PADI Open Water Course: 5 Day / 2 Night Liveaboard Experience in Cairns

Operated by: Divers Den

From $1035.00 AUD

Cairns, QLD

Active Travelers (16+)

Twin Cabin or Double Cabin

PADI open water course 5 day in Cairns scuba training dive

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Prices in AUD – All bookings are charged in Australian Dollars

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Tour Description

Dreaming of becoming a certified diver while exploring one of the world’s most famous natural wonders? This PADI open water 5-day course in Cairns combines expert training with an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef liveaboard adventure.

Begin your journey at Divers Den’s purpose-built training centre in Cairns, where professional instructors guide you through scuba theory and pool training. Over two days, you’ll master essential diving skills and safety techniques before heading offshore for the real adventure.

Your classroom then shifts to the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll spend three incredible days and two nights aboard the OceanQuest liveaboard vessel. Dive at spectacular reef systems including Saxon Reef, Norman Reef and Hastings Reef, locations known for vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, reef sharks and incredible marine biodiversity.

Complete your training dives surrounded by one of the most spectacular underwater environments on the planet. Once certified, you’ll celebrate your achievement with fun dives exploring the reef like a real diver.

Waking up to sunrise in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, diving multiple sites each day and gaining a globally recognised PADI certification make this course one of the most rewarding ways to learn scuba diving.

Why book the PADI open water 5-day course in Cairns?

  • Learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s best dive locations
  • Complete your globally recognised PADI certification
  • Spend 2 nights living and diving on the reef aboard OceanQuest
  • Dive multiple outer reef sites, including Saxon, Norman and Hastings reefs
  • Train with experienced PADI instructors and small groups
  • Experience night diving and the Sharks in the Dark encounter
  • Includes meals, equipment, accommodation and transfers

 

Whether you’re starting your dive journey or ticking off a bucket-list adventure, the PADI Open Water Course 5-day in Cairns is the ultimate way to learn.

Highlights

  • Earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification in just 5 days
  • Live and dive on the Great Barrier Reef for 2 nights
  • Dive spectacular outer reef sites including Saxon, Norman and Hastings reefs
  • Enjoy multiple training and fun dives with expert instructors
  • Experience sunrise and sunset on the reef from the OceanQuest liveaboard
  • Optional night dive and Sharks in the Dark experience
  • Perfect beginner scuba diving course in Cairns

Tour Overview

Learn to scuba dive and earn your internationally recognised PADI Open Water certification on an unforgettable 5-day adventure in Cairns. Begin with two days of pool training and dive theory at a professional dive centre before heading out on a 3-day, 2-night liveaboard aboard OceanQuest to the spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef. Complete your training dives at stunning sites across Saxon, Norman and Hastings Reefs, surrounded by vibrant coral and tropical marine life. With expert instructors, all equipment, meals on board and comfortable accommodation included, this course combines professional dive training with an incredible overnight reef experience.

Included

  • PADI Open Water Diver certification course
  • All PADI training materials
  • Professional PADI instructors
  • Pool training sessions in Cairns
  • 3 day / 2 night Great Barrier Reef liveaboard trip
  • Accommodation onboard OceanQuest (shared twin/double cabin)
  • All scuba diving and snorkelling equipment
  • Air fills and tanks
  • Up to two to three reef sites visited daily
  • All meals onboard the liveaboard
  • Fresh drinking water, tea and coffee
  • Cairns city accommodation transfers

Day 1 – Pool Training & Theory

  • 9:00am – Pick up from Cairns accommodation
  • Meet your instructor and begin dive theory training
  • Learn scuba fundamentals and safety procedures
  • Afternoon pool session practising diving skills
  • Tread water test
  • 5:30pm – Return to Cairns accommodation

Day 2 – Pool Skills & Certification Theory

  • Morning pick up from Cairns accommodation
  • Continue scuba skills training in the pool
  • Complete 200m swim test
  • Further equipment and dive skill training
  • Review theory and complete PADI exam
  • Evening drop off at accommodation

Day 3 – Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard

  • Morning transfer to Cairns Marlin Marina
  • Cruise 90 minutes to the outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Arrive at reef and enjoy lunch onboard
  • Training dive session one
  • Second training dive
  • Dinner onboard OceanQuest
  • Optional Sharks in the Dark experience
  • Overnight on the reef

Day 4 – Certification & Fun Diving

  • Sunrise breakfast on the reef
  • Final training dive and become a certified diver
  • First fun dive exploring the reef independently
  • Lunch onboard
  • Afternoon fun dive session
  • Dinner onboard
  • Optional night dive experience

Day 5 – Reef Fun Dives & Return to Cairns

  • Breakfast onboard
  • Two final reef dives
  • Lunch onboard
  • Relax and enjoy reef views on deck
  • Cruise back to Cairns Marina
  • Approx 4:30pm arrival and hotel transfers
  • Night dive experience
  • Sharks in the Dark reef experience
  • Underwater photography packages
  • Digital camera hire
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Dive souvenirs and merchandise

Q: What is included in the PADI open water 5-day course in Cairns?

A: The course includes PADI training materials, pool sessions, instructor guidance, scuba equipment, 3 day reef trip, 2 nights liveaboard accommodation, meals and certification dives.

Q: Do I need previous diving experience for the PADI open water course in Cairns?

A: No experience is required. The course is designed for beginners and teaches all the skills needed to dive safely.

Q: How long does it take to complete the PADI open water certification in Cairns?

A: This course takes 5 days including two days of pool training and three days of diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Q: Where will we dive during the Great Barrier Reef training dives?

A: Divers typically visit stunning outer reef locations including Saxon Reef, Norman Reef and Hastings Reef.

Q: Is the PADI open water 5-day course in Cairns suitable for first time divers?

A: Yes, it is one of the most popular beginner dive courses in Australia and includes professional instruction and step-by-step training.

Booking

  • Minimum age 16 years
  • Open dated bookings require 27 days notice

Cancellations

  • Cancellations within 2 days of departure incur 100% fee

Medical Requirements

  • All divers must complete a medical questionnaire
  • Some conditions may require doctor clearance before diving

Swimming Requirements

Participants must be able to:

  • Swim 200 metres
  • Tread water for 10 minutes

Flying After Diving

  • Wait 12–24 hours before flying or going to altitude

Availability

  • Courses operate year round subject to weather and availability

Operator Policy

  • Full supplier terms available at Divers Den website

By booking through Dundee Adventure Travel, you agree to both Dundee Adventure Travel’s General Terms & Conditions and the Supplier Terms & Conditions.

Instant Confirmation - Get immediate confirmation as soon as your booking is complete.

Prices in AUD – All bookings are charged in Australian Dollars

Secure Payment – All payments are processed securely for your peace of mind.

E-Ticket Delivered – Receive your booking details straight to your inbox.

24/7 Support – Need help? Our friendly team is always here for you.

Free Cancellations – Many of our tours offer free cancellation options (check T&Cs).

Best Price Guarantee – We offer unbeatable value with no hidden fees.

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