Cairns is found on the northeastern tip of Queensland, Australia. Due to its tropical location, it enjoys year round warm weather and close access to the most famous reef in the world - The Great Barrier Reef. This old mining town is now one of the main hubs of Australian tourism. With its white sand beaches, turquoise ocean, lush rainforests and exceptional underwater diversity, it’s easy to see why. 

With 600 islands, 300 coral cays and 3,000 coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef ensures that there are plenty of diving opportunities. It is the most popular place in the world for new divers to get their open water certificate - meaning that there are plenty of dive resorts and dive centres to choose from. Diving courses from introductory dives all the way up to instructor are easy to find. Still, shallow and palm-fringed coral cays like Michaelmas Cay allow for stress-free first forays into the water.

Liveaboards are one of the most popular ways to see the reef, especially as most leave from Cairns. Certain sites such as Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef are only visited on liveaboards due to the long travel times. Drifting on calm, azure waters is one of the best ways to see the reef, even if you don’t dive! 

Cairns is one of the most consistently warm areas of Australia. Diving in Cairns is great all year round, even during the winter months. The summer months (November - April) bring hot temperatures - around 30oC in the air and 29oC in the water. This is the wettest season, with heavy rains falling in short, sharp downpours frequently. Closer to land, resulting run-off can affect visibility but offshore sites are rarely affected and still have excellent visibility - up to 40m in places. This is also the time of year which can be affected by cyclones which, though rare, can be fierce. Most sites are unaffected by strong currents but some, like Osprey and Ribbon Reefs, can have powerful drifts.  

The winter months (May - October) bring drier and cooler conditions. The daytime temperatures are still in the mid-20s, though the water temperatures can drop to 23oC. Minke and humpback whales make their appearances from May to November as they migrate up and down the east coast. Some dive companies offer whale watching dive trips and the sight of these enormous animals in the deep blue is unforgettable.

With the biggest coral reef in the world on its doorstep, it’s no surprise that diving in Cairns has a smorgasbord of dive sites to choose from. The majority boast colourful coral gardens and 30m+ visibility, while some have some dramatic topography, with swim throughs, caves, caverns, walls and overhangs to explore. 

There are several wrecks nearby to enjoy, including the world-class SS Yongala which is encrusted with marine life. Drift dives are possible at some outer reefs like Osprey and Ribbon, though most diving is calm. Seagrass meadows allow for serene dives observing the resident turtles. Other exciting dives on offer include fluorescent night dives and night dives with sharks.

Many dive sites can be catered to all levels of divers, most having depths between 5 and 30m. The calm clear waters make them ideal for beginners - but the plethora of marine life ensures that experienced divers will love them too. A liveaboard is a very popular way to experience the reef, with many options leaving from Cairns and exploring the outer edges of the reef. Some have minimum dive/qualification requirements so check before you book. 

The Great Barrier Reef has some of the best marine diversity in the world. The colours of the gardens of corals and sponges is rivalled only by the colours of the darting, iridescent fish which reside there. Some of the most famous inhabitants of the reef are the orange and white striped “Nemos” (or anemonefish!) and laid back turtles who spend their days munching on corals and seagrass. There are 6 different species of turtles that live here. 

Fish are found in abundance, with small reef fish like wrasse, gobies, blennies, glassfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, cardinalfish, parrotfish and triggerfish swarming over their reef home. Bigger, pelagic fish like trevally, barracuda, grouper and tuna can be seen, especially in the deeper water. Prehistoric looking bumphead and napoleon wrasse are also pleasant surprises. The nooks and crannies hide macro creatures such as bright nudibranch and translucent crustaceans which make for excellent photographers’ models. 

There are several species of shark endemic to the reef - mostly white and blacktip reef sharks. Bigger sharks like bull, leopard, tiger and even great white sharks can be seen but they are very rare. Dolphins are frequent visitors, especially as they are fed in some areas. Minke and humpback whales migrate through during the winter months and you may be lucky enough to hear their haunting song as you dive. 

Milln Reef - This outer reef can be visited on liveaboards and day trips. One of the most famous sites is Three Sisters - large bommies with swim throughs, sharks, turtles, bull rays and barracuda. Between 5 and 20m with mild currents, this is suitable for novices. 

Flynn Reef - Superb coral gardens and lots of life including grey reef sharks, barracuda and turtles. Several dive sites like Tracy’s and Gordon’s are excellent with depths varying from 10-20m.

Ribbon Reef - This extensive system has channels, bommies, excellent macro and giant wrasse. Cod Hole site here is one of the best in Australia, with a family of friendly potato cod who come and greet divers. 

Osprey Reef - The North Horn dive site is a dormant volcano lying far out in the coral sea. The coral walls drop into the abyss. It is known for strong drifts and the sharks which come to be fed - grey whalers, white and black tips, hammerheads and more will come for the frenzy. Best suited to advanced divers.

SS Yongala - This 30m vessel is teeming with life including big fish, sea snakes, rays and sharks. A must visit for wreck lovers. 

Thetford Reef - You can find lots of coral bommies here with walls and swim throughs. Plenty of coral makes it very colourful and hosts abundant marine life. Depths from 5 - 30m, suitable for beginners. 

Elford Reef - Stretching for several kilometres, this site offers seasonal encounters with manta rays and dwarf minke whales.