Cairns · Great Barrier Reef
Reef news Great Barrier Reef Blog Cairns tour news, tips and updates
Guides, seasonal updates and what our crews are actually seeing on the water — written in Cairns by the people who run the boats.
Scuba Diving Courses in Cairns: How to Choose the Right One
The four ways to certify in Cairns, the five questions that actually separate operators, and an honest note on where we are not the right fit.
How Much Does a Scuba Diving Course Cost in Australia in 2026?
Real 2026 prices, including ours, and the five questions that make two dive course quotes actually comparable.
Fitzroy Island vs Green Island: Which Should You Visit?
Quick answer: Fitzroy Island or Green Island? Both are Great Barrier Reef islands close to Cairns, but they're genuinely different experiences. Fitzroy Island is a large,...
Diving and mental health: what the research says, and the one form that matters
Divers keep saying the water does them good, and there is research behind it. What 5 studies found about scuba diving and mental health, and the medical form that matters before you learn to dive.
What Are the Medical Requirements for Learning to Dive?
There is no dive medical exam in Australia — there is a questionnaire. What the RSTC form asks, what happens if you tick yes, and why to sort it out before you fly.
Why Sunlover is now an SSI Training Centre
From 1 October 2026 our dive courses run as SSI programmes: mobile-first learning, a more flexible course structure and stronger instructor support. Your existing certification stays valid.
How to Get Scuba Certified in Australia: The 2026 Beginner’s Guide
What it actually takes to get scuba certified in Australia in 2026 — agencies, cost, medicals, timing, and what the certification lets you do.
PADI vs SSI: what’s the difference, and does it matter?
Both are internationally recognised, both work to the same minimum standards through the RSTC, and either certification is accepted worldwide. What actually differs – and why the dive centre matters more than the logo.
Can you fail a scuba course? What happens if you don’t finish
Scuba certification is competency-based, not pass or fail. What happens if a skill takes longer, if you run out of days, if a doctor will not clear you – and what each situation costs.
El Niño Is Back: What a Strong El Niño Means for the Great Barrier Reef
A strong El Niño is established and intensifying. Here is what the Bureau, AIMS scientists and the Reef Authority are actually saying about the summer ahead — and what it means for your reef trip.
Fitzroy Island Day Trip: Your Complete Guide from Cairns
Everything you need to plan a Fitzroy Island day trip from Cairns: two daily departures, Nudey Beach, snorkelling, rainforest walks, the turtle centre and more.
First-Time Diving on the Great Barrier Reef
Discover what it’s like to try scuba diving for the first time at Moore Reef on the Great Barrier Reef, where Sunlover’s dive team guides beginners through an unforgettable introductory dive.