Reef Encounter Intro / Resort Dive Adventure 4D/3N (10 Day Dives)

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A four-day liveaboard on the outer Great Barrier Reef aboard Reef Encounter, with up to ten daytime resort dives for people without a scuba licence — no experience necessary.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

12+ to dive

Group size

Dive groups of 4 students per instructor

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Ensuite stateroom on the Reef Encounter liveaboard, twin share

Transport

Reef Experience boat from Cairns to the liveaboard; bus transfers not included

Meals

All meals on board, with fruit, tea and coffee

Route

Map of Reef Encounter Intro / Resort Dive Adventure 4D/3N (10 Day Dives)

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Included experiences

Outer Great Barrier Reef — up to ten introductory dives
Reef snorkelling with instruction
Glass bottom boat tour with marine life commentary
Marine biologist talk on the way out
Introductory night dive — optional, extra cost

Reef Encounter Intro / Resort Dive Adventure 4D/3N (10 Day Dives)

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at Cairns Marlin Marina early in the morning and board Reef Experience, the day boat that carries guests out to Reef Encounter. The trip takes about two hours, and on the way a marine biologist gives a talk on the reef and what you're likely to see. Out on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef you step across to Reef Encounter, a 35 metre catamaran that stays on the outer reef, Australia's only floating hotel. You settle into your ensuite stateroom, and the instructors take you through the first introductory dive briefing. Your first dives start that day.

Overnight: On board Reef Encounter, outer Great Barrier Reef (ensuite stateroom)

DAYS 2 AND 3: FULL DAYS ON THE REEF

Days on board run to a rhythm of water sessions between meals. Your introductory dives are in groups of no more than four with an instructor, who teaches you to breathe underwater and clear your mask before taking you down among the coral. The captain moves the boat between the outer reefs most mornings and afternoons, choosing by weather and tide: Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns, Saxon Reef, about 55 km out, Norman Reef, Breaking Patches and Michaelmas Reef, around a sand cay where sooty terns and common noddies nest. Between dives you can snorkel straight off the platform or take the glass bottom boat tour with marine life commentary. Two whole days out here mean no boat trips between you and the water.

Overnight: On board Reef Encounter, outer Great Barrier Reef (ensuite stateroom)

EVENINGS ON THE REEF

Dinner is chef-prepared, followed by dessert. After dark, brave first-timers can try an introductory night dive for an extra charge; Reef Encounter is the only place in Australia where you can. Torchlight shows a different reef: parrotfish asleep in mucus bubbles they blow around themselves, and hunting reef sharks. Or relax in the outdoor hot tub under the stars.

DAY 4: LAST DIVES AND BACK TO CAIRNS

Over the four days you make up to ten introductory dives, from age 12. A last morning in the water, a final lunch, then you step back across to Reef Experience in the early to mid afternoon for the two-hour run home. You're back at Cairns Marlin Marina in the late afternoon, with a log of dives and the reef's colours still in your head.

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Good to know

Minimum age: 12 years for resort diving.
Accommodation note: Rooms are twin share by default; ask when booking if you'd like a double bed.
Dietary needs: All dietary requirements are catered for; let us know when booking.
Fitness: Moderate. Divers must meet the scuba diving medical requirements.

What to bring

Hat
Sunglasses
Light jacket
Socks
Camera
Travel voucher
Cash or credit card for extras on board

What is included

Three nights in an ensuite stateroom, fully air-conditioned, with bath and beach towels
Chef-prepared breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, with fresh fruit, tea, coffee and Milo
Up to 10 introductory scuba dives, 4 students per instructor
All dive equipment and instruction except wetsuit
Snorkel equipment and instruction
Marine biologist presentation on Reef Experience
Glass bottom boat tour (weather permitting)
Stinger suits from November to 1 May
All reef levies

Not included

Bus transfers
Wetsuit hire
Introductory night dive (optional, paid on board)
Nitrox
Top Deck Club upgrade (minimum 2 people)
Barista coffee, soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
T-shirts, hats and photos
Peak season surcharge of $100 per person, paid on board, for travel over Christmas (23 December to 1 January) and Easter

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

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

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Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

I spent four days on board and loved it. You're looked after whether you snorkel or dive, the cabins are comfy and the food amazing. David and Juan took me on my first dives ever, and Maria, Manuel and photographer Chalsie made the trip even better.

niki nikoletti Verified· Travelled 31st July 2025

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