Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 5 Day Learn to Dive Course

If you’re dreaming of exploring the vibrant underwater world of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Cairns 5-Day Learn to Dive Course by Pro Dive Cairns offers a well-rounded, immersive experience. It’s designed for those new to diving who want a safe, supportive environment with plenty of reef time, all wrapped into a convenient package. From expert-led classroom sessions to stunning reef excursions, this tour balances education and adventure in one of the world’s most extraordinary marine settings.

Three things that make this course particularly appealing: first, the small-group, personalized instruction—you’re not just another face in a large crowd. Second, the seven total dives, including a night adventure, mean you’ll gain confidence and get a real taste of what diving in the reef is all about. Third, the comfortable liveaboard vessel offers a relaxed setting to unwind after a day in the water. One thing to consider is that this experience might be a bit intensive for those with pre-existing health issues or certain medical conditions, so a medical check-up is wise.

This experience is perfect for those who want to combine learning with the thrill of reef exploration, especially if you value quality instruction and intimate group settings. Although it’s not suited for children under 12, pregnant women, or non-swimmers, it’s an ideal choice for adventurous travelers eager to earn their open water certification in one of the most iconic marine environments.

Key Points

• Authentic reef experience with 9 dives, including a night dive, for comprehensive skill-building
• Expert instruction with the same dive instructor from pool to reef, ensuring consistency and comfort
• Comfortable liveaboard vessel that offers both relaxation and convenience for up to 16 guests
• All-inclusive package covering accommodation, meals, equipment, and certification, providing great value
• Small-group style for personalized guidance and a more relaxed atmosphere
• Environmental considerations with reef taxes and eco-fees clearly outlined, supporting sustainable tourism

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Learn to Dive Course

Starting at Cairns’ State-of-the-Art Training Centre

Your adventure kicks off at Pro Dive Cairns’ modern training facility situated conveniently in Cairns city. This is where you’ll learn the basics of safe diving—something that sets the tone for the entire trip. The standout feature here is Cairns’ deepest scuba training pool, reaching 4.5 meters, which provides a realistic environment for practicing with full gear. Reviewers appreciate this setup, noting that it makes transitioning from training to open water much smoother. One traveler mentioned, “The pool was such a bonus—full gear felt less intimidating after that.”

During these initial sessions, you’ll get a comprehensive open water manual—available in multiple languages—and plenty of practical instruction in a controlled setting. The focus on safety and proper technique is evident, with highly trained instructors like Dave and Sarah known for their approachable, professional manner. They maintain a small-group ethos, which means personalized attention and real-time feedback—something we found invaluable.

Transitioning to the Reef: The Liveaboard Experience

After the classroom and pool sessions, the real excitement begins aboard the MV Scubapro, a purpose-built, 25-meter vessel designed for comfort and efficiency. You’ll spend two nights here, sleeping in twin-share cabins with shared bathrooms, which fosters a friendly, communal vibe. The vessel features two large decks—one dedicated to diving and another for relaxing or soaking up the sun.

The boat’s facilities are well-maintained and air-conditioned, providing a cozy retreat after underwater adventures. Meals are freshly prepared and plentiful, with vegetarian options available. Guests often mention the hearty dinners and desserts, which help replenish energy after a day of diving. The crew, including experienced guides like Mia, are praised for their attentive service and knowledge, often sharing personal stories and reef insights that add a layer of authenticity and engagement.

Diving at Outer Reef Sites

Over the three days on the reef, you’ll enjoy up to nine dives—including four training and five pleasure dives. What makes this trip special is the variety of sites visited, typically choosing from 16 outer reef locations. These sites are known for their spectacular coral formations, abundant marine life, and clarity, which is ideal for learning and relaxing.

The four training dives are carefully supervised, with instructors encouraging confidence-building at your own pace. Reviewers noted that the guides are patient and informative, making sure everyone feels comfortable. One participant recalled, “Even as a nervous beginner, I felt supported every step of the way.” The five recreational dives include an escorted night dive, which many say is the highlight, offering a completely different perspective of the reef’s nocturnal creatures.

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What You Can Expect Each Day

• Day 1 & 2: Theory lessons and confined water training at the Cairns training centre, including practicing with full gear in the deep pool.
• Day 3: Embarkation on MV Scubapro, meet the crew, and start your first reef dive in the late morning. The focus is on applying skills learned in the pool.
• Day 4 & 5: Multiple reef dives at different sites, with flexible scheduling based on weather and group skill levels. The night dive typically occurs on the last night, making for a memorable finale.

Comfort and Convenience on the Boat

The vessel’s design emphasizes guest comfort. Each twin-share cabin is cozy, and the common areas are spacious enough for socializing or relaxing in the air-conditioning. Two large decks provide ample space for sunbathing or just enjoying the view. The crew is praised for their friendly, organized approach, ensuring smooth transitions between dives.

Meals and Supplies

All onboard meals are included—think hearty, freshly cooked fare that keeps you energized. The menu varies across trips, and dietary needs can be accommodated if requested in advance. Bed linen is supplied, but guests are advised to bring their own bath towel and toiletries. Dive equipment including wetsuits, masks, and computers are provided, with optional prescription masks and Nitrox fills for certified divers.

Certification and Post-Trip Benefits

The course culminates in earning your PADI Open Water Certification, a globally recognized accreditation that opens up countless diving possibilities. To pass, you’ll need to demonstrate safe, competent diving skills learned throughout the trip. Many reviews highlight how supportive the instructors are—one noted, “They truly make you feel like a confident diver by the end.” The manual and certification process are straightforward, with all paperwork handled efficiently.

The Value of This Experience

Considering the $828 price tag, the value here is significant. It covers two nights aboard the liveaboard, nine dives, all equipment, certifications, meals, and transfers. Without hidden costs, it offers a hassle-free way to learn and explore—especially when you factor in the personal attention from experienced instructors and the exclusive outer reef sites visited.

The reef taxes (AUD $95–$100) are an added expense, but they support sustainable tourism efforts. The overall package is designed to give you a comprehensive, safe, and memorable diving introduction without the hassle of organizing separate components.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This tour is ideal for beginners who want to learn to dive in a safe, supportive environment while experiencing the iconic Great Barrier Reef. It’s perfect for travelers who value small-group instruction, comfort, and extensive reef time. It’s not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with certain medical conditions, so medical approval is recommended.

If you’re looking for a balanced mix of education, adventure, and comfort, this five-day course offers an authentic reef experience that’s hard to beat. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or longer courses, other options might suit, but for a well-organized introduction to the underwater world, this is a strong contender.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this course is designed for beginners with no prior diving experience. The training in the pool prepares you well for reef dives, and instructors guide you through every step.

What is included in the price?
The package covers all training, certification, equipment hire, meals onboard, two nights accommodation on the boat, transfers from Cairns, and up to nine dives.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, reef taxes are payable at check-in—AUD $95 for travel until March 2026, or AUD $100 afterward. You’ll also need to cover personal expenses like toiletries and optional extras like underwater cameras.

Can I do the night dive?
Yes, the itinerary includes a supervised night dive, which many find to be a memorable highlight.

What equipment is provided?
Full dive gear, including wetsuits, masks, fins, dive computers, and short-arm/leg wetsuits, are included. Prescription masks are available if needed.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, solo travelers are paired in twin-share cabins, and the communal atmosphere makes it easy to meet others.

The Sum Up

The Cairns Great Barrier Reef 5-Day Learn to Dive Course stands out as a thoroughly planned, value-for-money option for anyone eager to earn their open water certification while exploring one of the world’s most breathtaking marine environments. The small-group instruction, expert guides, and comfortable liveaboard make it an experience that’s both enjoyable and educational.

This tour is best suited for adventurous beginners who want a safe, supportive environment to learn diving and gain confidence. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate doing a multi-day trip with everything included, rather than piecing together separate activities.

For travelers looking for a genuine, hands-on reef experience with personalized guidance and a focus on safety, this course delivers. It’s a great way to start your diving journey with the iconic Great Barrier Reef as your classroom.

You can check availability for your dates here: