Tusa Dive

Daily outer reef day trips from Cairns since 1984 visiting two reef sites per trip with guided diving, snorkelling, and introductory dives.

Tusa Dive is one of Cairns' most popular and well-regarded day trip operators, taking divers and snorkellers to the outer Great Barrier Reef aboard its custom-built high-speed catamaran since 1984. The vessel departs daily from the Cairns Marlin Marina and reaches the outer reef in approximately ninety minutes, visiting two different reef sites each day to provide maximum variety in marine life encounters and reef topography.

The outer reef sites visited by Tusa Dive, including Saxon Reef, Norman Reef, Hastings Reef, and Breaking Patches, offer superior coral coverage and marine biodiversity compared to closer inshore reefs. Typical sightings include green sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, giant Maori wrasse, barracuda, eagle rays, and thousands of species of colourful tropical fish among pristine hard and soft coral formations. Visibility on the outer reef generally ranges from fifteen to thirty metres.

Tusa Dive's vessel accommodates up to 60 guests and includes a spacious dive deck, underwater camera hire, and a freshly prepared hot and cold buffet lunch. Certified divers enjoy two guided dives with all equipment included, while snorkellers benefit from guided snorkel tours and unlimited reef access between dives. Introductory dive experiences are available for those without certification, conducted by experienced instructors in small groups of no more than four. The operation holds a strong environmental ethic and participates in reef monitoring programs.