Cairns' Cheapest Diving Tours Which Trip Offers the Best Value?

We’re local divers who’ve personally reviewed every day trip listed in this guide. Our recommendations are based on actual experience, not paid promotions. We talk to travellers every day and know how to match people with the right boat, whether you’re after the cheapest certified dive trip or the best value for 3 dives. Booking through us doesn’t cost more than going direct and you get honest advice based on real diving, not just brochures.

All prices in our tables include standard rental dive gear (tanks, weights, mask, fins). However, mandatory fees vary. Most major boats (Quicksilver, Reef Experience) include the levy in their base fare. Operators like Ocean Free, Ocean Freedom and Reef Daytripper often charge a separate mandatory Reef Levy (typically $15–$30 AUD). Always confirm the final price.

The short answer is no, not usually. While some boats offer a small discount (typically $10-$20 AUD) if you use your own BCD, regulator and wetsuit, the saving is minor compared to the hassle and cost of transporting bulky dive gear to Cairns. If you are only doing a day trip, we recommend renting. If you are doing a liveaboard tour or cannot dive without your personal gear, then it may be worthwhile. If you’d like to compare, let us know and we can send you the prices excluding gear rental.

Yes, trips to Green Island or Fitzroy Island are often cheaper on paper, BUT we generally don’t recommend them for diving. The reef surrounding the islands is not as abundant or diverse as the corals and marine life found on the outer Great Barrier Reef, plus you are near an island so visibility tends to be lower too. If diving and seeing the Great Barrier Reef is your priority and budget permits, we strongly recommend spending the extra money and going to the outer reef. It’s worth it!

No boat can guarantee more marine life than another. You’re visiting a wild environment and conditions change daily. Some boats promote access to ‘the best’ reef sites, but the reality is that weather, visibility and marine life movement are unpredictable. All outer reef operators access quality sites, what you see on the day often comes down to luck.

We are your people! Julie Johnston suffers from motion sickness. My best advice you probably already know, plan ahead and take preventative medication. That way, you can avoid seasickness and have an awesome day at the reef. This answer is not being blasé either. I do get seasick. I take Kwells before every single reef trip and have the best time. If for some reason you can’t take medication, as we know it makes some people drowsy, then we have prepared notes on Cairns’ Best Reef Trips To Avoid Seasickness.

Interestingly, most Cairns day boats do not allow unguided buddy diving. For safety, logistics and reef protection, they prefer all certified divers to be guided. AquaQuest is one of the few Cairns boats that allows certified buddy pairs to dive independently, which is great for photographers or those who prefer to set their own pace.

It depends on your priorities. Large catamarans are faster and more stable in rough water. Smaller sailing boats or older motor vessels might have fewer people onboard (but remember boat size to person ratio doesn’t mean they are less ‘crowded’), but may be slower or more basic. If you get seasick easily, look for high-speed cats with good stabilisers.

All dive boats also welcome snorkellers, and some even offer glass-bottom boat tours or visits to sand cays. If you are splitting activities in your group, check what’s included for snorkellers as well.