12. Pro Dive 3 day/2 night Liveaboard
The Great Barrier Reef is a world of infinite mystery and breathtaking beauty, and there is no more authentic way to discover its secrets than with a Pro Dive Cairns 3-Day, 2-Night Outer Reef Liveaboard adventure. For those who believe a single day on the water is simply not enough, this expedition offers a total immersion into the largest living structure on Earth. This is a journey designed for the true enthusiast—a chance to step away from the mainland and live on the water, waking up each morning to the soft lap of waves against the hull and the sun rising over an endless turquoise horizon.
Pro Dive Cairns has been a world leader in scuba diving adventures since 1983, and our liveaboard trips are the "gold standard" for reef exploration. This experience is about more than just sightseeing; it is about the "Dive, Eat, Sleep" lifestyle that transforms a holiday into a true odyssey. By staying overnight on the reef, you bypass the daily commute from the coast, allowing you to be the first in the water at dawn and the last to watch the nocturnal world awaken during a night dive. Whether you are a dedicated certified diver looking to maximize your logbook or a student diver embarking on your first open-water adventure, our liveaboard offers a professional, social, and deeply rewarding environment that honors the majesty of the Coral Sea.
Your home for three days is the pristine wilderness of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, located approximately 60 kilometers offshore from Cairns. Pro Dive Cairns holds exclusive access to 19 premium moorings across four magnificent reef systems: Flynn, Pellowe, Milln, and Thetford Reefs. These locations are specifically chosen for their exceptional water clarity, diverse coral topography, and abundance of marine life.
Being situated on the edge of the continental shelf, these reefs are bathed in nutrient-rich oceanic currents, resulting in visibility that frequently exceeds 30 meters. This is a world of dramatic “walls” that drop into the deep blue, intricate swim-throughs, and towering coral “bommies” that act as bustling metropolises for reef inhabitants. Here, you aren’t just a visitor; you are a witness to the daily drama of the reef. You can expect to encounter the “Great Eight” of the reef, from graceful green sea turtles and majestic manta rays to the curious giant Maori Wrasse and vibrant schools of parrotfish. Staying at the destination allows you to visit different sites as the vessel moves between moorings, ensuring that every dive or snorkel session reveals a new and fascinating underwater landscape.
Pro Dive Cairns operates a consistent schedule to ensure you get the maximum value out of every hour spent on the reef.
- Departure Day (Day 1): Complimentary accommodation pick-ups commence at approximately 7:00 AM. The vessel departs the Cairns Marlin Marina at 8:00 AM.
- Daily Rhythm: While on the reef, activities generally begin with a 6:00 AM wake-up call and conclude with dinner at 7:30 PM.
- Return Day (Day 3): The final dive is typically completed by 12:00 PM. The vessel arrives back at the Cairns Marlin Marina at approximately 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by transfers back to your accommodation.
Please note: For those planning to fly after the trip, it is recommended that you do not fly for at least 24 hours after your final dive, which means you should not book a flight before 12:00 PM the following day.
Your home for this expedition is one of our three purpose-built, 23-meter premium liveaboard catamarans: Pro Dive 1, 2, or 3. These vessels are specifically engineered for the Coral Sea, utilizing a twin-hull design that provides exceptional stability and a smooth ride even in variable sea conditions.
- Accommodation: Each vessel features 14 private cabins, including 2 double-bed cabins and 12 twin-bunk cabins. The cabins are air-conditioned and designed to be a quiet sanctuary for rest between dives.
- Social Spaces: The mid-deck features a spacious, air-conditioned saloon and dining area where meals are served. The top deck is a dedicated sun deck with comfortable loungers, providing 360-degree views of the ocean.
- The Dive Deck: This is the functional heart of the ship. It is a large, well-organized space with individual equipment stations. The stern features a submerged platform that makes entering and exiting the water effortless, even with full scuba gear.
- Facilities: The vessel is equipped with shared bathroom facilities (toilets and freshwater showers) that are cleaned regularly throughout the day. There is also a licensed bar for post-dive refreshments on the final evening.
What is the Pro Dive Cairns 3 day liveaboard tour?
This is a multi-day Great Barrier Reef liveaboard experience designed for snorkellers and certified divers. You’ll spend three days and two nights onboard a purpose-built dive vessel, visiting multiple outer reef sites with exceptional visibility and marine life.
Is this a full day tour?
No, this is a multi-day experience rather than a single day tour. It runs over three days and two nights, allowing for far more time on the reef than standard day trips.
What is the typical itinerary?
The trip departs Cairns early morning on day one and includes multiple dives each day, including night dives. Over three days you can complete up to 11 dives (including two night dives), with the final dives finishing around midday on day three before returning to Cairns.
How many dives can I do?
Certified divers can complete up to 11 dives across the trip, including night dives and early morning dives. This makes it one of the most dive-intensive experiences available on the Great Barrier Reef.
How many people are on this tour?
The vessels carry a maximum of around 32 passengers, along with approximately 6 crew members. This relatively small group size allows for a more personalised and less crowded diving experience.
Where do you go on the reef?
The trip visits a selection of outer reef sites across locations such as Flynn, Thetford, Milln and Pellowe Reefs. Sites are chosen based on conditions to maximise visibility and marine life encounters.
What marine life can I expect to see?
You may encounter turtles, reef sharks, rays, giant clams and a huge variety of tropical fish and coral formations typical of the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Is this tour suitable for non swimmers?
This trip is best suited to confident swimmers. While snorkelling is available, the liveaboard environment and repeated water entries make it less suitable for non-swimmers compared to island or pontoon tours.
What is included in the trip?
The experience includes accommodation onboard in twin-share cabins, all meals, guided dives (if required), snorkelling opportunities, and access to multiple reef sites.
What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay onboard in air-conditioned cabins with twin or double bedding. The vessels are purpose-built for diving, with spacious decks, dining areas and relaxation spaces.
Is food provided?
Yes, all meals are included during the liveaboard portion of the trip, typically including breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
What scuba diving experience do I need?
This trip is primarily designed for certified divers. However, introductory dives may be available for beginners under instructor supervision.
Are guided dives available?
Yes, guided dives are available, particularly recommended for divers who haven’t dived recently or are unfamiliar with reef conditions.
What are night dives like?
Night dives are a highlight of the trip, offering a completely different perspective of the reef. You may see nocturnal species, hunting fish and unique coral behaviour not visible during the day.
Can I do a night dive if I’m inexperienced?
Night dives are generally available to certified divers and are conducted with safety briefings and supervision. Beginners may be restricted depending on experience and conditions.
What is Nitrox and can I use it?
Nitrox (enriched air) contains more oxygen and less nitrogen than standard air, allowing for longer bottom times and reduced fatigue. It is available for certified divers who hold a Nitrox certification.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, toiletries, sunscreen, a change of clothes and your dive certification card. Personal dive gear can be brought, but equipment hire is usually available.
Can I bring my own dive equipment?
Yes, experienced divers often bring their own gear, but full equipment hire is available onboard if needed.
Can I take a GoPro or underwater camera?
Yes, GoPros and underwater cameras are allowed and are highly recommended for capturing dives. Ensure your camera is rated for depth and securely attached.
Can I take a drone on the tour?
Drones are generally not permitted due to safety concerns, limited space onboard, and restrictions within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Is the trip physically demanding?
Yes, this is a physically active experience. Multiple dives per day, carrying gear and repeated water entries require a moderate level of fitness and comfort in the water.
Are there medical requirements?
Yes, all divers must complete a medical questionnaire. Certain conditions or medications may require medical clearance before diving.
Will I get seasick?
As this is an offshore liveaboard trip, seasickness can occur. Preventative medication is recommended if you are prone to motion sickness.
What makes this trip different from a day trip?
Unlike day tours, this liveaboard allows you to access more remote reef sites, dive multiple times per day (including night dives), and experience the reef at different times, offering a far more immersive experience.
Why choose this experience?
This trip is ideal for serious snorkellers and divers who want maximum reef time, smaller group sizes and access to less crowded, high-quality outer reef dive sites with a strong focus on safety and personalised service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings can be made directly from any of the tour or attractions individual pages - or simply give us a call on +61 07 40574312.
All payments are securely processed by the NAB (National Australia Bank) No credit card information is held by us. In fact we never even see your credit card details.
We are an online only agency operating out of offices in Trinity Beach, a suburb on Cairns' Northern Beaches (about a 25 minute drive from the city).
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