Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
  • FAQ
  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour, where you'll learn to dive in one of the world's most stunning marine environments. Starting in Cairns, you'll spend the first two days mastering scuba diving theory and practical skills at the Pro Dive Cairns training center. Once you're ready, it's time to dive into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Over the next few days, you'll have the chance to complete your open water certification and enjoy up to nine dives, including a thrilling night dive. Discover the reef's incredible biodiversity, from colorful corals to majestic marine life like turtles and rays. Relax on the dive boat, soaking up the sun and the breathtaking views. Conclude your journey back in Cairns, where you can celebrate your new skills and friendships with a farewell dinner. Dive into this extraordinary experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights
  • Cairns: Start your adventure in the vibrant city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Pro Dive Cairns: Learn the theory and practical skills of scuba diving at a renowned training center.
  • Great Barrier Reef: Dive at up to 16 exclusive sites on the outer reef, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 411 types of hard coral.
  • Night Dive: Experience the thrill of a guided night dive as a certified diver.
  • Marine Life: Encounter giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams, and some of the best coral in the world.
  • Dive Boat: Enjoy sunbathing and relaxation on the deck of the dive boat amidst the stunning reef scenery.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a journey from Cairns to the dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef, providing access to exclusive dive sites and a return trip to Cairns.
Accommodation
Stay at Gilligans in Cairns for the first two nights, followed by accommodation on a dive boat at the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique experience surrounded by stunning marine life.
Dining Summary
  • 3 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
FAQs
  • Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
Farewell Dinner
The farewell dinner in Cairns is optional and not included in the tour package.
Destinations
  • Australasia
  • Australia
Tour Types
  • Scuba Diving
  • Boat/Cruise Excursion
  • Wildlife Tours
  • Active
  • Small Group
  • Adventure Tours

Location: Cairns

Welcome to Cairns (Gimuy)! Are you ready to take on a fun filled few days learning to dive? Can we get a heck yeah? The first 2 days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills of scuba diving from our pro's. After that, you're nearly ready to go.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)

Location: Cairns

We know, we know…you want to get out there, but good things take time. It's back to the books today as we continue learning the A to Z of diving, with your day spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills you'll need on the reef. Excitement will be at an all time high as we get ready for the next few days and what's in store for you on this mind-blowing reef.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)

Location: Great Barrier Reef

It's GO TIME! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of our 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your first 4 dives will complete your open water certification & then as a certified diver you are able to take up to 5 more recreational dives, one of which is a guided night dive. Boom.  So, what can we tell you about this spectacular reef? Here goes - more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals and 134 species of sharks and rays call this clear blue water home. Add over 30 species of marine mammals to the mix, and that's your mind blown.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Great Barrier Reef

With another day on our boat, why not take this incredible opportunity to continue diving for your chance to spot yet more colourful marine life. We're talking giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams and some of the best coral in the world. And with the deck of the boat providing you with the perfect spot for some sunbaking, book reading and bliss, you might just call this total paradise.<br/>

Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Cairns

We'll return to Cairns late this afternoon where there’s the option to join your new mates & crew for a farewell dinner. There's nothing like a spot of bonding over a #NOREGRETS experience to make for strong friendships. So where's next on the agenda?<br/>

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included
  • Dive Training
    -The first two days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory and practical skills of scuba diving.
  • Open Water Certification
    -Your first four dives will complete your open water certification.
  • Recreational Dives
    -As a certified diver, you are able to take up to five more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
  • Meals
    -The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
  • Accommodation
    -Accommodation is provided at Gilligans (or similar) and on the Dive Boat at the Great Barrier Reef.

Not Included
  • Farewell Dinner
    -The farewell dinner in Cairns is optional and not included in the tour package.
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
You will have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The first 4 dives will complete your open water certification, and as a certified diver, you can take up to 5 more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
Yes, there is an option to join your new mates and crew for a farewell dinner in Cairns, providing an opportunity to bond over the experiences shared during the tour.
Besides diving, you can enjoy sunbathing, book reading, and relaxing on the deck of the boat, which provides a perfect spot for some blissful downtime.
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
While diving on the Great Barrier Reef, you might see more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals, and 134 species of sharks and rays. Additionally, there are over 30 species of marine mammals, giant turtles, stingrays, and huge clams.
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
During the first two days of the tour, you will spend time at the Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory and practical skills of scuba diving. This will prepare you for the diving experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

Dates Price Availability
07-Jul-2025
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Multi-share (Mixed sex) £801.00
07-Jul-2025
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08-Jul-2025
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21-Jul-2025
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18-Aug-2025
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19-Aug-2025
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01-Sep-2025
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15-Sep-2025
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16-Sep-2025
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29-Sep-2025
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13-Oct-2025
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14-Oct-2025
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27-Oct-2025
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28-Oct-2025
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03-Nov-2025
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04-Nov-2025
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17-Nov-2025
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18-Nov-2025
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18-Nov-2025
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01-Dec-2025
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15-Dec-2025
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16-Dec-2025
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22-Dec-2025
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22-Dec-2025
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23-Dec-2025
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23-Dec-2025
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29-Dec-2025
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30-Dec-2025
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08-Jan-2026
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09-Jan-2026
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23-Feb-2026
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06-Apr-2026
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07-Apr-2026
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13-Apr-2026
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13-Apr-2026
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14-Apr-2026
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14-Apr-2026
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This tour is operated by Contiki

5 days from £801 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Cairns, Australia
Finish:Cairns, Australia
Suitable for: 18-35
Physical rating:Medium
Diets:Vegetarians
Tour operated in: English
Tour Reference: LTDD25
Contact us
1 Email enquiry {{formText}}
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2 Call directly 0203 7939446