Our schedule is designed to coordinate perfectly with our daily transfer vessels, ensuring you get the maximum time at the reef.

• Transfers: Complimentary hotel pick-ups are generally scheduled between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
• Check-in: 8:00 AM at the Divers Den counter inside the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.
• Departure from Cairns: 8:30 AM on the transfer vessel AquaQuest.
• Arrival at OceanQuest: Approximately 10:30 AM.
• Departure from OceanQuest: 3:00 PM on your final day of stay.
• Return to Cairns: Approximately 4:30 PM at the Marlin Wharf.

The Liveaboard: OceanQuest OceanQuest is a 35-meter, three-deck catamaran that serves as your floating sanctuary. Unlike smaller vessels, its massive twin-hull design provides incredible stability, making it a comfortable home even in variable sea conditions.

• Accommodation: The vessel features 23 cabins, including twin, double, and triple configurations. Each cabin is air-conditioned and features a private en-suite bathroom, offering a level of comfort comparable to a land-based hotel.
• Public Areas: The mid-deck houses a large, air-conditioned dining saloon and a fully licensed bar. The top deck is a sprawling sun deck with comfortable loungers, perfect for surface intervals or evening relaxation.
• Dive Deck: The stern features a massive, well-organized dive deck with easy-access stairs into the water and freshwater showers for rinsing off.

The Transfer Vessel: AquaQuest Your transit to the reef is handled by AquaQuest, our state-of-the-art 24-meter catamaran. This vessel is one of the fastest in the fleet, ensuring a quick and smooth 90-minute journey to the Outer Reef platforms.

Is this a full day tour?
No, this is an overnight liveaboard experience rather than a single day tour. You can stay from 1 to 5 nights, with the most popular option being 3 days / 2 nights.

Where does the liveaboard go?
The trip visits outer reef sites such as Saxon, Norman and Hastings Reefs, with multiple moorings allowing access to a wide variety of dive locations depending on conditions.

How many people are on this tour?
The liveaboard vessel accommodates approximately 30 guests, plus crew, creating a relatively small-group and social onboard environment compared to large day boats.

What is the boat like?
The vessel is a purpose-built, three-deck, 35-metre catamaran designed specifically for diving. It features large sun decks, indoor lounge and dining areas, a spacious dive deck, and hot freshwater showers.

What are the cabins like?
Cabins are air-conditioned and typically include twin-share bedding or double options, with ensuite bathrooms available. The boat is designed to function like a floating hotel, with comfortable sleeping, lounge and dining spaces.

Is food provided onboard?
Yes, all meals are included while on the liveaboard. Meals are freshly prepared by an onboard chef and include breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, along with tea, coffee and drinking water.

What scuba diving experience do I need?
The trip caters to all levels. Certified divers can dive independently or with a guide, while beginners can participate in introductory dives with full instruction and supervision.

How many dives can I do?
You can complete multiple dives per day—typically up to four dives daily depending on conditions—including day and night dives.

Are night dives included?
Yes, night diving is available and is a highlight of the trip. You’ll experience different marine life behaviours, including nocturnal species and feeding activity.

Do I need to be certified to dive?
No, introductory dives are available for beginners. However, certified divers have access to more dives and greater flexibility during the trip.

What equipment is provided?
All snorkelling and scuba diving equipment is included, along with air tank fills and full tuition where required.

Can I bring my own dive gear?
Yes, you can bring your own equipment if preferred, although full equipment hire is available onboard.

Are guided dives available?
Yes, guided dives are available and recommended for those unfamiliar with the reef or who prefer additional support.

What marine life can I expect to see?
You may encounter coral gardens, tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks, rays and a wide range of marine species found on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Is this tour suitable for non swimmers?
This experience is best suited to confident swimmers. While snorkelling is available, the repeated water entries and offshore conditions make it less suitable for non-swimmers compared to island-based tours.

Is the trip physically demanding?
Yes, this is a moderately to highly active experience. Diving multiple times per day, climbing ladders and handling equipment requires a reasonable level of fitness and comfort in the water.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, toiletries, sunscreen, a change of clothes and your dive certification card if applicable.

Can I take a GoPro or underwater camera?
Yes, GoPros and underwater cameras are allowed and are highly recommended for capturing your dives. Make sure your device is suitable 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 regulations within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

What is the diving schedule like?
Diving typically begins early in the morning, with multiple dives scheduled throughout the day and optional night dives in the evening. Surface intervals are used for meals, rest and travel between sites.

What is the difference between this and a day trip?
A liveaboard allows you to stay on the reef, access more remote sites, dive more frequently (including at sunrise and night), and enjoy a far more immersive reef experience compared to a standard day tour.

What happens in bad weather?
Trips generally operate in most weather conditions, but dive sites may be adjusted for safety. In extreme conditions, itineraries may change or trips may be rescheduled.

Why choose a liveaboard experience?
A liveaboard offers maximum time on the reef, smaller group sizes, access to multiple dive sites and unique experiences like night diving, making it ideal for keen snorkellers and especially for dedicated scuba divers looking to get the most out of the Great Barrier Reef.

• Highlights :

• Pickup Notes :

• Dropoff Notes :

• Special Notes :

• Group Size :

• Tour Duration :

• Min Age :

• Operating Days :

• Operating Schedule :