Cairns Learn to Dive - Non Liveaboard Budget Course with Sunkist - 4 Day PADI Open Water Learn to Dive Course

The 4 Day Budget Learn to Dive Course offers participants a cost effective way to learn to dive and experience the wonders of Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef. This course includes two days of pool and theory work followed by four training dives completed from both the beautiful Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

Students arrange their own meals and overnight accommodation in Cairns. Lunches are provided on days 3 and 4 on Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef. 

Day 1 - Pool & Theory training
Your morning begins with complimentary transfers from your Cairns city accommodation You will spend the day learning theory & various skills in the pool. At lunch time the doctor will visit the facility for anyone who needs to complete the dive medical if you haven’t already done so. (AS4005-1). This is not included in the course price and medical fees are payable directly to the doctor. After your dive medical its time to return to pool and theory training. Your day should finish around 4.30pm when you will be dropped back to your Cairns city accommodation.

Day 2 - Pool & Theory training
Complimentary transfers from your Cairns city accommodation to the Diver Training Centre. Again, you will spend the day finishing the theory & various skills in the pool. Take a break for lunch at l approximately 11.30am. At 12.30pm training resumes with theory lectures in the classroom. Return to accommodation at approximately 4.30pm. *Please note that on days 1 & 2 meals, accommodation and your dive medical are not included.

Day 3 - Diving on Fitzroy Island 
7:30am Boat briefing and theory exam
9:00am Depart Cairns onboard Reefkist for a fast transfer to Fitzroy Island where you will do your first 2 training dives towards your certification. Lunch is included. Return back into Cairns at approximately 4:30pm.

Day 4 - Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
7:30am Depart Cairns onboard Sunkist for a fast transit to the Great Barrier Reef where you will do your final 2 training dives - 4 dives in total on this course. Lunch is included. Return back into Cairns at approximately 4:30pm.

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• Return coach transfers from Cairns City accommodation on a daily basis
• PADI Open Water Dive Certification
• One snorkel training dive, four open water scuba training dives
• Use of training materials (available in all major languages)
• All instruction with multi lingual Dive Instructors
• Full gear hire
• Air-conditioned classrooms
• 4 metre deep diver pool (gas heated)
• Prescription masks if required
• Complimentary Log Book & Dive Tables
• Lunch provided on Days 3 & 4 on Fitzroy Island and Sunkist

• 2 x passport photos for your PADI ‘C’ card
• Underwater cameras are available onboard for hire
• Dive medical to Australian Standard AS4005-1. AU$60.00 per person (inc GST) only if required

What to bringPool & Theory Sector of Course (on land)

• Swimsuit & Towel
• Money for lunch on days 1 & 2

Fitzroy Island & Great Barrier Reef Sector of Course

• Swimsuit, towel, hat & sunscreen
• Spending money for drinks, snacks & souvenirs available onboard
• Camera 

Course Requirements

• The ability to swim 200 metres
• The minimum age is 12 years (subject to a medical assessment). Children under the age of 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• An Australian Standard AS4005-1 may be required if Course Instructors deem you to be in a 'risk category. Australian medical standards are different to those overseas. A medical obtained overseas will not be accepted in Australia. Some medical conditions may preclude you from diving. Asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, high or low blood pressure and pregnancy are the most common ones encountered. Your dive instructor will advise you on your first day whether a Dive Medical is required. A Dive Medical will cost AU$99.00 should you require one.

Please note there are regulations about flying or going to altitude after diving

• Currently the rules state that for a single no decompression dive, you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 12 hours.
• For multiple dives you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 18 hours
• We recommend waiting a minimum 24 hours whenever possible. These are guidelines only; there is no guarantee that these recommendations will prevent decompression sickness. Currently there are no guidelines regarding diving after flying.
• Altitude is 300m/1000ft above sea level.
• This includes elevated areas such as the Atherton Tablelands, so be careful when you are booking tours to follow your dive course/trip.

General Notes

• Pick up and drop off from Cairns City based accommodation is included. Transfers from Cairns Northern Beaches are not available and guests are required to make their own way from Cairns Northern Beaches to Cairns Dive Centre’s offices on Abbott Street in Cairns for check-in.
• Please note: the above itinerary is a guide only, and the order of diving and sites visited may change. The captain will always adapt the itinerary to suit weather and tidal conditions.
• Cairns Dive Centre Recommends you carry travel insurance as they do not refund or change trips within 48 hours of travel date.