Learn to Scuba Dive

Learn to Scuba Dive on a Cairns Liveaboard

Beginner-Friendly 👍 Designed specifically for those with little or no prior diving experience.

Comprehensive Training 🤿 Open water courses deliver thorough training in scuba diving fundamentals

Certification Awarded 🏆 Completing the course earns an internationally recognised diving certification.

Underwater Navigation 🗺️ Learn vital skills for underwater navigation and effective communication.

Safety Prioritised 🦺 Courses emphasise safety protocols, emergency procedures, and proper dive planning.

Expert Instructors 🎓 Learn from certified, experienced dive professionals dedicated to your progress.

Adventure Unleashed 🌟 Open water courses unlock a world of thrilling underwater exploration.

Prerequisites 📝

If you have never dived before, an introductory scuba dive is worth doing to see if it’s for you. Diving is exciting but not for everyone, so make sure it is for you before you commit to a course.

Knowing if you are medically fit to dive is important when commencing a learn-to-dive course. Queensland has some of the strictest laws regarding diver safety, so you must be properly signed off as fit to dive.

You must also be able to swim. Swim tests are involved, so make sure you feel confident in the water before starting a course.

FAQ’s

PADI or SSI?

PADI and SSI are globally recognised—either lets you dive anywhere. Certifications below the Dive Master level are interchangeable. Choose the program that suits your style and schedule.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn all the fundamental skills and knowledge for beginner divers. The theory work is just as important as the practical work. Open Water Courses are designed to arm you with the knowledge to keep yourself and your buddy safe.

I started a course but didn't complete it, can I still finish it?

You can complete a referral course if you started a course but didn’t finish. Contact your original dive centre for the paperwork, then book with your chosen operator. Note: You must finish with the same organisation; switching means restarting.

How long does the course last?

Courses typically run for 3 to 5 days, depending on the dive centre’s schedule.

Is all necessary gear provided?

Operators will provide standard dive equipment, and you can boost your comfort by bringing your own mask or snorkel.

Below are our featured tours that offer Open-Water courses

Reef Encounter

The only SSI Diamond Dive Centre in Cairns, Reef Encounter offers maximum flexibility with daily departures. It is a minimum 2-day and 3-night trip to do your certification, with the theory portion being completed before boarding for the practical dives to be had on board. Class sizes are capped at four students to one instructor, and those wanting a personal one-on-one experience can do so when booking the exclusive Top Deck option.

OceanQuest

A PADI dive centre with multiple ways to learn. They offer theory and pool sessions at their office in Cairns for you to do before doing your ocean dives out on the liveaboard. Their dates start from 4 Day 1 Night (two pool days, two theory days, one-night liveaboard) to 5 Day 2 Night to 6 Day 3 Night (this option adds on an advanced course).

Prodive

Another PADI dive centre offers various courses and ways to get certified. The most popular option is a five-day (two-day pool, two-day liveaboard) course, which takes you to their exclusive outer reefs to complete your training.