Product Name:
Divers Den: Aqua Quest
FROM: $275.00
Departing daily from Cairns, AquaQuest takes you on an exhilarating outer reef adventure with two exclusive dive and snorkel locations in one day. Visiting the spectacular sites of Norman, Saxon, or Hastings Reefs, this is a purpose-built, modern dive vessel offering serious comfort, space, and speed. Certified divers are free to dive in their own buddy pairs, making it an ideal option for experienced divers who want flexibility and time to explore. A superb choice for those who value quality reef time and a premium vessel experience.
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$275.00
All Prices in Australian Dollars.
Camera Special
*FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE
Book your reef trip with us, you must spend over $550.00 AUD to receive our 1 x Free Cairns Underwater Camera Hire. Only when you book online thru our website. You must come into our Cairns Esplanade Shop to pick up the camera the day before departure day before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Card. Reserve your camera today!
*Not valid for any tours visiting the islands. Fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
Please Remember there is no other way to collect our cameras! All passengers must come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm.
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Product Name:
Divers Den: Aqua Quest
Tour Type: Full Day | Operates: Daily | Departs: 8.30am | Returns: 4.30pm | Transfers: No
HIGHLIGHTS:
Departing daily from Cairns, AquaQuest takes you on an exhilarating outer reef adventure with two exclusive dive and snorkel locations in one day. Visiting the spectacular sites of Norman, Saxon, or Hastings Reefs, this is a purpose-built, modern dive vessel offering serious comfort, space, and speed. Certified divers are free to dive in their own buddy pairs, making it an ideal option for experienced divers who want flexibility and time to explore. A superb choice for those who value quality reef time and a premium vessel experience.
| AVAILABLE ON THIS TOUR: | |
|---|---|
| Scuba Diving: Yes, See Price List | All Snorkeling Gear: Yes, All Snorkel Gear is Included |
| Lunch: Yes, Packed Lunch + Morning/Afternoon Tea | Unguided Diving: Yes for Certified Divers |
| Dive Guides Available: Yes, $20 per person per dive | Semi-Submarine Tours: No |
| Helmet Diving: No | Outer Reef: Yes, 2-Sites Norman, Saxon Reefs. |
AquaQuest is the newest addition to the Divers Den fleet of Great Barrier Reef boats and one of the latest offerings in Cairns’ impressive fleet of luxury day tour options. AquaQuest has been purpose-built to provide snorkelers and divers with a fantastic day exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
The focus is on comfort and experience. This boat is newly built and only started operating in December 2019. Licensed to carry 125 passengers, Divers Den will limit day tour numbers to just 80 guests, ensuring there is plenty of space to relax across the two levels of air-conditioned interior and three exterior sun decks. AquaQuest is 24m long with a 9m beam and is identifiable in Cairns’ Marlin Marina thanks to her impressive octopus inspired decal.
This tour caters to snorkelers and divers of all experience levels, including those that have never dived before but want to give it a go (introductory divers). You will enjoy up to five (5) hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, which means plenty of time for in-water activities and the chance to take up to three (3) dives.
Where do you go? Divers Den are licensed to visit 17 moorings on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Your destinations will be chosen to maximize the experience on the day, pending weather and conditions.
What’s included in the tour price? Free guided snorkel tour, free use of snorkel equipment (dive equipment is included in the dive price) and lycra (stinger) or wet suits, morning tea and a tropical buffet lunch. Travel time to and from the reef is approximately 90 minutes.
All prices in Australian Dollars:
| CHOOSE OPTION | PRICE | DIVES |
|---|---|---|
SNORKELING: | ||
| Adult (Snorkel) | $275.00 | |
| Child (Snorkel) | $195.00 | |
| Family (Snorkel) | $745.00 | |
CERTIFIED DIVING (No dive guide) | ||
| Adult (2-Certified Dives) | $360.00 | 2 dives |
| Adult (3-Certified Dives) | $390.00 | 3 dives |
CERTIFIED DIVING with dive GUIDE | ||
| Adult (2-Certified Dives) | $400.00 | 2 dives |
| Adult (3-Certified Dives) | $450.00 | 3 dives |
INTRODUCTORY DIVING | ||
| Adult (1-Introductory Dive) | $360.00 | 1 dive |
| Adult (2-Introductory Dive) | $410.00 | 2 dives |
| Adult (3-Introductory Dive) | $460.00 | 3 dives |
1 x FREE Underwater Camera Hire!
Enjoy 1 x FREE Underwater Camera Hire: Only when you book your reef tour with us and spend over $550. Conditions Apply!
Itinerary:
AquaQuest Dive & Snorkel Adventure
Hand-picked by Cairns Dive Adventures | Full Day Tour | Departs Cairns Daily
If you’re looking for a premium Great Barrier Reef experience with a strong focus on scuba diving, AquaQuest is one of the best choices in Cairns. This modern, purpose-built vessel offers access to a range of outer reef sites, excellent onboard facilities, and friendly, knowledgeable dive crew who are passionate about the reef. Whether you’re a certified diver, first-time explorer, or dedicated snorkeller – this trip delivers a relaxed, fun, and highly professional day on the water.
Itinerary Overview:
8:00am – Check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina
Head down to B Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina for check-in. You’ll be welcomed onboard by the crew and introduced to the day’s schedule. Tea, coffee and cold water are available as you settle in and the vessel prepares for departure.
8:30am – Depart Cairns
Cruising out of the marina, AquaQuest makes its way to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The journey takes around 90 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy a reef briefing, dive/snorkel orientation, and have time to gear up. Certified divers can meet the dive team and plan their day. Introductory divers will be taken through a comprehensive safety briefing and training session.
10:00am – First Reef Site
Arriving at the first of two outer reef locations – typically at Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reef – it’s time to dive in. Certified divers begin their first dive, introductory divers are guided step-by-step into the water with an instructor, and snorkellers have the freedom to explore vibrant coral gardens at their own pace. A guided snorkel tour is available for those who want insight into what they’re seeing beneath the surface.
12:15pm – Tropical Buffet Lunch
While the boat repositions to the second reef site, enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch served onboard. A range of cold dishes are available, including vegetarian options. Water, tea and coffee remain available throughout the day.
1:00pm – Second Reef Site
Back in the water for more reef time! Divers can enjoy a second certified or intro dive, and snorkellers continue to explore or relax on the spacious sun decks. The reef locations are carefully selected on the day based on visibility, conditions and marine life activity to ensure the best experience possible.
3:00pm – Depart the Reef
After 5 hours at the reef, it’s time to begin the journey home. Relax in the air-conditioned saloon or on the open deck as the crew pack down and log dives. It’s a great time to share photos, chat with fellow travellers, and reflect on your underwater adventure.
4:30pm – Return to Cairns
Arrive back at the marina by mid-afternoon feeling refreshed, inspired and full of new memories from the Great Barrier Reef.
What’s Included
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Return cruise from Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef (approx. 90 mins each way)
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Up to 4.5/5 hours of reef time across two reef sites
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Optional Extra: Certified diving: Up to 3 dives available, see booking form. (Remember all certified dives are unguided, this gives you the freedom to buddy up and explore the reef in your own buddy pair. Please note you can get a dive guide if you wish for $20 per dive per person. Just talk to the crew on the boat to arrange this).
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Optional Extra: Introductory diving: No experience necessary – includes full tuition & instructor-guided dive, see booking form.
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Snorkelling: Equipment is provided, plus the trip includes the optional guided snorkel tour! Great for families or those that really want to experience the reef with a professional snorkel guide.
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Full use of snorkel gear, and stinger suits.
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Delicious buffet lunch, including vegetarian options, morning and afternoon tea.
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Onboard freshwater showers, toilets, shaded decks and air conditioned indoor seating
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Reef interpretation and safety briefings
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Environmental management charge (EMC) and fuel levies included
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Friendly, qualified dive crew who love what they do!
Why We Recommend This Tour
We only recommend trips we’ve personally experienced and believe offer outstanding value, service and reef access. AquaQuest ticks all the boxes – it’s a clean, modern vessel with a great layout, excellent crew and consistently strong feedback from guests. It’s also one of the few Cairns-based boats that focuses on diving without compromising the snorkelling experience.
Diving:
Divers Den have been running diving tours to the Great Barrier Reef since 1974. This company knows the reef and how to please divers. Its latest day tour boat, AquaQuest, provides certified divers the chance to take up to three (3) dives and visits two (2) Outer Great Barrier Reef locations, each and every day. There is also the opportunity for people to try diving for the first time (no experience necessary) by booking an introductory dive.
Please note all diving is subject to the successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Some conditions will preclude you from diving, including asthma and pregnancy. Please contact us with any queries.
INTRODUCTORY DIVES: Great opportunity to try diving for the first time and make the most of your Great Barrier Reef experience. No previous diving experience is necessary: all equipment, underwater communication and diving tips / training will be provided to you in a comprehensive briefing on the way to the reef. All introductory dives are guided by dive professionals. You will go to a maximum depth of 12m and an intro dive will last no more than 30 minutes. The minimum age for participation is 12.
CERTIFIED DIVING: Certified divers can choose between 1, 2 or 3 dives during the AquaQuest day tour. Although please note that the price to do one or two dives is exactly the same (so you may as well do two). All of the dive sites are located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, approximately 70km from shore. As this boat is the newest one in Cairns’ reef day tour fleet (launched December 2015) and was purpose-built to provide snorkel and dive day tours, you can expect a large dive deck, fully equipped with the latest dive gear and equipment. Certified diving aboard ReefQuest is unguided, but you can pay for a dive guide at $20 per person, per dive: this is in addition to the certified dive price featured on the site. You will be required to show your Divers License and complete Dive Medical paperwork on board, prior to diving.
Snorkeling:
AquaQuest visits the Outer Great Barrier Reef, which is located approximately 70km offshore from Cairns and is an open water location. The waters are generally protected by the reef, but it is open water swimming. For your comfort and convenience, snorkelers are provided with a wetsuit or lycra suit (included in the price), all snorkel equipment and complimentary use of buoyancy devices (if required).
Briefings about the reef (and snorkelling) are provided on the journey, from Cairns to the reef and a guided snorkel tour is included in your day trip price. AquaQuest visits two (2) separate reef sites during the day, so there is lots to see and do.
Customer Reviews:
CUSTOMER TOUR REVIEWS & FEEDBACK
Customer reviews are written by our customers using our 1 x FREE Digital Underwater Camera Hire Service. Remember to collect our camera you do need to come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm to pick up the camera. You also need to supply your own SD camera card.
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Full Reviews:
CAIRNS DIVE ADVENTURES TRIP REVIEWS:
Here you will find our dive trip reviews. Our staff have completed over 700 dives on the Great Barrier Reef. We love our scuba diving and we love to write reviews on what you can expect to see and do on a dive trip. See our full range of Cairns Dive Adventures trip reviews.
Aqua Quest Cairns Review Diving and Snorkeling Trips
By Clint |
Diving with Aqua Quest Dive & Snorkel was just Fantastic to say the least! With permits on Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reef Systems. See our photos to give you an idea what this day is all about!
Deep Sea Divers Den – Aqua Quest Review
By Richard |
Aqua Quest is the newest addition to the Deep Sea Divers Den fleet, commencing Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour operations in December 2015. This brand new boat is fully equipped with the latest dive and snorkel equipment and provides guests with up to five (5) hours at the reef and the chance to do...
All prices in Australian Dollars.
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Remember to try any form of scuba diving everyone needs to be medically fit with no asthma and not be taking any prescription medication. PADI recommends allowing up to 24 hours after diving before flying in an airplane. Some tour operators have a no refund policy for any dives not completed for whatever reason. Please note the art of freediving is not permitted on any of the day boats or liveaboard dive boats from Cairns & Port Douglas. With the high instances of (shallow water blackout) companies do not allow this for safety reasons. It is highly recommended that passengers take out full comprehensive travel insurance for all tours and travel arrangements.
Do you have Medical Issues:
Please note if you have any medical issues you will need to go see your local GP where you live and get them to write you a letter on the practice letterhead signed and dated by your doctor that you are “Fit to dive” If you have one of these letters then all dive companies in Cairns will take you diving. Please note these letters are only valid for three months from their date of issue.
Please Note: To try any form of Scuba Diving you must be medically fit with no asthma and not be taking any prescription medication. Also, PADI recommends you must allow 24 hours after diving before flying in an airplane.
Inclusions: Tea, coffee and water, morning tea and tropical buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, free guided snorkel tour, wetsuits and lycra suits.
Please Note: Child Age is classed as 4-14 years old. A family is classed as (2 x Adults + 2 x Children)
Please Note: Certified Scuba Divers – All dives are unguided, if you would like a dive guide they do charge $20 per person per dive.
Satellite view of the tour location:
Special
FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE*
Spend over $550.00 AUD on your Great Barrier Reef tour with us and receive the latest Digital Underwater Camera Hire. Take amazing High-Resolution images and 1080 HD Video. Only when you book online thru our website.
Not available for any tours to the Islands as fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
You need to come into our shop located on the Cairns Esplanade the day before departure to pick up the camera before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Camera Card and drop the camera off back at our shop before 5:30pm.
Please Remember there is no other way to collect our cameras! All passengers must come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm.