6 Day / 3 Night Learn to Dive + Advanced

This six-day course with Divers Den combines the PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications in one experience. You'll begin with two days of classroom theory and swimming pool training in Cairns before spending four days and three nights aboard OceanQuest on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. It's an excellent option for beginners who want to learn to dive and develop their skills in a single trip.

No previous scuba diving experience is required. The course is designed for beginners and teaches you the fundamentals of scuba diving, starting with theory and pool training. You'll then complete your Open Water training dives on the Great Barrier Reef before progressing to advanced diving skills under the supervision of qualified instructors.

After successfully completing the course requirements, you'll earn both your PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certifications. These qualifications allow you to continue exploring the underwater world, with the Advanced certification generally permitting recreational dives to depths of up to 30 metres, within the limits of your training and experience.

The course includes nine training dives across the Open Water and Advanced Open Water programs, plus six additional recreational dives. Depending on the itinerary and availability, you may complete up to 13 dives in total, including night dives. The actual number and sequence of dives depend on instructor availability, conditions and successful completion of training requirements.

You'll explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef aboard OceanQuest, visiting selected reef sites over four days. The vessel accesses a range of outer reef locations featuring colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and other marine life. The exact locations depend on weather, visibility and operational conditions.

The package includes PADI learning materials, full tuition, scuba and snorkelling equipment, air fills, access to two outer reef locations per day, all meals aboard the vessel, and tea, coffee and fresh drinking water. Three nights of liveaboard accommodation are also included.

Yes. You'll spend three nights aboard OceanQuest in an air-conditioned cabin with an ensuite bathroom. Twin-share and double-cabin options are available at different prices. Bedding and bath towels are supplied, and larger bags can be stored at the Divers Den office while you're on the reef.

Yes. All meals are included while you're aboard OceanQuest, with an onboard chef preparing food throughout your liveaboard stay. Tea, coffee and fresh drinking water are also provided. Lunch is not included on the first two pool-training days in Cairns, so bring a packed lunch or purchase food nearby. Notify the operator of dietary requirements before departure.

Yes - Night dives provide a different perspective on the reef, allowing you to observe nocturnal marine life and learn the skills needed to dive safely in low-light conditions.

The minimum age is 12 years. Younger participants must meet the relevant certification requirements and may be subject to additional depth restrictions. All participants must also satisfy the swimming, medical and safety requirements. Contact Divers Den before booking if you are arranging the course for a child.

You must be able to swim 200 metres without stopping and tread water for 10 minutes. These assessments demonstrate that you have the basic swimming ability and water confidence required for scuba training. You don't need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water.

All participants must complete the required self-assessed medical declaration before diving. Depending on your answers, you may need medical clearance from a doctor. Certain medical conditions or medications can affect your suitability for scuba diving

Yes. Divers Den offers an optional PADI AWARE component through its Eco option. This focuses on ocean conservation, identifying threats to marine environments and taking action to protect marine life. The option is suitable for divers who want to combine their certification journey with a greater understanding of reef conservation.