Cairns, the gateway to Queensland is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Cairns is a region in Queensland that attracts one of the highest numbers of tourists each year for its popularity for water sports. This unique town is known for its beautiful natural wonders such as the coral reef and rainforests. Alongside this, it also makes for an ideal place for individuals seeking an adrenaline rush with plenty of adventure and water activities available for tourists to enjoy. Scuba diving in Cairns is one such popular activity that is enjoyed thoroughly in the pristine clear blue waters here.
Best Time For Scuba Diving In Cairns
The dry season that includes the months of April to November has a lower temperature during the day with low humidity and a lot less rainfall. This is also the best time to go for scuba diving in Cairns. During these months, there are far more visitors who can be seen visiting the tropical land as compared to the wet season here.
Must Read: Cairns Water Sports Guide: All You Need To Know Before Planning Your Vacay!
4 Best Spots For Scuba Diving In Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef offers one of the best diving sites offering impeccable marine life that are a treat to watch. Depending on the time, the budget and the certification you have, Cairns offers you varied places to dive your chance in. Let us look at the best spots and the amenities they offer:
1. The Outer Barrier Reef
If you are a budget traveler, this location can serve as the best option for you. If you do not have much time, dive on the Outer Reef which is located at a distance of about 60 KM from Cairns. The reef can be visited while you are on a day trip exploring the nearby places. The barrier reef offers a pleasant sight of turtles, dolphins, Whitetip Reef Sharks and the most unique variety of fishes. Tourists can also avail underwater photographers and capture the most enthralling moment of their life.
Cost: INR 9844
Timings: Mid August to Mid September
Duration: 40 minutes
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2. Flynn Reef
This is the ideal place for individuals who wish to see a little of everything. The beautiful scuba diving is the perfect spot to view parrot fish who sleeps in little crevices. It is also home to several sea turtles that are seen hanging out throughout the day. Tourists can often spot Nemo in the summers. The reef can be visited with different operators working here.
Cost: INR 11320
Timings: Mid August to Mid December
Duration: approximately 40-45 minutes
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3. The Cod Hole
The Cod Hole is not only one of the most popular spots in Cairns, but also throughout the world. What makes it different is the ability to view a large potato cod feeding. This marine organism is huge. This makes the spot an extremely unique habitat and marine life a photogenic and extra friendly one. Located on the northern part of the Ribbon Reefs, the site is not explored much which makes it all the more exclusive.
Cost: INR 10,335
Timings: Mid August to Mid September
Duration: 40 minutes
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4. Osprey Reef
The magnificent Osprey Reef is a feeding ground for innumerable sharks and has been the same for a period of 15 years. No other thing in the world will offer you more adrenaline rush than experiencing scuba diving in this expansive reef. Enjoy watching dozens of white tip sharks inside the pristine clear blue waters in Cairns. The old tiger, hammerhead and grey reef sharks can also be seen vividly while on the trail for scuba diving. Divers can enjoy a complete degustation of the most beautiful visual feasts.
Cost of scuba diving: INR 9843
Timings: Mid August to Mid October
Duration: approximately 40-45 minutes
3 Best Diving Schools In Cairns
Here is a list of the best diving schools in Cairns. Take a look before you plan a trip here.
1. Pro Dive Cairns
It is home to the Great Barrier Reefs which offers two nights and three days liveaboard dive trip along with a range of PADI certified courses of scuba diving. It offers a five-day course of Dive Open Water Certification along with various advanced and professional development courses. Pro Dive Cairns is one of the best diving schools to opt for while planning for your next adventure.
Cost: INR 74,020
Duration: 5 days
Timings: 9.30 AM – 7.00 PM
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2. Michelle And Cairns Dive School
Michelle Barry, the owner of diving school at Michelle and Cairns Dive School in Cairns is another renowned diving school offering professional guidance and training. This is the best training facility to avail if you are interested in diving in a professional manner. Michelle and Cairns Dive School is the best decision for adventure enthusiasts.
Cost: INR 4,306
Duration: 2 -3 days
Timings: 8.30 am onwards
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3. Tusa Dive
Tusa Dive has been in business since 1986. This professional service is headed by a team of friendly experienced professionals who offer new custom-designed dive vessels for the guests to experience. The professional school is committed to preserving future generations. The professional training school has access to 16 unique sites all over the outer Great Barrier Reef. On a day drip, students can cruise to any two selected outer reef locations while having the opportunity to participate in activities such as snorkeling, introductory diving, and certified diving.
Cost: INR 6,050
Duration: 1-2 days
Timings: 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
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We hope that this detailed article about scuba diving in Cairns excites you to visit the most enthralling places for scuba diving in the world. We assure you that you will come back with a bag full of memories and exciting moments. Book a trip to Australia and experience a sea of new experiences in its full glory.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving In Cairns
What is the best time to visit Cairns?
April to September is the best time for tourists to visit Cairns to enjoy the best weather.
How many days are ideal to visit Cairns?
Cairns is a whole new experience and requires about 3 nights and 4 days to visit the place and enjoy its varied adventure and water activities.
What time of the year can you do scuba diving in Cairns?
The dry months, starting from April to November are ideal for enjoying scuba diving in Cairns.
What is the average cost of scuba diving in Cairns?
The average price of Certified Scuba Dive costs about INR 4270, and introductory scuba dive costs about INR 10,890.
Are professional scuba diving courses available in Cairns?
Yes, scuba diving courses are offered in large numbers in Cairns by professional training centers such as Tusa Dive, Pro Dive Cairns, and others.
Can sharks be spotted in Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, there are multiple sharks that one can spot in the Great Barrier Reef with the popular kinds being Australian shark and the Great White.
Is it safe for one to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, it is relatively safe however you need to be aware of the surroundings and be in a viewing distance of the lifeguards.
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