Silverswift Cairns Dive Trip Review on the Great Barrier Reef

Welcome to our Silverswift Cairns Dive Trip Review on the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re looking for a full day of diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Silverswift is one of the best boats to do it with. Operated by Quicksilver, this high-speed catamaran is designed specifically for divers and snorkelers who want to maximise their time exploring Cairns’ outer reef.

I joined Silverswift for their 3 x Certified Dive package in late July and came away impressed—not just by the diving, but also by the professionalism of the crew, the comfort of the vessel, and the stunning variety of marine life we encountered.

Smooth Check-In & Departure

The day began at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns with a very smooth check-in. Everything was clearly organised, and staff directed snorkelers and divers into separate groups to complete paperwork and attend their safety briefings. This meant no confusion, and everyone knew what to expect for the day ahead.

On board, guests were welcomed with tea, coffee, and fresh muffins while the crew gave an overview of the boat. I appreciated that they allowed us time to settle in before heading into the detailed dive and snorkel briefings.

Scenic Journey & Whale Watching Surprise

The journey out to the reef took about 90 minutes, but the ride was comfortable and passed quickly. Silverswift is one of the faster day boats, which is a big plus if you want to spend less time commuting and more time diving.

Halfway out, we had an incredible bonus—a pod of humpback whales appeared alongside the boat! For about ten minutes, we watched in awe as they breached and tail-slapped, a magical reminder that the Great Barrier Reef is about more than just the coral—it’s a whole ecosystem of life.

Dive One: Gordon’s (Flynn Reef)

Our first dive was at Gordon’s, a site known for its variety of coral gardens and resident marine life. Visibility was excellent, around 20 metres, and within minutes we spotted a green turtle, several giant clams, and plenty of smaller reef fish like clownfish and titan triggerfish.

The coral formations here were vibrant, with plate corals and bommies teeming with life. It was the perfect warm-up dive and gave us a taste of what was still to come.

Dive Two: Ski Slopes – A Highlight!

Our second site, Ski Slopes, turned out to be my favourite dive of the day. With crystal-clear visibility of 30 metres, it offered a mix of steep walls, sandy patches, and bommies.

Here, we encountered blacktip and whitetip reef sharks cruising effortlessly along the reef edge, plus schools of fusiliers darting in every direction. The reef structure itself was dramatic, with ledges and coral outcrops creating plenty of places for marine life to hide.

This dive was action-packed and showcased the Great Barrier Reef’s incredible diversity. I could have easily spent the entire day just exploring Ski Slopes.

Lunch on Board

After the second dive, we dried off and tucked into a hot and cold buffet lunch. There was a surprisingly wide variety—pulled pork, chicken drumsticks, vegetable curry, rice, salads, and fresh fruit. Everything was tasty and plentiful, with enough to satisfy hungry divers.

The galley crew kept things moving efficiently, making sure everyone had time to enjoy their meal before the afternoon dive.

Dive Three: Tracey’s Bommie

Our final dive of the day was at Tracey’s Bommie, a towering coral pinnacle that rose dramatically from the sandy seafloor. This site was a real treat. Despite slightly lower visibility (around 12 metres), the marine life more than made up for it.

The highlights here were a large school of barracuda, several blue-spotted stingrays, and of course the bommie itself—covered in soft and hard corals. This site had a more intimate feel compared to the wide-open expanses of Ski Slopes, and it was a beautiful way to end the day.

Onboard Experience

Silverswift provides all dive equipment, including 5mm wetsuits and stinger suits. Between dives, guests could use the cold-water fountain or enjoy the luxury of a hot shower on deck—a small but much-appreciated detail after spending hours in the water.

Dive groups were kept to a manageable size of 5–6 divers per guide, which made for a safe and organised experience.

If there was one downside, it was that the day felt quite fast-paced. Each dive was kept to around 40 minutes, and the turnaround between dives, lunch, and briefings was tight. However, this also meant we got the maximum out of the day, with three dives across three different sites—a rare offering for a Cairns day boat.

Dive Guides

I noticed some variation in guide style. One of my guides kept a very quick pace, which left less time to stop and observe the small critters. On the other hand, Michael, one of the other dive instructors, was outstanding—knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and happy to talk about coral health and marine life.

Overall, the crew were professional, safety-conscious, and efficient.

Final Thoughts

Silverswift is ideal for certified divers who want to pack a lot into one day. It’s one of the few Cairns day boats that offers three certified dives at three separate sites, making it fantastic value for divers short on time.

The vessel is modern, spacious, and fast, which means more reef time and less travel. Add in the chance encounters with whales, the variety of reef locations, and the professionalism of the crew, and it’s clear why Silverswift has such a strong reputation.

Would I dive with Silverswift again? Absolutely. It’s a brilliant way to experience the Great Barrier Reef in a single action-packed day.

Frequently Asked Questions – Silverswift Cairns Dive Trip Review

1. How many dives can I do on Silverswift?
Certified divers can complete up to three dives in one day at three different outer reef sites. Introductory divers and snorkelers are also welcome, with guided options available.

2. What reef sites does Silverswift visit?
Silverswift has access to 16 exclusive moorings across Flynn, Pellowe, Milln, and Thetford Reefs. The exact sites vary each day depending on conditions.

3. Is Silverswift suitable for snorkelers too?
Yes. While Silverswift is known as a diver-focused boat, it’s also popular with snorkelers. The vessel provides guided snorkel tours, flotation devices, and easy access from the rear dive platform.

4. What’s included in the trip?
The trip includes all dive and snorkel equipment, a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, hot freshwater showers, and a high-speed return transfer to the reef. Certified divers can also book with or without a guide.

Recommended For: Certified divers wanting to maximise their reef time in just one day.
Not Ideal For: Those wanting a slower, more leisurely schedule.