Pro Dive Cairns Liveaboard Overview

diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at seaDIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
By
Melina Biedermann
diver in scuba gear smiling on a small boat at sea
Contributor at DIVEIN.com
Melina is a dedicated traveler and seasoned divemaster based in the heart of South East Asia. With a flair for discovering hidden treasures, her love for...
Rebecca Strauss
DIVEIN contributor Rebecca Strauss taking a selfie near a city canal
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
Pro Dive Cairns boat moored above a turquoise reef with mooring lines visible
Pro Dive Cairns has been in operation since 1983, and offers a variety of experiences depending on your preference and experience level.
Pro Dive liveaboard catamaran moored over turquoise reef water with a tender alongside
Three-day/two-night dive trips out to the reef, with access to 19 exclusive dive sites, take place on one of three vessels: MV Scubapro I, II, and III.
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef with a liveaboard anchored offshore
Guests can expect up to 11 dives, including night dives.
Divers preparing to enter the water from the Scubapro II's dive platform
Launched in 1998, 2002, and 2004, respectively, each of these sister ships offers a stable, affordable, and comfortable way to get a taste of Outer Great Barrier Reef diving.
Liveaboard anchored above a shallow coral reef on the Great Barrier Reef
Offering both dive courses and liveaboard experiences, trips on the Scubapro I, II, and II cover 19 fantastic dive sites, and are ideal for beginners.
Diver swimming alongside a whitetip reef shark near coral
Enjoy up to 11 dives, including two night dives, on the three-day/two-night itinerary, which features Milln, Flynn, Thetford, and Pellowe Reefs.
Two divers exploring a coral reef bathed in sunlight
Although you can visit year-round, peak conditions occur from August to December.
Bunk bed cabin aboard the Pro Dive Cairns vessel
Accommodating a maximum of 32 guests, each vessel features 14 twin bunk bed cabins and two double bed cabins
Crew member setting out a fresh fruit and toast breakfast buffet
Those with special dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegan, should bring some nonperishable snacks onboard.
Guests relaxing on the shaded deck of the Pro Dive Cairns boat
The sundeck spans three levels, providing both covered and open areas for sunbathing and socializing.

The Great Barrier Reef stands as the world’s largest coral reef system, providing unparalleled dive training opportunities for new and continuing divers. With over 1,500 species of fish and approximately 2,900 individual reefs, visitors here will never get bored.

Pro Dive Cairns has been in operation since 1983, and offers a variety of experiences depending on your preference and experience level. Three-day/two-night dive trips out to the reef, with access to 19 exclusive dive sites, take place on one of three vessels: MV Scubapro I, II, and III. Guests can expect up to 11 dives, including night dives.

Launched in 1998, 2002, and 2004, respectively, each of these sister ships offers a stable, affordable, and comfortable way to get a taste of Outer Great Barrier Reef diving.

Keep reading as we dive into our review of the Pro Dive Cairns MV Scubapro I, II, and III.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Australia

Things we like:

  • Three identical vessels
  • All dive gear (including a computer) is included in the price
  • Freedom for divers to explore on their own
  • Clean and organized boat with a friendly and knowledgeable crew
  • Night dives with sharks

Things we don't like:

  • Sometimes rough and turbulent weather
  • Limited visibility on some dives
  • Crowded dive deck during peak times

Diving on board the Pro Dive Cairns Scubapro I, II, and II

Diver face to face with a green sea turtle
Diver exploring a coral bommie with a turtle and reef fish nearby
Diver photographing clownfish among anemones on the reef
Divers descending near the Pro Dive Cairns boat over a shallow reef
Divers gearing up on the back deck of the Scubapro II

Offering both dive courses and liveaboard experiences, trips on the Scubapro I, II, and II cover 19 fantastic dive sites, and are ideal for beginners.

Pro Dive Cairns focuses on dive training, with arrangements for new divers, though dives are not generally guided. Rather, there will be a comprehensive briefing before each dive to assist divers with site navigation and to point out areas of interest. On select departures, German- and Japanese-speaking guides are available.

Enjoy up to 11 dives, including two night dives, on the three-day/two-night itinerary, which features Milln, Flynn, Thetford, and Pellowe Reefs. Although you can visit year-round, peak conditions occur from August to December.

Scubapro vessels depart Cairns every day except Tuesday, so you’ll surely find an itinerary that suits. On any trip, both snorkelers and divers can expect to see giant clams, sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and an enormous variety of busy reef fish.

Guests should note that there’s an $80/per person fee at check-in. This covers the government environmental management charge, port departure tax, and administration charges.

Highlights:

  • Specialized dive training for beginners
  • Access to 19 exclusive Outer Reef dive sites
  • Night dives and shark dives
  • All equipment is provided in dive and snorkel packages

Onboard the MV Scubapro I, II, and II

Couple sitting on the Scubapro II's dive platform before snorkeling
Guests relaxing on the shaded deck of the Pro Dive Cairns boat
Couple relaxing on a cabin bunk reading together

These identical sister vessels were constructed in 1998, 2002, and 2004 respectively. The last refurbishment was in 2017. Maintaining a crew/passenger ratio of 1:5, you can expect personalized service on board any of the ships.

Accommodating a maximum of 32 guests, each vessel features 14 twin bunk bed cabins and two double bed cabins, each with air conditioning and storage space. With a total of eight shared bathrooms, the vessels prioritize functionality. Note that although bedding is provided, towels are not—so be sure to bring one on board.

In the salon, you’ll find a variety of free entertainment options. Guests can enjoy TV, DVDs, audio-visual entertainment, electronic charging stations, a mini-library, and internet access.

The sundeck spans three levels, providing both covered and open areas for sunbathing and socializing.

The shaded dive deck provides ample space for dive preparation, equipment maintenance, rinse hoses and fresh-water showers. It is equipped with DIN adaptors, and nitrox is available at a surcharge. Guests can also complete nitrox training on board.

Highlights:

  • Lots of entertainment options
  • Spacious sundeck
  • Ample space on the dive deck

Dining onboard the MV Scubapro I, II, and II

Crew preparing a buffet of sandwiches and salads onboard
Crew member setting out a fresh fruit and toast breakfast buffet

The chefs curate delightful menus featuring three wholesome meals and snacks, including Western, local, and vegetarian options, all presented buffet-style. Guests can also indulge in snacks throughout the day.

Those with special dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegan, should bring some nonperishable snacks onboard, as it may be difficult to get meals catered to specific needs.

Snacks, tea, and coffee are available anytime for the convenience of the guests.

Highlights:

  • Full-board option
  • Plentiful food and snacks included

Things we like:

  • Three identical vessels
  • All dive gear (including a computer) is included in the price
  • Freedom for divers to explore on their own
  • Clean and organized boat with a friendly and knowledgeable crew
  • Night dives with sharks

Things we don't like:

  • Sometimes rough and turbulent weather
  • Limited visibility on some dives
  • Crowded dive deck during peak times
Key facts
Year built: 1998
Max divers: 32
Rental equip: Yes (free)
Camera station: No
Internet: Yes (free)
Min logged dives: No minimum
Nitrox: Yes ($)
Aircon: Yes
Trip length: < 5 Nights
Price range: Budget
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