – 5:30pm (academic and pool training)
• Day 2: 7:30am – 5:45pm (academic and pool training)
• Day 3: 5:45am – 6:00pm (diving the Outer Great Barrier Reef)
• Day 4: 7:00am – 7:00pm (diving the Outer Great Barrier Reef)
• Day 5: 6.30am – 7.30pm (diving and return to Cairns)

Departure Instructions

Please advise your accommodation place at the time of booking

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches
• Palm Cove

• Please note, no pick-ups from the Airport or private addresses
• Passengers can be collected from hotel or nearest pick-up point.

Destinations

• Cairns
• Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Monday - Saturday

Duration

Day 1: 9.5 hours (approx)
Day 2: 10 hours (approx)
Day 3: 12 hours (approx)
Day 4: 12 hours (approx)
Day 5: 13 hours (approx)

Available for Purchase / Hire

Return accommodation transfers on land based training days.

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active, Disabled

Restrictions

• Scuba Diving – minimum age 12
• It is a dive course requirement that you be able to swim 200 metres or snorkel 300 metres and tread water/float for 10 minutes.
• It is not recommended to fly within 24 hours of diving. This means that the earliest you should fly is 12pm (midday) on the day after your trip concludes.

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: A wait of 12 hours is recommended but preferably 24 hours, if doing multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

Large suitcases / backpacks can be stored Free of Charge at the retail shop.

Eco Certifications

• Swimming costume
• Beach towel & bath towel
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Cash or card for drinks, snacks, souvenirs and reef tax
• Small overnight bag with toiletries
• Toiletries for live-aboard trip
• Sea sickness tablets if needed.

• Minimum age 12 years
• All passengers under the age of 18 years old must have a parent / guardian accompany them on board.

You can cancel your Learn to Dive course for any reason at any time up to the end of Day 1 of the course and receive a full refund of all money paid. There is no refund for any reason after this time.