Port Douglas’ best Great Barrier Reef scuba diving tour, away from the crowds.

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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. Certified divers are required to complete the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire if they have not dived while taking their current medication, or if they have not dived in over 12 months. Some medical conditions may require clearance from a doctor before diving. Please complete the questionnaire before your tour so any issues can be checked before the day of travel.

We enjoy remarkable freedom to explore a vast array of dive sites. This affords us the flexibility to select sites based on the prevailing conditions each day. Moreover, we can adjust our choice of sites to accommodate the experience levels of the divers on board. The day’s dive itinerary is customised to the specific conditions, ensuring the best possible diving experiences. Our repertoire includes wall dives, pinnacles, swim-throughs, and when conditions permit, exhilarating drift dives.

Minimum certification is Junior Open Water (age 10+) or Open Water. You’ll complete a PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire; some conditions may require doctor’s clearance.

The maximum dive depth you can reach depends on your certification level, though most dives for certified divers typically range between 12-18 meters. The Great Barrier Reef is not considered a deep dive destination; rather its appeal lies in the diverse coral formations at shallow depths, allowing for excellent sunlight penetration and creating an incredible experience for scuba diving. There’s generally little need to go deeper, except for specific sites.

Regarding certification documentation, please ensure you bring your certification card. In case you don’t have it, reach out to your issuing agency (PADI, SSI, or Other). Certified divers should also carry their logbooks, enabling our Dive Instructors and Dive Masters to assess your level of experience before diving.

Our industry-leading guide-to-diver ratio is 1:5. This ensures relaxed briefings, careful site choices and in-water support that lets you focus on great diving, not crowds.

Everything is included the ABC Reef Safaris scuba diving tour price, except for the purchase of additional beverages. This 2-tank dive day includes all of your scuba diving equipment, dive site and safety briefings, lycra suits (summer) or 5 mm wetsuits (winter), and two dives guided by our Dive Professionals. We also provide morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Coffee and cold water are complimentary; alcohol and soft drinks are optional extras.

Yes you can and we recommend booking early, as during peak periods we are often booked 2 to 3 weeks in advance. These bookings can be made online through our website, or you can contact our dive shop in Port Douglas on (07) 4099 6243 or sales@abcreefsafaris.com.au

Private Charter Bookings

We are taking bookings for clients who opt to privately charter our vessel/s. In this instance you not only experience the renowned ABC Reef Safaris way, you will also have the exclusive opportunity to undergo personalised snorkelling, scuba diving and/or PADI training in a private setting. This approach aligns with our dedication to delivering exceptional, tailor-made experiences, ensuring that each dive is not just a lesson, but a personalised journey with the guidance of our expert instructors.

Yes. Snorkelling partners of scuba divers are welcome aboard this Port Douglas dive trip and will enjoy the same premium vessel experience including Marine Biologist reef talks and presentations. Small numbers and carefully chosen sites mean clear water, vibrant coral and relaxed surface intervals for non-divers to enjoy.

Please bring your scuba diving certification card, logbook, swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a water bottle, sea-sickness medication (if prone) and your camera. We accept card payments only onboard for drinks and retail items. In cooler months, an extra base layer under the wetsuit helps if you feel the cold.

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. 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.

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.

Before reaching the reef, your Dive Instructor will provide a full briefing aboard the boat covering your scuba equipment, underwater communication, breathing techniques, equalising your ears and important safety procedures. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before entering the water. ABC Reef Safaris is always committed to safety and guest comfort.

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.