Diving & Snorkelling

The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction — it's the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along Queensland's coast. Our reef trips depart from Cairns and Port Douglas to the outer reef where the coral is healthiest and the marine life is most abundant. Expect to swim alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, giant clams, and thousands of species of tropical fish.

For those heading to Western Australia, Ningaloo Reef offers a completely different but equally spectacular experience. Swim with whale sharks (the world's largest fish) from March to July, or snorkel with manta rays and sea turtles year-round — all from the shore, no boat needed.

We offer everything from beginner snorkelling trips (no experience needed) to introductory scuba dives, certified dive trips, and multi-day liveaboard experiences for serious divers. All equipment is provided, and our operator partners maintain the highest safety standards.

The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and countless other marine creatures including whales, dolphins, and six of the world's seven species of marine turtle. Day trips to the outer reef from Cairns or Port Douglas typically take around 90 minutes by high-speed catamaran, with stops at pontoons or moorings where you can snorkel directly off the boat.

For the ultimate reef experience, multi-day liveaboard trips take you to remote outer reef sites that day-trippers never reach. Spending two or three nights aboard a purpose-built dive vessel means more dive time, less crowded sites, and the chance to see larger pelagic species including reef sharks, manta rays, and Minke whales (June-July).

Introductory scuba dives ("discover scuba" or "resort dives") are available for anyone aged 12 and above with no prior experience or certification. After a pool or shallow water briefing, you'll descend to around 12 metres with a dive instructor right beside you. It's a life-changing experience that converts many snorkellers into certified divers.

Ningaloo Reef on Western Australia's Coral Coast is a hidden gem. Unlike the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo's coral starts just metres from the beach, making it one of the most accessible reef systems on Earth. Between March and July, the annual whale shark migration brings the world's largest fish right along the coast — swimming alongside a 12-metre whale shark is genuinely one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife encounters on the planet.

Coral Bay and Exmouth are the two main bases for Ningaloo experiences. Coral Bay offers easy shore snorkelling in waist-deep water over pristine coral gardens, while Exmouth is the launching point for whale shark tours and deeper dive sites.

Whether you choose the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo, or both, Dundee Adventure compares operators and prices to find you the best deal. All our diving and snorkelling partners are certified, insured, and committed to reef-safe practices that protect these irreplaceable ecosystems for future generations.