Coast to Coast Diving Australia

Daintree Exclusive - Private Tour

Day 1: Cairns. On arrival into Cairns, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your Cairns accommodation.

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room)

Day 2: Daintree National Park. After departing Cairns around 7:30 am, head north to the renowned Daintree Rainforest, a 120,000-hectare area estimated to be 180 million years old and recognized as a World Heritage site in 1988. Known for having Australia's highest diversity of rainforest mammals, this region offers a rich experience of ancient flora and fauna.

Accompanied by an expert guide, enjoy a 2.5-kilometer walk through a private section of the National Park. Learn about its 3,000 plant species, including a vast range of ferns, orchids, and early flowering plants. Look for the endemic Boyd's Forest Dragon, White-lipped Tree Frog, and Ulysses Butterfly.

Visit the stunning Mossman Gorge, for an optional swim and take in the beautiful views. Lunch at the Daintree Tea House includes sampling local fruits and berries amidst the sounds of the rainforest. Finally, embark on a wildlife cruise along the Daintree River on a solar-powered vessel, to spot Saltwater Crocodiles and various bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and eagles.

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BL

4 Night Coral Sea & Ribbon Reef Liveaboard Trip - Departs Sunday

We recommend this Great Barrier Reef liveaboard dive trip for Advanced divers, or divers with a minimum of 20 ocean dives, including 5 dives in the last 12 months.

Day 3: Ribbon Reef 9 & 10. Around 7 am, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will pick up from Cairns hotels and head to Hinterland Aviation at Cairns General Aviation Airport. Board a light aircraft for a scenic flight up the coast to Lizard Island, marking the start of the 4-night liveaboard dive trip.

Upon arrivve and after a vessel orientation, set sail for Ribbon Reef Number 9 & 10. This afternoon, have the chance to dive at various sites, including Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens, and Pixie Pinnacle. In the evening, embark on a 10-hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. 

Day 4 & 5: Coral Sea. Spend two days diving at Osprey Reef, weather permitting. Australia's Coral Sea reefs are famous for their crystal-clear waters, with visibility ranging from 30 to 100 meters. The underwater landscape is striking, featuring sheer walls adorned with gorgonians, sea whips, and vibrant yellow soft corals rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below. At 'North Horn,' located at the tip of Osprey Reef, it is common to encounter grey reef sharks, silvertips, and occasionally oceanic sharks, and experience a close-up with the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. Each day will offer four to five dives, including a night dive on Monday. On Tuesday night, depart from Osprey Reef and travel overnight to the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 6: Ribbon Reef Number 3. At Ribbon Reef Number 3, explore remarkable dive sites including Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. Depending on weather conditions, there is an option to head south from Osprey Reef to Bougainville Reef, which is renowned for its unique underwater terrain, caverns, and a partially submerged wreck. On Wednesday evening, embark on an overnight cruise back to Cairns.

Accommodation: Spirit of Freedom, Ocean View Deluxe Room. Includes chef-prepared meals & snacks, wine and soft drinks are included with the evening meal, Tanks, air fills, Nautilus Lifeline and weight belt. Daily cabin service.

Day 7: Cairns. Arrive back in Cairns at 6:30 am. Enjoy a light breakfast onboard and a group photo opportunity, before being dropped back in Cairns around 8:00 am

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room)

Atherton Tablelands - Private Tour

Day 8: Atherton Tablelands. Departing early from Cairns, the journey climbs into the highlands of the Atherton Tablelands for sweeping views across this World Heritage-listed region. The first stop is Danbulla State Forest to visit the Cathedral Fig Tree, an ancient 500-year-old strangler fig standing around 50 metres tall with a remarkable 39-metre trunk circumference.

With an expert guide, continue to key birdwatching locations where species such as the Red-backed Fairy-wren, Golden Bowerbird, and Victoria's Riflebird are often seen. The next destination is Lake Barrine, a serene crater lake shaped by ancient volcanic activity. After enjoying morning tea, your guide will introduce you to the rainforest's unique flora and fauna along the lakeshore.

A one-hour cruise on the lake provides wildlife and photographic opportunities, with possible sightings of Red-legged Pademelons, Musky Rat Kangaroos, and a variety of birds. After a seafood lunch, the afternoon is spent searching for the elusive Platypus in its natural habitat. The day ends with scenic views from Milla Milla Lookout and the option to swim at Lake Eacham or look for the iconic Lumholtz Tree-Kangaroo.

Pullman Cairns (Deluxe Harbour View Room) | Meals: BL

Eyre Peninsula - Shared Tour

Day 9: Port Lincoln. Fly to Adelaide and then Port Lincoln with the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel | Meals: B

Day 10: Neptune Islands (Great White Shark Cage Dive). After a safety briefing, depart the Marina at 7 am, heading towards the Neptune Islands. The 2.5-hour cruise follows along the edge of Port Lincoln National Park, through Thorny Passage, and into the Southern Ocean. While enjoying a light breakfast, keep an eye out for playful dolphins, seabirds and White-bellied Sea Eagles.

Upon arrival at the Neptune Islands, the skipper will find a sheltered spot to moor. Gather on the back deck to discuss dive safety and procedures. No prior experience is needed for this Great White Shark surface dive, allowing everyone to enjoy the underwater action in the cage over the next 5-6 hours. It is common to spot local wildlife like Australian Sea-lions, Long-nosed Fur Seals, and various birds. Enjoy tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks, and a buffet lunch, before returning to the marina around 6 pm.

Accommodation: Port Lincoln Hotel | Meals: BL

Day 11: Port Lincoln National Park. Tour stunning Port Lincoln, nestled on the shores of beautiful Boston Bay to learn about the city's discovery and history while enjoying the tastes of the "Seafood Capital of Australia'.

Experience the diversity of the 29,000ha Lincoln National Park via 4WD, where rugged cliffs and stunning sand dunes, provide an opportunity to view Osprey, White Bellied Sea-Eagles, Long-nosed Fur Seals off the rocks of Donnington Point, Bottlenose Dolphins, Western Grey Kangaroos, Emus, Rosenberg's Goanna (warmer months) and dragon lizards. Later in the afternoon, come face to face with wild Koalas, the cuddly icon of Australia as they laze in the Manna gums. Fly back to Adelaide early evening.

Accommodation: Mayfair Adelaide (Deluxe King Room) | Meals: BL

Ningaloo Reef: Full Day Tour

Day 12: Perth.  Fly to Perth today with a day at leisure to explore the city.

Accommodation: Intercontinental Perth (King Premium Room) | Meals: B

Day 13: Ningaloo. Fly to Learmonth and check into your Exmouth accommodation.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: B

Day 14: Ningaloo Reef Double Dive. The Ningaloo Marine Park is an amazing underwater sanctuary, with this tour providing the opportunity for guests to spend the day exploring different dive sights accessible by boat only. On the journey out across the beautiful waters, guests should be on the lookout for Bottlenose, Australian Humpback and Common Dolphins, Dugongs, Humpback Whales (from June to November) and Whale Sharks (boat viewing only from March to August). 

The marine life found at Ningaloo is incredibly diverse, with 300 coral species, 600 different molluscs, and around 500 species of fish in the region. Popular fish sightings range from Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Damselfish, Scissor Tails, Flutemouths, and Wrasse, to larger fish such as Groper, Barracuda, Coral Trout, Cod and Trevally. A huge variety of nudibranchs are a delight for enthusiasts due to their spectacular colours.

More than 50 per cent of Indian Ocean coral species are found across the Ningaloo Marine Park area, with over 300 species, including Finger, Staghorn, Porites Cabbage, Brain, Lavender, Plate, Mushroom, Bubble and Branching Corals. Whilst not a coral, Anemone's are common, providing habitat for some of the reef's most endearing residents; the Clarkes, Pink and Tomato Anemonefish.

Whitetip and Blacktip Reef Sharks, Great and Scalloped Hammerheads, Bronze Whalers, Cat Sharks, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Bull Rays and the well-camouflaged Wobbegong are highlights for divers whilst Manta Rays can be seen performing their incredible courtship dances around April, with the species growing up to 7 metres wide (disc width) and around 1,350 kg.

Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo offers adventures for divers of all experience levels, across a wide variety of sites. A full day of scuba exploring the amazing underwater world at Ningaloo will cover two different dive sites, selected according to conditions, to enable guests to experience the biodiversity of the region. Turtles, Sea Snakes, Manta Rays, Wobbegongs, sea fans, soft corals, Moray Eels, Batfish, Whitetip Reef Sharks, Nudibranchs and abundant colourful reef fish provide an endless feast for the senses.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Deluxe Whaleshark Swim

Day 15: Whale Shark Swim. Spend an unforgettable day in the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park encountering the world's largest fish, the whale shark. The experience begins early aboard a well-equipped vessel that works with a spotter aircraft to locate whale sharks and provide optimal viewing and swimming opportunities.

Marine biologists on board share insights into Ningaloo's rich marine biodiversity, along with details about whale shark behaviour, feeding patterns, and identification. Clear guidance is provided on how to enter the water safely and respectfully, with a guide accompanying each group to ensure a smooth, comfortable encounter with these gentle giants.

The return journey often features sightings of other megafauna such as Humpback Whales, Manta Rays, and several dolphin species. Meals and refreshments are provided throughout the day, concluding with a celebratory glass of champagne or light beer.

Accommodation: Mantarays Exmouth (Superior Room) | Meals: BL

Day 16: Perth. Depart Exmouth on a flight back to Perth for an option extension below.

Meals: B

Optional Extension: Dive Christmas Island (7 nights)

Christmas Island exists at the tip of a long-extinct volcano, with 80km of coastline supporting a fringing reef, most of which is around 20-25 metres depth. This provides views to some amazing drop-offs, hosting Gorgonian Fan corals and sea caves to explore, suitable for divers of varying experience and skills. With rarely any current, the visibility is usually between 25-50 metres.

During the dry season from April - October, the North Western coastline is typically used for diving due to the protected waters and spectacular coral gardens. This coastline also boasts caves, Gorgonian Fan corals, and steep drop-offs. During the wet season from November to March, diving is conducted on the North West coastline (weather permitting), with operators occasionally using the ramp at Ethel Beach. Whale Sharks can be seen on an opportunistic basis between November and March, and are most likely viewed on the northwest side of the island.

Flying Fish Cove is also spectacular for shore diving with amazing coral gardens, drop-offs and the occasional friendly Dragon Moray Eel, turtle and Bump-head Parrotfish. 

Depart on the dive trips from Flying Fish Cove, with sites easy to access in a short time. Trips will generally return in the early afternoon around 1 pm, providing plenty of time to explore the island's incredible wildlife, geology, landscapes and culture. Afternoon tours with Indian Ocean Experiences start at 2 pm, allowing guests to get back from diving in time to head out with an experienced guide.

Optional Extension: Dive Cocos Keeling Island (7 nights)

Please note that the Dive Cocos Keeling Islands can be combined with Dive Christmas Island below into a 14-night inclusive package.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer some of the clearest, most vibrant waters in the world, home to an extraordinary population of marine life, including around 15,000 Green Turtles, 15,000 Hawksbill Turtles, reef sharks, dolphins, Manta Rays, colourful coral gardens, delicate Gorgonian Fans, and more than 500 fish species.

Board the dive vessel from West Island for a short lagoon crossing to exceptional sites such as Cabbage Patch, The Cannons, and a Manta Ray cleaning station. Diving outside the lagoon reveals dramatic drop-offs, encounters with inquisitive sharks, and—if fortune strikes—a sighting of Kat the Dugong, a beloved long-term resident.

Surface intervals and lunch are typically enjoyed on Direction Island, with time to unwind on its pristine beaches. Dive vessels usually return later in the afternoon, leaving time to relax and take in the island's breathtaking sunsets.