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Cairns plays host to some of
the best snorkelling and SCUBA
Diving locations to be found anywhere in the world. From the
novice to the veteran the experience is unforgettable, due mainly
to the excellent diving conditions of clear, warm water, abundant
marine life and the diversity and colour of the coral.
All
boats that visit the Great Barrier Reef
offer snorkelling either as an optional extra or as an inclusion
in the fare. If you have never snorkelled before it is very easy.
Dive team members will show you how to fit your face mask, snorkel
and fins. Good operators have stable dive platforms to make getting
in and out of the water very easy. All you need to do is float on
the surface and the fish will come to you. If you are not a confident
swimmer stay close to the boat or ask for a flotation jacket to
help keep you afloat.
Within
a few minutes you will have the hang of snorkelling. Even if you
don't think you will want to go snorkelling take your swimwear with
you because when you get out to the reef and see the calm, blue
water you may find it too tempting to resist.
Sunburn
is a real problem in the tropics and when you go snorkelling you
need to remember to put sunscreen on places that you don't normally
- behind the knees, the back of the neck and shoulders. You will
need to reapply sunscreen every hour or so when you are snorkelling.
Even if it is cool or overcast you will burn, so if you have fair
skin try wearing a t-shirt or wetsuit whilst in the water.
Don't
be concerned about the Australian reputation for sharks and large
groupers dragging divers away. Hundreds of thousands of people go
swimming, surfing and diving around the Australian Coast every day.
Attacks of this nature are very rare and statistically extremely
unlikely. You have a far greater risk of being struck by lightening
or hit by space junk than you have of getting attacked by a shark.
There
are three main SCUBA Diving
activities available in Cairns;
1. Introductory Dive Courses
 These
are for people who have never dived before. No experience is necessary.
Introductory dive Courses are conducted on day trips to the Great
Barrier Reef. A simple introductory theory lesson is given by
a qualified diving Instructor followed by a 30-40 minute shallow
dive, always in small groups and always under supervision. Introductory
dives are a lot of fun, they are safe and they are an excellent
way to decide if you would like to pursue diving as a sport. A certificate
is issued at the end of the dive.
2.
Open Water Dive Courses
An Open Water SCUBA Course
provides the diver with a license to dive anywhere around the World.
Open Water Courses are normally conducted over 4-5 days, normally
on live-aboard specialist vessels. The course consists of theory,
pool work and ocean diving.
3.
Certified Diving
For those who are already licensed to dive, North Queensland has
many specialist dive companies that cater for the experienced diver.
Once again there is a choice of a one day cruise or extended live-aboard
vessels. There are a number of excellent operators that offer dive
trips comparative to experience levels. Advanced courses and specialty
dive courses are also offered on most vessels. Night diving is exceptional
on the Great Barrier Reef - if the opportunity
arises take it!
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