Divers Den PADI Open Water Course (5 Day 2 Night Liveaboard)

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Learn to dive and get your PADI Open Water certification on the Great Barrier Reef: two days of pool and theory training in Cairns, then three days and two nights on board the liveaboard vessel OceanQuest.

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Days

5 days, 2 nights on board

Group size

Max 8

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns
Cairns Marina, around 4:30pm

Return

Cairns Marina, around 4:30pm

Accommodation

2 nights on the liveaboard OceanQuest, shared double or twin cabin
Cairns accommodation for the pool days not included

Transport

Cairns city accommodation transfers, liveaboard dive vessel OceanQuest

Meals

All meals on board OceanQuest
No lunch on the two pool days

Included experiences

Cairns dive centre — pool and theory training
Saxon, Norman and Hastings reefs — training and fun dives
Outer reef — first night dive (optional)
OceanQuest — Sharks in the Dark, conditions permitting
Great Barrier Reef — PADI Open Water certification

Divers Den PADI Open Water Course (5 Day 2 Night Liveaboard)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1: Pool and theory

Pick-up from your Cairns city accommodation at 9am. Meet your instructor, complete paperwork and begin your PADI Open Water dive theory.

In the afternoon, begin your scuba skills training in the pool, with a tread water test at 5:15pm. Drop-off at your Cairns city accommodation at 5:30pm.

Lunch is not included on pool days; bring a packed lunch (the dive centre has kitchen facilities) or eat at one of the many places nearby.

Day 2: Pool and theory

Pick-up again at 9am. Continue developing your scuba skills in the pool and complete a 200 m swim test, then put on your wetsuit and equipment for more skills training.

In the afternoon, finish and review scuba theory, finishing with a multiple choice exam, before drop-off back at your accommodation at 5:30pm.

Day 3: Great Barrier Reef (overnight)

Pick-up from your Cairns city accommodation between 7:30am and 8am, check in at the dive centre and shuttle to Cairns Marlin Marina. Set off for the reef at 8:30am; during the 90-minute cruise to the outer reef, your instructor gives you a full briefing.

Arrive at the reef at 11:30am, with lunch at midday, your first dive at 1pm and your second dive at 3pm.

At 6pm, relax on deck and sit down to dinner served by the on-board chef. If conditions permit, you may have the chance to join the Sharks in the Dark experience at 6:30pm. Dessert is at 8pm.

Day 4: Great Barrier Reef

Start with coffee on deck and a hot breakfast at 7:30am. At 8:30am, gear up for your final training dive on the reef; with a handshake underwater, you're a certified scuba diver with a worldwide recognised certification.

At 10:30am, put your new skills into practice on your first fun dive. Lunch is at 12:30pm, with another fun dive on the outer reef at 3:30pm.

Dinner is at 6pm, and at 6:30pm, if you're feeling brave, hop in the water for your first night dive.

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef to Cairns

With the hard work behind you, today is all about fun dives. After breakfast and two more dive sessions, there's a final buffet lunch before you pack your gear for the return trip.

Arrive back at Cairns Marina around 4:30pm, and shuttle to any city accommodation, going via the dive centre to collect stored luggage if needed.

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Cairns city accommodation.
Finishes: Cairns Marina around 4:30pm on day 5, with a shuttle to city accommodation.
Fitness: You'll need to pass a tread water test and a 200 m swim test in the pool.
Accommodation note: On board, accommodation is in a shared double or twin cabin.

What to bring

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel
Overnight bag with changes of clothing, including warm clothes and socks for overnight
Toiletries
Reusable water bottle

What is included

All required PADI materials
All dive and snorkel equipment, including air fills, and full tuition
2 nights on board OceanQuest in a shared double or twin cabin
Meals on board OceanQuest
Fresh chilled water, tea and coffee
Two to three outer reef locations per day
Transfers from Cairns city accommodation

Not included

Lunch on the two pool days
Accommodation in Cairns on the pool days
Snacks and drinks on board
Photo purchases
Digital camera hire
Souvenirs

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.