Area Overview: Cairns

Diving Holidays, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving in Cairns

Australia
Queensland
  • Currently 4.00/5
Cairns is currently rated 4.0 out of 5 by 1 user of the website.
Rated 1st of 3 Areas within Queensland

Cairns is one of Queenslands key hubs with tourism being one of the main industries in the area. Travellers from all over the world come to visit the surrounding area and board live a boards for some of the best locations to dive on the Great Barrier Reef.

Temperatures can reach 31°C during the summer and due to the humidity it often feels hotter, dropping to 24°C during the night. During the winter temperatures range from 17°C to 26°C. Water temperatures vary between 25°C during the winter, rising to 29°C during the summer months.Spring tends to fall between Sept and Nov, with the summer running from Dec to Feb (also being the wet season when tropical cyclones occur). Autumn is from Mar – May (when the temperatures cool off) and Winter runs from June to Aug when the rainfall is low.

September to May

Diving the Great Barrier Reef is good all year round. The water is walmest from September to February (Spring & Summer). During the winter (June - Aug) it is possible to see Minke and Humpback Whales, during the spring (Sept - Nov) it is possible to witness the reef spawning and spot Humpback Whales.Having said this there can be tropical cyclones and generally more rain during the summer (Dec to Feb), hence we suggest that other times of the year are better to visit, especially in the north of the state).

Cairns is one of the key gateways to the barrier reef, with many live aboards departing from here. The marine life in the area is great and there are some exceptional sections of reef to visit.cAc

25°C to 29°C (76°F to 83°F)  

Direct flights are available from Asia and the Americas, from Europe connecting flights will need to be made in Asia (usually Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong). Flight times from Europe average 18 hrs.

  • White Water Rafting
  • Sky Diving
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Canoeing
  • Horse Riding

This area of Queensland can be very hot and humid during the summer, making it almost unbearable for travellers coming direct from more temperate climates.

Wreck Dive Inland Dive
Reef Dive Other Dive
Dive center Hotel

Our Top Destinations

Name
Best Month
Av. Rating
Dolphin
Manatee
Whale Shark
Seal
Shark
Manta / Eagle Ray
Turtle
Whale
  • Low likelihood of seeing this marine life at this time of year
  • Medium likelihood of seeing this marine lifeat this time of year
  • High likelihood of seeing this marine lifeat this time of year