Queensland Diving And Snorkeling

The most popular way to see Cairns is through goggles, although experienced divers may prefer the less touristed reefs near Port Douglas. Every day, rain or shine, thousands of tourists and locals don masks, fins, and snorkels to slide beneath the ocean surface and glimpse the Great Barrier Reef.   Reef Teach, 85 Lake St., on the top floor of the Main St. Arcade, offers an entertaining 2hr. lecture by marine biologists on the reef ecosystem. These witty scientists teach participants about the marine life they will encounter while diving or snorkeling and how they can interact with these Reef inhabitants without getting bitten, stung, stabbed, or pricked. Anyone planning to hit the Reef should stop in for this engaging, illuminating program; it will infinitely enhance your Reef experience. (☎07 4031 7794; www.reefteach.com.au; email or call for reservations. Lectures M-Sa 6:30pm. $15; ask about student discounts).

Because it’s the main gateway to the reef, Cairns is studded with an overwhelming number of dive shops and snorkeling outfits. Making a decision can be daunting, given the excess of brochures and booking agents by which you’ll be bombarded. Think about some questions in advance: how long do you want to dive? How big do you want your dive group to be? For personal dive instruction and a group atmosphere, smaller boats are usually the way to go. Are you going with other divers or with friends who may prefer other water activities? Unless you’re all diving, you won’t want a dive trip—maybe a cruise with diving options, such as Noah’s Ark Too or Passions of Paradise . Snorkelers are equally welcome aboard these day cruises.

To dive for more than a day in Australia, you need open-water certification (an aquatic driver’s license). The only way to get this certification is to spend $370 for four days in scuba school, where you learn about scuba equipment and diving techniques. To enroll in dive classes, you need two passport-sized photos and a medical exam, which many diving companies arrange on-site.

Many divers prefer daytrips to multi-day trips, as they afford different views of the reef each given day. On multi-day trips, it is likely that you will visit only the section of the reef over which your diving company has the right to dive.

• Passions of Paradise (☎07 4041 1600 or 1800 111 346; www.passions.com.au). Offers full-day cruises to Paradise Reef and Michaelmas Cay. Attracts a young, energetic crowd; spontaneous conga dancing may occur. Face-painting and chocolate cake for the youngsters. High-speed catamaran takes 60-70 passengers. Departs Marlin Jetty at 8am. Base price for snorkeling and lunch $125 (plus $10 reef levy). Introductory dive $70 extra ($45 for 2nd dive), certified dive $70.
• Ocean Free (☎07 4050 0550; www.oceanfree.com.au). Sail to the reef in style on this stately ship. The tour anchors off Green Island on the Inner Barrier Reef, allowing for both reef and island exploration. The return sunset sail includes complimentary wine and a dessert. Lively crew and few passengers means lots of individual attention. Departs 8am, returns around 5pm. Base price $119 with lunch. Introductory dive $75 (2 dives $110), certified dive $55 (2 dives $75).
• Noah’s Ark Too (☎07 4050 0677), located at the Pier, finger E. The motto: “There are no rules.” Relax on the boat (max. 32 people) and take the plunge on 2 of 10 outer reef destinations. After, sip a beer on the boat. A lively tour with a fun crew. Daily 8:30am-4:45pm. Snorkel-only $70. Introductory dive including a free 10min. lesson underwater $109, additional dive $35. 2 certified dives $109. Buffet-style lunch included.

Multi-Day Trips And Scuba Schools

• Pro-Dive (☎07 4031 5255; www.prodivecairns.com), on the corner of Abbott and Shields St. Their most popular trip is the 5-day learn-to-dive course. Although the $695 price tag might seem hefty, it includes all diving equipment, 2 nights accommodation, and 9 dives. They also offer a 3-day, 2-night trip with 11 dives, including 2 night dives for certified divers (starts at $580). Meals included. Open daily 8:30am-9pm.
• Down Under Dive, 267 Draper St. (☎07 4052 8300 or 1800 079 099; www.downunderdive.com.au). A 25m. catamaran runs daytrips ($85) with an introductory dive option ($65). Certified dives $65. The company also offers diver training; the 4-day courses include 2 days of pool training and 2 days on Hastings and Saxon Reefs (from $490). Meals included on both trips. Also offers daytrips on the faster, sleeker Osprey V starting at $119. Aussie BBQ lunch included. Open daily 7am-5pm.
• Cairns Dive Centre, 121 Abbott St. (☎07 4051 0294 or 24hr. 1800 642 591; www.cairnsdive.com.au). Friendly, knowledgeable dive instructors offer some of the most affordable trips to the outer reef ($75 snorkel trip plus $75 for intro dive). Their fleet of vessels means you can book 4-, 5-, or 6-day dive trips; trips begin daily. 5-day live-aboard, learn-to-dive course $594; 4-day budget course $370. Open daily 7am-5pm.