Divers Den 4 Day Open Water Dive Course Special

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Learn to dive in Cairns over four days: two days of pool and theory at a PADI five-star dive school, then two day trips to the outer Great Barrier Reef for your four training dives. You come home a certified PADI Open Water Diver, sleeping in your own Cairns bed each night.

Days

4 days

Age

10 and over

Group size

Dive course on a shared day boat

Start / finish

Cairns / outer Great Barrier Reef / Cairns
Cairns, around 4:30pm on day 4

Return

Cairns, around 4:30pm on day 4

Accommodation

Not included; stay at your own Cairns accommodation

Transport

Pick-up from Cairns accommodation and two reef day trips by boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Divers Den 4 Day Open Water Dive Course Special

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Included experiences

Divers Den dive school — two days of pool skills and PADI theory
Outer Great Barrier Reef — four open water training dives over two day trips
Reef shallows — snorkel practice between dives
PADI Open Water Diver — certification after your fourth training dive

Divers Den 4 Day Open Water Dive Course Special

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: THEORY AND FIRST POOL SESSION

Check in at the Divers Den dive centre on Draper Street in Cairns, a city founded in 1876 and named after William Wellington Cairns, then Governor of Queensland. You meet your instructor, fill in the paperwork and start on the theory: what pressure does to the air in your mask, your ears and your jacket as you go down. In the afternoon you're in the pool, breathing underwater for the first time and learning the basic skills, then you finish with the tread-water test. The day wraps up at about 5:30pm, and you sleep in your own bed in town.

DAY 2: POOL, SWIM TEST AND EXAM

You're picked up from your Cairns city accommodation in the morning. Today the pool work is in full wetsuit and gear, so it starts to feel like real diving: hovering, sharing air with a buddy, clearing a flooded mask. You also swim the 200 metres of the swim test, in any stroke you like. In the afternoon you finish the theory review and sit the multiple-choice exam. Lunch on both pool days is your own, so bring something or buy it nearby.

DAY 3: FIRST DAY ON THE REEF

Board at Cairns Marlin Marina on Trinity Inlet for a morning departure and the 90 minute run out to the outer Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981 and running about 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. You're briefed on the way, gear up and make your first open water training dive, putting the pool skills to work over real coral. After a break for lunch comes your second dive, plus time to snorkel in the shallows. Look into the anemones for clownfish: every one is born male, and the biggest in the group turns female. The boat heads back mid-afternoon and is in Cairns at about 4:30pm.

DAY 4: SECOND DAY ON THE REEF AND CERTIFICATION

The same pattern again: the marina in the morning, the run out to the reef and two more training dives with lunch in between. The day boat dives at sites on Norman Reef, Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef, which sit close together on the outer reef north-east of Cairns. With your fourth dive signed off you're a certified PADI Open Water Diver, qualified to dive to 18 metres with a buddy anywhere in the world. You need to be out of the water from your final dive by about 2pm, and you're back in Cairns at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Day 1: 9am at the Divers Den dive centre, 319 Draper Street, Cairns. Day 2: 9am pick-up from Cairns city accommodation. Reef days: 8am at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Finishes: Each reef day ends back in Cairns at about 4:30pm.
Minimum age: 10. Under 12s must be declared before the course as they need a private instructor. Under 16s must have a parent, guardian or nominated adult with them at the school and on the boat; 16 and 17 year olds can come alone with written parental consent.
Fitness: You must swim 200 metres and tread water for 10 minutes. Complete the self-assessed medical form first; if you answer yes to any question you need a doctor's clearance before training.
Please note: Under Queensland's code, wait at least 12 hours after a single dive, and 24 hours after repeat dives over several days, before flying or going above 300 metres, which includes the Atherton Tablelands.

What to bring

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel
Packed lunch for the two pool days

What is included

PADI Open Water Diver course with full tuition and all PADI materials
Two days of pool and theory training in Cairns
Two outer Great Barrier Reef day trips with four training dives
All dive and snorkel gear, and air fills
Chilled water, tea and coffee
Transfers from Cairns accommodation

Not included

Lunch on the two pool days
Accommodation in Cairns
Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
Digital camera hire and photos
A doctor's medical clearance, if you need one

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.