Cairns
Your dive course begins with pool and classroom training in Cairns at a five-star PADI centre, featuring a state-of-the-art, four-metre-deep training pool for your comfort. You’ll master dive theory and essential skills before spending three days aboard a liveaboard on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Here, you’ll complete four training dives to earn your certification, plus receive five recreational dives, which one is a thrilling night dive.
Ready to become a certified scuba diver? Pro Dive Cairns is a 5 Star PADI dive centre and offers two learn to dive course options.
Days 1 & 2: (2 Days Pool & Theory) at their Training Centre
Days 3 to 5: Onboard a 3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard trip
Day 1: (Pool Skills) at their Training Centre
Days 3 to 5: Onboard a 3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard trip
Note: This option requires all the theory to be completed online prior to commencing Day 1.
Both Open Water courses 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, makes Cairns the ideal location to learn to scuba dive.
Onboard, enjoy air-conditioned cabins, spacious decks, and catered meals with personalised service in small groups. Departing daily (except Sunday), you’ll stay with the same group and crew throughout, creating lasting connections. After three unforgettable days, reunite for a farewell dinner to celebrate your adventure and lifelong memories.
Pro Dive Cairns offers access to 19 exclusive sites across Flynn, Thetford, Milln, and Pellowe Reefs, home to vibrant marine life such as giant clams, sea turtles, reef sharks, and colourful coral.
“Had an amazing three-day liveaboard scuba trip with Pro Dive! The group of 20 people plus the instructors and captain was fantastic, everyone got along so well, and the dive sites were breathtaking. I got certified as an Open Water Diver during the trip — such a milestone! Exploring the coral reefs and incredible marine life was truly peaceful and something I’ll treasure. Excited to use this certification around the world. Thanks, Pro Dive!” Scott Bowman – September 2025
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 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 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
Please do not bring sleeping bags, pillows and extra luggage (luggage can be stored securely at our retail shop)
Day 1
7:30 Complimentary hotel transfer
Available from Cairns city 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 2
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 3
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 4
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
Please do not bring sleeping bags, pillows and extra luggage (luggage can be stored securely at our retail shop)
$100 – Marine Park Levy per person (paid directly to operator at check-in)
$25.00 – Fuel Levy per trip (paid directly to operator at check-in)
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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