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Reef Encounter - Learn to Dive - SSI Course - Liveaboard Inclusion
Destination: Great Barrier Reef
Duration: 3 or 4 Day SSI Open Water Dive Course
Departs: Cairns Daily
Returns: Cairns Daily
Duration: 3 or 4 Day SSI Open Water Dive Course
Departs: Cairns Daily
Returns: Cairns Daily
The Course
The Open Water Course is the first recognised step in scuba diving training, where you will learn the fundamentals to become a confident and capable scuba diver. Upon successful completion of this course you will become a qualified Certified Diver, and receive an Open Water Dive Licence which is a lifelong, internationally recognised scuba diver rating that can be used wherever you wish to scuba dive across the globe!
Group numbers are kept small and all training is done onboard Reef Encounter. The end result is qualified divers with more confidence, comfort and experience, than courses where time is spent in a swimming pool. Plus, there is more time to witness the wonderful wildlife when all of your training is conducted in the ocean!
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world & Reef Encounter offers an outstanding opportunity to spend one or many nights on the Great Barrier Reef. There simply is no better way to see the Great Barrier Reef than on-board Reef Encounter.
Reef Encounter is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for the utmost stability & comfort at sea. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout & features spacious decks as well as roomy dining & recreation areas to dine and relax in.
The large easy access water platform allows hassle free scuba diving and snorkelling. The vessel also features comfortable and spacious Staterooms that offer Double or Twin beds, all with private ensuite bathrooms.
All of these features, combined with friendly and experienced dive crew makes Reef Encounter the ultimate Scuba Diving and Snorkelling adventure vessel. There is even an on-board spa!
Packages all include chef prepared gourmet meals, on-board accommodation in Double or Twin Stateroom accommodation, linen, towels and hot fresh water showers.
Depending on how long you stay aboard Reef Encounter, your time will be spent scuba diving or snorkelling at the many different reefs and locations on the Great Barrier Reef that the vessel travels to and from.
Reef Encounter offers daily departures to the Great Barrier Reef on-board the fast, stable catamaran, The Reef Experience. Boarding is easy, return coach transfers are available from Cairns City, Palm Cove and Cairns Northern Beaches based accommodation. There is even the option to take deluxe Helicopter transfers from the mainland to the vessel!
Course Inclusions
- SSI Open water certification
- 3 Days & 2 Nights or 4 Days & 3 Nights accommodation on-board Reef Encounter vessel
- 8 Training Dives (3 Day Course) or 8 Training Dives with up to 4 additional Dives including *1 Night Dive (4 Day Course)
- Stateroom or Top Deck accommodation (all cabins have private ensuite bathrooms)
- Full gear hire including Dive Computer
- All meals while onboard
Please Note: Night Dives are weather permitting
Rates – Double or Twin Stateroom Accommodation - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- 3 Day, 2 Night Learn to Dive (Includes minimum of 8 Training Dives) AU$1195.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount (minimum 2 persons)
- 4 Day, 3 Night Learn to Dive (Includes minimum of 8 Training Dives) AU$1475.00 per person incuding AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount (minimum 2 persons)
Please Note: For the Period from the 28th of March 2024 to the 02nd of April 2024 and the Period from the 23rd of December 2024 to the 01st of January 2025 the Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.
Important Booking Notes: On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate your preferred Cabin Type e.g.
- Double / Twin Stateroom (double or twin share, upper decks with ensuite)
- Top Deck Deluxe Double / Twin Stateroom (top deck, double or twin share, ensuite bathroom and private Reef Guide / Dive Instructor)
As well as any other important information e.g. Dietary Requirements etc. to ensure that you are well catered for whilst on-board.
Rates – Double or Twin Stateroom Accommodation Sole Occupancy - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- 3 Day, 2 Night Learn to Dive Sole Occupancy (Includes minimum of 8 Training Dives) AU$2020.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount
- 4 Day, 3 Night Learn to Dive Sole Occupancy (Includes up to 8 Training Dives + 4 Certified Dives) AU$2540.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount
Please Note: For the Period from the 28th of March 2024 to the 02nd of April 2024 and the Period from the 23rd of December 2024 to the 01st of January 2025 the Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.
Important Booking Notes: On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate your preferred Cabin Type e.g.
- Multishare Cabin (triple share, lower decks with ensuite)
- Double / Twin Stateroom (double or twin share, upper decks with ensuite)
- Top Deck Deluxe Double / Twin Stateroom (top deck, double or twin share, ensuite bathroom and private Reef Guide / Dive Instructor)
As well as any other important information e.g. Dietary Requirements etc. to ensure that you are well catered for whilst on-board.
Rates – Top Deck Deluxe Stateroom Accommodation - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025Experience the best with luxurious live aboard accommodation and fantastic service on the Great Barrier Reef. Make your holiday the best it can be.
- 3 Day, 2 Night Learn to Dive (Includes minimum of 8 Training Dives) AU$1750.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount (minimum 2 persons)
- 4 Day, 3 Night Learn to Dive (Includes up to 8 Training Dives + 4 Certified Dives) AU$2250.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount (minimum 2 persons)
Please Note: For the Period from the 28th of March 2024 to the 02nd of April 2024 and the Period from the 23rd of December 2024 to the 01st of January 2025 the Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.
Important Booking Notes: On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate your preferred Cabin Type e.g.
- Double / Twin Stateroom (double or twin share, upper decks with ensuite)
- Top Deck Deluxe Double / Twin Stateroom (top deck, double or twin share, ensuite bathroom and private Reef Guide / Dive Instructor)
As well as any other important information e.g. Dietary Requirements etc. to ensure that you are well catered for whilst on-board.
Rates – Top Deck Accommodation Sole Occupancy - Valid 01 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
- 3 Day, 2 Night Learn to Dive Sole Occupancy (Includes minimum of 8 Training Dives) AU$2690.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount
- 4 Day, 3 Night Learn to Dive Sole Occupancy (Includes up to 8 Training Dives + 4 Certified Dives) AU$3610.00 per person including AU$45.00 per person Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy Amount
Please Note: For the Period from the 28th of March 2024 to the 02nd of April 2024 and the Period from the 23rd of December 2024 to the 01st of January 2025 the Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.
Important Booking Notes: On making a reservation please use Comments Box in Booking Form to indicate your preferred Cabin Type e.g.
- Multishare Cabin (triple share, lower decks with ensuite)
- Double / Twin Stateroom (double or twin share, upper decks with ensuite)
- Top Deck Deluxe Double / Twin Stateroom (top deck, double or twin share, ensuite bathroom and private Reef Guide / Dive Instructor)
As well as any other important information e.g. Dietary Requirements etc. to ensure that you are well catered for whilst onboard.
Course Extras
- 2 x passport photos for your PADI Certification Card AU$7.00 (or supply your own)
- Text book deposit $50.00 refundable on return of book
- 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 bringA small soft sided overnight bag, 2 towels, toiletries, change of clothes and something warm for the evening. Bring any dive equipment you have of your own or you can be supplied with any equipment that you need onboard. Please do not bring sleeping bags or large backpacks
Course RequirementsRequirements: Online Theory Training
Before starting your Learn to Dive Course with Reef Encounter, you are required to complete the theory portion of the course prior to your reef trip. With your Dive Instructor on the boat, together you will review your understanding of the theory to make sure you are happy with your knowledge and understand the fundamentals of scuba diving
Once you have booked your Learn to Dive Course, you will be enrolled to do this online theory training and will receive an email with the details on how to begin. While you will need internet access to initially download the free training APP to your computer, device or smart phone, the theory training can be completed offline – you are not required to have internet connection. You can complete the training in more than one sitting, as long as you save where you are up to each time
Requirements: Dive Medical Certificate
Before beginning any Learn to Dive Course in Australia, you may be required by law to get a medical certificate that states you are healthy to scuba dive.
If required, this dive medical certificate may be completed inside or outside of Australia – however it MUST be conducted using the Australian Examination Paperwork AS4005.1 and clearly state this on the certificate – otherwise it is not accepted in Australia. For more information on on whether you will be required to provide a medical certificate, please contact us.
Whether you are required to get a medical certificate prior to starting your course depends on a number of factors – such as whether you are taking ANY medication (excluding the oral contraceptive pill), have ANY medical condition (both past or present) or have ANY health issue
In addition, all persons who are enrolled on any scuba training in Australia MUST acquire a medical certificate if they are over the age of 44 years (45 yrs and above) OR have a body mass index over 30 and a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females.
Requirements: Age Limits
Minimum age for enrolling on a Learn to Dive Course in Australia is 12 years old. Upon completion of the course, students aged between 12-14 years will receive a ‘Junior Open Water Dive Licence.’ Persons 15 years old and above will receive a full adult ‘Open Water Diver Licence’. While there is currently no maximum age limit, scuba diving is a potentially strenuous activity and should be undertaken by fit and active people of all ages. (Aforementioned medical and health restrictions apply)
Please note there are regulations about flying or going to altitude after diving.
Course RequirementsRequirements: Online Theory Training
Before starting your Learn to Dive Course with Reef Encounter, you are required to complete the theory portion of the course prior to your reef trip. With your Dive Instructor on the boat, together you will review your understanding of the theory to make sure you are happy with your knowledge and understand the fundamentals of scuba diving
Once you have booked your Learn to Dive Course, you will be enrolled to do this online theory training and will receive an email with the details on how to begin. While you will need internet access to initially download the free training APP to your computer, device or smart phone, the theory training can be completed offline – you are not required to have internet connection. You can complete the training in more than one sitting, as long as you save where you are up to each time
Requirements: Dive Medical Certificate
Before beginning any Learn to Dive Course in Australia, you may be required by law to get a medical certificate that states you are healthy to scuba dive.
If required, this dive medical certificate may be completed inside or outside of Australia – however it MUST be conducted using the Australian Examination Paperwork AS4005.1 and clearly state this on the certificate – otherwise it is not accepted in Australia. For more information on on whether you will be required to provide a medical certificate, please contact us.
Whether you are required to get a medical certificate prior to starting your course depends on a number of factors – such as whether you are taking ANY medication (excluding the oral contraceptive pill), have ANY medical condition (both past or present) or have ANY health issue
In addition, all persons who are enrolled on any scuba training in Australia MUST acquire a medical certificate if they are over the age of 44 years (45 yrs and above) OR have a body mass index over 30 and a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females.
Requirements: Age Limits
Minimum age for enrolling on a Learn to Dive Course in Australia is 12 years old. Upon completion of the course, students aged between 12-14 years will receive a ‘Junior Open Water Dive Licence.’ Persons 15 years old and above will receive a full adult ‘Open Water Diver Licence’. While there is currently no maximum age limit, scuba diving is a potentially strenuous activity and should be undertaken by fit and active people of all ages. (Aforementioned medical and health restrictions apply)
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.
Please Note: For the Period from the 23rd of December 2019 through to and including the 31st of December 2019 - The Operator of Reef Encounter will impose an AU$100.00 per person - per trip Peak Period Surcharge on Reef Encounter. Please contact Reservations if you require more detail or assistance with liveaboard pricing.
Important Booking Notes:
Government Reef Tax: Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy is charged at AU$15.00 per person per day for a maximum of 3 days. If staying longer than 3 days, the Government Reef Tax & Fuel Levy will be capped at AU$45.00 per person.
Optional Hotel Accommodation Transfers
- Cairns City accommodation - AU$12.00 per person (return)
- Cairns Outer Suburbs & Northern Beaches - AU$22.00 per person (return)
- Port Douglas - AU$35.00 per person (one way) - AU$70.00 per person (return) - Minimum 2 Persons
Please Note: Helicopter transfers require a minimum of 2 persons to operate
- One Way Helicopter transfer to or from Reef Encounter - From AU$560.00 per person - minimum 2 persons * prices subject to change without notice
- Return Helicopter transfer to and from Reef Encounter - From AU$1120.00 per person - minimum 2 person * prices subject to change without notice