Should I Go Snorkelling Or Scuba Diving In Cairns?
Snorkelling in Cairns is great for budget travellers, families with young kids, and those seeking a hassle-free Great Barrier Reef experience. Scuba diving is better for adventurous travellers with a bigger budget, as well as those hoping to explore more of the reef.
We’re going to dive into the pros and cons of both, so you can choose whether a snorkelling or scuba diving Cairns trip is better for you.
The best part? Both are amazing in Cairns so you really can’t go wrong!
Snorkelling or Scuba Diving in Cairns - Which One To Choose?
Both snorkelling and scuba diving are exquisite in Cairns. Both allow you to get out in nature and observe the magnificent ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. And no trip to Cairns is complete without seeing the world’s largest coral reef system. It’s located right offshore, and there are so many amazing tours that will bring you right to the most amazing reef sites.
Let’s dive into the differences between snorkelling and scuba diving.
Browse the best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns!
Snorkelling in Cairns
Pros
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Lots of availability
- Limited equipment
- Fewer age/health restrictions
- Half day trips available for those short on time
- No certifications or prior experience needed
Cons
- May encounter more crowds at popular reef sites
- Don’t get to see as much of the reef
Scuba Diving in Cairns
Pros
- Explore deeper on the Great Barrier Reef
- Higher chance of seeing marine life and untouched corals
- Can visit less touristy reef sites
- The ultimate reef adventure
Cons
- More expensive than snorkelling
- May be less availability on smaller boats or busier days
- Travel restrictions (can’t fly 12-24 hours after diving)
- Must meet the age and health requirements
Snorkelling Vs. Scuba Diving
To summarise, snorkelling is easier and more accessible than scuba diving. But your ability to explore the reef is more limited.
Scuba diving provides a more immersive and mind-blowing experience on the Great Barrier Reef. It’s also a more challenging adventure sport that has more age, health, and travel restrictions. So while it’s slightly more hassle and money to go scuba diving, it’s all worth it for the enhanced experience underwater.
It’s all up to your personal preference!
Here are some more tips to help you decide whether to try snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkelling is better suited for families with young children.
Scuba diving has a minimum age requirement of 12 years. So if you’re visiting Cairns with your young family, snorkelling is the better option. Young kids can snorkel with ease on the Great Barrier Reef, just make sure you check age restrictions on each individual tour as they might vary. But flotation devices will be provided, and an expert crew is always there to ensure every child feels safe in the water!
You can also go snorkelling off beaches or in more shallow waters around the islands near Cairns. These areas can provide a more relaxed environment for kids, as opposed to the deeper waters of the Outer Reef.
Scuba diving is better suited for passionate explorers and thrill seekers.
Snorkelling does allow you to observe the magical Great Barrier Reef, but it can only get you so far. Scuba diving does require more training and equipment, but that extra effort allows you to travel deeper into the ocean and see a whole new world. You can see massive coral structures and unique marine life that may not come all the way up to the surface.
Having the ability to explore further underwater also lets you escape the crowds. You can venture to different places that snorkellers can’t get to, which means fewer people and more untouched nature.
Snorkelling is better suited to those short on time and money.
Because snorkelling requires less equipment and preparation than scuba diving, it’s overall more accessible. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and boats from Cairns can reach shallow snorkel sites in less time than travelling to the Outer Reef. So snorkel tours are cheaper than diving tours.
With less equipment, it’s also much quicker to just don your mask and hop off the boat for a snorkel. You can find convenient half-day trips from Cairns that include snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef! If you want to see the reef on a budget or on a time crunch, snorkelling is the way to go.
Scuba diving is better for longer and more adventurous trips.
If you do have more time and money to devote to your Great Barrier Reef trip, scuba diving provides an unforgettable experience in the water. While you won’t find many half-day trips that include diving, you still book a day trip that includes 2 or 3 dives at reef sites near Cairns. You just have to leave at least 12-24 hours after your dive before getting on a plane!
If you can spare more than one day, you can even spend multiple days at sea on a dive live-aboard! Whether you want to learn diving and get your certification onboard, or you’re an advanced diver looking for a week of epic dives on the Coral Sea, dive liveaboards are an incredible addition to any Cairns trip.
Summary of Snorkelling vs Scuba Diving in Cairns
Overall, both snorkelling and scuba diving are world-class in Cairns! The Great Barrier Reef lies right offshore, with both shallow fringing reefs off islands and deeper Outer Reef sites available for snorkellers and divers. You can even try both if your schedule allows!
Anyone who has tried scuba diving will likely say it’s well worth the extra effort and money. Scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you discover new parts of our planet. It’s truly surreal, and definitely worth trying at least once.
But many travellers are perfectly content with snorkelling as well! It’s affordable, easy, and available to a wider range of people. Scuba diving can be limiting because of the age and health requirements. You can still see amazing corals and spot marine life on a snorkel tour. So consider your travel style, budget, and preferences to plan the underwater trip of your dreams in Cairns!
