CairnsUnderwater Camera Hire

Why Rent an Underwater Camera?

If you already own a GoPro or another underwater camera, make sure you have a proper waterproof housing and a floating handle. If not, renting is the smarter option. You’ll need to rent both the camera and housing (housings aren’t rented separately). Renting avoids buying expensive gear, lets you test it before boarding, and ensures you don’t compete for the limited stock available on boats.

Consider hiring a second camera for your snorkel or dive buddy. It doubles your chances of capturing that perfect photo or TikTok clip, it acts as insurance against technical issues and best of all, you can get pics and clips of each other. GoPros are known to occasionally freeze underwater, and the only fix is returning to the boat to swap batteries — having two cameras means you don’t lose the moment.

Most people choose GoPros or similar action cameras. They excel at video: wide-angle lenses capture sweeping reef scenes, and built-in stabilisation keeps footage smooth. Colour fades with depth without dive lights. Boats don’t rent dive lights, but you can hire them from Calypso Reef Imagery. On liveaboard trips, dive lights are a must — they transform dive footage from good to great.

Cairns is also home to one of Australia’s best specialist underwater photography retailers, Digital Diver. Located on Lake Street, they stock an extensive range of underwater photography gear you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also a great place to get expert advice or explore upgrades beyond a basic action camera or point-and-shoot.

Note: Introductory divers or people doing dive courses  are not permitted to take a camera on their dives.

Independent Underwater Camera Rentals in Cairns

In Cairns, the only dedicated shop offering underwater camera rentals is Calypso Reef Imagery. They rent GoPros, DJI Action cameras, and Olympus TG models, and also sell GoPros, DJI gear and most accessories needed for underwater photography and video. Calypso is conveniently located at the Reef Fleet Terminal, the same place where you check in for your reef trip. Picking up a camera is as simple as stopping by while you’re already there, but make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tip: Book ahead in peak season to secure your preferred model.

Note: Calypso is currently the only store in Cairns renting DJI Action cameras. Some in the industry believe DJI models produce better colours underwater compared to GoPro, especially without filters or lights.

Underwater Camera Hire Cairns - Prices

Cairns is the main departure point for the Great Barrier Reef, with dozens of day boats offering snorkel and dive trips. Most vessels provide GoPro hire onboard, but prices and inclusions vary. Below is a breakdown of daily rates and what’s included.

To our knowledge, the following operators do not offer onboard underwater camera hire: Ocean Free, Ocean Freedom, Reef Adventures Cairns, Pure Snorkelling Cairns, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, Reef Daytripper or Reef Magic.

Underwater Camera Rental Port Douglas - Prices

Port Douglas reef trips mainly head to Agincourt Reef and the Low Isles. Like Cairns operators, most vessels have GoPro hire available onboard. Prices are similar, but packages usually include an SD card and optional insurance.

Green Island Underwater Camera Hire

Green Island is accessible on day trips from Cairns, with the option to stay overnight or longer at the Green Island Resort. If you travel with Great Adventures, cameras can be hired onboard. If you go with Ocean Free, you’ll need to bring your own or rent one in advance from Calypso Reef Imagery in Cairns. Side note – There are lots of turtles at Green Island and we snapped the above pic while snorkeling by the Green Island jetty.

Fitzroy Island GoPro and Camera Hire

Fitzroy Island is a popular day trip and overnight destination. There’s lots to do at Fitzroy Island and we’ve been many times. Camera hire is available if you visit with Sunlover, but not if you travel independently by ferry or stay on the island.

Frankland Islands Underwater Cameras

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises departs south of Cairns at Deeral. Since you travel by bus from the city, you won’t pass the Reef Fleet Terminal camera shops in the morning. Hire is available onboard, or you’ll need to organise gear the day before.

Cairns Liveaboard Diving Underwater Camera Hire

Liveaboard trips give you multiple days on the reef. Some operators have limited camera hire, but it’s often better value to rent in Cairns before departure, especially if you want more model choice and spare batteries.

What About Using Your Phone?

It’s tempting to take your phone underwater, but even with water-resistant models the risks usually outweigh the rewards. Before you rely on it for reef photography, keep these points in mind:

• Water-resistant ≠ dive-ready: saltwater and prolonged immersion can corrode components.
• Housings: cheap pouches can leak or fog; condensation ruins shots.
• Image quality: phones struggle with underwater white balance and autofocus; touch screens misbehave when wet. At the end of the day, it’s really disappointing thinking you are getting great shots, when you aren’t. It’s also very frustrating, when the screen stops responding to your pushing and takes no photos at all.
• Risk: one leak can destroy an expensive device. A hired action camera is safer and usually performs better.

For casual, shallow snorkelling selfies, a purpose-built housing for your specific phone can work if thoroughly tested. For anything more, hire a dedicated underwater camera.

Boats With Professional Underwater Photographers

If you’d prefer to enjoy the reef without juggling gear, many larger reef boats have professional photographers onboard. They capture snorkellers and divers throughout the day, with packages available for purchase afterwards. Expect to pay A$25–50 per photo or A$99–150 for a USB package.