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Pro Dive Cairns’ learn to dive courses will make you a certified PADI Open Water Diver. Highlights include a 3 day / 2 night liveaboard trip on the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll do 9 dives, proceeded by classroom and pool theory to get you comfortable. Pro Dive have long been recognised as the gold standard when it comes to Cairns learn to dive courses and have certified over 190,000 divers since opening in 1983. Their inclusive pricing covers the theory and pool lessons, conducted at their 5-star training centre in Cairns, all diving equipment and instruction, and all meals and accommodation on their liveaboard boat. Accommodation will be in double or twin share cabins. The Pro Dive Cairns Learn to Dive Courses start every day, except Sunday.
Pro Dive offers students 2 options on their PADI Learn to Dive Courses. A 5 day course and a 4 day course, both of which include the 3 day liveaboard dive trip, where you’ll complete up to 9 dives on the Great Barrier Reef. What’s the difference? The 5 day course includes 2 days of classroom and pool practice, while the 4 day eLearning course requires you to complete theory online, prior to arrival, and 1 day of theory and pool practice. The 5 day course is the most popular, while the 4 day option suits those wanting to maximise their holiday time in Cairns and minimise classroom time.
PADI Open Water Diver Manuals and Instruction, Dive Equipment, Pool Sessions, 9 Dives, Return cruise from Cairns, all accommodation, meals and linen at sea
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Pro Dive Cairns has been teaching people how to dive since 1983. Their purpose-built 5 star Training and Instructor Development Centre is in the Cairns CBD, making access easy for people staying in the city. Transfers can be arranged if needed. They are a dedicated dive training and liveaboard dive boat operator. You are with your allocated dive instructor for the duration of your course, including the time on their Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boat. The boat takes a maximum of 32 passengers, accommodated in 14 x twin cabins and 2 x double bed cabins with shared bathroom facilities. Passengers will be a combination of dive students and certified divers.
Scuba diving is a technical activity* and you’re required to complete theory work, including passing a written test, before going to the Great Barrier Reef. When you complete the 5 day Cairns learn to dive course, this is conducted at the Pro Dive training centre in the CBD, with learning guided by a fully qualified PADI Instructor. If you opt for the 4 day eLearning option, you’ll need to complete this component of the course online. This will be through the PADI eLearning portal and within 24-48 hours of booking, we’ll send you the details on how to access this portal.
*Dive Medicals: While scuba diving is an accessible experience, there are certain health conditions that will preclude you from participating in any scuba diving activities and courses. This includes but is not limited to pregnancy, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, middle ear conditions and high blood pressure. You must be of reasonable fitness and will need to complete a swimming test during the course, demonstrating this. Prior to commencing the course you’ll have to complete a self-assessment Student Diver Medical Declaration.
Learning to use scuba equipment and breathe underwater is best practiced in a controlled pool environment, prior to the open ocean. This allows you to become familiar with how the equipment feels underwater, and what the sensation of scuba diving feels like. Pro Dive has 2 large, 4m deep heated pools, perfect for practise sessions. If you choose the 5 day course, then your pool training commences in the afternoon of day 1 and continues on day 2. If you opt for the 4 day course, then you’ll be checking into the training centre at 8.30am on [your] day 1, and completing all pool sessions on this day. 4 day course participants have slightly less pool time than those doing the 5 day course
The Great Barrier Reef component of the Pro Dive Cairns learn to dive courses is exactly the same for the 5 day and 4 day courses. It includes spending 2 nights / 3 days on the Pro Dive liveaboard vessel, Scubapro, where you’ll complete the 4 training dives required as a part of the certification. These are completed under the guidance and supervision of your Dive Instructor, who will assess your skills and provide support and assistance as needed. When the training is completed, you’ll have time for 5 dives as a certified PADI Open Water Diver, 4 day dives and 1 night dive. Pro Dive has 19 different dive sites on Cairns outer Great Barrier Reef, on 4 different reefs. The liveaboard component of the courses provides the time and place to explore multiple reef sites. The Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place to learn to dive. You’ll leave with lasting memories of coral gardens, epic sunsets, professional Dive Instructors and having achieved a bucket list accomplishment. Certified divers can dive around the world.
Guests are accommodated in twin-share or double cabins, with a maximum of 2 people per cabin. All cabins are air conditioned and designed for comfort during multi-night stays. Bathroom facilities are shared, with 8 shower and toilet areas available throughout the vessel. Bed linen and pillows are supplied, but you’ll need to bring your own towels. Each cabin includes twin 240-volt power outlets for charging cameras and personal devices. When you’re not in your cabin, you’re welcome to relax in the air conditioned saloon area or on the external decks, including the top sundeck.
Pro Dive’s ScubaPro boats have 2 x double bed cabins, which are allocated on a first in best dressed basis.
There are 14 x twin share bunk bed cabins.
Pro Dive Cairns has access to 19 established dive sites, located on 4 of Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef outer reef. These include Pellowe Reef, Milln Reef, Thetford Reef and Flynn Reef. During your Cairns learn to dive course you’ll most likely complete dives at 6 different sites, with the boat moving location each day. Dive site selection is based on prevailing weather, tides and current conditions, ensuring dive safety and comfort for learner divers. Learn to dive students will get the chance to participate in a guided night dive on the second night of their trip.
All meals are included in your Pro Dive Cairns learn to dive course price. Meals are prepared fresh onboard and served buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals are accompanied by a selection of fruits, salads and bread and there is unlimited tea, coffee, milo and chilled drinking water provided. Please note it’s important to stay hydrated while diving so please bring your own refillable water bottle. Soft drinks, juice and snack items such as chocolate bars, are available for purchase at additional cost. Any onboard purchases are settled at the Pro Dive retail store at the end of the trip. Alcohol is not supplied by Pro Dive Cairns. Guests may bring their own alcohol to enjoy after diving has finished for the day. Alcohol consumption is strictly limited to post-dive periods; once alcohol has been consumed, guests will not be permitted to dive again until the following day.
All meals are prepared by onboard cooks, not specialist chefs. This means complex dietary substitutions can be difficult to accommodate. Gluten-free bread and pasta are available, along with soy milk. Guests who are vegan or have specific dietary needs are strongly encouraged to bring their own non-perishable snacks, as refrigeration space is limited. All dietary requirements must be advised prior to travel.
For the training days at the Pro Dive centre in Cairns, bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, your passport or Australian Driver’s Licence and money for lunch. Meals are not provided on the training days. For your liveaboard Great Barrier Reef days, you should bring all clothing and swimwear required for the trip, including warm layers for evenings. You’ll need 2 x towels, one for ocean use and one for showering, along with a hat, sunscreen, toiletries, seasickness medication and a personal drink bottle. If you plan to consume alcohol after diving hours, bring your own supply. Guests with dietary restrictions should also pack suitable snacks that do not require refrigeration.
Sleeping bags and pillows are not required, as bedding is provided. Excess luggage should be left behind and can be securely stored at the Pro Dive Cairns retail store during your trip. Additional footwear is unnecessary, as shoes are not worn onboard.
As we’ve mentioned you’ve the choice to do the Pro Dive Cairns learn to dive course as a 5 day or 4 day course, with prior eLearning. We will provide the details for both below. The first day for all course participants will be at the Pro Dive Training Centre in the Cairns CBD. Complimentary hotel transfers are available for those staying in the city. Both include the 3 day / 2 night liveaboard and the schedule on the boat is the same for all learn to dive students.
Theory and Pool Training. Check in at the Pro Dive Training Centre is at 8.30am. The address is 116 Spence Street, in Cairns city. Hotel transfers are available if required. Lunch is not included, so bring money for this. Your day ends at 5.30pm.
Practical dive training begins in the afternoon, in the heated Pro Dive Cairns pools. You’ll get to use your scuba gear and breathe underwater for the first time.
The first day of the course covers a lot of the technical aspects of scuba diving. You’re guided by a professional PADI Dive Instructor, supported by videos. Check in is at 8.30am with the academic component starting at 8.45am. There’s a lunch break from 12.30pm – 1.30pm. Practical pool sessions in the afternoon, from 1.30pm – 5.30pm. Make sure you bring: swimwear and a towel, sunscreen and money for lunch, your dive medical (if required) and a passport or Australian driver’s license.
Theory and Pool Training. Check in at the Pro Dive Training Centre is at 7.50am, with an equipment briefing starting at 8am. Today you’ll be fitted with equipment for the dive trip and complete your academic sessions and exam. Your day ends at 5.45pm.
Completing academic work and trying on your dive equipment. This day prepares you for the liveaboard trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Get excited.
Check in to the training centre at 7.50am for an 8am equipment briefing with your Dive Instructor. It’s pool training from 9.15am – 12pm, with a lunch break from 12pm – 1.15pm. This afternoon you’ll go to the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop (transfers provided and included) where you’ll be fitted with equipment for the trip. The final academic session and exam is from 2pm – 5.30pm. Make sure you bring: swimwear and a towel, sunscreen and money for lunch.
Great Barrier Reef. Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop at 6.20am. It’s on the corner of Shields and Grafton Streets, in Cairns city. Hotel transfers are available if required. You will need to bring all you need for the 3 day / 2 night trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The boat leaves Cairns at 7am.
Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. This is what you came for and today you will do 2 training dives on the reef.
Check-in at the retail shop at 6.20am. Be on time, as transfers are provided from here to the Scubapro vessel, which is at Marlin Marina. You’ll need to bring everything you need for your time on the reef with you. The boat departs Cairns at 7am and a light breakfast is served on board. Your first training dive is at 11am, followed by lunch at 12.30pm. Your second training dive is at 2.30pm and there’s the opportunity to snorkel in the afternoon, at 4.30pm. Dinner is served at 6pm and divers who are already certified can participate in a night dive. Learner divers can watch this. Make sure you bring: All clothing and swimwear required for the trip, including warm layers for evenings. 2 x towels (1 for ocean use, 1 for showering), a hat, sunscreen, toiletries, seasickness medication and a refillable personal drink bottle. If you plan to consume alcohol after diving hours, bring your own supply.
Great Barrier Reef. Settle into liveaboard life where your day is structured around diving, eating and repeating. All the meals are taken care of, you can just enjoy your time exploring the amazing Great Barrier Reef.
Becoming a certified PADI Open Water Diver. Complete your training dives and enjoy the freedom of buddy diving. Chance for a night dive tonight.
Your third training dive, and first dive of the day is at 7am. Breakfast is served at 9am and then your last training dive is at 11.15am. This completes your course! Lunch is at 12.45pm and your first dive as a certified diver is at 3.15pm. Dinner is at 5.45pm and you have the chance to do a guided night dive at 7.30pm. In between diving you’re welcome to relax in your cabin or any of the communal spaces on the boat, including the air conditioned saloon areas and the exterior decks and sundeck.
Great Barrier Reef. It’s your last day on the reef, with the chance for more scuba diving before returning to Cairns. You’ll get back to Cairns around 4pm
Chance to do 3 scuba dives today. You will be buddy diving and enjoying unguided dives, exploring the reef.
Start your day early with a 6.30am dive on the reef, this is a magical time of day and one of the best for diving. Breakfast is served at 7.30am, followed by diving at 9am and 11am. Lunch is served at 12pm and while you’re eating, the crew pack-up Scubapro and you commence return to Cairns. You arrive back around 4pm and there’s hotel transfers provided, if required.
eLearning Theory. Prior to commencing your pool training, you will be required to complete appropriate modules through the PADI eLearning portal. You will be provided with access details, 24-48 hours after making a booking.
Pool Training & Equipment. Check in at the Pro Dive Training Centre at 8.30am. The address is 116 Spence Street, in Cairns city. Hotel transfers are available if required. Lunch is not included, so bring money for this. Today you’ll be fitted with equipment for the dive trip. Your day ends at 5pm.
Practical dive training begins today, in the heated Pro Dive Cairns pools. You’ll get to use your scuba gear and breathe underwater for the first time. This day prepares you for the liveaboard trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Get excited.
This is the first time you’ll meet your Pro Dive Cairns PADI Dive Instructor. Check in is at 8.30am with equipment briefing and pool training until 1pm. There’s a lunch break from 1pm – 2pm and this afternoon you’ll go to the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop (transfers provided and included) where you’ll be fitted with equipment for the trip. Your final pool scuba practise session is from 3pm – 5pm.
Great Barrier Reef. Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns retail shop at 6.20am. It’s on the corner of Shields and Grafton Streets, in Cairns city. Hotel transfers are available if required. You will need to bring all you need for the 3 day / 2 night trip to the Great Barrier Reef. The boat leaves Cairns at 7am.
Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. This is what you came for and today you will do 2 training dives on the reef.
Check-in at the retail shop at 6.20am. Be on time, as transfers are provided from here to the Scubapro vessel, which is at Marlin Marina. You’ll need to bring everything you need for your time on the reef with you. The boat departs Cairns at 7am and a light breakfast is served on board. Your first training dive is at 11am, followed by lunch at 12.30pm. Your second training dive is at 2.30pm and there’s the opportunity to snorkel in the afternoon, at 4.30pm. Dinner is served at 6pm and divers who are already certified can participate in a night dive. Learner divers can watch this. Make sure you bring: All clothing and swimwear required for the trip, including warm layers for evenings. 2 x towels (1 for ocean use, 1 for showering), a hat, sunscreen, toiletries, seasickness medication and a refillable personal drink bottle. If you plan to consume alcohol after diving hours, bring your own supply.
Great Barrier Reef. Settle into liveaboard life where your day is structured around diving, eating and repeating. All the meals are taken care of, you can just enjoy your time exploring the amazing Great Barrier Reef.
Becoming a certified PADI Open Water Diver. Complete your training dives and enjoy the freedom of buddy diving. Chance for a night dive tonight.
Your third training dive, and first dive of the day is at 7am. Breakfast is served at 9am and then your last training dive is at 11.15am. This completes your course! Lunch is at 12.45pm and your first dive as a certified diver is at 3.15pm. Dinner is at 5.45pm and you have the chance to do a guided night dive at 7.30pm. In between diving you’re welcome to relax in your cabin or any of the communal spaces on the boat, including the air conditioned saloon areas and the exterior decks and sundeck.
Great Barrier Reef. It’s your last day on the reef, with the chance for more scuba diving before returning to Cairns. You’ll get back to Cairns around 4pm
Chance to do 3 scuba dives today. You will be buddy diving and enjoying unguided dives, exploring the reef.
Start your day early with a 6.30am dive on the reef, this is a magical time of day and one of the best for diving. Breakfast is served at 7.30am, followed by diving at 9am and 11am. Lunch is served at 12pm and while you’re eating, the crew pack-up Scubapro and you commence return to Cairns. You arrive back around 4pm and there’s hotel transfers provided, if required.
The minimum age to learn to dive in Queensland is 10 years old. If they successfully complete the learn to dive course, your child becomes a certified PADI Junior Open Water Diver, which automatically upgrades to a full Open Water certification at age 15.
Yes. You must be able to swim and be comfortable in the open ocean, which might have currents and waves. It is a dive course requirement that you can swim 200m or snorkel 300m and tread water / float for 10 minutes. This is for your own safety and is a standard, international requirement for scuba divers. You will need to demonstrate this in the pool session of your learn to dive course, at the Training Centre in Cairns.
No prior diving experience is required. This course is designed specifically for beginners and starts with theory and pool training before progressing to open water dives on the Great Barrier Reef.
All participants wanting to do a Pro Dive Cairns learn to dive course will be required to complete a self-assessment, Entry Level Student Diver Medical Declaration. This can be done online and needs to be completed 90 days before starting your dive course. There are some health conditions that may preclude you from being able to learn to dive. This includes but is not limited to: pregnancy, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, chronic middle ear conditions, high blood pressure and mental health conditions.
A positive response to any question that indicates there is a pre-existing condition, may affect your safety while diving and you must consult a medical practitioner, preferably with experience in diving medicine, to obtain a dive medical certificate that states you are medically fit to dive.
No. Scuba diving is not recommended during pregnancy. You can not learn to scuba dive if you are pregnant.
Certain medical conditions may prevent participation, including asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, chronic middle ear issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure and pregnancy. If you have any of these then you will require a Dive Medical Certificate. This can be obtained in Cairns, but should be arranged prior to starting the course.
Your Dive Instructor will provide additional guidance, time and support where needed. Pro Dive Cairns instructors are experienced with first-time divers and focus on building confidence and skills at a safe, comfortable pace. This team has certified over 190,000 scuba divers, you are in good hands.
Students are trained in small groups with a dedicated PADI Instructor. The maximum in-water student to instructor ratio on a Pro Dive Cairns learn to dive course is 8 students to 1 instructor.
You must be of reasonable general fitness. You should be able to walk 1.6km in 14 minutes or swim 200m without resting. Scuba diving is a strenuous activity, you will need fitness to be comfortable in and out of the water.
It is a dive course requirement that you can swim 200m or snorkel 300m and tread water / float for 10 minutes. You will need to demonstrate this in the pool session of your learn to dive course, at the Training Centre in Cairns.
The course includes PADI instruction, theory and pool training, full dive equipment, up to nine dives, return travel to the Great Barrier Reef, accommodation and all meals during the liveaboard portion, and bed linen onboard.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a PADI Open Water Diver certification. This internationally recognised qualification allows you to dive worldwide to a maximum depth of 18 metres with a buddy.
Certified PADI Open Water divers can dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres. Depth limits are always dependent on conditions, experience and local dive guidelines.
All seasickness medication is a prevention not a cure. If you’re worried about getting seasick, then it’s best to take the medication before getting on the liveaboard boat. There’s lots of options and considerations to ensure you can still have the best time. We know, because we get seasick; which is why we’ve written a post on our top tips to prevent seasickness.
You will complete up to 9 dives in total. This includes 4 training dives required for certification and up to 5 additional dives as a certified Open Water diver, including the option of 1 night dive.
The Pro Dive Cairns liveaboard vessels visit the outer Great Barrier Reef, with access to multiple sites across Pellowe Reef, Milln Reef, Thetford Reef and Flynn Reef. Dive locations are selected based on weather and sea conditions.
Meals are freshly prepared and served buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals are always accompanied with fresh fruit, salads and breads. Tea, coffee, milo, and drinking water are included. Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase, at additional cost. You can BYO alcohol, but you can not drink then dive. So consumption of alcohol should be left until you have completed your day of diving.
Each Pro Dive Cairns liveaboard vessel carries a maximum of 32 guests, including both learn-to-dive students and certified divers.
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