Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
Great Barrier Reef Explorer | Learn to Dive
5 Days Starting and ending in Cairns, Australia
Visiting: Cairns, Great Barrier Reef
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LTDD24
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour, where you'll learn to dive in the stunning waters of Australia. Begin your journey in Gimuy (Cairns) with two days of comprehensive scuba diving training at Pro Dive Cairns, mastering both theory and practical skills. Once certified, set sail on a dive boat to explore up to 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Experience the thrill of up to nine dives, including a guided night dive, amidst a vibrant underwater world teeming with over 1,500 species of fish, diverse corals, and marine mammals. Enjoy the comfort of a dive boat, savoring delicious meals and soaking up the sun. Conclude your adventure back in Cairns with a farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and unforgettable memories. This tour promises a perfect blend of education, exploration, and relaxation in one of the world's most breathtaking marine environments.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Gilligans (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
Are you ready to take on a fun filled few days learning to dive? Can we get a heck yeah? The first 2 days of the course are spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills of scuba diving from our pro's. After that, you're nearly ready to go.
Day 2: Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Gilligans (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Gilligans (or similar)
We know, we know…you want to get out there, but good things take time. It's back to the books today as we continue learning the A to Z of diving, with your day spent at Pro Dive Cairns training centre learning the theory & practical skills you'll need on the reef. Excitement will be at an all time high as we get ready for the next few days and what's in store for you on this mind-blowing reef.
Day 3: Gimuy (Cairns) To Dive Boat
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It's GO TIME! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 dives at a variety of our 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Your first 4 dives will complete your open water certification & then as a certified diver you are able to take up to 5 more recreational dives, one of which is a guided night dive. Boom. So, what can we tell you about this spectacular reef? Here goes - more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals and 134 species of sharks and rays call this clear blue water home. Add over 30 species of marine mammals to the mix, and that's your mind blown.
Day 4: Dive Boat
Location: Great Barrier Reef
Accommodation: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Accommodation Name: Dive Boat (Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With another day on our boat, why not take this incredible opportunity to continue diving for your chance to spot yet more colourful marine life. We're talking giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams and some of the best coral in the world. And with the deck of the boat providing you with the perfect spot for some sunbaking, book reading and bliss, you might just call this total paradise.
Day 5: Dive Boat To Gimuy (Cairns)
Location: Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll return to Cairns late this afternoon where there’s the option to join your new mates & crew for a farewell dinner. There's nothing like a spot of bonding over a #NOREGRETS experience to make for strong friendships. So where's next on the agenda?
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at Gilligans (or similar) and on a Dive Boat at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
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Diving Course
The tour includes a diving course at Pro Dive Cairns training centre, covering both theory and practical skills.
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Diving Opportunities
Participants have the opportunity to complete their open water certification and take up to 5 more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Cairns are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
Dining Summary
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Sydney: Why does the itinerary use dual-names for locations (ie. Warrane/Sydney)? Contiki acknowledges the Traditional and Torres Strait Island owners of the land, sea and waters of the spectacular Australian continent. Dual-naming reflects that, as we explore this remarkable land, we recognise and respect Indigenous custodianship of a unique, ancient culture and country.
- Gimuy (Cairns): Can I catch a flight the next day after diving at the Great Barrier Reef? It’s best to wait at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying.
Mode of Transport
The tour begins and ends in Cairns, with transportation primarily involving a dive boat for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, providing access to exclusive dive sites.
Accommodation
Enjoy your stay at Gilligans in Cairns for the first two nights, followed by an exciting experience aboard a Dive Boat on the Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique underwater adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the main focus of the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour?
The main focus of the Great Barrier Reef Explorer tour is to learn scuba diving and explore the Great Barrier Reef. Participants will spend the first two days learning the theory and practical skills of scuba diving at the Pro Dive Cairns training centre, followed by diving experiences on the Great Barrier Reef.
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How many dives can participants expect to do during the tour?
Participants can expect to do up to 9 dives at a variety of 16 exclusive dive sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The first 4 dives will complete their open water certification, and as certified divers, they can take up to 5 more recreational dives, including a guided night dive.
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What kind of marine life can be seen during the dives on the Great Barrier Reef?
During the dives on the Great Barrier Reef, participants can expect to see more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the world's soft corals, and 134 species of sharks and rays. Additionally, there are over 30 species of marine mammals, giant turtles, stingrays, huge clams, and some of the best coral in the world.
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What should participants consider regarding flights after the diving experience?
Participants should wait at least 24 hours after their last dive before flying. This is to ensure safety and prevent any potential health risks associated with flying after diving.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
During the first two days, participants will stay at Gilligans (or similar) in Cairns. For the diving portion of the tour, accommodation will be on a dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.