Ready to become a certified scuba diver? The five-day PADI Open Water course offers the perfect mix of adventure and the chance to explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef. With warm waters, minimal current, and excellent visibility year-round, it’s an ideal spot to learn.
The course starts with two days of pool and classroom training in Cairns, at our five-star PADI training centre. Here, you’ll master dive theory and essential skills in our state-of-the-art, four-metre-deep training pool. The final three days are spent aboard a liveaboard on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll complete four training dives to earn your certification and enjoy five recreational dives, including an exhilarating night dive.
Pro Dive Cairns operates at 19 exclusive dive sites across four spectacular reefs: Flynn, Thetford, Milln, and Pellowe. You’ll encounter a vibrant array of marine life, from giant clams and sea turtles to reef sharks and colourful coral formations.
Onboard, relax in comfort with air-conditioned cabins, spacious decks, and catered meals, ensuring a personalised experience with small group sizes and attentive staff. Courses start daily, except Sunday, offering a memorable way to get certified and explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The great thing about Pro Dive’s operation is you depart Cairns staying with the same group and crew for the duration of the three days cruising the Great Barrier Reef. At the end of your trip after spending three amazing days together, you have the opportunity to regroup for a farewell dinner. A perfect way to end your trip that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Day 1 & 2 at the Training Centre
Day 3, 4 & 5 on the Great Barrier Reef
Please do not bring sleeping bags, pillows and extra luggage (luggage can be stored securely at our retail shop)
Vessel Amenities
Food and Drinks
$90 – Marine Park Levies Levy per person (paid directly to operator at check-in)
It is recommended to check in and have all your dive/snorkel equipment organised and fill out any necessary paperwork before the morning of your departure. Pro Dive’s retail shop is located on the corner of Grafton and Shields streets (Cairns City). The shop is open 7 days a week, from9:30am to 7:00pm.
Days 1 & 2 – Pool & Theory at Cairns Training Centre
Day 1: Academic & Pool Training
8:00 Complimentary hotel transfer
Available from Cairns city and Northern Beaches hotels/hostels
8:30 Check in at Pro Dive Cairns training centre
Located at 116 Spence Street
8:45 Course starts
Academic training begins in the classroom – All theory is now done via the PADI eLearning online system. You will have access to your eLearning account to complete your required modules prior to starting your dive course. Students can complete the modules during the allotted time on Day 1 and 2 of the course with their instructor to discuss any questions. You will need to have with you a Mobile Phone, Laptop or iPad to access your PADI eLearning.
12:30 Lunch break
Lunch is not provided
13:30 Pool training
Practical dive training begins
17:30 Complimentary return transfer
Return transfer to your accommodation
Day 2
7:30 Complimentary hotel transfer
Available from Cairns city and Northern Beaches hotels/hostels
08:00 Equipment briefing
Hands-on scuba gear walk through with instructors.
9:15 Pool training
12:00 Lunch break
Lunch is not provided
13:15 Gear up at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
Dive equipment fitting for the liveaboard trip
14:00 Final academic training session and exam
17:45 Complimentary return transfer
Return transfer to your accommodation
Day 3
6:00 Complimentary hotel transfer
Available from Cairns city and Northern Beaches hotels/hostels
6:20 Check in at Pro Dive Cairns retail shop
Corner of Shields & Grafton Streets, Cairns City
7:00 Depart Cairns for 3 days & 2 nights on The Great Barrier Reef
Light breakfast served on board
11:00 Dive 1: Training dive
On the Great Barrier Reef
12:30 Lunch
14:30 Dive 2: Training dive
16:30 Snorkelling opportunity
18:00 Dinner
19:45 Watch the night dive
Watch the certified divers participating in the first night dive of the trip
Day 4
7:00 Dive 3: Training dive
First dive of the day, before breakfast
9:00 Breakfast
11:15 Dive 4: Training dive
This will be the last training dive for Open Water certification
12:45 Lunch
15:15 Dive 5
First dive as a newly certified scuba diver
17:45 Dinner
19:30 Dive 6: Night dive
Guided night dive experience for all newly certified divers
Day 5
06:30 Dive 7
Your first dive of the day – a sunrise dive to enjoy the reef waking up.
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Dive 8
11:00 Dive 9
The last dive of the trip, finished by 1200 noon
12:00 Lunch
Last lunch on The Great Barrier Reef before returning to Cairns
16:00 Complimentary return transfer
Return transfer to your accommodation
19:30 Farewell dinner (optional, additional cost)
Join fellow passengers and crew at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner
Planning your Australian dive holiday and feeling unsure where to begin? Reach out to us! Our knowledge and services encompass a wide array of Australia’s most sought-after scuba diving destinations and marine encounters. Whether you’re interested in dive courses, liveaboard expeditions, or day tours, we’ve got you covered. We’re your go-to experts for personalised dive travel in Australia!
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