Want To Go Nitrox Diving On The Great Barrier Reef?
Look no further! Reef Encounter is the liveaboard boat that offers nitrox scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Whether you are an experienced diver or are taking your first scuba diving qualification onboard, diving with nitrox offers terrific benefits and added safety margins to recreational divers.
To book any or all dives on nitrox, simply complete the booking process and add ‘Nitrox’ to your selection when the box of ‘Optional Extras’ appears. You must hold a current nitrox qualification, or you may enrol on a course while onboard with us.
*Anyone booking a trip which includes scuba must read our ‘SCUBA Divers Important Information’ Page…
What Is Enriched Air Nitrox?
The term ‘Nitrox’ is a shortened version of ‘Enriched Air Nitrox’. Enriched air means that while diving, you are breathing a mixture of air that contains more oxygen (and therefore less nitrogen) than regular air.
Probably the most notable benefit of using enriched air is that most divers report having much more energy after scuba diving than they would do otherwise. Having more energy during and after scuba dives greatly enhances your diving experiences and your vacation as a whole. As most experienced divers know, a passion for the water can be a taxing sport!
While diving with enriched air doesn’t feel physically any different to regular air (the act itself is no different), many enjoy the added advantages of nitrox. These include more energy during and after diving and the aspects of increased safety when diving with less nitrogen correctly.
Are you already a ‘Nitrox Certified’ scuba diver?
As a qualified scuba diver who already holds a licence to dive with nitrox, Reef Encounter offers this fantastic option during your stay. You may choose to book all your scuba dives on nitrox, or you may opt to go diving on nitrox for some water sessions, and standard air on others.
You are required to provide proof that you are already qualified to dive with nitrox. Show your certification card or online verification from your training provider to the crew onboard.
Not yet qualified to dive with nitrox? Complete your course during your stay on the Great Barrier Reef!
How do I become a qualified Nitrox Diver during my liveaboard stay?
Reef Encounter is Cairns only SSI Diamond Training Center that offers liveaboard nitrox diving courses on the Great Barrier Reef.
You’ll gain your internationally recognised certification and will enjoy the wonderful benefits of diving with nitrox wherever it’s offered worldwide.
Qualified Divers

As a certified scuba diver, you may enrol on an Enriched Air Nitrox course onboard. Select the additional ‘Nitrox Course’ option that appears during your booking process.
If you are not already an advanced diver, this qualification will get you one step closer to becoming one.
Not a qualified diver yet?
If you are not already a qualified scuba diver, you will first need to book an ‘Open Water Course’ to become a Certified Scuba Diver onboard Reef Encounter. You may add a nitrox certification onto your onboard training.
No additional time onboard is required to add this qualification onto your dive course. You will need to complete some additional theory training before your trip. You may then enjoy the great benefits of diving with nitrox. You’ll even be one step closer to becoming an advanced diver by the end of your training!
Opt for the ‘Lessons – Learn To Dive’ option during your booking process and add on the additional ‘Nitrox Course’ option that appears.
Read More About Enriched Air Nitrox Certification Courses On The Great Barrier Reef
3 Interesting Facts About Diving With Nitrox On The Great Barrier Reef
#1 You may have more energy after diving with nitrox than you would do after diving with regular air
The air we breathe contains roughly 79% oxygen and 21% nitrogen. When you are using enriched air nitrox, the air in your cylinder contains more oxygen than normal air – and therefore less nitrogen. The more oxygen (and less nitrogen) in your system after a dive contributes significantly to your overall energy levels.
This is the main reason most divers report that they would always prefer to dive with nitrox than with regular air.
#2 Diving with nitrox doesn’t mean you can dive deeper
It is a common misconception that using nitrox means that you can dive deeper. In reality, the reverse is actually true. For the large part, Reef Encounter depth limits for qualified, certified divers do not alter – whether you are diving with nitrox or not. The main benefit is the increased level of safety and energy after dives.
#3 EANx – What does it mean?
When talking about nitrox, a common phrase used is EANx. But what does it mean? EAN simply stands for ‘Enriched Air Nitrox’. The term ‘enriched’ refers to the fact that there is more oxygen in the mix than you get with regular air. How much more? That depends on the ‘x’. Conventional mixes are EAN32 and EAN34, simply meaning that there is 32% or 34% oxygen in the tank, respectively.
Dive With Nitrox On The Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard
Reef Encounter holds the highest rating of SSI dive facilities and is the only liveaboard rated ‘Diamond Dive Center’ on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
Our Scuba Instructors are all qualified to teach nitrox courses and are ready to answer all your scuba diving related questions.
Excellent scuba opportunities await you as you travel around the Great Barrier Reef visiting several different Outer Reef locations. It’s truly an experience never to be forgotten!
For More Reasons To Travel With Reef Encounter Liveaboard, Visit Our ‘Why Choose Us’ Page.
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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