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.
Great Barrier Reef by Helicopter: Flying to Moore Reef with Sunlover
Fly Out, Fly Back: the I Love Cairns family swaps the catamaran for a ZOOM Helicopters flight to Moore Reef, seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air before spending the afternoon snorkelling the reef below.
Scuba Diving Courses in Sydney vs Certifying on the Great Barrier Reef
Same certification either way. An honest comparison of learning to dive in Sydney against certifying on the Great Barrier Reef — including what Sydney genuinely does better.
Learning to Dive in Your 60s and 70s: An Honest Guide
There is no upper age limit on scuba certification. What actually matters instead, what genuinely gets harder, and where to start if you are unsure.
Do You Need a Licence or Certification to Scuba Dive in Australia?
There is no diving licence in Australia. What certification actually is, what you can do without it, and the Queensland rules that apply on the reef.
Scuba Diving Courses in Cairns: How to Choose the Right One
The 4 ways to certify in Cairns, the 5 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 5 questions that make 2 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.