Great Barrier Reef SCUBA diving
SCUBA Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
Take your Great Barrier Reef tour to the next level! Get up close and personal with colourful coral and fascinating marine life by exploring one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Our Great Barrier Reef SCUBA diving and helmet diving adventures mean that the very experienced diver through to a non-swimmer can experience the wonders of the Moore Reef pontoon. See our health checklist page for more information about safety when diving.
Scuba & Helmet Diving at Moore Reef
Sunlover Reef Cruises offers scuba diving and helmet diving at the Moore Reef pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef, departing daily from Cairns. Choose an introductory dive (no experience needed), a certified dive, or a Seawalker helmet dive for non-swimmers — each $149, guided by PADI instructors, all equipment included.
Which Dive Is Right For You?
Three ways to explore beneath the surface — all from the one pontoon
Introductory Dive
First-timers · no experience
- No experience needed
- Full training & gear included
- Max 4 divers per guide
- Ages 12+
Certified Dive
For certified divers
- Up to 50 minutes underwater
- Max depth 18 metres
- Bring your certification
- Ages 12+
Seawalker Helmet
No swimming needed
- Walk 3.5m underwater
- Keep your hair dry
- Perfect for non-swimmers
- Ages 12+
Introductory SCUBA Dive
Limited time $149 Adults | $149 Kids (12+)
Perfect for Once in a lifetime experience • Nature lovers
Don’t miss out on the incredible opportunity to try scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Our expert PADI dive instructors provide a safe and supportive environment for first-time divers, guiding you through each step of the process. On our Great Barrier Reef pontoon, you’ll receive comprehensive training and practice using the equipment under the caring guidance of our instructors. Only when you feel comfortable will you descend down the guide ropes to explore the reef’s wonders. With a maximum group size of 4 divers per guide, Sunlover ensures your intro diving experience is both safe and enjoyable. This activity is available for guests aged 12 and over.
All guests must review the medical checklist prior to booking.
Available at:
Certified SCUBA Dive
Equipment included $149 Adults | $149 Kids (12+)
Perfect for The bucket list • Memorable dives
Dive into a world of awe-inspiring locations, mesmerising marine life, and top-notch equipment with our certified scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Our pontoon offers a variety of stunning dive sites that will leave you breathless. Spend up to 50 minutes exploring the depths, reaching a maximum depth of 18 meters. Please remember to bring your certification on the day of your dive to ensure a seamless experience.
All guests must review the medical checklist prior to booking.
Available at:
Seawalker Helmet Dive
Limited time $149 Adults | $149 Kids (12+)
Perfect for Non swimmers • Adventure seekers
Immerse yourself in the mesmerising underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef without even getting your hair wet! Our fully escorted Seawalker helmet dive allows you to descend 3.5 meters below sea level and walk along our underwater platform surrounded by breathtaking reef fish. Our experienced PADI dive instructors ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the entire journey. Guests aged 12 and over can participate, and we even have a skilled photographer available to capture your unforgettable underwater adventure.
Seawalker helmet diving is a fantastic option for those who are not able to swim but want a truly unique reef experience.
All guests must review the medical checklist prior to booking.
Available at:
Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef — FAQs
Diving at the Moore Reef pontoon from Cairns with Sunlover Reef Cruises
Do I need scuba experience to dive on the Great Barrier Reef?
No experience is needed. Sunlover offers an introductory dive for first-timers, with full training, tuition and equipment included. A PADI dive instructor guides you step by step, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide. You only descend once you feel comfortable.
How much does scuba diving cost with Sunlover?
Scuba diving is an optional extra on the Moore Reef day tour. Introductory dives, certified dives and the Seawalker helmet dive are each $149 per person (adults and kids 12+). This is in addition to your reef tour fare.
What is the minimum age to scuba dive at Moore Reef?
The minimum age for all diving experiences is 12 years. Divers under 18 must have a consenting parent or legal guardian with them. Medical clearance from a doctor is required for participants aged 65 and over.
What is an introductory dive?
An introductory dive lets you try scuba diving for the first time with no prior experience. You receive comprehensive training and equipment practice on the pontoon under instructor guidance, then descend the guide ropes to explore the reef. Maximum group size is 4 divers per guide.
Can certified divers dive with Sunlover?
Yes. Certified divers can explore a range of dive sites at Moore Reef for up to 50 minutes, reaching a maximum depth of 18 metres. All equipment is included. You must bring your internationally recognised dive certification on the day.
What is a Seawalker helmet dive?
The Seawalker helmet dive lets you walk along an underwater platform 3.5 metres below the surface, surrounded by reef fish, without getting your hair wet. It is fully escorted by PADI instructors and is ideal for non-swimmers and those who don't want to snorkel or scuba dive.
How many dives can I do in a day?
Sunlover offers up to two guided dives per day at the Moore Reef pontoon. All dives are guided by qualified PADI dive staff. Additional certified dives may be available depending on conditions.
Is there a medical check for diving?
Yes. All divers must review the medical checklist before booking. Guests with an existing medical condition or who take regular medication should seek medical advice and provide a "fit to dive" certificate before travel. The dive team may refuse participation on safety grounds.
Can non-swimmers experience the reef underwater?
Yes. The Seawalker helmet dive is designed for non-swimmers, letting you walk underwater while breathing normally. Non-swimmers can also enjoy the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible at Moore Reef without entering the water.
Where does diving take place and how do I get there?
All diving happens at the Moore Reef pontoon, a permanently moored platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The tour departs from Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Check-in is 8:45–9:45am.
How long after diving before I can fly?
If you do one dive, a minimum of 12 hours is recommended before flying. If you do more than one dive in a day, a 24-hour interval is recommended. Plan helicopter transfers and onward flights accordingly.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. All dive equipment is included in the dive price for introductory, certified and Seawalker experiences. You only need to bring your dive certification (for certified dives) and swimwear.
Adventure seekers check out…
Helicopter Flight
Semi Submersible Tour
