Tour Highlights
- Sleep on the reef! Liveaboard adventure to the Outer Barrier Reef
- Experience the magic of the reef at night with an exclusive night dive
- Extra Option to choose a ‘Go Flouro’ dive and see the reef transform into a fluorescent wonderland
- Take a selfie on the dive step at sunrise, just before jumping in for your dawn dive or snorkel or perhaps as you relax on one of the sun lounges on the deck in between dives.
- Playing "Shark in the Dark"
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Daily departures
- Spacious dive deck
- Large open sundecks and hot freshwater showers
- Double / Twin rooms available all with ensuite
- Large bar and dining room
- Wide variety of fresh hot & cold meals prepared daily by our onboard chef
- Up to four dive and snorkel sessions per day on full ocean days
- Snorkel equipment (mask, fins & snorkel)
- Suitable for snorkelers, certified divers, and introductory divers
- Unique encounters with marine wildlife
- Up to four dive and snorkel sessions per day
- Stunning dive and snorkel sites on Norman, Saxon, and Hastings Reef
- Exclusive Sharks in the Dark and Fluoro dive experience
- Special Minke Whale Expeditions
- Spacious three-deck 35m catamaran built for stability and comfort
- Airconditioned cabins and comfortable beds and private bathrooms
- Passionate, well-trained crew
- Delicious chef prepared meals
- Snorkel, dive gear and stinger suits (seasonal)
Cairns overnight diving and snorkelling tours, choose from 2 days to 6 days liveaboard dive tours on the Great Barrier Reef. Have you come all the way to Cairns to see the best of the Great Barrier Reef? Are you after more than just a day tour?
What to Expect
Experience an unforgettable overnight diving and snorkelling adventure from Cairns, exploring the expansive Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Our liveaboard tours, ranging from 2 to 6 days, provide an immersive reef experience, taking you to some of the most remote and pristine areas north of Cairns, far from the usual tourist spots.
Features and Highlights
Exclusive Overnight Experience:
- Variety of Tour Lengths: Choose from multiple tour durations—anything from a quick two-day escape to an extensive six-day diving and snorkelling expedition.
- Comfort and Style: Stay in air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities and enjoy the comforts of home, including television, on the high seas.
Superior Dive Locations:
- Remote Reef Access: With 25 exclusive mooring spots across nine different reefs, experience unparalleled diving and snorkelling away from crowded sites.
- Diverse Marine Life: Explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with colourful fish, majestic sharks during nighttime dives, and even the possible chance to swim with Dwarf Minke Whales.
Personalised Great Barrier Reef Tour Itineraries:
- Flexible Departures: Our boat departs Cairns every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, seamlessly integrating into your travel plans.
- Comprehensive Schedules: Enjoy multiple dives per day, including a unique "Sharks in the Dark" experience and the rare opportunity to swim alongside whales.
Culinary Delights:
- Onboard Dining: Relish three freshly prepared meals a day by our onboard chef, plus snacks and the option to cater to dietary needs upon request.
Detailed Itinerary
2 Day, 1 Night Itinerary:
- Day 1: Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation, followed by a dive briefing and transfer to the reef. Dive at two locations before evening activities including a "Sharks in the Dark" dive and dinner.
- Day 2: Begin with a cooked breakfast, followed by morning dives and snorkelling sessions. Wrap up with lunch and a serene sail back to Cairns.
Extended Liveaboard Options (3 Days/2 Nights up to 6 Days/5 Nights):
- Multiple Diving Opportunities: Each additional day offers up to five dives, including night dives, allowing extensive exploration of different reef sites.
- Leisure and Relaxation: Between dives, relax on deck, mingle with other guests, or enjoy the solitude of the sea.
Unique Marinelife Interactions:
- Shark Dives and Whale Swims: Experience close encounters with reef sharks and the majestic Dwarf Minke Whales, adding an exhilarating edge to your adventure.
Booking Information
- Accommodation Types: Options range from double to quad share rooms, suitable for solo travellers, couples, or groups.
- All-Inclusive Service: From bedding to meals and diving gear, everything is taken care of. Just bring your adventurous spirit (and a swimsuit).
Explore the hidden depths of the Great Barrier Reef with our expertly curated liveaboard tours. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the ocean's wonders, these tours combine luxury, adventure, and the tranquillity of life at sea. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious snorkeler, prepare for an experience that goes beyond the typical day trip.
Itinerary
Dive with Sharks on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Sleeping on the Great Barrier Reef gives you an opportunity to do some awesome night dives and spot some of the most feared and admired predators-sharks. We have an exclusive dive with sharks in the dark experience for scuba divers that are game to get in the water with these reef sharks. Are you ready to go and dive with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef?
And have you seen our swim with Dwarf Minke Whale tours?
Swim with Whales
Our boat has an exclusive licence to swim with Dwarf Minke Whales when they are sighted on the Great Barrier Reef. This means that the boat will stop and a long line is put in the water and 10 people at a time are allowed to enter the water and wait for the Dwarf Minke Whales to approach and swim around them. Swimming with whales is one of the most pure animal interactions you will ever experience, as these little 8 meter whales are so inquisitive and friendly and happy to interact and come close to have a good look at you.
Please note: As whales are wild animals this interaction is just a bonus to the Great Barrier Reef tour if whales are sighted.
Cairns Dive Boat Accommodation - Great for Singles, Couples and Groups
You can choose between double, twin or quad share rooms depending if you are travelling alone, as a couple or in a group. Most rooms have amazing ocean views. The on-board chef is preparing 3 delicious meals a day so you will not go hungry and can focus on your in-water activities. Tea, coffee and water is available at all times thru the day.
Spending a couple of nights on the liveaboard dive boat creates a perfect opportunity to meet some new like-minded people and relax by playing an old fashioned deck of cards or good old board games. Our library also has a variety of movies for every taste to choose from if you just feel like lying around and zoning out.
2 Day, 1 Night Itinerary
Day 1
7.30-8.00am: Pick up from your city accommodation (if booked) and check in at our dive centre at 319 Draper Street before transferring to the marina
8.30am: Set off from Cairns Marina and cruise out to the reef, either on our day trip vessel AquaQuest with two dive/snorkel sessions before you transfer onto OceanQuest (Thursday – Saturday departures), or directly on board OceanQuest (Wednesday departures only).
2.30pm: During the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity for more snorkel and dive sessions, and to relax on board.
6.00pm: Dinner is served
6.30pm: Sharks in the Dark
8.00pm: Dessert
10.00pm: Bar closes
Day 2
7.30am: Breakfast time! Sit down to a full cooked breakfast to fuel you for the day ahead.
8.30am: Dive or snorkel session
10.30am: Dive or snorkel session
12.00pm: Check out of your cabin
12.30pm: Lunch
2.30pm: Our transfer vessel arrives to return you to Cairns
3.00pm: Depart Outer Barrier Reef
5.00pm (approx): Return to your Cairns accommodation
3 Day/2 Night Liveaboard - Up to 10 dives/snorkel opportunities
Day One - 5 Dives
- 7.45am pick up from your city accommodation
- 8.00am Board our fast modern transfer boat for 90 minute transfer to Outer Barrier Reef
- Equipment selection
- 3 dives before transferring to our Liveaboard at 2.30pm
- 2.30pm transfer to our Liveaboard
- 2 more dives opportunity
- Afternoon dive and night dive
- Lunch, dinner and accommodation included
Day Two - 4 Dives
- Three day dives
- One night dive
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included
Day Three - 2 Dives
- Breakfast and lunch is included
- 3.00pm Depart Outer Barrier Reef
- Return to your accommodation approx. 5pm
This itinerary is meant as a guide only. All times and sequences are subject to change, indicated number of dives is a maximum (may be subject to weather/safety conditions)
4 Day/3 Night Liveaboard - Up to 14 dives/snorkel opportunities
Day One - 5 Dives
- 7.45am pick up from your city accommodation
- 8.00am Board our fast modern transfer boat for 90 minute transfer to Outer Barrier Reef
Equipment selection
- 3 dives before transferring to our Liveaboard at 2.30pm
- 2.30pm transfer to our Liveaboard
- 2 more dives opportunity
- Afternoon dive and night dive
- Lunch, dinner and accommodation included
Day Two - 4 Dives
- Three day dives
- One night dive
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included
Day Three - 4 Dives
- Three day dives
- One night dive
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included
Day Four - 2 Dives
- Breakfast and lunch is included
- 3.00pm Depart Outer Barrier Reef
- Return to your accommodation approx. 5.00pm
This itinerary is meant as a guide only. All times and sequences are subject to change, indicated number of dives is a maximum (may be subject to weather/safety conditions).
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
French
German
Japanese
Spanish
French
German
Japanese
SpanishDeparts From
Cairns
Departure Time
- 7.30-8am: Pick up from your city accommodation (if booked) and check in at our dive centre at 319 Draper Street before transferring to the marina
- 8.30am: Set off from Cairns Marina and cruise out to the reef on our day trip vessel SeaQuest
- 4.30pm returns to Cairns Marina on return date
- 5.00pm return to your Cairns city accommodation (if booked)
Destinations
- Great Barrier Reef
- Norman, Saxon and Hasting Reefs
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Available for Purchase / Hire
- Digital camera hire
- Professional photos for purchase
- Guided dives ($15 per dive)
- Extra dives (subject to availability)
- Nitrox fills
- Introductory dive package
- Fluoro Diving
- PADI Nitrox Dive Course
- Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
- Quality souvenirs
Fitness Level Required
Low, Medium
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 after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.
Additional Information
- Please note there are regulations about flying or going to altitude after diving.
- Currently the rules state that for a single no decompression dive, you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 12 hours.
- For multiple dives you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 18 hours.
- Deep Sea Divers Den recommends waiting a minimum 24 hours whenever possible.
- These are guidelines only, there is no guarantee that these recommendations will prevent decompression sickness.
- Currently there are no guidelines regarding diving after flying.
- *Altitude is 300m/1000ft above sea level.
- This includes going to the Atherton Tablelands, so be careful when you are booking tours to follow your dive course/trip.
- Under normal circumstances, you should be out of the water on your last dive at 12pm (midday), this should help with organising any travel plans you have after your dive trip with us.
- Minimum age for diving 12.
- All divers must complete dive medical.
Eco Certifications
What to Bring
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel
- Overnight bag with changes of clothing, including warm clothing and socks for overnight wear
- Toiletries
- Reusable water bottle
- Bedding and bath towels are supplied on board. Excess baggage can be stored at our Draper Street office at check in.
Child Policy
- Child price applies to children 4 to 14.
- All children MUST remain supervised at all times
- Minimum age for Introductory diving is 12
- Certified diver age 10 to 14 MUST dive with a parent guardian or SHARED guide
- Full adult rates apply to any child scuba diver
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Tour Operator's T&Cs:
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations with 48 hours or more notice, will not be charged a cancellation penalty.
Cancellations within 48 hours of departure, will incur a penalty of 100%.
From
au$620.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$620.00
Family: au$2,480.00
Tour Code: 138
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