Reef Encounter | Learn to Dive Liveaboard (3D2N and 4D3N)
Departure Times
Departure Point: Cairns Marlin Marina, Cairns
Pricing Options
Find your fins under the expert guidance of professional divers on Reef Encounter’s comprehensive learn-to-dive liveaboard!
- Learn to dive and get an internationally recognised certificate with some of the best divers in the game
- Get a crash course on all things reefy with a presentation by an expert marine biologist
- Glass bottom boat tours offered
- Scuba and snorkel at the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef
- Enjoy the solitude and bliss of the Outer Reef's endless cobalt waters
Overview
Learn to dive with the pros in the largest and most legendary reef structure in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the endless underwater wonderlands from your dreams as you tackle the ABCs of scuba, meet sea turtles, rays with soaring wingspans, reef sharks, and join the hustle and bustle of tropical fish as they introduce you to their vibrant coral neighbourhood.
With a maximum of four students assigned to one instructor, you’ll score intimate guidance catered to your individual requirements and varying degrees of ability, so you’re sure to find your confidence in no time. Over the course of the three-day tour, you’ll embark on seven introductory dives and ten on the four-day tour. And if you’re feeling ready for a challenge you can even indulge in a night dive!

Highlights
- Four students to one teacher
- All dive equipment provided (excluding wetsuits)
- 7 learn-to-dive excursions on the 3-day tour, 10 on the 4-day tour
- Option to snorkel (equipment and instruction included)
- Chef-prepared meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert)
- Fruit, coffee and tea available throughout the day
- Marine biologist presentation
- Glass bottom boat tour with entertaining and educational commentary
- Stinger suits provided during stinger season
- Top Deck Club upgrade available (personal valet, dinner under the stars, breakfast in bed, sunset cocktails, late checkout, evening turndown service)
Not only will you gain comprehensive knowledge and practice in diving and an internationally recognised diving certificate, but you’ll also get several crash courses in the complex ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Tune into a live presentation from an expert marine biologist and get a different point of view on a guided glass bottom boat tour with educational commentary on the creatures and seascapes passing beneath your feet.

Sample Itinerary
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Cruise the Pristine Waters of the Outer Reef
Climb aboard your trusty sea steed and embark on a seafaring journey to the Outer Reef, where the underwater wonderlands are less traveled and more pristine. When you're not in the water, hit the decks for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, soak up the glorious Far North Queensland rays, and dine on the freshest chef-prepared meals of your dream...
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Important Information
What To Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Light jacket
- Socks
- Camera
- Travel voucher
- Certification card and logbook for certified divers
- Cash or credit card for onboard purchases
- Please don't bring any suitcases with wheels onboard
What's Included
- Accomodation with Reef Encounter on the Great Barrier Reef
- All snorkelling and scuba gear (except for wetsuits)
- Snorkelling pleasure time
- One instructor to maximum of four students
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert (chef-prepared)
- Fruit, tea and coffee available through the day
- Glass bottom boat tour
- Marina biologist presentation
- 7 dives for the three-day tour
- 10 dives for the four-day tour
What's Extra
MANDATORY $15pp per day (capped at 3 days) Marine Park Levy, paid on arrival (Included in Advertised Price)
- Wetsuit Hire - $5pp per day
- Guided Certified Dives - Per Dive - $10pp pre-booked / $15pp booked onboard
- Scuba Refresher Course - $50pp
- Advanced Dive Course - $250pp
- Professional photos
- Underwater cameras for hire - $89pp per day
- Prescription masks - $10pp per day
- Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc. from the bar (minimum $10 purchase for Eftpos)
- Please Note: Travel over Public Holiday and Peak Season periods may incur additional charges on check-in.
Please note divers may be subject to a medical questionnaire before they are able to dive. Please click here for more diving information and to read the medical questionnaire.
Cot Hire and Rollaway Beds
Cot hire and children’s beds are available add-ons that may be selected during your online booking. Cot hire is available for babies aged 0-2 years. Small rollaway beds are available for children aged 2-11 years and will go in the room with the parents/guardians. Rollaway beds are available upon request only and priced from $405 pp. Children aged 12 years and above must have a standard bed.
Holiday Surcharge
There is a $100 holiday surcharge for travel between 28/03/2024 to 02/04/2024 AND from the 23/12/2024 to 01/01/2025 - payable on board the day of travel.
*Prices subject to changes without notice.
Cancellations
20% cancellation fee for any cancellations made outside of 7 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fee for cancellations made within 7 days of the departure date.
A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to re-schedule or alter a reservation.
A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.
Terms and Conditions
Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dives do we get to do?
On the 3-day tour you can do 7 day dives and on the 4-day tour you can do 10. You can also try night dives if you want!
Are hotel pickups available?
Bus transfers to and from your accommodation to Cairns Marlin Marina are available at an additional cost. Please contact +61 740 372 700 to arrange.
How many students per instructor?
There is a maximum limit of 4 students for every instructor. This ensures you get hands-on attention from your instructor and you'll always feel safe and secure!
How do I know if my body can handle scuba diving?
Just make sure you read the scuba diving medical questionnaire and answer all questions honestly. This list will go over everything to ensure that your health is good for scuba diving. If you're unsure, ask your doctor before signing up to scuba dive.
Are meals included on the liveaboard?
Yes, chef-prepared meals are included throughout the tour including breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Fruit, coffee and tea are available throughout the day as well!
Is there a minimum age for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 15 years.

