Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 6D/5N Ocean Quest (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-10-28
End: 2026-11-02
Location: Australia

8.9 Fabulous

Nitrox available
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 209 / day Check dates

“Amazing experience with an amazing crew. ”
Pascal J, Canada

Highlights

Fluoro Night Diving to experience fluorescent colors
Nightly "Shark In The Dark" dives

The OceanQuest Liveaboard is a 36m Catamaran offering year-round diving trips to Australia's magnificent Outer Great Barrier Reef. The OceanQuest liveaboard is permanently moored at the Outer Reef, and guests are transferred by fast boat from Cairns.

The OceanQuest liveaboard was refurbished in 2017 and has 22 cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and a TV. Each cabin has either two single beds or two single bunk beds. Split over 3 decks, the OceanQuest liveaboard offers plenty of space for relaxing after a full day of diving. There is a large air-conditioned lounge, a well-stocked bar area with an entertainment system, and a spacious dining room. The sun decks are perfect for sunbathing between dives in the warm Australian sun. The OceanQuest team provides 3 meals per day, served buffet style in the large dining area.

There is something for everyone with the OceanQuest liveaboard, with options for certified divers, introductory divers, and snorkelers. Guests can explore numerous outer Great Barrier Reef dive sites with OceanQuest and enjoy up to 4 dives a day: 3 daytime and 1 nighttime. Non-diving guests are also welcome aboard.

Please be aware that the dives are self-guided; however, for solo travelers, the crew will be happy to assist with pairing you with a dive buddy or dive group. Rest assured, there is always a dedicated supervisor on board and a vigilant lookout on the deck during in-water activities. If you wish to opt for a guided dive experience, you can reserve this service on the day and overnight trips, priced at 20 AUD per person per dive. In cases where your certification or a medical condition necessitates supervised diving, it is mandatory to partake in dives accompanied by a guide.

OceanQuest liveaboard divers can experience the Great Barrier Reef at night in a new way with Fluoro Night Diving. This incredible dive uses specialist torches and mask filters to bring the reef to life in an array of fluorescent colors (extra charge applies). Nightly Shark In The Dark dives offer the chance to jump in and see the Great Barrier Reef sharks at night.

Book your Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive adventure today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

08 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

FULL

08 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

08 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

08 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

08 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

09 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

09 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

09 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

09 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

09 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

10 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

10 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

10 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

10 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

10 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

11 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

11 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

11 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

11 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 1 space left

11 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

12 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

12 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

12 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 1 space left

12 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

12 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

13 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

13 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 1 space left

13 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

13 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

13 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

14 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

14 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

14 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

14 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

14 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

15 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

FULL

15 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

15 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

15 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

15 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

16 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

16 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

16 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

16 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

16 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

17 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

18 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

18 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin available

18 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin available

18 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

18 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

19 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

19 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin available

19 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

19 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

19 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

20 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

20 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

20 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

20 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

20 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

21 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

21 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

21 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

21 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

21 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

22 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

22 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

22 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

22 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

22 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

23 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

FULL

23 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

FULL

23 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

FULL

23 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

FULL

23 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

FULL

24 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin available

24 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

24 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 1 space left

24 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 1 space left

24 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 1 space left

25 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

25 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 1 space left

25 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 1 space left

25 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 1 space left

25 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 1 space left

26 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 1 space left

27 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 582

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

27 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 808

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

27 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,035

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

27 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,261

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

27 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,488

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

Included: VAT, Hotel Transfer, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Diving Package, Rental Gear.

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (AUD20 / day), Port Fees (AUD20 / day).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Snacks, Nitrox (AUD10), Nitrox Course (AUD325 / activity), Private Dive Guide (AUD750 / activity), Scuba Diving Courses (AUD335 / activity).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Seaview Cabins
Indoor Saloon
TV in cabins
Daily housekeeping

Food & Drinks

Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Buffet style
Western Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Dive deck

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 1988

Year renovated: 2013

Length: 36 metres

Beam: 13 metres

Cruising speed: 9 knots

Max guests: 44

Number of cabins: 9

Number of bathrooms: 23

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Engine room CCTV
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Ocean Quest Reviews

8.9 Fabulous

Vessel

8.7
Crew

8.4
Food

9.4
Diving

9.1
Value

9.0

9.6 Exceptional
Jacqueline W
United Kingdom

Amazing staff
The Oceanquest staff were really amazing. I struggled to carry my tank and equipment up and down the stairs to the dive deck as my mobility isnt what it used to be. For each dive one of the staff helped me carry my equipment and help me in and out of it. They really went above and beyond. So helpful and friendly. Great diving with colourful fish and coral, reef sharks and turtles.Night dives we an added bonus. After a 27 year dive gap and a recent refresher is was great to know that I was in safe hands with the dive guides who looked after me so well.
Recommended for
Amazing helpful staff. Excellent dive guides. Great organisation.
08 Sep, 2026

8.8 Fabulous
jean francois L
France

Wonderful experience!
Superb experience in every way, the whales came near the boat, the sunrises and sunsets, the stars, the underwater life and the shark in the dark, the very good meals thank you to all the staff!
Recommended for
The staff. The meals. The organization.
02 Sep, 2026

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Ellen A
United States

Perfecg way to snorkel the great barrier reef.
Great way to see and snorkel the reef. Transfer days are hectic. Recommend staying at least 2 nights if you can so you have at least one full day. We stayed 4 nights and loved it. Cabins can be cold so bring a warm jacket.
Recommended for
Very accommodating to snorkelers. Good equipment.. Very efficient and great crew.. Comfortable cabin and good foos..
02 Sep, 2026

10 Exceptional
Inge D
United States

Great stay, highly recommended
We loved our 5-day stay. There is such a good atmosphere on the boat and everything is run so well. Our cabin was great and had everything we needed.
Recommended for
Friendly and knowledgeable crew and guides. Loved our cabin. Great food.
14 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Janice O
United States

Awesome experience!
It was a great trip. Loved the experience and will recommend it.
Recommended for
Great staff. Lots of dives. Good food.
31 May, 2025

10 Exceptional
Tatiana B
Spain

Best crew in the who world
Simon, he was my first guide on the sea quest he was super funny and helpful, he helped my with my ear giving me different remedies to help them to recover. Overall it was a great experience and I am sure I will do it again.
Recommended for
All the whole crew was great, they were supporting us and giving advise how to dive making sure everyone was having a great time. The food was amazing great quality and super healthy.
26 Apr, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Jennifer G
United States

Worth the adventure
Great experience overall. We enjoyed all our dives and the crew. We had a bit of a weather situation, and the crew did a great job of navigating how to meet the need of all guests and still keep everyone safe. Great time overall and highly recommend.
Recommended for
The staff's ability to read guests. Safety. Spacious rooms.
10 Jan, 2026

10 Exceptional
Francesco R
Italy

An unforgettable diving experience
We had an amazing experience with the Divers Den crew. The professionalism and kindness of the entire crew impressed us deeply. The guided dives for a fee (20$ per person per dive) were incredible: They showed us the marine life with great passion and attention, making each dive a safe and wonderful experience.The gem was the night dive, a truly unforgettable moment: swimming surrounded by reef sharks is something we will carry in our hearts forever. Unfortunately, the second night was not possible due to bad weather, but this shows the great professionalism of the crew, who were able to put safety first.Everything on board was taken care of down to the smallest detail, from the food to the organization, making every moment pleasant and special. We recommend this experience to anyone who wants to discover the Great Barrier Reef in an authentic and unforgettable way!
Recommended for
The kindness of the crew. Everything very well organized. Night diving.
07 Jan, 2025

Translated from Italian

10 Exceptional
Dakyung J
South Korea

Professional, Safe, and Well Organized
Overall, this was a well-organized and professionally run liveaboard. The crew offered a flexible diving setup, allowing divers to choose buddy diving while maintaining clear procedures and strong safety management. Although most dives were done as buddy dives by our preference, the operation was smooth and well controlled. Briefings were clear, entries and exits were well managed, and surface support was consistently attentive. The guided night dive was a highlight of the trip. Having a guide for our first night dive made the experience feel safe, calm, and truly memorable. From diving operations to life onboard, everything felt well organized and thoughtfully managed. I would recommend this liveaboard to divers who value flexibility, good safety management, and a supportive, professional crew.
Recommended for
Professional and safety-focused crew. Well-managed buddy diving system. Comfortable onboard environment.
02 Jan, 2026

10 Exceptional
Bertrand G
France

Perfect dive Cruise, friendly, safe, and beautiful
Many different dive sites, comfortable and safe dives
Recommended for
Crew, Food, dive!
26 Aug, 2019

579 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
579 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.4 Very good
Aditya M
Australia

Great first liveaboard experience
We had a great trip. It was our first ever live aboard and my wife wants to make it an annual thing to go diving on a live aboard. So we'll done to the team at Diver's Den for giving us the opportunity to experience diving on the outer reef.
Recommended for
The team. The organisation. Communication.
09 Aug, 2026

10 Exceptional
Ryan L
United Kingdom

Great live aboard experience!
Loved the shark night dive!
Recommended for
Sharks, food, service
27 Mar, 2020

10 Exceptional
Delphine C
New Caledonia

A wonderful experience
A fabulous cruise on board with a caring staff and optimal diving conditions (choice of sites, dive guide and safety). It is with pleasure that I will come back to the ocean quest.
Recommended for
Reception. Availability. Number of dives.
20 Jan, 2025

10 Exceptional
Rainer H
Austria

3 nights and 4 great days under and above water! :)
Even after almost 30 years of diving in Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, I ended up in Australia with my son. We deliberately chose the Ocean Quest and not any other dive vessel due to its good recessions.We always dived with guides and especially William and Sam we can highly recommend!In addition to a real interest in the underwater flora and fauna, both always had a watchful eye on their group with whom they were in the water. Both during descent and when surfacing and especially in the course of the dive. Not only did I notice this, but also the other divers who dived with us. Thank you very much for the great time that the Qcean Quest Team made possible for us!
Recommended for
Instructors specifically William and Sam!!. Team on the dive platform - very professional!. Team on board!.
12 May, 2026

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
chana B
Canada

Amazing experience!
We saw such a variety of marine life, definitely the best diving experience I’ve ever had!
Recommended for
The staff were all very friendly and helpful, every cabin had its own ensuite bathroom, the dive sites picked were fantastic
18 Mar, 2024

10 Exceptional
Kirsty S
Australia

A unique and truly spectacular experience
I'm a marine biologist and beginner diver. Getting under the water and seeing the animals I study in their own environment was incredible but being able to share those experiences, the sightings and the knowledge with a group of people interested in the reef and its protection... that was the real gift. I got my Advanced certification on board and feel more confident and safe underwater than I ever have. Thank you to Nat for being a wonderful teacher and guide and to Paolo for enlightening us all with your talks !
Recommended for
The diving, crew and the delicious food
28 Mar, 2019

10 Exceptional
Pascal J
Canada

Minke whale expedition
Amazing experience with an amazing crew. Everybody was positive and fun and I felt safe at all times. There were marine biologists on board as well to answer all our questions about Dwarf Minke whales.
Recommended for
Spacious cabins. Friendly and helpful crew. Great choice in dive spots.
10 Jul, 2025

10 Exceptional
Ellen V
United States

Ocean Quest exceeded expectations!! It was so incredible!!
The dives were absolutely amazing!!
Recommended for
Great staff, great food and well organized!
16 Mar, 2024

10 Exceptional
John H
United States

My first live aboard experience 😀
This was my first night dive and it was incredible!! Overall I think everything was very well managed. The boat pick up and transfer. Timing of meals and dive briefs were well organized. Great experience and I would highly recommend.
Recommended for
Night dive. Friendly staff. Clean, spacious room and bathroom.
23 Mar, 2026

10 Exceptional
Marcos D
Brazil

Fantastic, much better than all the cruises I've ever done.
Today, being back in São Paulo; know that in Australia, around sunset, every day; a few more sharks will be snuggling up next to the Ocean Quest to warmly welcome divers into their natural habitat; That's awesome...
Recommended for
Respect, Care, Splendid
27 Jan, 2018

Translated from Portuguese

10 Exceptional
James N
United Kingdom

Dives, Equipment, Crew, Service and Location. All second to none!
A once in a lifetime opportunity to see the fantastic array of wildlife available from White Tip reef sharks all the way to Clown fish and Turtles. Fantastic.
Recommended for
Variety of dive locations. Excellent equipment. Friendly And helpful Crew.
16 Apr, 2018

10 Exceptional
Gabriel D
United States

Had the BEST time on the Ocean Quest!!
Had an amazing time on the Ocean Quest; I booked 11 days/10nights which was unheard of, but everyone involved was very accommodating to my goals, as I really wanted to do 50 dives on one trip. I also brought my father along for the trip and he too had an unforgettable time! I stayed on the boat so long I saw the crew change a few times, all of whom I now count among my friends. I highly recommend a trip on the Ocean Quest to anyone and everyone, and I will be returning for another trip in July to dive with my friends and dive with the minke whales!! #bestcrewever
Recommended for
The crew! 50 dives in 11 days! Best crew ever!
10 May, 2018

10 Exceptional
Yan Chi L
Hong Kong

Best liveaboard experience
It’s one of my best diving experiences with super friendly and professional staffs on board. The accommodation and food are fantastic.
Recommended for
Friendly and helpful staffs. Professional dive guides. Delicious food.
10 Dec, 2025

10 Exceptional
Lisa J
United States

AMAZING ADVENTURE!
Wally! Meeting lovely people from all over the world and the wonderful diving experiences!
Recommended for
the diving, great customer service, beautiful weather
28 Mar, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Robert R
United States

Great experience
I had a great time on OceanQuest. The crew was all very friendly, and we traveled to different dive sites across the reef each day
Recommended for
Great room. Friendly crew. Amazing diving.
18 Jul, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Dale T
United States

Item on bucket lists checked off but would do again.
Slight hiccup in dive authorization that crew handled and managed better than hoped for. Several dive locations with knowledgeable guides. Sharks, Ray's, turtles, lots of fish and coral.
Recommended for
Crew, crew, crew.
18 Sep, 2019

10 Exceptional
Danny B
United States

Very enjoyable trip that I wish lasted longer.
Found my first time on a live aboard to be very enjoyable. The boat and cabins were comfortable. The entire crew was friendly and helpful. Thought the food was very good and liked each meal. Really liked getting allot of dives in a short amount of time. Found this trip to be a very good value for the money and only wish I could have stayed on board for a few more days. Would highly recommend and would certainly do this trip again.
Recommended for
I reallyenjoyed there was not allot of down time. If we weren't diving we were eating. Thought the food was very good. Like that you get allot of dives each day.
09 Sep, 2016

10 Exceptional
Sarah T
United States

Worth it!
The night dive was by far my favorite, swimming with a half dozen reef sharks and huge fish was quite an experience. We also saw stingrays, nudibranches, sea turtles, the giant friendly fish the crew calls Wally, and cuddlefish. The crew were wonderful and very accommodating to our needs and skill levels. The other passengers on board were also a highlight— plan to see many of them again on other dive trips!
Recommended for
Amazing diving, logistically convenient, kind and competent team members
28 Mar, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Shannon B
United States

Must-book scuba liveaboard! See a great snapshot of GBR.
The trip was amazing from start to finish. Pick up at the hotel, coffee and muffins on the transfer boat two dives before we even got to the liveaboard, easy and smooth transfer, delicious meals and comfortable lodging on the liveaboard, different and beautiful dive sites every day.
Recommended for
Smooth, efficient operations. Excellent crew and food (Sidney was the best dive guide!! Ramiro was great too). Gorgeous dive sites, nice to have so much variety..
06 Jan, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Antonio S
Mexico

Incredible trip, it exceeded my expectations.
Everyone was really cordial, friendly and had a great attitude. The actual dives are the best part of the trip, I highly recommend doing them with guides, they are really experienced and know what is worth seeing in the reef.
Recommended for
The crew, the itinerary and the dives.
09 Nov, 2022