Coral Sea Dreaming operates overnight liveaboard dive n sail cruises to the Cairns Outer Barrier Reef 3 times per week. With a maximum of just 12 guests per trip, this is the liveaboard with the smallest groups in the whole Cairns region and is the perfect choice for those seeking a boutique, private experience.
The liveaboard is a sturdy, 15.85 metre (52 ft) steel hull sailing boat with a beautiful wooden interior. She has a tidy design with a variety of comfortable and cosy accommodations that provide a combination of shared and private cabins to suit couples, singles, or groups. There is air-conditioning and fans fitted throughout the vessel to ease the heat during the warmer months. Freshly prepared meals, local fruit, cheese platter and daily snacks are included on Coral Sea Dreaming.
You'll be treated to an incredible array of marine life at 25 exclusive dive sites on 9 different reefs, including Milln, Thetford, Flynn, Hastings, Norman, Moore, Upolu, Michaelmas Cay, Oyster Reef, and Breaking Patches, where you will be the only divers and snorkelers in the water at any given location. These are the top locations out of Cairns and divers will be blown away by the extraordinary sites. All are suitable for both divers (both certified and first timers) and snorkellers. What's more, all dives are guided by experienced dive instructors, to point out the marine life and to guarantee you will get the most out of your dives and always stay safe. All diving is conducted direct from the Coral Sea Dreaming's dive platform that has a ladder for easy exit from the sea.
In addition to the underwater action, you may like to join in and help sail the liveaboard, set the sails, or simply relax and enjoy a good book in a hammock. There are several charge points onboard where guests can recharge their camera batteries. Since the Coral Sea Dreaming takes a maximum of just 12 guests and 3 crew, you will receive personalised attention, which is especially good for first-time divers or experienced divers looking for un-crowded, exclusive dive sites. The friendly crew will make sure your stay onboard is an unforgettable experience you'll cherish forever.
Coupled with the captain and crew's local knowledge, your vacation will be a personal adventure to remember. So sail the path less travelled to Cairns outer reefs with the Coral Sea Dreaming liveaboard, where you can watch the sun set over the reef, sleep under the stars and wake up to a Coral Sea sunrise.
Coral Sea Dreaming has 3 private double bed cabins, a 4 person bunk cabin, and a twin bunk bed area. There is a communal hot shower and 2 toilets.
All the cabins have:
Air-conditioning and fan
Porthole
Toiletries and towels
Reading lights
Daily housekeeping
Bedside cabinet, mirror
24 hour electricity (3 pin 240 volt)
Bedding
Fire warning system
Life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 2 / 1 - hot water
Cairns Barrier Reef (2 Days / 1 Nights - 5 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: beginner divers, very popular, wall diving
Dive sites and activities: Cairns Outer Barrier Reef: Flynn Reef, Milln Reef, Thetford Reef. 25 moorings to choose from.
Day 1
Begin your Great Barrier Reef diving adventure by meeting fellow guests and the friendly crew of Coral Sea Dreaming in the morning, before boarding the liveaboard in Cairns. As the vessel sets course for the outer reefs, the dive team will deliver briefings for both certified and introductory divers, along with an informative marine presentation. There’s time to unwind, get acquainted with others, and enjoy the scenic journey before reaching the reef around midday.
The first dive is typically at Flynn or Milln Reef renowned for their excellent visibility and rich marine biodiversity. With depths ranging from 1 to 30 metres, these sites are well-suited to both snorkellers and divers of varying experience levels. Explore coral gardens teeming with marine life, and keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of pelagic fish.
Once back on board Coral Sea Dreaming, lunch will be served as you recharge from your 1st dive. The liveaboard will then relocate to a new site for the 2nd dive, where impressive coral bommies rise beside a reef wall, offering a stunning underwater experience. Divers can explore depths of up to 18 metres, while snorkellers can enjoy the shallows. After the dive, there’s time to relax and socialise with fellow guests at your own pace.
After dinner, divers are given a briefing for the night dive, which usually begins around 7 pm, shortly after sunset. Once the dive is complete, guests can unwind with a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or perhaps a glass of wine or beer accompanied by a few tall tales from the sea.
Day 2
Awake at dawn and watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea. Start the day with a refreshing dip in the warm tropical water, an ideal time to encounter reef sharks, turtles, and pelagic fish. Early morning dives or snorkelling sessions often offer some of the most memorable sightings. The liveaboard then departs to its next location, often The Whale a large coral bommie rising from 24 metres, surrounded by coral gardens and frequented by reef sharks. Later in the morning, the trip continues to the final dive site, such as Thetford Reef, where coral covered walls rise from 18 metres within a sheltered lagoon, providing excellent conditions for both divers and snorkellers.
As the liveaboard departs anchorage, the sails of Coral Sea Dreaming are hoisted and the journey back begins. It's not uncommon to see dolphins riding the bow wave, and during the winter months, you may even spot humpback whales breaching in the distance. This is a time to unwind and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers.
As you bid farewell to the wonders of the reef, the approach into one of Australia’s most picturesque harbours offers a stunning final view, mountains rising on either side, framing the tropical skyline of beautiful Cairns.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
Enjoy a delicious and varied menu throughout your stay, designed to suit a range of tastes and dietary preferences. Fresh ingredients are featured in every meal, with vegetarian and non-dairy options available. Most meals are served in the main saloon of Coral Sea Dreaming.
Day 1
Welcome Breakfast (8 am):
Fruitcake, muffins, seasonal fruits
Tea and freshly brewed coffee
Lunch (12 pm):
Cold buffet selection
3 crisp salads
3 varieties of cold meats
Artisan breads, hummus, dips and fresh-cut vegetables
Cheese platter and house-made spreads
Afternoon Tea (3 pm):
Cheese board with 4 regional cheeses
Hummus, dips, corn chips, and crackers
Tropical fruit platter (pineapple, grapes, watermelon, apples)
Dinner (6 pm):
Dinner themes vary by trip and typically feature 2 main dishes (vegetarian and meat-based) served with fresh salads and sides
Mexican Burrito Night (Jasmine rice with beef or vegetable burrito fillings, salad, wraps, and assorted spices)
Creamy Coconut Gnocchi (Gnocchi with chicken or vegetables in a mild coconut sauce), served with fresh salads
Thai or Indian Curry Night (Mild chicken and vegetable curries )served with jasmine rice and crisp salads
Day 2
Continental Breakfast (6 am):
Freshly baked breads with jam, honey, peanut butter, and Nutella
Sliced cheeses and a selection of cold meats
Assorted cereals: cornflakes, toasted muesli, coco pops, and wheat bix
Yoghurts: natural, mixed berry, and vanilla
Fresh juice selection, tea, ground coffee
Milk alternatives: oat, soy, almond
Brunch (11 am):
Hot vegetable dish
Cold meats and breads
Fresh salad, hummus, cheese, dips
Juice selection
Afternoon Snack (2 pm):
Cheese and cracker platter with hummus and dips
Seasonal fruit platter (pineapple, grapes, watermelon)
Complimentary glass of chilled white wine (Chardonnay) or red wine (Merlot)
Complimentary Beverage Selection:
Fruit juices, soft drinks, iced tea, iced water, tea, and coffee
Wine is served with select meals
Guests are welcome to bring their preferred spirits due to limited availability on board
Dietary Requests:
We aim to accommodate special dietary needs(please share any requirements when completing your guest information form). Kindly note, availability of some items may be limited due to our remote location.
DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES
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MORE TRIP DETAILS
Notes: Child policy: The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years, or 10 years if certified.
The tour is not suitable for children under the age of 4 years (or non-swimmers or persons with mobility issues).
Dive experience: Divers need to be certified minimum as Open Water Diver, to join these Barrier Reef liveaboard trips. All divers in Queensland must submit a medical questionnaire and seek medical clearance where necessary.
Please note ALL DIVES are guided.
The Advanced Open Water Course is available onboard upon request, minimum: groups of 2+ students only).
Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, welcome pack including toiletries and chocolate, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, hot drinks, experienced English-speaking divemasters (2 per full boat), scuba and snorkelling equipment, dive computer, night dive torch, 12 litre tanks (yoke valves, DIN inserts available), weights, weight belts, all taxes.
Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Dive package (5 dives: USD232). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash AUD or bank card).
Optional extras: Soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, diving insurance, round trip transfers to the boat. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.
How to get there: Guests meet at and board the Coral Sea Dreaming liveaboard at 7:45 am at Berth 3, Finger A, Marlin Marina, 1 Spence St, Cairns, for morning tea. At 8 am the boat sets sail to the Cairns Outer Barrier Reef. The last dive of the trip will end by noon on Day 2 and then you will sail back to and disembark in Cairns at 4 pm. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.
For more information on getting to Cairns, including airlines, see our How to get there section.
Non-diver rate: Approx. 30% discount. Ask us the price details.
Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - solo travellers may choose to pay the regular fare by agreeing to to share a cabin, or pay a supplement of USD438.
Dive clubs and group discounts: See whole boat charter below.
Whole boat charter rate (per night): No group discounts are available.
Click to view product. Special discounted trips highlighted in yellow
