Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive

Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive

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5 Days From

$969

Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive

5 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia

Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

LTDD24

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

From: $969

NB: Prices correct on 21-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour, where you'll learn to dive at the renowned Pro Dive Cairns training centre in Gimuy (Cairns). This thrilling experience offers up to 9 dives across 16 exclusive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef, allowing you to complete your open water certification and enjoy recreational dives, including a guided night dive. Discover the vibrant marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, and 134 species of sharks and rays. Relax on the dive boat's deck, soaking in the sun and the breathtaking marine scenery. With accommodation at Gilligans and on a dive boat, plus meals included, this eco-conscious adventure promises an exhilarating and immersive exploration of one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.

Highlights

  • Learn to dive at Pro Dive Cairns training centre in Cairns.

  • Participate in up to 9 dives at 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

  • Complete your open water certification and enjoy recreational dives, including a guided night dive.

  • Explore the Great Barrier Reef, home to over 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, and 134 species of sharks and rays.

  • Spot giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams, and some of the best coral in the world.

  • Enjoy sunbathing and relaxation on the deck of the dive boat amidst the stunning marine scenery.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Gilligans (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)

Welcome to Cairns (Gimuy)! Are you ready to take on a fun filled few days learning to dive? Can we get a heck yeah? The first 2 days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills of scuba diving from our pro's. After that, you're nearly ready to go.

Day 2: Cairns

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Gilligans (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)

We know, we know…you want to get out there, but good things take time. It's back to the books today as we continue learning the A to Z of diving, with your day spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills you'll need on the reef. Excitement will be at an all time high as we get ready for the next few days and what's in store for you on this mind-blowing reef.

Day 3: Cairns To Dive Boat

Location: Cairns

Accommodation: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

It's GO TIME! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of our 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your first 4 dives will complete your open water certification & then as a certified diver you are able to take up to 5 more recreational dives, one of which is a guided night dive. Boom.  So, what can we tell you about this spectacular reef? Here goes - more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals and 134 species of sharks and rays call this clear blue water home. Add over 30 species of marine mammals to the mix, and that's your mind blown.

Day 4: Dive Boat

Location: Great Barrier Reef

Accommodation: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With another day on our boat, why not take this incredible opportunity to continue diving for your chance to spot yet more colourful marine life. We're talking giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams and some of the best coral in the world. And with the deck of the boat providing you with the perfect spot for some sunbaking, book reading and bliss, you might just call this total paradise.

Day 5: Dive Boat To Cairns

Location: Cairns

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We'll return to Cairns late this afternoon where there’s the option to join your new mates & crew for a farewell dinner. There's nothing like a spot of bonding over a #NOREGRETS experience to make for strong friendships. So where's next on the agenda?

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Gilligans (or similar) and on a Dive Boat at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

  • Diving Course

    The tour includes a diving course at Pro Dive Cairns training centre, covering both theory and practical skills.

  • Diving Opportunities

    Participants have the opportunity to complete their open water certification and take up to 5 more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.

  • Transport

    Transportation primarily involves a dive boat for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, providing access to exclusive dive sites.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Cairns are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

FAQs

  • Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
  • Gimuy (Cairns): Can I catch a flight the next day after diving at the Great Barrier Reef? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.

Mode of Transport

Transportation primarily involves a dive boat for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, providing access to exclusive dive sites and ensuring a seamless diving experience.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at Gilligans in Cairns and on a Dive Boat at the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique experience amidst stunning marine scenery.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the main focus of the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour?

    The main focus of the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour is to learn scuba diving and complete an open water certification, with opportunities for recreational dives at exclusive sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • How many dives can participants expect to do during the tour?

    Participants can expect to do up to 9 dives during the tour, including the dives required for open water certification and additional recreational dives, one of which is a guided night dive.

  • What kind of marine life can be seen during the dives?

    During the dives, participants can see a variety of marine life including over 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, 134 species of sharks and rays, giant turtles, stingrays, and huge clams.

  • What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at Gilligans (or similar) in Cairns and on a dive boat at the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

  • Is there a recommended waiting period before flying after diving?

    Yes, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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