Cairns vs. Port Douglas

[BOILERMAN]

My wife and I will be traveling to Australia in September. We are certified divers but we only have time for a day trip to GBR (Please, no advice about live aboards as we do not have time for it).

A friend of ours who lives in Sydney told my wife to go with Quick Silver out of Port Douglas as they would take us to better parts of the reef. Is this true? We are staying in the Shangri-La by the docks in Cairns so an operator out of there, like Tusa or Reef Quest would be ideal.

Do all operators go to the same sites or do some visit better ones than others? Suggestions?

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Port Douglas is around an hours drive north of Cairns (70km), so if you are staying at the Shangri La you are right next to the Marina. No point going to Port. There are not many to choose from in Port, but Quicksilver is a large day boat going to a pontoon. Better off looking at Haba or Posiedon (see our link below)

Here is a link to the day boats out for both Cairns and also Port

Cairns Day Diving Trips to the Great Barrier Reef

From Cairns there are a lot more to choose from. Reef Quest is a little cheaper because it doubles up as a transfer vessel to the over night boat, but still visits great sites. But there is usually a lot more people on board (students etc) – up to 80. But they also have a special on where you get one dive with full gear and the trip for AUD$140 including the $15 Reef tax.

Cairns Day Dive Trips Aboard Reef Quest To The Great Barrier Reef

Tusa is a better pick because it takes fewer numbers (up to 40) and has excellent staff, as well as visiting a variety of Reef areas. Also they have a great deal on at the moment where you get 3 dives for the price of 2

Cairns Day Dive Trips With Tusa To The Great Barrier Reef

Both Reef Quest are great. Pick dive trips going to the Outer Reef areas and that are fast e.g. 1-1.5hours travel. If you pick the smaller boats or sail boats, you get a good trip but can’t get far enough out to the good dive reef areas.

My personal preference would be Tusa, Reef Quest, then Silverswift out of Cairns and if determined to go to Port then Poseidon.


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Cairns Discount Dive And Snorkel Trips. Live Aboard And Day Trips To The Great Barrier Reef

 

[bracko]

I've just returned from a week up in cairns with a liveaboard and a few day dives.

I returned to Tusa after diving with them in March... they are the only day crew I've been with and I'm happy with them... nice boat, good equipment (although i had my own this time), great (and quite cute on the female front ) energetic staff...

there are cheaper operators out there (Cairns Dive Centre being one) and from actual diver's reports there's nothing wrong with them either. but for the extra $40 per day i just want everything to work, staff to be friendly and not get food poisioning.

unless you're staying in Port, i wouldn't consider driving up just to dive. if the vis is bad off Cairns, it'll be the same off Port I guess....

enjoy

 

[aquaregia]

I went snorkeling on the outer reef with Quicksilver many (>10) years ago. It was great for snorkeling, but I don't remember seeing too many divers. I wasn't certified at the time and didn't take too much notice though.

 

[BOILERMAN]

Thanks to everyone who replied. You all backed up what I suspected. I'm going to give Tusa a shot. Sounds like a pretty good operation. I appriciate the replys.

Take care all!

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Im a little late to the party I know but mate I think your on a winner and yes im bias as I love the quickies if you go with them. There is one that goes from Port and one from Cairns. The Port one will pick you up in the morning and take you home in the afternoon. You can do up to three dives. Same with the one that departs from Cairns. Myself I like the Port reefs a little beter but thats just me. Yes its a long day but Ive never had problems and always enjoyed myself on them.
Nice hotel too.