Suggestions for diving day trips from Cairns (Great Barrier Reef)

[picklefish]

I will be in Cairns, Australia, for a few days in October and would love to spend two days scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef. I have contacted Cairns Dive Adventures, and the salesperson has been forthcoming with recommendations for live aboard and day trips. However, I would love to poll this diving community for an independent opinion.

I am a vacation diver with 50+ dives, PADI Advanced Open Water certified, and looking for a few easy dives. I am not interested in a live aboard trip. I am traveling alone and would feel most comfortable with a dive guide/DM.

Can you recommend dive operators that offer day trips from Cairns? I was told about TUSA Dive and Silversonic Dive from Port Douglas (a 1-hour drive away). Would you recommend them and the spots they visit?

Thank you for any leads.

 

[beachfan]

I am also interested in recommendations - we were there 30 years ago, before we started diving (it's what got us to pursue it). I don't dive any longer, but my wife is still keen. (I just don't like getting up that early, but might take a plunge again).

Any suggestions for boats that combine scuba and snorkeling? And a recommendation for pure scuba (not overnight). She is intermediate PADI with 170 dives (me as well, although I haven't dove in 5 years).

Also, I've heard of many bleaching events since we were there last. How's the reef health outside Cairns?

 

[bcaderunr]

I am also interested in recommendations - we were there 30 years ago, before we started diving (it's what got us to pursue it). I don't dive any longer, but my wife is still keen. (I just don't like getting up that early, but might take a plunge again).

Any suggestions for boats that combine scuba and snorkeling? And a recommendation for pure scuba (not overnight). She is intermediate PADI with 170 dives (me as well, although I haven't dove in 5 years).

Also, I've heard of many bleaching events since we were there last. How's the reef health outside Cairns?

Last December my son and I did a day trip with these folks -- who are south of Cairns. The boat accommodates divers and snorkelers on the same trip with a nice meal in-between dives/snorks(?) Reefs (all shallow and surrounded by sand) were okay. About as good as anything you'll see on a day trip. Well run operation. I 'd use them again if I were back in that area.

Mission Beach Dive

 

[beachfan]

Thanks!

Mission beach is a bit too far from Cairns for us, but they look hood.

Ideally, looking for a super fast boat that goes both snorkel and dive. Last time (before we learned to dive), we took a high speed catamaran out one day, and a flow bost the other. We don’t have sting sea dtonachs do speed helps (as does Bonine).