If you are thinking about taking the plunge and learning to dive, the 5 day PADI "Open Water" dive course on the Great Barrier Reef is a really cool and different choice. The adventure of staying out on the reef for three days and two nights and the five extra recreational dives makes this course unmatched for experience and value. This dive course consists of two days of theory and pool training then a 3 day and 2 night liveaboard dive trip, including nine dives. You will head out on the boat after finishing the classroom and pool sessions to end your course and go directly in to "fundiving" on the most famous reef in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef is a Marine Park and World Heritage area. It is recognized as one of the world's most unique and amazing marine spectacles and extends for 2300 kilometers along the northeastern coast of Australia. It consists of about 2900 individual reefs and covers an area the size of the United Kingdom. Its ecosystem supports the greatest concentration of life on this planet with its resident marine life including 1,500 species of fish, 350 different kinds of coral, 4000 species of mollusks and 10,000 species of sponges. It also provides breeding areas for humpback whales, sea turtles dugong and seabirds. Hundreds of species of algae, including seaweeds, also live on the reef as a vital part of the reef system.
The Cairns region is a major destination for backpackers from around the world. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest, Cairns is an excellent spot for adventure travellers to base themselves. Cairns is the starting point for extended travel in the region including trips to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape York, the Atherton Tableland and Mission Beach area. As a popular tourism destination, there are a range of accommodation options and backpacker tours available in the region.
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular diving certificate worldwide. After completing this 3-4 day course you are certified to dive to 18 m independently with a buddy. The course consists of five modules of learning. You study via self-study workbook and complete a knowledge review.
DIVE PACKAGE:
Day 1 & 2:
You will learn the basics of scuba diving, both classroom and pool, at the modern, purpose built diver training centre in Cairns. The dive training pool is heated for year round, all weather comfort.
Note: Own accommodation required day 1 & 2 & 5.
Day 3 - 5:
You will spend out on the reef on one of the three multimillion dollar liveaboard dive boats. You will have the opportunity to do nine dives on a variety of the exclusive outer reef dive sites. These dives consist of four training dives to complete the certification, then five additional recreational dives to enjoy your new skills and gain some experience. One of these five dives is a guided night dive. These extra dives, especially the night dive, will be a highlight of your dive course. On the night of day five, after your return from the reef you have the opportunity to join the crew from your trip for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Dinner at own cost)
Please allow a minimum of 24 hours, after your last dive, before flying.
(some countries will allow you to fly after 18 hours on land).
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