Ocean Quest 4-Day Liveaboard Open Water Course

Tour Highlights

• • Four-day PADI Open Water Diver Course
  • Pool training in Cairns
  • Classroom theory with professional instructors
  • Four required open water training dives
  • Opportunity for an additional fun dive (subject to schedule)
  • Overnight accommodation aboard Ocean Quest
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef experience
  • Small instructor-to-student ratios
  • Internationally recognised PADI certification
  • All meals onboard included
  • Dive equipment provided
  • Visit vibrant coral reefs filled with tropical marine life

Your 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Classroom & Pool Training

Your adventure begins in Cairns.

Today you’ll complete the theory component of your PADI course before moving into the swimming pool where you’ll practise the fundamental scuba skills needed for open water diving.

Your instructor will guide you through every exercise until you feel comfortable breathing underwater and using your scuba equipment.

Day 2 – More Training & Travel to the Reef

You’ll continue building your knowledge before boarding the transfer vessel to the Great Barrier Reef.

After arriving at Ocean Quest you’ll settle into your cabin before completing your first open water training dives under the supervision of your instructor.

For many students this is the moment they truly fall in love with scuba diving.

Day 3 – Open Water Dives

Today you’ll complete additional training dives while exploring the incredible coral gardens surrounding the reef.

As your confidence grows you’ll begin focusing less on your equipment and more on the amazing marine life surrounding you.

Expect to see colourful reef fish, giant clams, sea turtles and vibrant coral formations.

Day 4 – Final Dive & Certification

Your final day includes your remaining required training dives before returning to Cairns.

Once your instructor has confirmed you’ve successfully completed all performance requirements, you’ll receive your PADI Open Water Diver certification.

Congratulations—you are now a certified diver.

What’s Included

• • PADI Open Water Course
  • Professional PADI Instructor
  • Classroom tuition
  • Pool training
  • Four open water training dives
  • Dive equipment
  • Tanks and weights
  • Overnight accommodation aboard Ocean Quest
  • Meals while onboard
  • Great Barrier Reef transfers
  • Logbook (where applicable)
  • PADI certification upon successful completion

Optional Extras

• • Underwater photography
  • Soft drinks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Souvenirs
  • Additional certified dives (subject to qualification and schedule)

What to Bring

• • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Light clothing
  • Camera
  • Personal toiletries
  • Certification paperwork (if applicable)

How to Get There

Your Ocean Quest 4-Day PADI Open Water Course begins in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Days 1 & 2 – Dive Centre Training

Your first two days of classroom and pool training take place at the Divers Den Dive Centre, located at:

319–321 Draper Street
Cairns QLD 4870

If you’re staying in Cairns City, most accommodation providers offer courtesy pick-up for the course. Alternatively, the dive centre is only a short taxi or rideshare trip from the city centre.

Day 3 – Transfer to the Great Barrier Reef

On the morning of Day 3, you’ll either be collected from your Cairns accommodation (where available) or asked to meet at the dive centre before transferring to Cairns Marlin Marina.

From the marina, you’ll board SeaQuest, the fast transfer vessel that takes you approximately 90 minutes across the Coral Sea to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. After completing your first training dives, you’ll transfer directly onto Ocean Quest, your floating accommodation for the night.

Returning to Cairns

After completing your final training dives and receiving your PADI Open Water certification, you’ll return to Cairns aboard the transfer vessel, arriving back at the marina in the late afternoon. From there, you’ll be transferred back to your Cairns accommodation if you’ve booked the courtesy transfer service.

Getting to Cairns

Cairns is easily accessible from across Australia and overseas.

• • By Air: Cairns Airport (CNS) offers direct flights from major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as selected international destinations.
  • By Road: The Bruce Highway connects Cairns with Townsville and the rest of Queensland.
  • By Rail: Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland provides a scenic journey between Brisbane and Cairns.
  • By Coach: Long-distance coach services operate regularly between Cairns and destinations throughout Queensland.

Once you’re in Cairns, everything else is taken care of, allowing you to focus on earning your PADI certification and enjoying one of the world’s greatest underwater adventures.

Flying After Diving

For your safety, wait at least 18–24 hours after your final dive before flying or travelling to high altitudes.