Cairns (locals) dive scene

[JasmineNeedsGills]

I'm moving up, permanently, from Sydney to Cairns in a few weeks. Obviously there's no end of tourist charters and stuff but wondered what the dive scene for locals is like? Are there are non-shop/non-commercial dive clubs around, especially anyone doing any citizen science / marine survey / conservation and clean up type diving out of Cairns or PD?

 

[MB NZ]

Lucky you!

 

[Ranga]

The local dive club is called Nautilus Scuba. A quick google should turn up the website. There's also a Facebook page.

Due to the distance out to the reef, most diving is with commercial operators (unless you own your own boat or have a friend who does), but the club has special discounts with some.

In addition, the club runs a monthly day trip with one of the local operators, a monthly barbeque and overseas trips.

Regarding citizen science etc, these are really sought after and will require divemaster at minimum. You need to know the right people (which I don't).

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Yep as Ranga said Nautilus is the local club but also all operators offer locals discounts which can be up to 20% off. Sometimes more if prepared to go standby and be flexible with dates.