Ocean Quest [DiveDD2]

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Lady Elliot Island, Australia 7 Days/5 Nights

Great Barrier Reef & Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (4 Days/3 Nights)

This itinerary departs from the USA on Friday evening with arrival into Australia on Sunday.

Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next morning (Monday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Friday morning.

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

Cairns the colourful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north is alive with life and charm. Experience the majesty of this underwater playground which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is known as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. With many unique attractions and activities such as a cruise to the reef or islands, a 4WD safari to the outback, trek into the rainforest or see it from the rainforest cableway above its green canopy on your way to or from Kuranda. These year round natural attractions are truly memorable and inspiring.

Travel Package Features

[DiveDD2] Ocean Quest
  • Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live-Aboard Diving Vessel (3 Nights), Cairns (1 Night)
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns: Airport to Accommodation (return)
  • Live-Aboard Shuttle Transfers: Cairns: Accommodation to Liva-Aboard
  • Live-Aboard Diving Expedition includes: Opportunity for 15 dives, En-suite cabins & meals.
  • International & Australian Domestic Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns (via Brisbane), Cairns to Los Angeles (via Brisbane)
  • US Domestic Flights (Not Included) - Hometown to Los Angeles (Return)
  • Visa Issuance - Provides entry into Australia (USD$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel) - i.e. Not an Organized Group Tour
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and Not Included (Is an additional cost)

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) (Fri) - International Flight from Los Angeles to Cairns
From USA to Australia After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Cairns, Australia. (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you'll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA) This flight has a connection in Sydney or Brisbane.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.
(Day 2) (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer from Cairns Airport to the Accommodation
Cairns, Australia Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Pickups are conducted with a maximum waiting time of 20 minutes after collection of baggage from flight. If you are unable to meet within this time frame you will be required to wait for the next available shuttle.
(Days 2 - 3) (Sun to Mon) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns
Cairns, Australia Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).
Days 5 - 8 (Wed to Sat) - 3 Nights Live-Aboard Diving Expedition Great Barrier Reef
Deep Sea Divers Den's 4 Day/3 Night Great Barrier Reef Live-Aboard Diving Expedition on "Ocean Quest".

Day One - 4 dives*
8.00am pick up from your city accommodation
9.00am Board our fast modern transfer boat for 90 minute transfer to Outer Barrier Reef
Equipment selection
2 dives and lunch before transferring to OceanQuest
2.30pm transfer to OceanQuest
Afternoon dive and night dive
Lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day Two - 4 dives*
Three day dives, One night dive
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day Three - 4 dives*
Three day dives, One night dive
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.

Day Four - 3 dives*
Three pleasure dives
Breakfast, and lunch are included
3.00pm Depart Outer Barrier Reef
Return to your accommodation approx. 5pm
7.30pm - Party Time! Join the boat crew & passengers at a local restaurant.

You can also do the PADI Advanced dive course during this trip.

*indicates maximum number of dives available.
Days 6 - 7 (Thur) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns
Cairns, Australia Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).
Insiders Tip: Visit The Esplanade
The Esplanade, Cairns, Australia Experience the leisure atmosphere at the playground for locals and tourists alike at The Esplanade!

With so many activities available The Esplanade has always been a focal point for this city. This is a place that literally has everything! Take a stroll and do some bird watching on the boardwalk but as you enjoy the views don't forget to stop off at Foreshore Promenade for a bite to eat at the many available restaurants. Access to The Lagoon is easy here which is set overlooking the Barrier Reef and Trinity inlet and features all year free swimming where you can take a dip in this filtered saltwater lagoon. Let the kids can play in the sandy edges and in the shallow waters while you lounge on the semi-shaded timber decks. For the kids, don't miss our on the Trinity Bay foreshore playground "Muddy" with equipment for all ages. For the older kids, stop off at the Skate Park to see some skaters and BMXers in action! Whether you decide to take a morning jog, fly a kite or just relax in the large grassy areas for some lunch you will surely enjoy the tropical lifestyle!

If you happen to be in Cairns on a Saturday be sure to check out the Weekend Markets which feature only locally made arts and crafts, clothing and much more. While you're there listen out for the live music and fun street characters. The market gets into full swing on the promenade (just by the lagoon) every Saturday between 8am - 4pm.

Lagoon Hours:
Closed: Wednesdays til 12pm for maintenance
October to March - 6:00am - 10:00pm
April to September - 7:00am - 9:00pm
Day 7 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer from the Accommodation to Cairns Airport
Cairns, Australia Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.
Day 7 (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight from Cairns to Brisbane
From Cairns to Brisbane, Australia Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

Day 7 (Fri) - International Flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles
From Australia to USA Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to the USA can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.


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[DiveDD2] Ocean Quest

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