Divers Den Aqua Quest Day Trip – Intro Dive Special

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Snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef and take your first scuba dive on the same day, on the dive boat AquaQuest from Cairns. This special pairs a full reef day with one introductory dive to 12 metres, led by an instructor, with no experience needed.

Days

Full day, 8am to 4:30pm

Age

12 and over for the introductory dive

Group size

Up to 4 divers per instructor

Start / finish

Cairns Marlin Marina / outer Great Barrier Reef / Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns, around 4:30pm

Return

Cairns, around 4:30pm

Transport

AquaQuest dive and snorkel boat from Cairns Marlin Marina

Meals

Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Divers Den Aqua Quest Day Trip – Intro Dive Special

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Included experiences

Introductory scuba dive — down to 12 metres with an instructor
Outer Great Barrier Reef — five hours at two sites
Norman, Saxon or Hastings reef — snorkelling with a guided tour
Reef life — coral, clownfish, turtles, stingrays and giant Maori wrasse

Divers Den Aqua Quest Day Trip – Intro Dive Special

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at B Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, on Trinity Inlet, and board AquaQuest, a boat built for diving, with a wide dive deck and a low platform at the stern that makes getting in and out easy for beginners. She leaves at 8:30am, and the safety briefings run on the 90 minute trip out to the outer Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981 and running about 2,300 km down the Queensland coast. You don't need any experience for your first dive, only to be comfortable in the water.

AT THE REEF: YOUR FIRST SCUBA DIVE

You reach the first site at about 10am. The skipper chooses two sites for the day from the moorings at Norman Reef, Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef, which sit close together on the outer reef north-east of Cairns, depending on the conditions. Before your dive the instructor gives you an in-depth briefing, fits your gear and has you practise the basic skills at the surface. Then you go down together, never more than four divers to one instructor, to a maximum of 12 metres. Water absorbs red light first, so the deeper you go, the bluer everything looks. Look for clownfish in the anemones: every one is born male.

MIDDAY: LUNCH, SNORKELLING AND THE SECOND SITE

When you're not diving, snorkel as much as you like, with a guided snorkel tour, a wetsuit or lycra suit and a prescription mask if you need one. At about 12:45pm the boat moves to the second site and a tropical buffet lunch is served, with hot and cold dishes, salads, rolls and fruit. From 1:30pm you're back in the water, watching for turtles and the giant Maori wrasse, which can grow to 2 metres. Diving finishes by about 2:30pm.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO CAIRNS

AquaQuest leaves the reef at 3pm. There are hot freshwater showers, big sundecks and an air-conditioned cabin for the ride home, and certified divers travel on the same boat, so a mixed group can spend the day together. You're back at the marina at about 4:30pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: B Finger, Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in at 8am.
Departure time: 8:30am.
Finishes: Back in Cairns at about 4:30pm.
Minimum age: 12 for the introductory dive.
Fitness: No diving experience needed, but you should be comfortable in the water. Everyone diving completes a medical questionnaire, and some conditions or medicines rule out diving on the day.
Please note: This special is capped at 20 places. Under Queensland's code, wait at least 12 hours after your dive before flying or going above 300 metres, which includes the Atherton Tablelands.

What to bring

Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel
Reusable water bottle

What is included

Full day outer reef trip on AquaQuest, five hours at the reef
One introductory scuba dive with an instructor, including briefing and tuition
All dive and snorkel gear, wetsuit or lycra suit and prescription mask
Guided snorkel tour
Tropical buffet lunch with hot and cold options
Morning and afternoon tea, chilled water, tea and coffee
Hot fresh water showers
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park environmental charge

Not included

Hotel transfers to the marina
Second and third introductory dives
Soft drinks, alcohol and snacks
Digital camera hire and professional photos

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.