Liveaboards · Australia
Dive Liveaboards Australia
A liveaboard in Australia lets you sleep on the boat and dive from Cairns or Port Lincoln. There are 8 liveaboards, with trips from short reef stays to longer Coral Sea itineraries, from £240$321€287. You can see walls, sharks, giant potato cod and, in season, dwarf minke whales, or cage dive with great white sharks.
Australia liveaboard routes
The table counts departures on sale over the next twelve months, route by route, using the name of each itinerary. It shows the lowest price at the most common length, and is refreshed every night.
| Route | Departure ports | Most common length | From | Departures | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great White Sharks | Port Lincoln | 4 nights | £1,443$1,930€1,724 | 60 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water, depending on the boat |
| Coral Sea | Cairns or Townsville | 7 nights | £2,238$2,992€2,673 | 147 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water, with 30 or 50 dives depending on the route |
| Great Barrier Reef | Cairns | 1 night | £240$321€287 | 2158 | Open Water or Advanced Open Water, with 30 or 50 dives depending on the route |
Price is per person, excluding flights and costs on board.
Great white shark liveaboards from Port Lincoln
The Great White Sharks route leaves from Port Lincoln in South Australia for cage diving at the Neptune Islands. The islands are a marine park, and a visitor fee applies. Trips run year-round. Check the boat's page for its certification and dive requirements.
Coral Sea liveaboards to Osprey Reef and Holmes Reef
Coral Sea liveaboards leave from Cairns, with the longest trips reaching Osprey Reef and Holmes Reef. Expect walls and sharks, with a briefing before every dive. These are longer itineraries, so check the boat's stated certification and minimum dive experience. Nitrox, equipment hire and marine park fees may be extra.
Great Barrier Reef liveaboards from Cairns
The Great Barrier Reef route leaves from Cairns and usually means one or two nights on the outer reefs. Trips of three nights or more head north to the Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole, where giant potato cod are the draw. In June and July, dwarf minke whales can swim close to divers on the Ribbon Reefs. Check the boat's page for the certification, dive numbers and any extras.
The boats
Where these boats go
Questions about liveaboards in Australia
When is the best time for an Australia liveaboard?
Great white shark trips run year-round. For dwarf minke whales on the Ribbon Reefs, June and July are the key months.
Which Australia liveaboard route should I choose?
Choose the Great Barrier Reef for shorter trips from Cairns, the Coral Sea for longer itineraries with walls and sharks, or the Great White Sharks route from Port Lincoln for cage diving at the Neptune Islands.
How do I get to the liveaboard?
Your boat leaves from Cairns or Port Lincoln, depending on the itinerary. Check the boat's transfer arrangements before you travel, as each operator has its own terms.
What is not included on an Australia liveaboard?
Marine park fees, nitrox, rental equipment, crew tips and transfers are often extra. Check the individual boat page, because inclusions vary.
How many nights should I book?
Great Barrier Reef trips are often one or two nights, while the Coral Sea route has longer trips. Great white shark itineraries are also available year-round, with the length set by the boat.
Can I dive on the last day of the trip?
No diving is planned on the last day. Leave at least 24 hours between your final dive and take-off.
Australia liveaboard FAQ
How much does an Australia liveaboard cost?
Prices start from £240$321€287 per person for the most common trip length shown on the route table. Flights and costs on board are excluded.
What is the best season for an Australia liveaboard?
Great white shark trips run year-round. June and July are the months for dwarf minke whales on the Ribbon Reefs.
What certification do I need?
Depending on the route and boat, you may need Open Water or Advanced Open Water, plus a minimum of 30 or 50 dives. The boat's page gives the precise requirement.
Where do Australia liveaboards depart from?
Reef and Coral Sea liveaboards depart from Cairns. Great white shark trips depart from Port Lincoln.
How many dives a day do you get?
You can usually expect three or four dives a day, often including a night dive. Every dive has a briefing beforehand.
What can I see on an Australia liveaboard?
Depending on the route, you may see walls, sharks, giant potato cod, dwarf minke whales or great white sharks. The great white route uses cages at the Neptune Islands.
How long should I wait before flying home?
Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and take-off. There is no diving on the last day.
Do I need dive insurance?
Dive insurance is strongly recommended and is often requested at boarding. Make sure it covers diving accidents and a recompression chamber.
Are marine park fees included?
Marine park fees are often not included, and the Neptune Islands route has a visitor fee. Check the individual boat's terms.
Can I hire equipment or use nitrox?
Rental equipment and nitrox are often extra. Check availability and prices with the boat before booking.
