Top 8 Scuba Diving in Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as marine biologist Indy provide guidance, while lunch, afternoon snacks, and return wine are included.

“Great experience and they provide amazing reef views, food, service and fun! Well organized, friendly staff, and snorkeling in the reef was magical.”

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2.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Top rated

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom takes you by fast 65-foot catamaran to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours at two reef sites, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, optional certified or introductory scuba, breakfast snacks, seafood lunch, and afternoon treats. A maximum of 75 people keeps the day organized and personal.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

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3.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Join Divers Den aboard AquaQuest for an eight-hour Cairns reef trip to two outer reef sites near Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get snorkeling gear, a guided tour, wetsuit or lycra suit, meals, hot showers, and up to five hours in the water. Introductory scuba sessions are available for eligible participants.

“Brilliant day out with 2 hours snorkelling in 2 different locations we saw all sorts of bright coloured fish giant clams coral reefs white tipped fin sharks and a whale shark apparently quite rare to see . our guides and all the staff on board were amazing very informative about the coral reef health and safety was paramount we had a delicious lunch on board too”

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4.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Join Ocean Freedom from Cairns for a full reef day aboard a 20-metre catamaran. You will visit Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay, snorkel with guides, ride a glass-bottom boat, and choose certified or introductory scuba sessions. Crew members including Ollie, Paul, Tori, and Blair are praised for calm instruction and attentive care.

“The staff were all amazing. You can tell they really enjoy their job. The nibbles they provided throughout the day and the lunch was really good. I expected it to be alot busier given it was peak season but was fortunate to book onto a tour that only had just over 30 people compared to the max 75 capacity”

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5.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Spend about eight hours traveling from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer-reef platform by fast catamaran. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist talks, or stay dry with glass-bottom boats, a semi-submersible, and an underwater observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra. Guides such as Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya may add expert help.

“Helicopter ride was good. Different way to see the reef. Our pilot kept us out a little longer because he spotted a shark. We were unable to do the glass bottom boat though because the timing didn’t work out so that was disappointing. The semi submersible sub was good and we could see a lot. It started to get really warm in there towards the end.”

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6.Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 792 reviews · 9 hours · from $127Best value

From Cairns Marlin Marina, spend five hours in the water at two outer reef sites with Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive. Snorkel among coral gardens, clams, turtles, rays, and schools of fish, then add an introductory or certified scuba session. Guides such as Jed and Kevin share Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and other Indigenous stories, while a marine biologist explains the reef.

“This was my partner's first dive on the reef and it was incredible. The crew and dive master were so helpful. Such a wonderful crew.”

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7.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Spend about 10 hours aboard the 29-meter Silverswift catamaran, traveling from Cairns to three outer reef sites. Snorkel, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete up to three certified descents. The crew, including guides such as Paul, Matilda, and Vanessa, provides equipment, instruction, meals, and reef guidance.

“This boat was the nicest boat we've been on to go snorkeling/scuba diving. This was our first dive after our certification. The guide was very helpful. He took care of our tanks and hoses between dives. He gave us good tips. We had 6 people in our group. We saw some neat fish and a couple of turtles. On the second dive, we did some swim throughs. There was also hot fresh water showers when you got out of the ocean. We went to Flynn Reef. The lunch included fruit, pasta, curry, chicken legs amongst other things I don't remember. There was hot tea and coffee at every stop. It…”

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8.Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $165

Spend about nine hours aboard Dreamtime’s reef boat, traveling from Cairns to Moore Reef and either Milln or Flynn Reef. Indigenous guides share cultural knowledge, tools, instruments, and the Creation Story, while a marine biologist explains reef life. Snorkel equipment, instruction, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are included.

“Pickup & drop off was easy. The boat and equipment were in great shape. We enjoyed the staff. The lunch and snack were good. The reef was the star attraction and was wonderful.”

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