Liveabroad PADI Open Water Course (OceanQuest)
About your (OceanQuest Liveaboard) PADI Dive Course from Cairns Great Barrier Reef
About your trip with Divers Den
There’s no better place than the Great Barrier Reef to learn to dive! We offer two PADI Open Water Diver course options, both including at least one overnight stay, giving you the chance to explore the vibrant Cairns reef while gaining essential diving experience.
Spending a night on the reef and waking up to sunrise on the water, knowing you’re about to become a PADI-certified diver, is an unforgettable experience. Once your training dives are complete, you’ll also enjoy your first ‘fun dive’ before heading back to Cairns.
Trip Overview
Four Days, One Night PADI Open Water Course (1 Night Liveaboard)
Spend two days at our five-star Cairns training centre mastering theory and pool skills, then embark on an overnight trip aboard OceanQuest. Dive at Saxon, Norman, and Hastings reefs, exploring the colourful treasures of the Great Barrier Reef as you refine your skills.
Five Days, Two Nights PADI Open Water Course (2 Nights Liveaboard)
This five-day course includes five extra dives, including a free guided night dive. After two days of training, spend two nights on the reef, diving from dawn to dusk. Night diving offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef after dark.
Make It Eco!
Choose our Eco Open Water course to add the PADI Aware Specialty Course to your training. This course teaches you about ocean threats, responsible underwater photography, and how to create conservation-focused content. You’ll also develop an action plan for marine protection and engage in the PADI Aware movement for global impact.
A portion of your course fee supports the PADI Aware Foundation, helping remove marine debris, protect sharks and rays, and establish marine sanctuaries. Upon completion, you’ll receive two limited edition PADI Aware Foundation certification cards.
Highlights
- PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre
- 2 Days pool & theory – Cairns
- At least 1 night liveaboard
- 4 Training Dives on the Great Barrier Reef
- 1 Fun Dive on the Great Barrier Reef
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
- Bedding and bath towels are supplied on board. Excess baggage can be stored at our Draper Street office at check-in
Course Inclusions
- All required PADI materials
- All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills, and full tuition
- Fresh chilled water, tea and coffee
- Two – three outer reef locations per day
- Meals on board OceanQuest
- Transfers to Cairns accommodation
Optional Extras
- Snacks and beverages
- Photo purchases
- Digital camera hire
- Quality souvenirs
Full Itinerary for 5 Day Course
Day 1: Pool & Theory
9am: Pick up from your Cairns city accommodation
Morning: Meet your instructor, complete paperwork and begin dive theory
Lunch is not included, but you can bring a packed lunch or there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
Afternoon: Begin your scuba skills training in the pool
5.15pm: Tread water test
5.30pm: Drop off at Cairns city accommodation
Day 2: Pool & Theory
9am: Pick up from Cairns city accommodation
Morning: Continue scuba skills in the pool and complete 200m swim test. Don your wetsuit and equipment for more skills training.
Lunch is not included, but you can bring a packed lunch or there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
Afternoon: Finish and review scuba theory, finish with a multiple choice exam.
5.30pm: Drop off at Cairns city accommodation
Day 3: Great Barrier Reef (Overnight)
7.30-8am: Pick up from your city accommodation (if booked)
8.30am: Set off from Cairns Marina on board our fast and modern transfer boat, for the 90-minute trip to the Outer Barrier Reef. Select your equipment and receive in depth safety briefings
10am: Arrive at the reef for your first intro dive
12pm: Enjoy lunch while we move to our second dive site
12:30pm: Second training dive
2.30pm: Transfer to OceanQuest and settle into your cabin
3.30pm: Third training dive
6pm: Dinner is served
6.30pm: Enjoy Sharks in the Dark, one of our unique liveaboard experiences, or simply chill out
8pm: Dessert
10pm: Bar closes
Day 4: Great Barrier Reef (Overnight)
7.30am: Kickstart your day with coffee on deck and a hot breakfast prepared by our chefs – this is going to be a big day!
8.30am: Gear up for your final training dive on the reef. With a hand shake underwater, you’re officially a certified SCUBA diver with a worldwide recognised certification.
10.30am: Put your new skills to practice with your first fun dive! Enjoy the sensation as you explore the undersea world in freedom.
12.30pm: Celebrate with a delicious lunch
3.30pm: Enjoy another fun dive on the outer reef
6pm: Dinner
6.30pm: If you’re feeling brave, it’s time to hop into the water for your first night dive!
8pm: Dessert
10pm: Bar closes
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef
With all the hard work behind you, today is all about fun dives!
After breakfast and two more dive sessions, it’s time for a final buffet lunch, and to pack your gear for the return trip to Cairns.
Arriving back in Cairns Marina around 4.30pm, we will shuttle you to any city accommodation, if necessary going via our dive centre to collect any stored luggage.
FAQ
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