Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef

Discover the incredible Great Barrier Reef diving, which has the highest concentration of marine life on the planet, has something to offer everyone, from experienced divers to first-time explorers. Imagine floating peacefully around a coral lagoon or discovering an underwater world with swim-throughs that lead to sunlit coves teeming with vibrantly coloured fish.

Everyone*, from novice to expert, can go scuba diving. We provide outstanding liveaboard tours to the pristine reef systems and dive courses ranging from beginner to scuba enthusiasts to dive professional level. Reef Encounter is an SSI Diamond Dive Facility, the highest rating available for a SSI Dive Facility.

The captain chooses dive sites each day for the best conditions based on the weather and time of year. Depending on the length of your diving liveaboard, you will visit a variety of dive sites

 

I can mention many moments that were unforgettable and revelatory. But the most single revelatory three minutes was the first time I put on scuba gear and dived on a coral reef
Sir David Attenborough

 

Can you do scuba diving without knowing how to swim?

Yes, you do not need to be able to swim to try a resort dive with an instructor. Your diving gear keeps you buoyant in the water.
See resort diving

Where can you scuba dive?

The Outer Great Barrier Reef is a great place to go scuba diving to experience the world’s largest reef and its amazing corals and marine life.
See our dive sites
Dive Courses

What to expect first time scuba diving?

Your first scuba dive is accompanied by an instructor up to a depth of 5m. You will get a briefing before your dive on the use of equipment and dive safety.
See resort diving

Can i fly after scuba diving?

No, you need to allow 24 hours after scuba diving before flying or travelling to altitude above 8000 feet or 2450 meters.
See if you can come diving

How much is scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef?

Starting at $585 for certified divers and $680 for resort divers, this package includes up to 5 dives plus an optional night dive for an overnight live aboard trip.
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 Certified Diving

Certified diving is for qualified divers who have at least an ‘Open Water Diver’ licence.

We cater to people of all skill levels. Onboard, we also offer a full range of advanced courses and nitrox.

Resort Diving

No experience necessary! Resort diving or introductory diving is for people who do not have a licence and want to do fun dives on the Great Barrier Reef!*
All resort dives are led by an experienced dive guide, with a maximum of four guests per guide.

Night Diving

If you are diving onboard Reef Encounter, don’t miss the sunrise and night dives! These are possibly the most magical times on the reef – as they are the busiest times of the day in this incredible ecosystem.

Nitrox Diving

Do you want to extend your dive time and spend more time at your favourite dive sites? We offer Nitrox for certified divers, to make the most of your dive time, especially on multi-dive days, and it also helps to reduce diver fatigue.

 

Diving Courses

The Coral Sea’s Outer Reef is an excellent place to learn to dive, refresh your skills, or advance your certification.
Why not take the plunge and enrol in one of our Great Barrier Reef scuba diving courses?

View Our Range of Scuba Diving Courses


 
Anyone booking a liveaboard with scuba diving please check: Can I go Diving?
Some medical conditions can prevent you from diving in Queensland, Australia.

 

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