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
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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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 dreams. Time onboard is well-spent trading stories of travels with your fellow divers, as well as the secrets you've discovered under the sea.
Dive Through Underwater Wonderlands
As well as making a splash with endless snorkelling, put your new diving skills to the test! Learn all the need-to-knows on board from your trusty instructor and let them guide you through the pristine underwater locations, featuring coral walls, bommies, drop-offs and swim-throughs. It doesn't matter how confident or inexperienced you are, your guide will only have a maximum of four divers under their wing so you'll get the most personalised guidance in Cairns. You'll be a pro in no time!
Dive Under the Sea and Stars
For those wanting to push themselves and expand their experience of the reef, several night dives will be offered throughout the course of the tour. The reef is a different place after the sun sinks behind the horizon, so prepare yourself for something completely new and unique from your day dives. This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch sight of some of the more elusive creatures of the Great Barrier Reef!
See the Reef From a Different Point of View
Reef Encounters include a glass bottom boat tour on their diving adventures. You'll be taken out onto the Outer Reef in a small vessel with a completely see-through floor and educated and entertained by expert commentary on the hustle and bustle of the marine life passing you by. See how many sea creatures you can spot, from reef sharks to Maori wrasse and sea turtles! This is the best and most relaxing way to experience the reef without having to don the stinger suit and dive in.
How Many Scuba Dives Are Included
- 2 nights 7: Up to 7 daytime scuba dives 4 days,
- 3 nights 11: Up to 10 daytime scuba dives; plus 1 night dive* after certification (*subject to course completion)
- Each additional night 4: Up to 4 additional scuba dives; 3 day and 1 night
More Information
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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 stu...
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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.
Terms and Conditions
Open-dated booking notice
7 days' notice is required for open-dated bookings.
Reconfirm your booking!
Please reconfirm all bookings within 2 days of your scheduled tour.
Your Responsibilities:
Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip.
You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.
It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.
It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.
You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time.
Prices/Extra Costs:
All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply.
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.
We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.
Travel Risk/Insurance:
It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances.
Merchant Fees:
Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.
Other:
Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages.
All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.
Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:
Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value.
E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.
You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.
Cancellations
Client Cancellations:
All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 30 days of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee.
- Cancellations within 14 Days of the start date incur a 100.00% fee.
- Between 14 Days and 28 Days incur a 50.00% fee.
- Between 28 Days and 365 Days incur a 25.00% fee.
It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.
Supplier Cancellations:
The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.
All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.
In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Cairns Tours retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.
Refunds:
All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.
Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.
You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.
Accountability/Misconduct:
All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators.
Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.
Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.
Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com . If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.
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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.
