Cairns Scuba Diving and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area

(Cairns, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)

Scuba diving has long been a major attraction of Cairns, due to its proximity to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island and Green Island. Regular cruises and dive boats ply the Great Barrier Reef each day, with Cairns serving as the principal gateway to this 'seventh wonder of the natural world'.

Many people come to Cairns to gain their PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) accreditation and intensive scuba diving courses generally start in a swimming pool, lasting four days upwards and including reef trips. Notable dive schools in the city can be found along Abbott Street, Draper Street, Lake Street, Shield Street and Spence Street.

Cairns Scuba Diving: Information about the Great Barrier Reef

Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island vary greatly in cost and usually include food, with live-aboard courses suiting the keenest of diver, whereby you actually live onboard the boat (often a spacious catamaran) for several days. Live-aboard trips have the advantage that you are able to explore more of the reef itself, with boats regularly stopping off at the northerly Homes and Osprey coral reefs, as well as at Cod Hole.

Don't worry if you are unable to scuba dive - introductory dives require no experience and are limited to small groups, being closely supervised at all times by experienced divers. The largest air-conditioned cruise boats from Cairns have their very own multi-level platform, such as Reef Magic Cruises, Great Adventures and Big Cat Cruises, which feature luxury coach transfers from Cairns and pontoons, with a sheltered decks, spacious outer sundecks, showers, changing rooms and viewing windows from an underwater observatory.

The Marine World activity platform is especially impressive and this attraction can be reached from Cairns in approximately 90 minutes, with presentations by marine biologists along the way ensuring that you know what to expect when you arrive. Located directly over a sheltered lagoon offering maximum visibility, Marine World is protected by the outer reef wall and is teaming with tropical fish and colourful corals.

Snorkelling above the Great Barrier Reef is a very memorable experience and suits those not wishing to scuba dive. Snorkel instructors are always on hand for beginner snorkellers, along with a large choice of snorkelling equipment. At lunchtime, be sure to grab your snorkel, fins and mask, and head to the snorkel platform for the fish feeding, when you can get up close and personal with an array of friendly marine characters.

A number of cruises departing from Cairns also provide the opportunity to walk on the actual ocean floor, using large clear helmets connected to oxygen, so that you won't even get your hair wet! Regular glass bottom cruises also depart from Cairns, often sailing to the Arlington Reef, and these semi-submersible tours provide both comfort and informative commentary, enhancing your understanding of this diverse underwater ecosystem.

Trips from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef are highly suitable for families, and young children are welcomed, with boats usually providing baby changing areas and allowing prams onboard. Platforms also feature children's safety swimming enclosures, so that younger visitors can join in the fun. If you want to make the most of your time here, then consider staying a little longer and flying back to Cairns, with scenic helicopter tours being available throughout the day.