BEST OF · SCUBA DIVING IN AUSTRALIA

The 15 Best Scuba Dives in Australia

31 dives  ·  from $91 a head

The outer Great Barrier Reef is a two-hour boat ride from Cairns and worth every minute of it. The 15 below compare pontoons against small boats, whale sharks on Ningaloo, and which trips let a non-diver snorkel alongside.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - The long run to Saxon or Norman Reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Spend about 8.5 hours aboard Evolution from Cairns, visiting two outer reef sites near Saxon, Norman, or Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as Indy and Phil may add marine-life talks.

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Morning aboard the Ocean Freedom catamaran
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

2.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Top rated

Board the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran in Cairns for a full reef day at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get guided snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, six hours on the reef, buffet lunch, equipment, and crew help in the water. Certified and introductory scuba options cost extra.

“Staff was super nice and everyone was super kind. Both snorkel sites were amazing and we saw a blue star fish and a few turtles. It was a memorable trip. However a few suggestions: (1) Boat was super crowded. If you prefer a small group, would suggest the ocean free (same company but smaller boat) which is a smaller 25 person total for the boat. It feels less luxurious when it is so crowded.. (2) Also was not a fan of the going, barefoot on the boat.. It was quite disgusting by the end of the trip. They should tell us to bring water shoes. (3) Just a suggestion, but…”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - The first reef stop: time to get comfortable
1-Day Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

3.Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Set out on AquaQuest from Cairns at 8:30 AM for two outer reef sites at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. Snorkel with guides, use provided wetsuits and prescription masks, and enjoy meals, hot showers, and optional scuba sessions.

“The staff was amazing and the dives were beautiful!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - From Marlin Marina to the outer reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

4.Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Cruise from Cairns on a fast 20-metre catamaran to Upolu Reef and Cay. Expect guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, optional certified or introductory scuba sessions, and a generous lunch. Instructors including Ollie, Paul, and Tori help keep beginners calm and well supported.

“if you want a great safe introductory dive , you may trust this crew, very professional and friendly. if you like snorkel , they will show you the good places on the reef. very worthy experience .”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive - How the whale shark swims work
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Shark Diving, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

5.Swim with Whale Sharks in the Ningaloo Reef: 3 Island Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 919 reviews · from $444

Spend about eight hours on Ningaloo Reef with Three Islands Whale Shark Dive. A spotter aircraft helps locate whale sharks, while the boat crew leads reef snorkels and repeated swims. Lunch, snacks, drinks, photos, equipment, hotel pickup, and a safety tender are included.

“This is one of the best tours! Hats off to the ALL female crew, they were amazing, funny and knowledgeable. We felt spoiled, they were always feeding us and we saw 5 whale sharks as well as 3 manta rays and did a nice snorkel swim on the reefs at the beginning and end of our tour. We really enjoyed the flow of the day, picked up from our resort and got a cool history lesson about Exmouth on the way to the boat ramp, started with a 30 min or so reef snorkel, was nice to ensure that all our gear was a good fit and we were comfortable…”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Arriving at Marine World on the outer reef
Historical Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

6.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Spend about eight hours traveling from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer reef platform. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist talks, and use the glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, and observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra.

“Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour - Safety help for first-time snorkelers
Full-Day, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

7.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 792 reviews · 9 hours · from $127

From Cairns Marlin Marina, spend five hours in the water at two outer reef sites with English-speaking guides, marine life talks, and Indigenous storytelling. Snorkel, add an introductory or certified scuba session, and enjoy tea plus a buffet lunch aboard Reef Magic’s comfortable boat.

“the trip was full of information, very well organised, and helpful, food was really nice and the people looking after you was really great”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options - The 90-minute catamaran ride from Port Douglas
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

8.Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 438 reviews · 7h 30m · from $174

Travel by catamaran from Port Douglas to Agincourt or Opal Reefs for three reef stops. Snorkel colorful coral gardens, join a guided tour, or choose scuba with instructors such as Ruth, Reenie, or Delphine. Lunch, tea, equipment, and optional hotel pickup are included.

“Amazing trip. The staff are outstanding and made the day special from beginning to end. We were very lucky to dive with Reenie who was the absolute best! She made my partner feel calm on her first dive and checked on us the whole trip. Can’t recommend the team highly enough!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Introductory scuba for first-timers
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

9.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Spend about 10 hours aboard Silverswift, a 29-meter catamaran from Cairns, visiting three outer reef sites. Snorkel all day, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete three certified descents. Guides such as Matilda, Paul, Dave, and Vanessa have helped beginners feel at ease.

“This boat was the nicest boat we've been on to go snorkeling/scuba diving. This was our first dive after our certification. The guide was very helpful. He took care of our tanks and hoses between dives. He gave us good tips. We had 6 people in our group. We saw some neat fish and a couple of turtles. On the second dive, we did some swim throughs. There was also hot fresh water showers when you got out of the ocean. We went to Flynn Reef. The lunch included fruit, pasta, curry, chicken legs amongst other things I don't remember. There was hot tea and coffee at every stop. It…”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel - Three reef sites make the day feel varied
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

10.Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 353 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Cruise from Port Douglas aboard the 29-metre Silversonic catamaran to three Agincourt Ribbon Reef sites. You get five hours in the water, guided snorkeling, equipment, meals, and seasonal chances to swim near dwarf Minke whales. Scuba options are available at extra cost.

“Absolutely fabulous tour! So well organised by a brilliant and professional crew. They were so supportive of all the swimming abilities of our group ranging in age from 28-70 years old. Lovely food throughout the day with tea and coffee. Couldn’t recommend this tour any more! Thanks for an unforgettable family bucket list trip 🐠 🪸”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Cairns: Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive - Breakfast, marine life briefing, and the trip offshore
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive

11.Cairns: Best Value All-inclusive Reef Trip With Scuba Dive

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 307 reviews · 1 day · from $184

Cruise from Cairns to two reef sites aboard a 24-meter catamaran. You get breakfast, BBQ lunch, marine biology talk, unlimited snorkelling, and one scuba session, either a 20-minute introduction or a certified outing. Crew members such as Dylan, Tia, Dan, and Fernando have helped make the underwater time feel calm and personal.

“Good informative and fun for a first time reef experience! Detailed information for beginners and experienced people, explained with Aussie humor. Catered well for all, attention to safety and tailored for everybody’s needs. First reef stop warmup and second stop really good, although a bit far from the boat. Can‘t say much about diving, but my daughter was happy with Theodore and special snorkel session. The mask and snorkel may want to have an upgrade, especially for newbies would help a lot to get a more pleasant experience, especially when the sea gets a bit rough. Summarizing, an informative and fun first reef experience, would definitely recommend.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns - Four hours to snorkel, swim, and explore
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

12.Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · from $197

Spend a full day aboard Ocean Spirit sailing from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay. Snorkel from the white sand, join an optional guided session with marine biologists such as Jayden or Luiza, ride the semi-submersible, and enjoy seafood lunch plus morning and afternoon tea.

“Saw as many colorful fish and corals as we did on outer reef/rougher waters. 3 hours of bliss. Excellent food.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel - Leaving Cairns for Moore Reef at 8:30 a.m.
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

13.Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $165

Join Dreamtime’s Indigenous Sea Rangers for a 9-hour trip from Cairns to Moore Reef and Milln or Flynn Reef. Hear the Creation Story, learn about traditional tools, snorkel with guides, and enjoy meals aboard a boat limited to 65 people. Scuba is not included.

“Absolutely amazing tour! Snorkeling was amazing, the whole crew was so kind and knowledgeable. Jed and Jacob were great cultural guides as week and it was so interesting learning about their cultures!”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Swim with Humpback Whales - Ningaloo Reef - 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive - A full morning begins with the reef
Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Shark Diving, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

14.Swim with Humpback Whales – Ningaloo Reef – 3 Islands Whale Shark Dive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 120 reviews · from $430

From Exmouth, Three Islands Whale Shark takes you into Ningaloo Marine Park for a full day on the water. A spotter plane helps locate humpback whales, while crew members including Sarah, Mel, Amy, Nos, and pilot Tif may guide you through whale, reef, turtle, manta ray, and dolphin encounters.

“Amazing day! The crew were helpful, enthusiastic and ready to treat us to what was a fantastic day. We were lucky enough to be in the water to see both humpback whales and a whale shark-a rarity, so thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Poseidon Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Port Douglas - Scuba choices for beginners and certified participants
Cruises & Boat Tours, Reef Diving, Scuba Diving Around the World, Scuba Diving in Australia, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Poseidon Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Port Douglas

15.Poseidon Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $225

Spend about eight hours aboard Poseidon, a fast catamaran from Port Douglas, visiting three Agincourt Reef sites. Snorkel with a marine biologist, try introductory scuba, or complete up to three certified scuba outings. Expect reef talks, supplied suits and gear, buffet lunch, and a friendly crew.

“Had a great time. Did the three dives. Well worth the price.”

Dates and spaces →The full review

Just written up in Scuba Diving in Australia

★ 5.0Port Douglas: Premium Outer Reef Dive TripFrom $4772
★ 4.8Port Douglas: Poseidon Outer Barrier Reef Dive and SnorkelFrom $21319
★ 4.8Perth: Rottnest Island Scuba Diving Day Trip-Certified DiverFrom $1989
★ 5.0Great Keppel Island: PADI Discover SCUBA DivingFrom $1302
★ 3.3Townsville or Magnetic Island: Yongala Wreck Dive Day TripFrom $3467
★ 4.5Gold Coast: Cook Island Marine Reserve Scuba Experience DiveFrom $1903
★ 5.0Cairns: Pro Dive 5 Day Learn to Dive Great Barrier ReefFrom $8885
★ 4.7Cairns: Green Island Full-Day Tour with DivingFrom $1754
★ 5.0Busselton: Jetty Scuba Dive Tours with Underwater SculpturesFrom $1403
★ 4.5Cairns: Pro Dive Great Barrier Reef 3 Day/2 Night Dive TripFrom $73912

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