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and vibrant cities. Among its many attractions, the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns stands out as a world-class destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Diving in this area, adventurers can explore an underwater world filled with an array of features such as dramatic caves, tunnels, caverns, and shipwrecks. The reef’s wall descends to around 1000 meters, dotted with pinnacles and swim-throughs that create a mesmerizing landscape beneath the waves.
Marine life around Cairns is exceptionally diverse and colorful. Divers can expect encounters with various species of sharks, including grey reef, white tip reef, and silver tip sharks, as well as a plethora of other marine creatures. The waters teem with colorful gorgonian fans, whips, soft corals, and the unique flame file clam, also known as the ‘disco clam’, famous for the flashing light that seems to pulse along its mantle. The area is also home to diver-sized potato cod, stonefish, scorpionfish, octopus, clown anemone fish, turtles, and countless schools of fish, making every dive an unforgettable experience.
What To Expect
Scuba Diving
In Cairns, Australia, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef presents an adventure through breathtaking underwater landscapes, featuring caves, shipwrecks, and deep-sea pinnacles. Visibility extends to 100 feet, showcasing vibrant marine life, including sharks, colorful corals, and the unique ‘disco clam’. The reef teems with turtles, octopus, and diverse fish populations, offering an immersive experience into the aquatic world. Divers seeking to refine their skills can take advantage of courses in deep diving, night diving, and buoyancy control, enhancing their exploration of this underwater paradise.
You might see:
- Grey reef sharks
- White tip reef sharks
- Silver tip sharks
- Diver-sized potato cod
- Flame file clam (‘disco clam’)
- Stonefish
- Scorpionfish
- Octopus
- Clown anemone fish
- Turtles
Recommended Specialty Courses
- Boat diving
- Waves, tides & currents
- Shark ecology
- Photo & video
- Deep diving
- Perfect buoyancy
Culture
The original residents of the Bahamas were the Lucayan people. They were the first indigenous Americans encountered by Christopher Columbus. The islands gained their independence in 1973 and are a member of the Commonwealth. About 90% of the population lives on the three main islands, New Providence, Grand Bahamas and Abaco. The official language of the islands is English, but locals speak a Bahamian dialect. Three popular indigenous forms of music and dance that you may hear are Goombay, Rake n’ Scrape and Junkaroo.
Harbour Island
Take a trip to Harbour Island for one of the best beaches in the Bahamas, Pink Sand Beach. Pink Sand Beach is home to perfectly pink sand with crystal-clear water. This picturesque beach offers swimming, straw markets, snorkeling and even horseback riding!
Pig Island
Pigs can’t fly, but they do swim! Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, in the Exumas, is home to around 20 pigs and piglets. Visit this island for a chance to swim right alongside these playful creatures. The pigs might even swim right up to the boat!
Pirate Forts
Take a trip to the past by visiting historical forts in Nassau. There are three forts, Fort Charlotte, Fort Fincastle and Fort Montagu. These forts were built to protect the island against pirate attacks or to prepare for battles! At Fort Charlotte, the largest of the forts, you can find a moat, dungeons, underground passageways and over 40 cannons. Fort Fincastle was built to protect the island from Spanish invaders. It’s located at the highest point in the city, offering spectacular views. Fort Montagu is the oldest fort that is still standing and was used during the American Revolutionary War.
What prior travelers say
“Bahamas on the Aqua Cat is a must-do trip. It never ceases to amaze me how much fun and comradery we have on this trip. There is everything from diving, relaxing, beach time, tons of shore excursions to choose from, an amazing chef on board, a huge dive deck and spacious rooms. Plus, you cannot beat the number of sharks you will encounter. I can’t wait to be back.”
Traveler Photos
Know Before You Go
Dive Insurance
Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.
Currency
The Bahamas currency is Bahamian dollars, which are equivalent to the U.S. dollar and are interchangeable. If you have US dollars, there is no need to exchange currency on boat or on land.
Language
English is the primary language spoken.
Passport Validity
You need a passport that is valid for 6 months after your arrival.
Water/Food
Tap water in the Bahamas is generally ok to drink, but bottled water is a safer option.
Need help packing?
We can’t pack for you, but we can share our packing list and travel tips.