Cairns Dive Centre

Cairns Dive Centre (Cairns)

Cairns Dive Centre is a long-standing, locally owned and operated dive shop in Cairns, Australia, with over 35 years of experience introducing divers to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The centre provides comprehensive PADI certification courses and guided dive excursions, catering to both aspiring and certified divers.

Certification Courses

Cairns Dive Centre specializes in the PADI Open Water Diver certification, offering two distinct course options designed to suit various itineraries and budgets.

• Course Structure: The PADI Open Water course typically spans four days. The initial two days are dedicated to theoretical knowledge and practical skill development, conducted in their dedicated training facilities and purpose-built pool located in Cairns. This foundational training ensures divers are comfortable and proficient with essential scuba skills before heading to open water. Upon successful completion of the pool and classroom sessions, the course progresses to open water training.
• Open Water Training: Day three of the course involves training dives conducted around the tropical Fitzroy Island. The final day, day four, features the concluding training dives on the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef. This multi-location approach provides diverse underwater experiences during the learning process. Upon successful completion, divers earn an internationally recognized PADI Open Water certification, qualifying them to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 meters.
• Inclusions: Course packages typically include transfers from Cairns CBD accommodation, transportation to and from Fitzroy Island and the Outer Great Barrier Reef, the use of all necessary dive equipment, and lunch on the final day of the course.

Guided Dives and Great Barrier Reef Expeditions

Cairns Dive Centre offers guided dive experiences to the Great Barrier Reef aboard their day boat, the MV ReefKist. This 17.5-meter catamaran provides day tours for both certified and introductory divers. The MV ReefKist is also utilized for transfers to the centre's liveaboard vessel, the MV Kangaroo Explorer.

• Day Trips: Day tours typically involve visiting two different reef sites on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with site selection dependent on daily conditions to ensure the best possible diving and snorkeling experience. Divers can enjoy up to four hours at the reef, including two certified dives for qualified divers. Introductory dives are also available for those without prior certification, allowing them to experience scuba diving under the direct supervision of an instructor.
• Dive Sites: While specific named dive sites visited by Cairns Dive Centre's day boat are flexible and chosen based on conditions, the Outer Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its vibrant coral formations, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility. Common sightings include various reef fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. The water temperature on the Great Barrier Reef generally ranges from 22°C in winter (June-August) to a comfortable 29°C in summer (December-February), making for pleasant diving conditions year-round.
• Onboard Amenities: Day trips on the MV ReefKist include lunch and a complimentary cheese, cracker, and fruit platter on the return journey. Passenger numbers for day tours are limited to 40, ensuring a more spacious and less crowded experience on the boat and at the dive sites.

Equipment

For all certification courses and guided dive trips, Cairns Dive Centre provides the necessary dive equipment, including masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, BCDs, and regulators. This ensures that divers have access to well-maintained gear for their underwater adventures. Information on equipment sales is not specifically detailed for Cairns Dive Centre.

Cairns Dive Centre is committed to providing accessible and practical diving experiences on the iconic Great Barrier Reef, with a focus on foundational PADI certification and guided day trips. (Source:,)