Why the Great Barrier Reef?
As the name suggestions, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest expansive living coral reef on the plant at more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi). In fact, it is the largest living structure on Earth and is visible from space. The importance of this underwater ecosystem not only to Australian oceans but across the world cannot be understated. The best way to see this aquatic marvel is underwater.
When to Go
In terms of seasons, Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so everything is flipped from the northern hemisphere. It was a mind shift the first time we heard “It’s in the north, so it is super hot” or “Christmas is in the summer.” I love that these phrases are both true and challenge my reality. We visited in November, which was mild in terms of weather. Cairns was just coming off the dry, hot season so we were greeted with some warm and sunny weather.
Type of GBR Diving
There are two types of dives that you can do in the Great Barrier Reef. First, you could do a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. This is a great option for beginner divers. The other option is a liveaboard dive boat. Liveaboards allow for more remote and less crowded diving. This review is focused on day trip diving.
Day Scuba Diving Review
Making the Reservation (Before the trip)
Most dive companies (including the two that I reviewed below) allow you to book online. In order to guarantee a spot, I suggest booking 2 – 4 weeks in advance. That said, if there is more flexibility in your schedule, you can book up to 24 hours in advance. You will fill out information for each diver and pre-pay for the dives. If you are scuba certified, be sure that you are signing up for “Certified Diver” dives. There are introductory dive options for those not certified. Note: my review is based off a Certified Dive experience so I cannot speak to the introductory dives.
Checking in
You must pick up a physical ticket prior to your departure for your scuba day trip.
Almost all the larger scuba companies require you to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal. This building, much like the rental car section of the airport, has various companies where you may wait in line to get your physical ticket. Be sure to get there at least twenty minutes before your departure time to allow for this check-in process.
Once you have your ticket, you will head down to the pier to identify your boat.
Is Ocean Freedom scuba worth it?
For detailed itinerary and what to expect on the Ocean Freedom tour, check out my detailed post. In what looked like a large fishing boat, this was our first scuba booking. We boarded with our tickets from the terminal booth. Then we went up to find our spot for the boat ride as well as put our scuba bags away. We grabbed a spot on the second level. The boat then needed to travel for about two hours out to the reef spot. There were refreshments throughout the experience with lunch served to everyone and alcohol available for purchase.
Price $245 AUD plus $135 scuba Dive Tour
Worth it? The Ocean Freedom scuba diving was a good and safe experience. You will meet a variety of international travelers.
Is Passions of Paradise scuba tour worth it?
For detailed itinerary and my review of the Passions of Paradise, read my post here. This tour was on a large catamaran. We grabbed a spot at a table for the trip along with our bags, it was nice to have a homebase for the dive. This dive included white tip reef sharks, eels, turtles, and large clams. The second dive was well worth it because we swam through a canyon, which felt like being in a movie. This was a really great experience and it seemed like the snorkelers also had a great time.
Price: $AUD 260 + $130 Scuba Dive Tour
Worth it? The Passions of Paradise was a clean, luxurious boating experience. You will encounter some interesting dive sites and see some great wildlife.
Great Barrier Reef Scuba Dive Company Final Thoughts
After doing four dives with the two different companies on our time in Australia, I have opinions. Both dives felt very safe. The crew was accommodating, friendly, and professional. The Ocean Freedom dive had a wide variety of international travelers so it was great to meet different people from across the world. The Passions of Paradise felt intimate and luxurious. Both options are great but I would go on the Passions of Paradise trip again in a heartbeat.