Scuba: Great Barrier Reef - Peaks and Reefs

Cairns, is a tropical paradise in Queensland, Australia, is renowned for being the gateway to one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders—the Great Barrier Reef. With its vibrant marine life, breathtaking coral formations, and crystal-clear waters, Cairns offers scuba divers an unforgettable underwater experience.

In this blog post, we will delve into everything a scuba diver needs to know about diving in Cairns, including the best dive shops, live aboard options, top dive sights as well as some other epic places to check out while enjoying the land down under!

Local Dive Shops

Divers Den: PADI 5 STAR Dive Shop offering single day trips, overnight trips, and certifications for all levels. Whether you’re a snorkeler, first time diver, or season pro, you will be in great hands with Divers Den! I may be a bit biased, seeing that I got certified here in 2017 but I would definitely recommend an overnight trip on the Ocean Quest. Excellent value, service and safety.

Pro Dive Cairns: Another PADI Shop with over 30 years experience. Pro Dive offers liveaboard trips, multi-day dive courses, and an exceptional level of service. They cater to both beginners and experienced divers and have their own liveaboard also.

Down Under Cruise and Dive: Dive shop catered to snorkelers and divers with limited time. They only offer single day trips to the reef, but they do have packages and tours for land based experiences, like the Kuranda Train and Daintree National Park.

Reef Magic Cruises: Dive shop that is ideal for first time divers that don’t want to make a big investment of money and time. They offer shorter single day discovery dive tours and two tank dives for certified divers. They are also known for having smaller groups and personalized service.

One of my first dives at Norman Reef, before I learned Buoyancy Control.

Dive Sites

You probably won’t have much of a say when it comes to diving a specific spot at the Great Barrier Reef due to its enormous size and abundance of individual mooring spots. But it is definitely worth inquiring with the different dive shops to get an idea of what reefs they have been visiting.

Norman Reef: This reef is popular for overnight trips on a liveaboard. Situated near the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Norman Reef is a pristine and diverse diving location. Exploring its vibrant coral gardens and swim-throughs, you’ll encounter an abundance of marine life, including turtles, rays, and a variety of fish species. Norman reef is also a favorite among night divers. Popular Sites: Bob’s Bommie, Reef Safari, Turtle Bay, Shark Mountain, and Alan’s Wall

Saxon Reef: Another fantastic dive site near Cairns, this is often the first stop for single day tours. Saxon offers a mix of shallow and deep dives suitable for all experience levels. Prepare to be amazed by the vivid coral formations, large schools of tropical fish, and the chance to spot reef sharks and sea turtles. Popular Sites: Magic Wall, Twin Peaks, Turtle Bommie, Clipper.

Flynn Reef: Comprising several dive sites, Flynn Reef is known for its impressive coral walls, swim-throughs, and captivating marine encounters. Keep an eye out for giant clams, reef sharks, and the occasional manta ray. Popular Sites: Ski Slope, The Flats, Coral Gardens and Point Break.

Hastings Reef: Located just off the coast of Cairns, Hastings Reef is renowned for its breathtaking coral gardens and incredible biodiversity. Divers can expect encounters with colorful reef fish, giant clams, and the occasional reef shark. This site is suitable for divers of all levels, with options for both shallow and deeper dives. Popular Sites: Fish Bowl, Blue Lagoon, Pirate Cove and Northside.

Other adventures to check out near Cairns!

Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation: Explore the enchanting Daintree National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Discover its diverse flora and fauna, go on guided walks, visit pristine beaches, and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge. Cape Tribulation, within the park, offers a unique opportunity to experience where the rainforest meets the reef, with beautiful beaches and captivating coastal walks

Hot Air Ballooning: Experience Cairns from a different perspective as you float gently above the landscape in a hot air balloon. Witness the sunrise over the scenic Atherton Tablelands or even over the lush Daintree National Park, marvel at the panoramic views, and enjoy a serene adventure high above the ground.

Bungee Jumping: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, consider bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Cairns. Leap from a platform, attached to a bungee cord, and experience the exhilaration as you bounce back up. It’s a heart-pounding adventure that promises an unforgettable experience.

Atherton Tablelands: The Tablelands are jam-packed with notable waterfalls including Millaa Millaa and Dinner Falls, all of which are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Make sure to stop at Lake Eacham, a stunning volcanic crater lake known for its unique residents; look out for platypuses, kangaroos, and tree frogs — or if you’re a little more adventurous, take a nocturnal wildlife tour!

Cairns Esplanade: While not an adventure activity in the traditional sense, the Cairns Esplanade offers various recreational opportunities. You can enjoy activities like swimming in the lagoon, jogging along the boardwalk, cycling, or even trying your hand at beach volleyball. They also have outdoor gyms along throughout the park which I really appreciated being able to use after my morning runs while visiting.

Elinjaa Falls, Atherton Tablelands

Overall,

With its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, abundant marine life, diverse dive sites, and a wide range of experiences, Cairns undeniably stands out as the best place to explore this remarkable natural wonder. Whether you’re a scuba diver, snorkeler, or adventure enthusiast, Cairns offers an unforgettable journey into the captivating world of the Great Barrier Reef.