Q. What is the best time of year to dive in Queensland?
A. The warm waters of Tropical North Queensland are ideal for year round diving. Water temperature can vary from 22° to 28° Celsius (75° to 85°F).

Summer (Dec-Feb) Autumn (Mar-May) Winter (Jun-Aug) Spring (Sep-Nov) Overall great marine life activity with plenty to see Overall great marine life activity with plenty to see Minke Whales & Humpback Whales Coral Spawning (Nov) & Humpback Whales Visibility - Very Good Visibility - Good Visibility - Good Visibility - Excellent Water temperature 29°C (85°F) Water temperature 25-27°C (80°F) Water temperature 22-24°C (70°F) Water temperature 25-27°C (80°F) Generally calm sea conditions Calm to moderate sea Moderate sea conditions Generally calm sea conditions Possible moderate rain Potential moderate rain Low rainfall Low rain fall

Q. Are there sharks on the Great Barrier Reef?
A. Yes, there are sharks in every ocean. A variety of sharks inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. What we most commonly encounter are smaller species which pose no threat to divers or snorkellers. The shark that Australia is infamous for, the Great White Shark does not exist in Far North Queensland.

Q. I have heard about the stinging jellyfish. Can I still go diving?
A. Stingers, also known as box jellyfish, are coastal dwellers and are never seen on the reef. They breed in the estuaries and live their life on the shoreline, therefore do not pose a threat to divers on the reef. The jellyfish season is from November to April. Swimming enclosures are provided at local beaches for people to swim in.

Q. When I travel with Pro Dive Cairns, where will I be diving?
A. We have 16 exclusive dive sites on 4 spectacular outer reefs. The reefs: Thetford, Pellowe, Milln and Flynn are situated on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, South East from Cairns. These sites are rarely visited by other vessels, so divers and snorkellers get the exclusive opportunity to view magnificent corals and fish life without the crowds. We generally only ever do two dives at any one dive site.

Q. What depths will I be diving to?
A. The Great Barrier Reef is generally not a deep dive destination. Our dive sites have an average depth range of 10 - 25 metres (30-80 feet). As coral relies on sunlight for growth, some of the best snorkelling and diving can be done in shallow areas around the reef top.

Q. Do I need my own equipment?
A. No. Pro Dive includes all equipment you may need for any dive or snorkel package.

Q. What if I am travelling alone? Who will I dive with?
A. We will arrange a dive buddy for you. A dive guide is available on some dives. There is also an opportunity to have a guided night dive. Before every dive, the dive supervisor conducts a detailed site briefing.

Q. I have forgotten/lost my certification card/license, can I still dive?
A. Yes, as long as evidence of certification can be provided. You can do this by contacting your original certifying organizations. We can provide assistance in this area if needed.

Q. Do I need my certification card when boarding?
A. It is an Australian Government requirement that your certification card be sighted by the crew on all of the Scubapro vessels before you will be permitted to dive. You cannot dive as a certified diver without producing your card.

Q. What accommodation facilities are available onboard 'Scubapro' vessels?
A. All three vessels have 14 twin share cabins and 2 doubles available at the same cost. Every two cabins share shower and toilet facilities. For clients completing bookings alone, we will arrange a twin share cabin with another person of the same sex.

Q. Can you pick me up from my accommodation?
A. Yes. Pro Dive Cairns can provide complimentary transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches, accommodation as far as Palm Cove. We do not pick up from private addresses but will collect passengers from the nearest hotel or pick up point on our roster.

Q. What is Reef Tax - EMC?
A. A compulsory fee of $5.00 per person per day is collected for the Government Environmental Management Charge. (i.e. $15.00 for the liveaboard trip) A total of $45 per person is payable directly to Pro Dive Cairns. This amount incorporates the EMC as well as Port Departure Tax, Fuel Levy and administration costs. (Subject to change)

Q. What do I bring on the boat?
A. You will need to take along a couple of towels, one for swimming and one for showering. You'll need swimwear, comfortable clothes for three days, toiletries etc. Luggage needs to be kept to a minimum (small bag) as space is an issue on boats. Any excess luggage can be kept safely in storage for you at our retail shop.

Q. Can I bring alcohol on board?
A. Yes, you are allowed to bring alcohol on board, but in moderation as we only have limited space on all of our boats. Please note once any alcohol has been consumed, you are not allowed to go into the water again until the following day. Pro Dive Cairns encourages responsible drinking.

Q. If a friend/partner is a certified diver or non-diver, can they come on the same trip with me whilst I'm on the course?
A. Yes, they will be buddied with another certified diver onboard while you complete your 4 training dives. After that you will have the opportunity to complete 5 pleasure dives together. There is plenty of time throughout the whole trip to snorkel and socialise with a non-diver if you are travelling with someone who doesn't dive/snorkel.

Q. How many people will be on the boat?
A. A maximum of 32 passengers are on the liveaboard vessel. There will be a mix of skill levels on board - snorkellers, certified divers and people completing diving courses such as Advanced, Rescue and Divemaster courses.

Q. When can I fly next after diving?
A. PADI standards recommend you leave at least 24 hours after your last dive before flying. You can fly then dive the same day, however not dive then fly. You will complete your last dive around 12 noon on your last day of the liveaboard trip, so flying the next day anytime after noon will be ok. Other activities to avoid are sky diving and hot air ballooning.

Q. What do I have to do to complete my Learn to Dive?

• Minimum age 12 years of age
• 10 minute tread water
• 200m swim or 300m with snorkel and fins
• Dive Medical according to Australian Standard (AS4005-1) required by law

Q. What happens if I fail my Medical?
A. You have 2 options: you can still go on the liveaboard trip as a snorkeller or you can obtain a full refund (available only up until the end of the first day of class). Some medical conditions that can preclude you from diving include heart disease, asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. More about Dive Medicals...

Q. What do I bring to my pool and theory sessions?
A. You will need to bring your swimsuit and a towel. If you have not already completed your dive medical, bring some money to pay direct to the doctor $49.50. (Cash or credit card is ok) You will also need to bring cash on both days for lunch. We do not have an ATM facility at the Training Centre but this facility is available within a five minute walk.

Q. How many people will be in my class?
The maximum student/instructor ratio is 10 students to 1 instructor in the pool and 8 students to 1 instructor on the outer reef. The classroom numbers are capped at 20 students.

Q. Why should I do the 5 day Learn to Dive Course as opposed to the 4 day Learn to Dive Course?
The 5 day course is the most popular option as it provides a greater overall diving experience and is generally better value for money. For only a little extra, guests have the opportunity to sleep out on the reef in comfort, more dives including the night dive experience and visit a greater variety of dive sights. The 4 day course consists of 2 days pool and theory, followed by 2 x day trips to the outer reef where you complete your 4 training dives. Please be aware that the instructor on the reef trips will not be the same instructor you had for pool/theory.