Divers Den PADI Open Water Referral Course (3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard)

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Arrive in Cairns with your pool and theory already done, and finish your PADI Open Water certification on the outer Great Barrier Reef over three days and two nights aboard the dive liveaboard OceanQuest. The extra night means more time underwater once you have qualified.

Days

3 days, 2 nights

Age

10 and over, with a PADI referral form

Group size

Dive course on a shared liveaboard

Start / finish

Cairns / outer Great Barrier Reef / Cairns
Cairns, around 5pm

Return

Cairns, around 5pm

Accommodation

2 nights on board OceanQuest, twin share cabin with en-suite

Transport

Day boat to the reef, liveaboard OceanQuest, transfer boat back to Cairns

Meals

Meals on board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3

Route

Map of Divers Den PADI Open Water Referral Course (3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard)

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Included experiences

Outer Great Barrier Reef — four Open Water training dives to finish your certification
Fun dives — time underwater as a newly certified diver
Night dive — optional on the second evening once certified
OceanQuest — two nights on a 35 metre dive catamaran moored at the reef

Divers Den PADI Open Water Referral Course (3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS TO THE REEF AND ONTO OCEANQUEST

Pool and theory are done at home, so this trip is all about the water. After a morning pick-up from your Cairns city accommodation, the day boat leaves Cairns Marlin Marina on Trinity Inlet and takes about 90 minutes to reach the outer Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981 and running about 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. Your training dives start at the first site, lunch is served as the boat moves to a second, and you go in again after it. In the afternoon you cross to OceanQuest, a three-deck, 35 metre catamaran built for diving, settle into your en-suite cabin and have one more session before dinner.

Overnight: On board OceanQuest at the outer reef

DAY 2: A FULL DAY AT THE MOORINGS

OceanQuest stays out on the reef, so the whole day is spent in and around the water, with sessions after breakfast, before lunch and in the afternoon. The boat works from its moorings at Norman Reef, Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef, which sit close together on the outer reef north-east of Cairns. Once your four training dives are done you're a certified PADI Open Water Diver, and the rest of your time in the water is fun diving or snorkelling. In the evening there's a briefing for an optional night dive, when whitetip reef sharks that rested in caves all day come out to hunt. For an extra cost, a fluoro dive with blue torches makes the corals glow.

Overnight: On board OceanQuest at the outer reef

DAY 3: LAST DIVES AND BACK TO CAIRNS

There are two more sessions after breakfast, and you need to be out of the water from your last dive by around midday. Use them to look for the reef's big residents: turtles, stingrays resting on the sand, and the giant Maori wrasse, a blue-green fish that can reach 2 metres and live for over 30 years. After lunch on board, the transfer boat collects you in the afternoon and you're back at your Cairns accommodation at about 5pm, with your new certification and a logbook already filling up.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Cairns city accommodation, or check in at the Divers Den dive centre, 319 Draper Street, Cairns, between about 7:30 and 8am.
Finishes: Back at your Cairns accommodation at about 5pm on day 3.
Minimum age: 10. Divers under 12 must be declared when you book because they need a private instructor. Under 16s must have a parent, guardian or nominated adult with them; you must be 18 to stay on the liveaboard without an adult.
Fitness: You must pass a 200 metre swim and a 10 minute tread-water test, and complete Queensland's self-assessed medical forms before training; some conditions and medicines need a doctor's clearance first.
Suits: Learners who have finished the theory and pool parts of an Open Water course in the last 12 months. Training with another agency can usually be converted, but needs at least a one-day PADI Scuba Review with a private instructor at extra cost.
Accommodation note: Twin share. OceanQuest has 18 twin and 4 double cabins, all air-conditioned with an en-suite; same-gender sharing can't be guaranteed.
Please note: After several days of repeat diving, Queensland's code asks you to wait 24 hours before flying or going above 300 metres, which includes the Atherton Tablelands.

What to bring

Your signed PADI referral form
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel
Overnight bag with warm clothes and socks for the nights
Toiletries and a reusable water bottle

What is included

Four PADI Open Water training dives plus at least one fun dive
Full tuition and PADI certification on completion
Two nights on OceanQuest in an air-conditioned cabin with en-suite, bedding and towels
Meals on board, with chilled water, tea and coffee
All dive and snorkel gear, and air fills
Return transfers from Cairns city accommodation
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park environmental charge

Not included

Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks from the bar
Fluoro diving, nitrox and guided fun dives
Digital camera hire and photos
A PADI Scuba Review with a private instructor, if your training was with another agency
A doctor's medical clearance, if you need one

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.