Highlights

Superb diving on the Outer Great Barrier Reef with this incredibly popular boat, operating 365 days a year with trips from one night long and no limit on maximum stays.
17 exclusive sites on outer reefs for Ocean Quest guests, including Norman, Saxon and Hastings - get the very best diving in the area brought to you.
Unique experiences make this the trip of a lifetime, including fluoro night diving allowing you to experience the Great Barrier Reef at night.
Comfortable cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms and toilet, with spacious dining area and sun decks providing plenty of relaxation space in-between and after dives.

About Ocean Quest

Sailing the waters off Cairns, Ocean Quest is a popular choice for exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef, reaching 17 exclusive dive sites reserved for its guests — including Norman, Saxon and Hastings. Operating 365 days a year, it runs trips from a single night with no limit on how long you stay.

Reef life and unique dives

The outer reefs deliver some of the very best diving in the area, with the chance to encounter dolphins, eagle rays, leatherback sea turtles, humpback whales and manatees (dugong). Beyond the classic reef dives, Ocean Quest offers experiences that make it a trip of a lifetime, from fluoro night diving that reveals the Great Barrier Reef after dark to whale expeditions.

Between dives, comfort is easy to come by. Cabins each have an ensuite bathroom and toilet, while a spacious dining area and sun decks give plenty of room to relax. Free onboard Wi-Fi and Nitrox round out the experience.

Routes & departures

2 Days / trip1 nights · 6 dives

1
Day 1
4 dives snorkel sessions (2 dive/snorkel sessions onboard day boat and 2 dives/in-water opportunities onboard Ocean Quest including 1 night dive/sharks in the dark) At Deep Sea Facility you will finalise any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure.  You will reach the first destination on the reef (90 mins) and on the way out the talented and experienced crew will take you through a Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork and also your chosen activity. Once at the reef is time to gear up and explore the hidden wonders that makes the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is provided on board with something for everyone. A delicious tropical buffet with your choice of salads, cold meats and fruit, complimentary Tea, Coffee and Water is also available In the afternoon it is time for another reef location and more exploration before we transfer to our Liveaboard vessel OceanQuest. After settling in on-board there is the chance to hit the water again in the afternoon before taking some time to relax and chill. Dinner is freshly prepared on board by one of our wonderful chefs. Then it is time to find out what goes bump in the night on the Great Barrier Reef. Our Certified Divers have the opportunity to do a Night dive and our snorkelers get to experience our "Sharks in the Dark" program Time now to relax and maybe trade "fish stories" with the other guests (I swear it was THIS big!). The bar is open until 10:30pm but make sure you get a good nights sleep as the Reef awaits you in the morning! Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforseeable factors
2
Day 2
Breakfast buffet After breakfast it is the last of your scuba adventures and time to pack up and get ready to sadly farewell your Ocean Quest family until the next time. Fill up on one more yummy meal with the buffet lunch 2 dive/snorkel opportunities Transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns we will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange to have you transferred to your City Accommodation Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof All diving passengers must provide their dive certification card and their logbook: you will be unable to dive unless you can prove you meet the boat's minimum certification level Dive computers are mandatory: please bring your own or arrange with us in advance to rent one Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive: some liveaboards require you to produce a medical certificate, often dated under two years or under a year, proving you can dive safely Itinerary and number of dives are indicative and subject to weather conditions and may change in advance, and during, your trip - safety will always come first. Itinerary changes do not give you the right to cancel your trip Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbour fees, rental equipment and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside PADI Travel's control and travelers are responsible to pay any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges. We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate) Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that the cancellation terms apply. Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines. Changes with regard to entry requirements to a country are outside of the control of PADI Travel. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to a country's entry requirement, airline flights, or other similar situations. PADI Travel Packages do not include travel insurance. PADI Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips. The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.

Getting there

Transfers are not available from Private Addresses or the airport. If you are at one of these locations you will need to make your own way to 319 Draper St Parramatta Park in the morning and be there at 7:30 OceanQuest cannot cater to Vegans, only vegetarians.  They can really do in the middle of the ocean with 48 passengers. Please bring extra snacks for in between meal options.

4 Days / trip3 nights · 14 dives

1
Day 1
4 dives snorkel sessions (2 dive/snorkel sessions onboard day boat and 2 dives/in-water opportunities onboard Ocean Quest including 1 night dive/sharks in the dark) At Deep Sea Facility you will finalise any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure.  You will reach the first destination on the reef (90 mins) and on the way out the talented and experienced crew will take you through a Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork and also your chosen activity. Once at the reef is time to gear up and explore the hidden wonders that makes the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is provided on board with something for everyone. A delicious tropical buffet with your choice of salads, cold meats and fruit, complimentary Tea, Coffee and Water is also available In the afternoon it is time for another reef location and more exploration before we transfer to our Liveaboard vessel Ocean Quest. After settling in on-board there is the chance to hit the water again in the afternoon before taking some time to relax and chill. Dinner is freshly prepared on board by one of our wonderful chefs. Then it is time to find out what goes bump in the night on the Great Barrier Reef. Our Certified Divers have the opportunity to do a Night dive and our snorkelers get to experience our "Sharks in the Dark" program Time now to relax and maybe trade "fish stories" with the other guests (I swear it was THIS big!). The bar is open until 10:30pm but make sure you get a good nights sleep as the Reef awaits you in the morning! Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseeable factors
2
Day 2
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
3
Day 3
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
4
Day 4
Breakfast buffet After breakfast it is the last of your scuba adventures and time to pack up and get ready to sadly farewell your Ocean Quest family until the next time. Fill up on one more yummy meal with the buffet lunch 2 dives snorkel sessions Transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns we will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange to have you transferred to your City Accommodation Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof All diving passengers must provide their dive certification card and their logbook: you will be unable to dive unless you can prove you meet the boat's minimum certification level Dive computers are mandatory: please bring your own or arrange with us in advance to rent one Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive: some liveaboards require you to produce a medical certificate, often dated under two years or under a year, proving you can dive safely Itinerary and number of dives are indicative and subject to weather conditions and may change in advance, and during, your trip - safety will always come first. Itinerary changes do not give you the right to cancel your trip Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbour fees, rental equipment and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside PADI Travel's control and travelers are responsible to pay any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges. We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate) Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that the cancellation terms apply. Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines. Changes with regard to entry requirements to a country are outside of the control of PADI Travel. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to a country's entry requirement, airline flights, or other similar situations. PADI Travel Packages do not include travel insurance. PADI Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips. The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.

Getting there

Before the trip Ocean Quest will launch from and return to Cairns Deep Sea Divers Den will provide a shuttle from your Cairns' City accommodation, pick up is around 7:30am Transfers are available from Northern Beaches for AUD 20 Transfers are not available from Private Addresses or the airport. If you are at one of these locations you will need to make your own way to 319 Draper St Parramatta Park in the morning and be there at 7:30 Once at Deep Sea Facility you will finalize any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure Departure is at 8:30 On the boat Accepted cash currency for payments on site is only AUD. Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well The end of your trip Your last dive is around mid-day on the last day of the trip There is a 3pm transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns you will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange transfer to your city accommodation. Drop offs not available for the Northern Beaches or Private Addresses

3 Days / trip2 nights · 10 dives

1
Day 1
4 dives snorkel sessions (2 dive/snorkel sessions onboard day boat and 2 dives/in-water opportunities onboard Ocean Quest including 1 night dive/sharks in the dark) At Deep Sea Facility you will finalise any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure.  You will reach the first destination on the reef (90 mins) and on the way out the talented and experienced crew will take you through a Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork and also your chosen activity. Once at the reef is time to gear up and explore the hidden wonders that makes the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is provided on board with something for everyone. A delicious tropical buffet with your choice of salads, cold meats and fruit, complimentary Tea, Coffee and Water is also available In the afternoon it is time for another reef location and more exploration before we transfer to our Liveaboard vessel OceanQuest. After settling in on-board there is the chance to hit the water again in the afternoon before taking some time to relax and chill. Dinner is freshly prepared on board by one of our wonderful chefs. Then it is time to find out what goes bump in the night on the Great Barrier Reef. Our Certified Divers have the opportunity to do a Night dive and our snorkelers get to experience our "Sharks in the Dark" program Time now to relax and maybe trade "fish stories" with the other guests (I swear it was THIS big!). The bar is open until 10:30pm but make sure you get a good nights sleep as the Reef awaits you in the morning! Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseeable factors
2
Day 2
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
3
Day 3
Breakfast buffet After breakfast it is the last of your scuba adventures and time to pack up and get ready to sadly farewell your OceanQuest family until the next time. Fill up on one more yummy meal with the buffet lunch 2 dives snorkel sessions Transfer to Sea Quest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns we will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange to have you transferred to your City Accommodation Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof All diving passengers must provide their dive certification card and their logbook: you will be unable to dive unless you can prove you meet the boat's minimum certification level Dive computers are mandatory: please bring your own or arrange with us in advance to rent one Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive: some liveaboards require you to produce a medical certificate, often dated under two years or under a year, proving you can dive safely Itinerary and number of dives are indicative and subject to weather conditions and may change in advance, and during, your trip - safety will always come first. Itinerary changes do not give you the right to cancel your trip Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbour fees, rental equipment and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside PADI Travel's control and travelers are responsible to pay any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges. We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate) Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that the cancellation terms apply. Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines. Changes with regard to entry requirements to a country are outside of the control of PADI Travel. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to a country's entry requirement, airline flights, or other similar situations. PADI Travel Packages do not include travel insurance. PADI Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips. The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.

Getting there

Before the trip Ocean Quest will launch from and return to Cairns Deep Sea Divers Den will provide a shuttle from your Cairns' City accommodation, pick up is around 7:30am Transfers are available from Northern Beaches for AUD 20 Transfers are not available from Private Addresses or the airport. If you are at one of these locations you will need to make your own way to 319 Draper St Parramatta Park in the morning and be there at 7:30 Once at Deep Sea Facility you will finalize any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure Departure is at 8:30 On the boat Accepted cash currency for payments on site is only AUD. Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well The end of your trip Your last dive is around mid-day on the last day of the trip There is a 3pm transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns you will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange transfer to your city accommodation. Drop offs not available for the Northern Beaches or Private Addresses

6 Days / trip5 nights · 22 dives

1
Day 1
4 dives snorkel sessions (2 dive/snorkel sessions onboard day boat and 2 dives/in-water opportunities onboard Ocean Quest including 1 night dive/sharks in the dark) At Deep Sea Facility you will finalise any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkeling/diving adventure.  You will reach the first destination on the reef (90 mins) and on the way out the talented and experienced crew will take you through a Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork and also your chosen activity. Once at the reef is time to gear up and explore the hidden wonders that makes the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is provided on board with something for everyone. A delicious tropical buffet with your choice of salads, cold meats and fruit, complimentary Tea, Coffee and Water is also available In the afternoon it is time for another reef location and more exploration before we transfer to our Liveaboard vessel Ocean Quest. After settling in on-board there is the chance to hit the water again in the afternoon before taking some time to relax and chill. Dinner is freshly prepared on board by one of our wonderful chefs. Then it is time to find out what goes bump in the night on the Great Barrier Reef. Our Certified Divers have the opportunity to do a Night dive and our snorkelers get to experience our "Sharks in the Dark" program Time now to relax and maybe trade "fish stories" with the other guests (I swear it was THIS big!). The bar is open until 10:30pm but make sure you get a good nights sleep as the Reef awaits you in the morning! Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseeable factors
2
Day 2
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
3
Day 3
Buffet Breakfast prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there two dive/snorkel opportunities Buffet lunch Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as third dive of the day.  Dinner Night Dive 4 dives snorkel sessions
4
Day 4
Buffet Breakfast prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there two dive/snorkel opportunities Buffet lunch Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as third dive of the day.  Dinner Night Dive 4 dives snorkel sessions
5
Day 5
Buffet Breakfast prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there two dive/snorkel opportunities Buffet lunch Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as third dive of the day.  Dinner Night Dive 4 dives snorkel sessions
6
Day 6
Time to get out and make the most of your final day on the Reef with the Early Morning Dive. Breakfast buffet After breakfast it is the last of your scuba adventures and time to pack up and get ready to sadly farewell your OceanQuest family until the next time. Fill up on one more yummy meal with the buffet lunch 2 dives snorkel sessions Transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns we will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange to have you transferred to your City Accommodation Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof All diving passengers must provide their dive certification card and their logbook: you will be unable to dive unless you can prove you meet the boat's minimum certification level Dive computers are mandatory: please bring your own or arrange with us in advance to rent one Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive: some liveaboards require you to produce a medical certificate, often dated under two years or under a year, proving you can dive safely Itinerary and number of dives are indicative and subject to weather conditions and may change in advance, and during, your trip - safety will always come first. Itinerary changes do not give you the right to cancel your trip Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbour fees, rental equipment and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside PADI Travel's control and travelers are responsible to pay any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges. We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate) Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that the cancellation terms apply. Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines. Changes with regard to entry requirements to a country are outside of the control of PADI Travel. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to a country's entry requirement, airline flights, or other similar situations. PADI Travel Packages do not include travel insurance. PADI Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips. The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.

Getting there

Before the trip Ocean Quest will launch from and return to Cairns Deep Sea Divers Den will provide a shuttle from your Cairns' City accommodation, pick up is around 7:30am Transfers are available from Northern Beaches for AUD 20 Transfers are not available from Private Addresses or the airport. If you are at one of these locations you will need to make your own way to 319 Draper St Parramatta Park in the morning and be there at 7:30 Once at Deep Sea Facility you will finalize any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure Departure is at 8:30 On the boat Accepted cash currency for payments on site is only AUD. Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well The end of your trip Your last dive is around mid-day on the last day of the trip There is a 3pm transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns you will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange transfer to your city accommodation. Drop offs not available for the Northern Beaches or Private Addresses

5 Days / trip4 nights · 18 dives

1
Day 1
4 dives snorkel sessions (2 dive/snorkel sessions onboard day boat and 2 dives/in-water opportunities onboard Ocean Quest including 1 night dive/sharks in the dark) At Deep Sea Facility you will finalise any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkeling/diving adventure.  You will reach the first destination on the reef (90 mins) and on the way out the talented and experienced crew will take you through a Safety Briefing, Crew Introduction, Necessary Dive Paperwork and also your chosen activity. Once at the reef is time to gear up and explore the hidden wonders that makes the Great Barrier Reef. Lunch is provided on board with something for everyone. A delicious tropical buffet with your choice of salads, cold meats and fruit, complimentary Tea, Coffee and Water is also available In the afternoon it is time for another reef location and more exploration before we transfer to our Liveaboard vessel Ocean Quest. After settling in on-board there is the chance to hit the water again in the afternoon before taking some time to relax and chill. Dinner is freshly prepared on board by one of our wonderful chefs. Then it is time to find out what goes bump in the night on the Great Barrier Reef. Our Certified Divers have the opportunity to do a Night dive and our snorkelers get to experience our "Sharks in the Dark" program Time now to relax and maybe trade "fish stories" with the other guests (I swear it was THIS big!). The bar is open until 10:30pm but make sure you get a good nights sleep as the Reef awaits you in the morning! Please Note: This is a sample itinerary and nº of dives, dive sites, etc. may be subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseeable factors
2
Day 2
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
3
Day 3
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
4
Day 4
Buffet Breakfast the most important meal of the day prepared by our on board chef. After Breakfast there are two dive/snorkel opportunities Lunch is a buffet freshly prepared each day by one of our wonderful chefs. Time in the afternoon for some relaxing as well as your third dive of the day.  Dinner Time to jump in for the Night Dive and find out or maybe even try a Fluoro Dive! Time to chill and contemplate what an awesome day it has been before bedtime so we can do it all again tomorrow. 4 dives snorkel sessions
5
Day 5
Breakfast buffet After breakfast it is the last of your scuba adventures and time to pack up and get ready to sadly farewell your Ocean Quest family until the next time. Fill up on one more yummy meal with the buffet lunch 2 dives snorkel sessions Transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns we will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange to have you transferred to your City Accommodation Unfortunately our trip has come to an end and we have to say goodbye, but we hope to see you again soon!

Good to know

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to return home from your trip It is your responsibility to review and meet the vaccination requirements and visa/immigration requirements for the countries you're visiting Dive accident insurance (to include medical evacuation) is mandatory for everyone who dives: it's your responsibility to have adequate cover in place and to bring your certificate as proof All diving passengers must provide their dive certification card and their logbook: you will be unable to dive unless you can prove you meet the boat's minimum certification level Dive computers are mandatory: please bring your own or arrange with us in advance to rent one Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to dive: some liveaboards require you to produce a medical certificate, often dated under two years or under a year, proving you can dive safely Itinerary and number of dives are indicative and subject to weather conditions and may change in advance, and during, your trip - safety will always come first. Itinerary changes do not give you the right to cancel your trip Taxes, levies, or surcharges, if applicable, are indicated in the Online Booking System during the checkout process for informational purposes. Supplements, government taxes, marine park fees, fuel surcharges, harbour fees, rental equipment and other upgrades or surcharges are subject to change at any time pre-booking or post-booking. These changes can be driven by local conditions, extreme weather, changes to government policy, operator decisions, oil prices, or other factors. Changes are outside PADI Travel's control and travelers are responsible to pay any increases. A change in these fees or surcharges does not grant travelers the right to cancel a reservation or dispute the surcharges. We recommend you buy travel and trip cancellation insurance (to include storm coverage where appropriate) Ensure you bring suitable electrical adaptors for the country or countries you are visiting In case of a rescheduled booking or a rebooking to a new dive operator, any payments made for the original booking are non-refundable. Beyond that the cancellation terms apply. Travelers are responsible to be aware of covid travel guidelines, local rules, and procedures for the country they are travelling to and to maintain up to date knowledge of any changes regarding entry requirements or local guidelines. Changes with regard to entry requirements to a country are outside of the control of PADI Travel. As such, customers do not have the right to cancel or seek reimbursement if unable to travel due to any updates to a country's entry requirement, airline flights, or other similar situations. PADI Travel Packages do not include travel insurance. PADI Travel strongly recommends that travelers purchase travel insurance. The Service Provider has the right to operate outside of the standard terms and conditions set out in the booking for rescheduled trips. Standard cancellation policies will not apply to rescheduled trips. The Service Provider reserves the right to make any amendments to booked packages prior to trip dates or during trip dates due to, but not limited to, covid related issues or changing restrictions.

Getting there

Before the trip Ocean Quest will launch from and return to Cairns Deep Sea Divers Den will provide a shuttle from your Cairns' City accommodation, pick up is around 7:30am Transfers are available from Northern Beaches for AUD 20 Transfers are not available from Private Addresses or the airport. If you are at one of these locations you will need to make your own way to 319 Draper St Parramatta Park in the morning and be there at 7:30 Once at Deep Sea Facility you will finalize any paperwork and arrange storage for any excess luggage. Then it is off to the Cairns Marlin Marina where the transfer vessel SeaQuest awaits to take you away to your snorkelling/diving adventure Departure is at 8:30 On the boat Accepted cash currency for payments on site is only AUD. Visa and MasterCard are accepted as well The end of your trip Your last dive is around mid-day on the last day of the trip There is a 3pm transfer to SeaQuest for the 90min trip back to the Cairns Marlin Marina Once back into Cairns you will return to the Divers Den facility to collect any luggage and then arrange transfer to your city accommodation. Drop offs not available for the Northern Beaches or Private Addresses

What's included

✓ Full board, including
✓ Weight Belt/Weights/Tank(s)
✓ Water
✓ Tea
✓ Coffee
✓ Full scuba set
✓ Fins, mask, snorkel (ABC)
✓ Dive computer
✓ Transfer from/to local hotels (round-trip)
✓ Harbour fees
✓ National park fees
✓ Guided Snorkelling Tour
✓ Prescription Mask (deposit required)
✓ Morning Tea (Reef Quest only)
✓ Tropical Buffet Lunch
✓ Tea/Coffee when stationary
✓ Up to five dives a day (four day, one night)
✓ Free use of Dive/Snorkel Equipment
✓ Wetsuits, dive computer
✓ Air fills
✓ Free guided Snorkelling Tour
✓ Dive instructors on board
✓ Fresh chilled water
✓ Morning Tea (ReefQuest only)
✓ Fresh hot showers

✕ Offset your carbon emissions & preserve reef biodiversity with the SeaGrass Grow Program
✕ Snacks between meals and after dives
✕ Soft drinks
✕ Local beer & wine
✕ Alcohol
✕ PADI Advanced Open Water
✕ Second Introductory Dive
✕ PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox)
✕ Private Dive guide (max 4 divers x dive guide)
✕ Shared Dive Guide (max 8 per group) per dive
✕ First Introductory Dive
✕ SCUBA Guide ($15 per dive)
✕ Taxes/Levies: tax / levies included $60 payed on arrival
✕ Reef tax ($20 per person per day)
✕ Digital Camera Hire
✕ Photo Purchase
✕ Bar facilities inc. snacks
✕ A range of quality souvenirs
✕ Price for dive courses in next section called " good to know"

Marine life

DolphinsLeatherback sea turtleEagle rayHumpback whaleManatee (dugong)

Facilities & amenities

Wi-Fi (free)Nitrox ($)

Reviews · 3

★ 53 guest reviews

★ 5 · Christina Jager · 2025-01-03
Oh what a wonderful experience! I was worried about seasickness but figured 3 days would be a good try out, wish I could've stayed a week. The organization and staff were exemplary. Safety and equipment was terrific, they provided everything from stinger suits to booties. Great air, tanks always full for unhurried dives with excellent instructors. I chose to pay extra for a guide in every dive, and I'm glad for the extra sense of security and because they pointed out great (and tiny) sights! The reef was spectacular! On board, again, top notch service. Food was plentiful and tasty. Vessel was clean and comfortable, would have loved a tiny bit more space in the shared room but hardly spent any time in there unless sleeping. Can't wait to come back again!!!!

★ 5 · Arden Lichter · 2024-05-07
We had the most amazing time this weekend. The staff were very efficient, hard working and so fun. The food was so great and perfect for the post dive hunger. There were so many dive and snorkel opportunities at unique reef spots which really allow you to experience different aspects of the GBR. Our instructor, Alfa, was incredible and so supportive as we got our advanced certification. He is kind, instructive, and most importantly beyond patient with us. He truly made us have an unforgettable experience at the GBR. The diver den staff was so great. You will be exhausted from all the dives you get to do but will wish u stayed an additional night. We stayed 2 nights and definitely could have done 3. Highly recommend Ocean Quest!!

★ 5 · Kyle Friedt · 2024-01-15
This was honestly the trip of a lifetime. I spent 4 days and 3 nights on Ocean Quest out at Norman and Saxon Reef. The staff were amazing and they all worked hard to make sure everyone had a wonderful experience. A big shout out to Taylah my Advanced Open-water instructor. She did an amazing job and made sure that we had fun as well. All of the staff on the boat were positive, energetic, and very helpful. I would like to give a special thanks to Momo, Simon, and Sandy. These three were so positive and worked extra hard to make sure every dove safely, had fun, and stuck to the schedule. Food The food was great I am dairy-free and I did not have to worry about anything. The main dishes were always dairy-free and the staff made sure that there was a dairy free desert option for me each night. One thing I will note is that the dinner is not that big, I assume this is because people are still diving after dinner and they don’t want you to overeat. I am a big eater so I brought some snack bars with me and that was more than enough if I was still a bit hungry after dinner. Diving The crew does a great job of fitting 4 dives in a day. If you’re staying on the boat that night you have plenty of time to nap before your afternoon dive while the staff moves people on and off the boat. The staff are also very familiar with the dive sites and can give you suggestions on where to go. I did my first dive with a guide and it really helped me get familiar with the reef. Accommodations The beds are very comfortable and the boat's AC kept everything nice and cool. The showers and bathroom are adequate and there is plenty of hot water for showers. The only toilette trees the supply are soap so bring your own shampoo etc if you need it. There are also plenty of spaces to lounge and relax at the end of the day and in between dives. Overall it was a 5-star experience even if the boat is not a 5-star hotel, at the end of the day you are there for the experience. My only complaint is that there was no Wifi on the boat even though they advertised that there would be. That being said it was nice to disconnect a bit, relax, chat with new people on the boat and be present. I went on this trip alone and it was easy to meet people and find groups to dive with.