© Cairns Backpackers Guide 2013
Live-aboard dive trips are a fantastic way to get in a whole lot of
diving in a short time and to experience the thrill of falling asleep
to the gentle rocking of the waves on the Great Barrier Reef. On top
of that, because your meals and accommodation is included it
works out much cheaper per dive than doing day trips from Cairns.
There are 2 types of live-aboard trips you can do:
•
On a small yacht
•
On a larger boat
Which you prefer will depend a little on what sort of person you
are. If you really must have your creature comforts then you will
prefer the bigger boats with their ensuite rooms but on the yachts
you will find it easier to get to know everyone onboard. Cost-wise
and generally speaking the smaller yachts will be a little cheaper.
•
Coral Sea Dreaming
•
Pro Dive
•
Kangaroo Explorer
•
Spirit of Freedom
•
Mike Ball
For most backpackers a reef trip will be the
highlight of their Australian travel, so it is
paramount to get on a boat that goes to the
“best reefs”. Although all reefs in the Cairns
region are loaded with fish and coral, their
are some that are better than others. There
are 4 different regions that the boats go to:
1. North Eastern reefs-Michaelmas,
Saxon,Hastings and Normal reef.
These reefs are great for snorkelling but in
the “Guides” opinion they are not as good
for diving as the other reefs, being
shallower and generally less interesting at
depth. Good for beginner divers however
and for snorkellers.
2. North Eastern reefs- Miln, Flynn,
Thetford and Moore Reefs.
These are the best dive sites easily
accessible from Cairns with steep sloping
walls and depths up to 30 mtrs. Best site
out of these is the “3 sisters”. Pro Dive,
Kangaroo Explorer and Coral Sea Dreaming
go here.
3. Ribbon Reefs. Incredible dives
including the “Cod Hole” and “Steve’s
Bommie”.
Absolutely packed These are way north of
Cairns and require a minium of 4 days. Can
be expensive. Mike Ball and Spirit of
Freedom go here.
4. Coral Sea (Osprey Reef).
Absolutely the best dive sites in the whole
of Australia with 1000 mtr walls, pristine
coral and lots of large predatory fish.
Usually combined with the Ribbon Reefs.
These trips are expensive but worth it if you
can afford it. Mike Ball and Spirit go here.