Divers Den PADI Open Water Dive Course (2 Days Pool & Theory & 2 Day Trips)

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Learn to dive in Cairns with the PADI Open Water Diver course: two days of pool and classroom training, then two day trips to the Great Barrier Reef to earn your first dive certification.

Days

4 days

Age

10 and over

Group size

Max 8

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns
Cairns Marlin Marina, about 4:30pm on day 4

Return

Cairns Marlin Marina, about 4:30pm on day 4

Accommodation

Not included — stay in Cairns

Transport

Transfers from Cairns accommodation; AquaQuest dive boat to the outer reef

Meals

Lunch on the two reef days; tea, coffee and water

Route

Map of Divers Den PADI Open Water Dive Course (2 Days Pool & Theory & 2 Day Trips)

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Included experiences

Cairns dive centre — pool training and dive theory
Outer Great Barrier Reef — four open water dives
Reef shallow cays — snorkelling
PADI Open Water Diver certification

Divers Den PADI Open Water Dive Course (2 Days Pool & Theory & 2 Day Trips)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: POOL AND THEORY AT DRAPER STREET

Check in at 9am at the Divers Den dive centre on Draper Street in Cairns, a city founded in 1876 and named after a Governor of Queensland, William Wellington Cairns. Divers Den has taught diving here since 1974. Meet your instructor, sort the paperwork and begin the PADI theory: how pressure affects your ears and lungs, why you never hold your breath on scuba, and how to plan a dive. After lunch, which is yours to sort, you get into the pool for your first breaths underwater and the first skills, then the tread water test. You finish at about 5:30pm.

DAY 2: SWIM TEST AND EXAM

Pick-up from your Cairns city accommodation is at 9am. The morning is in the pool: swim your 200 metres, then suit up in wetsuit and full gear for more skills, such as clearing a flooded mask, sharing air with a buddy and hovering without touching the bottom. Lunch is again your own, from a packed lunch or one of the cafés nearby. In the afternoon you review the theory and finish with the multiple-choice exam, which covers only what you have already learned. Tomorrow is the reef, so get an early night.

DAYS 3 AND 4: TWO DAYS ON THE OUTER REEF

Both reef days follow the same shape. Check in at 8am at Cairns Marlin Marina and board SeaQuest, which leaves at 8:30am for the 90-minute run to the outer Great Barrier Reef, more than 2,300 km long and World Heritage-listed since 1981. Your instructor briefs you on the way, then you gear up for your first training dive. Lunch is at midday, then at 12:30pm you dive again and practise snorkelling over the shallow coral. Look for clownfish in their anemones and green turtles resting on the reef. At 2:30pm the boat heads for home, back by about 4:30pm. After your fourth open water dive, on day four, you are a certified PADI Open Water Diver, qualified to 18 metres.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Day 1: Divers Den dive centre, 319 Draper Street, Cairns, at 9am. Day 2: pick-up from Cairns city accommodation at 9am. Reef days: AquaQuest, Cairns Marlin Marina, at 8am.
Finishes: About 5:30pm on day 1, and about 4:30pm back in Cairns on the reef days.
Minimum age: 10 years. Divers under 12 need a private instructor for the sea days, so let us know before the course starts.
Fitness: You must pass a 200m swim and a 10 minute tread water test. All divers must meet the medical questionnaire requirements; some conditions or medications may stop you diving, and a medical certificate may be required.
Please note: Don't fly for at least 12 hours after a single dive, or 18 hours after multiple dives; Divers Den recommends waiting at least 24 hours where possible.

What to bring

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel
A packed lunch for the pool days, if you like

What is included

All PADI materials
All dive and snorkel equipment, air fills and full tuition
2 outer reef day trips
Fresh chilled water, tea and coffee
Transfers from Cairns accommodation

Not included

Accommodation in Cairns
Lunch on the two pool and theory days
Snacks and drinks
Photos, digital camera hire and 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

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.

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.

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.