Pro Dive Cairns Dive Centre

Since 1983, Pro Dive Cairns has been a cornerstone of the diving community in Queensland. As a PADI 5 Star centre, they provide a direct gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, operating specialised liveaboard vessels that depart from the Cairns CBD.

You can choose between day trips or immersive 3-day, 2-night liveaboard cruises. This allows you to reach outer reef locations that are otherwise difficult to access, staying on board to maximise your time in the water.

The centre maintains a high standard of instruction with a focus on safety and professional development. Their training programmes range from foundational courses for beginners to the PADI Instructor Development Course for those pursuing a career in diving.

Instruction is conducted with a maximum ratio of 5 divers per guide. The centre is also an Advanced Eco-tourism certified operator and is recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, reflecting their commitment to reef conservation.

Pro Dive Cairns offers a comprehensive curriculum of PADI courses. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course and progress through Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, and Rescue Diver certifications.

For professional divers, the centre provides Divemaster training and the PADI Instructor Development Course. They also offer Refresher Courses to ensure your skills are sharp before heading out to the reef.

The fleet consists of three monohull vessels, each with a capacity for 32 passengers. These boats are specifically designed for liveaboard diving, featuring 14 cabins with bunk beds and 2 cabins with double beds.

On board, you will find amenities including hot and cold breakfast, hot and cold lunches, and hot dinners with dessert. Snacks, tea, and coffee are available at all times. The vessels are also equipped with a television, video, music, board games, books, and 240v power outlets in each cabin.

The shore-based facility in Cairns is well-equipped for both training and preparation. It features six air-conditioned classrooms and two large, 4-metre deep heated training pools for skill development.

For those requiring rental kit, a full range of equipment is available, including prescription masks if needed. The on-site dive shop carries recent equipment for purchase or hire.

The reef ecosystems here are defined by vibrant fixed life, including various species of Soft coral (Alcyonacea) and various Sponges (Porifera). You will also encounter Wobbegongs and various species of Grouper, such as the giant potato grouper and potato cod.

For those interested in macro life, the area is home to Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani). The diverse reef structure supports a wide range of marine life essential to the Great Barrier Reef's health.

Diving in the Cairns region is subject to local currents and swell patterns. The specific conditions will vary depending on whether you are diving on the reef flat or further out on the outer reef.