Great Barrier Reef Learn to Dive – Self-Launched Edition

Check in to Gilligan's Backpackers — the very same hostel Contiki uses — and make your way to Pro Dive Cairns on Abbott Street for your first full day of PADI Open Water theory and confined-water (pool) skills training. Your instructor will walk you through the dive tables, equipment assembly, and basic underwater skills in the pool. Evenings in Cairns are social: the Esplanade lagoon is free, and the Cairns Night Markets are great for a cheap feed. Book Pro Dive Cairns directly at prodivecairns.com to get the same 5-day Learn to Dive live-aboard package at walk-in or online rates.

🚌Cairns Airport to city centre: taxi ~£12 or Sunbus Route 1N ~£2. Pro Dive Cairns is a short walk from Gilligan's on Abbott Street.

🛏Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Bar, Cairns – dorm bed ~£18–22/night. Book direct at gilligans.com.au for best rates.

• →PADI Open Water theory session at Pro Dive Cairns
• →Confined water (pool) skills session
• →Explore Cairns Esplanade lagoon (free)
• →Cairns Night Markets for dinner

Second full day at Pro Dive Cairns completing your remaining PADI theory modules (online e-learning can be done in advance to save time) and all required confined-water skill exercises. By end of day you should have finished all pool sessions and be ready for the ocean. Spend the evening prepping your gear, relaxing at Gilligan's rooftop bar, or grabbing dinner on Shields Street — plenty of options for under £10.

🚌Walk from Gilligan's to Pro Dive Cairns (~5 min). No additional transport needed.

🛏Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Bar, Cairns – dorm bed ~£18–22/night.

• →PADI Open Water confined water dives 1–5 at Pro Dive Cairns
• →Complete PADI e-learning theory modules
• →Gear check and live-aboard briefing
• →Dinner on Shields Street or at Gilligan's bar

Early start — Pro Dive advises calling 07 4031 5255 at least 24 hours ahead to arrange the complimentary bus transfer from your accommodation. Board the live-aboard dive vessel in Cairns Marina (~08:00 departure). Sail approximately 2–3 hours to exclusive outer reef dive sites. Enjoy your first open water certification dives (dives 1–4 of the certification) in crystal-clear visibility, guided by your PADI instructor. All meals, dive gear, and tanks are included in the live-aboard package. Tonight you'll do a guided night dive — one of the most memorable experiences on the reef.

🚌Complimentary bus transfer from Gilligan's to Cairns Marina (arrange via Pro Dive 24hrs ahead). Live-aboard vessel to outer reef — included in dive package.

🛏Live-aboard dive vessel berthed at outer Great Barrier Reef – twin-share cabin included in the dive package price.

• →Transfer to Cairns Marina and board live-aboard vessel
• →Open water certification dives 1 & 2 on the outer reef
• →Open water certification dives 3 & 4 (completing PADI cert)
• →Guided night dive
• →All meals included on board

Wake up already at the reef and make the most of a full day of diving. Newly certified divers can complete additional fun dives, while more experienced divers can join deeper or drift dives. Expect up to 4–5 dives today across multiple exclusive outer reef sites — coral walls, bommies, reef sharks, turtles, and more. Surface intervals are spent relaxing on deck, snorkelling, or chatting with fellow divers. All meals provided on board. This is the core of the experience — the outer reef has dramatically better visibility and marine life than the popular inner reef day-trip sites.

🚌No transport — you remain on the live-aboard vessel at the outer reef.

🛏Live-aboard dive vessel at outer Great Barrier Reef – included in package.

• →Morning dive – outer reef sites
• →Mid-morning dive – drift dive or bommie exploration
• →Afternoon dive – deep dive option for certified divers
• →Late afternoon dive – reef wall
• →Snorkelling during surface intervals
• →All meals included on board

Rise early for a final morning dive before the vessel begins its return journey to Cairns Marina (~4 hours). Arrive back in Cairns around 16:00. Collect your PADI Open Water certification card details (physical card mailed later). Tonight is yours to celebrate — head to the Esplanade with your new dive buddies from the boat for a farewell dinner. Cairns has a lively backpacker bar scene; Gilligan's itself hosts regular events. Book an extra night at Gilligan's if your flight home is the following day.

🚌Live-aboard vessel returns to Cairns Marina by ~16:00. Taxi or walk to accommodation/airport from marina.

🛏Book an extra night at Gilligan's independently if needed (~£18–22). Not included in the dive package.

• →Final morning dive on the outer reef
• →Return sail to Cairns Marina (~4 hrs)
• →Collect PADI certification paperwork
• →Farewell dinner and drinks on the Cairns Esplanade