Reef Encounter is not operating. Please click here to see what liveaboards are available in Cairns.
Scuba diving liveaboards on the Great Barrier Reef
Discover the incredible Great Barrier Reef diving, which has the highest concentration of marine life on the planet. The Reef 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 dive sites 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
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.
Outer Reef dive sites
We visit a variety of dive sites during your diving liveaboard trip, each site with it’s own unique highlights and features.
Diving Courses
The Outer Great Barrier Reef is an excellent place to learn to dive, refresh your skills, or advance your certification. All lessons are on your liveaboard trip and not in a boring classroom.
Why not take the plunge and enrol in one of our scuba diving courses?