For divers seeking a focused and accessible introduction to liveaboard diving on the Great Barrier Reef, the Scubapro liveaboard fleet offers a proven and operationally consistent option. Operated by a premier PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with an established reputation since 1983, this fleet of 3 identical 25-metre vessels (Scubapro 1, 2, and 3) specialises in efficient 3-day Great Barrier Reef diving adventures. These trips are designed to maximise time underwater while providing a solid, budget-conscious liveaboard experience directly from Cairns.
The core appeal lies in the fleet's exclusive access and operational efficiency. Scubapro holds permits for 19 exclusive moorings across key Outer Barrier Reef locations, including Norman, Saxon, Hastings, and Breaking Patches Reefs. This system ensures guests dive at protected sites reserved solely for them, away from the crowds of day-trip operators. The Scubapro liveaboard diving schedule typically includes up to 11 dives during the trip, including memorable night dives.
Onboard, the design is pragmatic and diver-focused. The spacious, purpose-built dive deck features individual gear storage, freshwater showers, and a standout wide central staircase for easy water entry and exit, a significant advantage over traditional ladders. The uniform layout across all 3 vessels guarantees a familiar and reliable setup, whether you're on Scubapro 1, 2, or 3. Accommodation is functional, with 16 cabins spread across 3 decks sharing guest bathrooms, reflecting the fleet's position as a value-oriented choice.
A key highlight of diving with Scubapro is the integrated training pathway. They expertly combine their liveaboard trips with PADI certification courses. A popular option is the 5-day 'Learn to Dive' program, where students complete pool and theory sessions in Cairns before heading to the reef to finish their Open Water certification dives onboard. This seamless integration makes the Scubapro liveaboard fleet an ideal choice for newly certified divers looking to immediately apply their skills in a real-world, underwater environment.
Between dives, communal spaces like the air-conditioned saloon (with complimentary Wi-Fi) and expansive sun deck provide areas for relaxation, briefings, and meals. The atmosphere is social and focused on scuba diving, with the vessel hosting a dedicated group of divers for the entire cruise - no day-tripper shuttles to disrupt the adventure! The professional crew, including dedicated dive instructors and marine biologists, enhance the experience with guided orientation and night dives, and informative briefings on the reef's ecology.
Ultimately, the Scubapro liveaboard experience is for divers who prioritise straightforward access to the Outer Reef, a high number of dives, and the reliability of a long-established operator. It delivers a concentrated liveaboard adventure that balances cost-effectiveness with professional operation, serving as an excellent first step into liveaboard diving or a convenient reef fix for time-conscious travellers.
There are 14 twin bunk bed and 2 double bed cabins on each of these liveaboards. They do not have en-suite facilities, but with 8 bathrooms onboard there is 1 for every 4 guests, so this is not really problematic.
The 2 double bed cabins and a twin cabin are located on the main deck, with 3 more twin cabins on the upper deck and have windows that allows natural light in. The remainder are located on the lower deck and feature cabin lighting and reading lights.
All the cabins are air-conditioned, have storage space for your bags and all have a reading light, in case you want to add all the marine creatures you encountered on your daily dives to your dive log.
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: beginner divers, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Cairns Outer Barrier Reef: Pellowe Reef, Flynn Reef, Milln Reef, Moore Reef and Thetford Reef
Day 1
Meet fellow guests and crew at the Pro Dive shop, then board the Scubapro liveaboard vessel for departure. A light breakfast is served onboard, followed by your first dive, where the onboard instructors will evaluate your underwater skills. Lunch awaits you when you are back onboard then a second dive at 2:30 pm immerses you in Cairns’ coral gardens. During the third dive at 4:30 pm, further explore the Cairns Barrier Reef's wonders, enjoying unguided diving freedom with your buddy.
Back on board, and 6 pm is dinner time. Then the adventure continues with a night dive at 7:30 pm, typically at the same site for familiarity. Watch for turtles, crabs, hunting fish, and occasional reef sharks in the beam of your torch.
Day 2
Your day starts bright and early with the first dive. As you descend into the warm waters, get ready to encounter breathtaking sights such as gorgonian sea fans swaying gently in the current, giant clams resting in coral gardens, bumphead parrotfish grazing along the reef, and sweetlips weaving between the bommies.
Throughout the day, you'll explore some of the most iconic dive sites in the outer reefs off Cairns. Each location offers something unique: Pellowe Reef is perfect for experienced divers looking for walls, swim-throughs, and sightings of barracuda and reef sharks. Flynn Reef charms with colourful coral gardens and sheltered dives where turtles and even manta rays sometimes glide by. Milln Reef is a great all-rounder, offering coral bommies and dramatic drop-offs suitable for all levels.
Moore and Thetford Reefs add to the adventure with sandy patches, coral caves, and healthy hard coral systems. Keep an eye out for giant clams, playful anemonefish, fusiliers, and the occasional pelagic visitor. Whether you’re diving or snorkelling, these reefs promise a day filled with incredible marine life and unforgettable underwater moments.
Day 3
Your final day aboard commences with an early morning dive and then a second and concluding dive after breakfast. Freshly made sandwiches await your return then enjoy the last hours on board Scubapro as you head back to the marina. If you haven't made any plan for the evening, you can join your dive buddies and crew at a local restaurant to relive the highlights of your Great Barrier Reef liveaboard diving experience.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
All meals are served in the spacious, air-conditioned lounge, with buffet-style service provided throughout your trip. Dining onboard the Scubapro liveaboard begins on the very first day with breakfast, and all meals are freshly prepared onboard (no outside catering is used). Meal and dive schedules are designed to complement each other, ensuring you have plenty of time to relax and refuel between activities.
A continental breakfast consisting of pastries, toast, cereals, and fresh fruit is usually available while the boat moves to the first site, with a dive at around 7 am. Afterwards, a fully cooked hot breakfast is served between 8:30 and 9 am, featuring bacon, eggs, sausages, hash browns, and fruit. Lunch follows the mid-morning dive at 10:30 am and offers a hot and cold buffet with options such as soup, fresh salads, cold meats, grilled chicken, or pasta. Dinner is generally served at 6 pm, before the night dive scheduled around 7-7:30 pm, and includes a rotating menu of freshly cooked meals with roasted chicken, grilled fish, spaghetti, saffron rice, and vegetables. Dessert is served after dinner each evening, adding a sweet finish to the day.
In addition to the main meals, freshly made sandwiches and snacks are provided between dives, ensuring you stay energised throughout the day. Tea, coffee, Milo, and cold drinking water are always available, while candy bars and soft drinks can be purchased at any time from the lounge. Dining onboard is casual, plentiful, and designed to keep you comfortable and satisfied during your Great Barrier Reef diving adventure.
"They had great, easy to follow dive plans. The food, the staff and the whole experience of being on a liveaboard was excellent and beyond my expectations. I will definitely do again." - Joshua M Sampson, United States, 6 September 2024 ...
"Pro Dive is a nice shop and they run an efficient operation. The staff on the liveaboard was great. Josh was a terrific dive coordinator, Marceo and Rafa and Hiro were super helpful in getting in/out of the water, Arek was a good captain and Bonnie an excellent chef. All gear worked well and I really enjoyed their company on the boat. I would not hesitate to advise someone to use them in the future." - Scott Moye-Rowley, USA, 6 May 2015 ...
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES
Loading...
MORE TRIP DETAILS
Notes: Course and Cruise: 4 night 'course and cruise' packages are also available which include 3 days of liveaboard diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Visit our Blog here: Scubapro Course and Cruise (cash only) for further details and a full list of what the price includes and excludes.
Dive experience: Divers need to be certified, Open Water with 4 logged dives, to join these Scubapro Barrier Reef liveaboard trips. All divers in Queensland must submit a medical questionnaire and seek medical clearance where necessary.
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, transfers to the boat from Cairns city hotels and northern beaches, dives (as detailed in the trips above), guided orientation, scuba and snorkelling equipment, torch, dive computer, dive insurance, tanks, weights, weight belts, sales tax.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Fees and charges (USD66, from 1 Apr 2026: USD69) to be paid in advance, towels (bring your own towel). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks (you must bring your own alcohol), nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers USD93 for all dives. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Scubapro liveaboard cruises depart at 7 am from Trinity Wharf in Cairns. A transfer from your Cairns City hotel to the Pro Dive shop is scheduled for 6 am. For more information on getting to Cairns, including airlines, see our How to get there section.
The last dive of the trip will be at around 11 am and then you will disembark back in Cairns at 4 pm. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.
Non-diver rate: USD556 (from 1 Apr 2026: USD580).
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travellers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of USD556 (from 1 Apr 2026: USD580).
Dive clubs and group discounts: 1 bonafide guide can join the cruise free of charge with every 15 paying guests.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): There is none available for this boat. Please contact us to enquire for a full charter.
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
