Port Douglas’ Best Introductory Scuba Diving Reef Tour.

Our website BOOK NOW prices include the applicable online booking and payment costs.

Want to save up to 5.5%?

Simply use the ENQUIRE button instead of BOOK NOW and our team can send you a secure payment link using our alternative payment system.

This can avoid the online booking costs and means more of your money goes towards your Great Barrier Reef experience, rather than booking fees.

Same ABC Reef Safaris experience. Simply a smarter way to book.

At ABC Reef Safaris, small groups are our philosophy. They allow us to create unique reef experiences defined by space, attention and connection. We have two versatile reef boats, providing simply amazing days on the reef.

Cruise ship guests are very welcome. As a small, flexible operator, we can often tailor departure times and daily schedules around cruise ship arrivals and departures, particularly when arranged in advance.

Yes. An introductory dive allows eligible guests to try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef without completing a scuba certification course. Your ABC Reef Safaris Dive Instructor provides all required safety, equipment and communication briefings before you enter the water, and remain with you throughout your dive.

The minimum age is 12 years. Divers under 18 require parental or guardian consent.

Introductory dives with ABC Reef Safaris descend to a maximum depth of 10 metres. You do not have to reach 10 metres. Your instructor will guide the descent according to your comfort level and the conditions on the day.

Your introductory dive is approximately 20 – 40 minutes underwater depending on your air consumption. Everyone’s physiology is different, fitness, stress levels, all sorts of things can effect your air consumption.

We do have different size scuba cylinders available.

Hopefully you will relax and settle into scuba diving and explore the totally amazing Great Barrier Reef coral gardens and marine life with your instructor, while keeping the experience comfortable and carefully paced.

ABC Reef Safaris limits introductory diving to a maximum of 4 divers per 1 Dive Instructor. This small-group approach provides more individual attention, close supervision and a relaxed introduction to scuba diving.

Yes. Introductory diving is conducted under the direct supervision of a qualified Dive Instructor. Your instructor stays with the group throughout the dive, helping with buoyancy, communication and navigating around the reef.

It is very normal for first-time divers to feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. ABC Reef Safaris keeps introductory dive groups to a maximum of 4 guests per 1 instructor, allowing your instructor to provide plenty of individual attention and support. The experience is deliberately paced around the group rather than rushed.

Yes. Participants need to be able to swim confidently and be comfortable in the water. Although you will be using scuba equipment and accompanied by a Dive Instructor, basic swimming ability is an important requirement for participating safely. All introductory scuba diving on ABC Reef Safaris takes place in the open waters of the Coral Sea.

Yes. All introductory divers must complete a medical questionnaire before diving. Certain medical conditions, pregnancy, recent surgery and other health considerations may prevent participation or require further medical advice. If you have any concerns about your suitability to dive, please contact ABC Reef Safaris before booking.

Yes. Introductory diving is an upgrade to your snorkelling day, rather than a replacement for it. You will still have opportunities to snorkel and explore the reef from the surface as part of your ABC Reef Safaris experience.

Port Douglas provides access to spectacular sections of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, including the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. With ABC Reef Safaris, first-time divers experience these reefs in small groups with a qualified instructor, making it an exceptional place to experience scuba diving for the first time.

Yes. During summer (November to April), full-length lycra suits are provided for stinger and sun protection. In winter, we supply 5 mm wetsuits to help keep you warm. Children aged 7–12 receive full-length wetsuits.

Our suits are available in a standard range of sizes designed to fit most guests, but we cannot guarantee a suitable fit for every body shape or size. If you require specialist sizing or are particularly sensitive to the cold, consider bringing your own correctly fitted wetsuit or purchasing a neoprene thermal top to wear underneath. Please check the manufacturer’s sizing chart carefully before purchasing.

Yes. Introductory scuba diving is available for first timers on ABC Reef Safaris. Please note the minimum age to participate is 12 years old. No prior experience needed. Certified instructors provide full safety and equipment briefings, then guide you underwater for about 20 – 40 minutes to a maximum depth of 10 metres. Health restrictions apply, please see the notes above and check before booking if you have any queries or concerns.

Yes. Everyone can travel together on the same ABC Reef Safaris reef tour. You share the boat, reef locations and time onboard, then join the appropriate guided activity when it is time to enter the water.

Bring a towel, water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, camera and something dry to wear for the return trip. Sea sickness medication is recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness. Swimwear should be worn under your wetsuit or lycra suit. A sense of adventure is always welcome too.

Private charters depart from the marina assigned to your vessel:

• Independence: Marano’s Wharf, 39 Port Street, Port Douglas.
• Voyager: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Main Finger C, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas.

Free parking is available close to both vessels. Your booking confirmation includes directions to the correct departure point. Private transfers from Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Cairns can also be arranged at additional cost.

Yes, all ABC Reef Safari dives are guided by Marine Biologists with an industry leading guide to diver ratio of 1:5. Depending on passengers on the day, you will be paired up with another guest as a dive buddy and/or with our Dive Instructors / Dive Masters.

Participating in an ‘introductory dive’ does not necessitate any prior diving experience. However, there are age and medical requirements. Individuals must be 12 years or older. Certain medical conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, some respiratory conditions, and the use of specific medications, may preclude participation in an introductory dive.

It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours after diving before flying or going to altitude. Current regulations specify that for a single, no decompression dive, one should avoid going to altitude for at least 12 hours. If multiple dives are undertaken, it is recommended to wait for at least 18 hours before flying or going to altitude.

Yes. The equipment required for your booked activity is included, so you do not need to bring your own scuba equipment. Your instructor will explain how everything works during the briefing before your dive.

Yes. If you would prefer a completely personalised first scuba experience, a private Dive Instructor can be booked for an additional $590. This provides dedicated 1-on-1 instruction and support throughout your introductory diving experience.

Introductory diving is for people without scuba certification and is conducted under direct supervision of a Dive Instructor, to a maximum depth of 10 metres. Certified diving is for qualified scuba divers and allows them to explore the reef with a Divemaster according to their certification, experience and conditions.