Thanks to Chinese New Year, February 2013 is tipped to be a particularly busy month in Cairns and with a number of Great Barrier Reef boats out of the water getting refurbished, we recommend booking early to secure your seat!

Cairns will have an influx of international visitors during Chinese New Year, meaning higher than usual levels of demand for reef tours. To accommodate increased visitors, some day tour boats are amending their operating times during this period, meantime places are limited on the liveaboard boats. Read on for more information.

Cairns Reef Day Tours

Deep Sea Divers Den will not be operating day tours for most of February, which will increase demand on the other day tour boats. Meantime, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises are amending their standard operating times during this period, to meet itinerary demands. As such, please note that bookings on Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises day tours, to and from Green Island, between 7 – 18 February 2013, are by request only. All of the pontoons will be busy during this time, particularly Reef Magic Cruises, who cap their daily passenger numbers to 190 to ensure maximum passenger comfort and experience.

Cairns Reef Liveaboard Tours

Cairns Dive Centre is the only company offering 2 day / 1 night liveaboard trips from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef during February 2013. As such, demand will be high for places aboard Kangaroo Explorer during this time: contact Cairns Dive Adventures for more information. Deep Sea Divers Den have limited departure dates for their 3 day / 2 night trips during February 2013 and are offering a free nitrox course on all of these trips. Pro Dive Cairns are operating as per usual during this time.

Cairns Ribbon Reef / Coral Sea Liveaboard Tours

Mike Ball’s Spoilsport is out of the water in February 2013, undergoing a refurbishment. This means Spirit of Freedom is the only Cairns liveaboard boat providing dive trips to the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and Coral Sea (Osprey Reef) during this time. Places are limited so it’s best to book early if you want to ensure your berth at sea.

February conditions on the Great Barrier Reef

February is the last month of our Australian summer and traditionally, a very wet month in Cairns. The rain is no problem for the reef boats and let’s face it, you get wet on the Great Barrier Reef anyway, so this should not impact on your day or experience. The weather is warm and humid and the average February water temperature on the Great Barrier Reef is 28 degrees. Lycra suits are highly recommended for all in-water activities (swimming, snorkelling and diving) offering protection from the sun and any jellyfish that may be in the water. Lycra suits are available in a range of sizes on all Cairns reef boats. This is a wonderful month to visit the Great Barrier Reef with lots to see.

February Free Camera Hire

Cairns Dive Adventures is pleased to offer free underwater camera hire to all customers who book a liveaboard trip from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, during the month of February! Camera training is provided and this is a great way to capture some memorable moments from your trip to this natural wonder of the world.