Australia
Dive Trips
Upcoming Trips
The Great Barrier Reef near Cairns stands out as a world-class destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Diving in this area, adventurers can explore an underwater world filled with an array of features such as dramatic caves, tunnels, caverns, and shipwrecks. The reef’s wall descends to around 1000 meters, dotted with pinnacles and swim-throughs that create a mesmerizing landscape beneath the waves.
Marine life around Cairns is exceptionally diverse and colorful. Divers can expect encounters with various species of sharks, including grey reef, white tip reef, and silver tip sharks, as well as a plethora of other marine creatures. The waters teem with colorful gorgonian fans, whips, soft corals, and the unique flame file clam, also known as the ‘disco clam’, famous for the flashing light that seems to pulse along its mantle. The area is also home to diver-sized potato cod, stonefish, scorpionfish, octopus, clown anemone fish, turtles, and countless schools of fish, making every dive an unforgettable experience.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
In Cairns, Australia, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef presents an adventure through breathtaking underwater landscapes, featuring caves, shipwrecks, and deep-sea pinnacles. Visibility extends to 100 feet, showcasing vibrant marine life, including sharks, colorful corals, and the unique ‘disco clam’. The reef teems with turtles, octopus, and diverse fish populations, offering an immersive experience into the aquatic world. Divers seeking to refine their skills can take advantage of courses in deep diving, night diving, and buoyancy control, enhancing their exploration of this underwater paradise.
You might see:
- Grey Reef Sharks
- White Tip Reef Sharks
- Silver Tip Sharks
- Diver-sized Potato Cod
- Flame File Clam (‘disco clam’)
- Stonefish
- Scorpionfish
- Octopus
- Clown Anemone Fish
- Turtles
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Boat Diving
- Shark Ecology
- Photo & Video
- Night & Limited Visibility
- Deep Diving
- Perfect Buoyancy
Culture
The Great Barrier Reef, situated off the coast near Cairns, Australia, is not only an ecological marvel but also a vibrant cultural hub. The area is steeped in the rich traditions of the Indigenous Australian peoples, particularly the Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal groups, who have maintained a spiritual and custodial connection to this land and sea for thousands of years. These communities share a deep bond with the reef, reflected in their art, stories, and stewardship practices that emphasize respect for natural resources. Cultural tourism thrives here, offering visitors immersive experiences such as guided tours by Indigenous rangers, storytelling sessions, and the opportunity to learn about traditional fishing and land management techniques. This cultural exchange enriches the understanding of the reef’s ecological importance and promotes a broader appreciation of its global significance.
Daintree Rainforest
Recognized as part of the larger Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest continually surviving rainforests on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a glimpse into a prehistoric world filled with lush greenery and extraordinary biodiversity. Activities here include guided walks, wildlife spotting, and river cruises, all providing insight into the area’s unique flora and fauna.
Kuranda Village
Accessed via a picturesque cableway or the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, Kuranda is a charming mountain village nestled within the rainforest. The village is famous for its vibrant markets where local artisans sell handmade crafts, artwork, and jewelry. Other attractions include the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, birdwatching tours, and riverboat cruises, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.
Palm Cove
Just a short drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is renowned for its beautiful beach lined with palm trees and its relaxed atmosphere. It’s an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The esplanade is dotted with cafes, restaurants, and spas, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and dining. Palm Cove serves as a tranquil escape with all the amenities for a perfect beach day or a romantic evening.
What prior travelers say
“Australia to date is still one of my favorite trips. YOU set sail North on Mike Ball Liveaboards, diving the coral sea about 60 miles south of Papua New Guinea and I cannot ever remember seeing coral so healthy. The reefs were dense, healthy and teeming with life. I was also so lucky to be there during Green Sea Turtle nesting on Reign Island, from the liveaboard we could see thousands of turtles as far as the eye could see, and below the surface it was no different, I did not even know where to lay my eyes. This trip is and was a dream, I certainly hope to return to Australia sooner rather than later.”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Currency
In Australia, the official currency is the Australian Dollar, abbreviated as AUD. It’s commonly represented by the dollar sign ($), or A$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies.
Language
English is the primary language spoken.
Passport Validity
You need a passport that is valid at the time of entry.
Water/Food
Australia is renowned for its high-quality, diverse food and clean, safe drinking water, offering a wide range of culinary experiences influenced by various cultures.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.