CAIRNS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Deep Lines and Rainforest Lakes: Cairns’ Advanced Open Water Diver Course
A focused, 2-day, five-dive PADI Advanced Open Water course in Cairns that covers required Deep and Underwater Navigation dives and a choice of three electives—this guide lays out where to train, what to bring, and what to expect.
Deep Lines and Rainforest Lakes: Cairns’ Advanced Open Water Diver Course.
Adventure brief
Deep Lines and Rainforest Lakes: Cairns’ Advanced Open Water Diver Course
This two-day advanced course in Cairns is a compact, skills-driven program that moves from online theory to hands-on coaching and five in-water dives. You will complete two required dives—a Deep Dive and an Underwater Navigation Dive—then pick three electives from a broad menu, with options to train in the sheltered Crater Lakes or to include a day of diving off Fitzroy Island.
Situated just off the coast of Queensland, Fitzroy Island offers a diverse underwater playground for divers looking to advance their skills. The Advanced Open Water Diver Course presents a perfect blend of thrilling and educational dives over two days, designed to boost confidence and expertise beneath the waves. This immersive course comprises five specialty dives, including a challenging Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation, enabling divers to master essential techniques in one of Australia’s vibrant marine environments. Fitzroy Island itself is a lush, volcanic island surrounded by clear waters and thriving coral reefs, hosting a kaleidoscope of marine life including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and intricate coral formations. Among the optional electives, participants can choose specialties like Altitude Diving or Fish Identification, tailoring the experience to their interests. The course’s structure allows divers to expand their abilities up to depths of 30 meters, exploring secluded reef sites only accessible with advanced certification. Operated by dedicated instructors who prioritize safety and personalized guidance, this course stands out for its emphasis on real-world dive skills and environmental awareness. Fitzroy Island’s combination of rainforest trails above water and extraordinary underwater scenery below makes it a standout destination for divers at all experience levels. Beyond the course, visitors can enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons or hiking to panoramic viewpoints, rounding out an unforgettable adventure. This program is widely regarded as a gateway to more technical and exotic dives, cementing its reputation within the local outdoor recreation scene as a must-do for divers seeking to deepen their connection to the Coral Sea’s riches.
Route Schematic
Course Route & Dives
The program moves from online theory to in-water skill dives at one or more of the available training locations.
Online Theory (PADI eLearning)
Complete the theory portion online at your own pace before your in‑water sessions.
Crater Lakes (Lake Barrine or Lake Eacham)
A calm, current-free freshwater option surrounded by rainforest—ideal for skill practice and elective dives that benefit from sheltered conditions.
Fitzroy Island (optional day)
A full day at Fitzroy Island is available to combine with lake training for a scenic island dive environment.
Participants must meet the operator's minimum age requirement (15+) and, on course completion, will be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation
The course guarantees two mandatory skill dives: a Deep Dive and an Underwater Navigation Dive. On successful completion you’ll be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres.
Choose three electives to tailor your training
After the two required dives you select three electives from a list that includes Altitude Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Naturalist, DSMB, Rescue, Search & Recovery, and Fish ID, letting you emphasize buoyancy, navigation, natural history or rescue skills.
Crater Lakes tranquility or Fitzroy Island scenery
You can do all dives in the calm, current‑free waters of Crater Lakes (Lake Barrine or Lake Eacham), or combine lake dives with a full day on picturesque Fitzroy Island for a mix of sheltered freshwater and island sea diving.
What the day feels like
How the course unfolds
Start with self-paced PADI eLearning to cover theory, then meet your instructor for face‑to‑face knowledge review and skill sessions. Over two days you will complete five dives—two required training dives and three electives you select—using supplied SCUBA and snorkel gear if needed, with options to train entirely in the Crater Lakes or to split time between the lakes and Fitzroy Island.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Personal snorkel or SCUBA gear is optional; bring water, snacks and lunch (or purchase at the location), plus towel, sunscreen and hat.
All SCUBA and snorkel gear is provided if required, and the course includes PADI eLearning and a face-to-face knowledge review; certification Ecard is issued after completion.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course runs over two days and includes five dives.
What dives are required?
Two required dives are the Deep Dive and the Underwater Navigation Dive; the remaining three dives are electives you choose.
What electives can I choose?
Elective options include Altitude Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Naturalist, DSMB, Rescue, Search and Recovery, and Fish ID.
Where do the dives take place?
You can train in the calm Crater Lakes (Lake Barrine or Lake Eacham) or combine the lakes with a full day of diving at Fitzroy Island.
What is included and what should I bring?
The course includes SCUBA and snorkel gear if required, PADI eLearning and a face-to-face knowledge review; bring personal gear if you prefer, plus water, snacks or lunch, towel, sunscreen and hat.
What depth will I be qualified to dive after completion?
After completing the course you will be qualified to dive to a maximum depth of 30 metres.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:51:51.185Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.