Cairns day trips

[billywinter]

I am planning a short trip to Cairns following a longer trip from the Philippines. I will have 2 days to dive. Obviously, I want to dive the 'best' the reef has to offer. Is
there really a difference between the dive sites visited on liveaboards compared to where you can go on a day trip? I'd rather not do the liveaboard (one night) if I can
still see comparable sights on a day trip. I am generally good for 2 dives a day so I really don't care for the night dives and extra dives you can do from a liveaboard and
I also don't like the idea of sharing a small room (or paying 2x price). I will be bringing my own gear including camera setup. Can someone recommend what reefs
are best to visit (if it's possible) and if in fact I would be missing out by doing a day trip? Also, where best to stay near the dive boats and do I need a car or is Uber
good there? Thanks!

 

[IslandDiversHI]

Yes, there is a huge difference in the quality of the sites off a liveaboard from Cairns and a day trip.

 

[Fibonacci]

Yes you won't get anywhere near the same quality dive sites on a day trip.
Check out Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spoilsport... they have a range of options but you may have to stretch your intended stay to take best advantage.

Liveaboard Diving on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Liveaboard provides a range of scuba diving liveaboard expeditions departing Cairns to the Ribbon Reefs, Great Barrier Reef, and Coral Sea Australia. Book Direct.

www.mikeball.com