Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 6D/5N Ocean Quest (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-11-02
End: 2026-11-07
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

13 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

13 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

13 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

13 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

13 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

14 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 1 space left

14 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

14 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

14 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

14 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

15 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

FULL

15 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

15 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

15 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

15 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

16 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin available

16 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

18 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

18 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

18 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

19 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

19 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

19 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 1 space left

19 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

19 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

20 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

20 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 1 space left

20 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

20 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

20 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

21 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 1 space left

21 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

21 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

21 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

21 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

22 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

FULL

22 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

22 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

22 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

22 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

23 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

FULL

23 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

23 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

23 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

23 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

24 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

24 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

24 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

24 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

24 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

25 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

25 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

25 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

25 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

25 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

26 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

FULL

26 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

26 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

26 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

26 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

27 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

FULL

27 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

FULL

27 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

FULL

27 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

FULL

27 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

FULL

28 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

28 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

28 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

28 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

28 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

29 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

29 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

29 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

29 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

29 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 1 space left

30 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin available

30 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin available

30 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin available

30 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

30 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 1 space left

31 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin available

31 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin available

31 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin only 1 space left

31 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin only 1 space left

31 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin only 1 space left

01 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 583

Select Cabin available

01 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 810

Select Cabin available

01 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,037

Select Cabin available

01 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,264

Select Cabin available

01 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,491

Select Cabin available

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

10 Exceptional
Nectar P
Australia

Great experience.
Going SCUBA diving after so many years not going. A big thanks to Josh the captain of the boat for encouraging me and taking me one in one SCUBA diving. .
Recommended for
The People you meet in the boat. The crew are friendly and professional. Going SCUBA diving.
28 Aug, 2026

9.2 Superb
Toke L
Denmark

Amazing 3 day trip, do it!
Amazing, even if you cant scubadive (I got a cold) you can still do snorkeling or simply stay comfy on the boat. Be prepared for really cold air-con (helps against seasickness)
Recommended for
The dives (good gear and satefy was top notch). The vibes from the passengers and crew. The view.
11 Aug, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Simon W
United Kingdom

Wow!! Loved this experience…a must do in cairns
This experience exceeded my expectations. It was extremely well run and in the space of two half days with a sleep over in the middle the crew squeezed us in 6 dives…including an amazing scary night dive. Apart from feeling a tad chilly between dives and it being cloudy at times I couldn’t have wished for anything different. Thanks to the crew for their professionalism and support
Recommended for
Night dive. Smooth organisation. Food.
07 Oct, 2026

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

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

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

10 Exceptional
Simon L
Australia

Awesome adventure with my Son
Marine life Staff where amazing
Recommended for
Staff , Diving , Weather
20 Oct, 2023

10 Exceptional
Anonymous
United States

Superb
Loved everything about the trip but the flouro dive was amazing jumping into the ocean at night full of sharks OMG what a buzz.
Recommended for
Crew diving efficiency
03 Apr, 2016

10 Exceptional
Nicola B
Australia

absolutely fantastic crew, cabin, crew, dive planning, dive gear and support!
The crew were amazing - helpful, organised, professional. The cabin was big, clean and quiet. The dive sites were perfect - constant changes and good divebriefings before each dive. Excellent safety standards too - just brilliant!
Recommended for
Crew - organised, happy, friendly, helpful / cabin was big and clean / food was yummy, fresh and plentiful
02 Oct, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Luis D
United States

Memorable experience on the Barrier Reef
All night dives Very positive atmosphere Diverse group of guests
Recommended for
Dive guides, staff, Night dives
28 Mar, 2024

581 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
581 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

10 Exceptional
Ka Wai L
Australia

Best livaboard
Awesome crew, especially thanks to George, Fabio and Taylah
Recommended for
Vibes from the crew. Food onboard. Well-organized.
06 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Emile A
Canada

Amazing experience
The highlight of my trip was seeing sharks, turtles, and two octopus fighting in one dive. I did intro dives and the crew was really nice in introducing me to the dives
Recommended for
The dives the atmosphere and the food
14 Oct, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
Michael F
United States

So good I immediately booked a follow-up trip!
The Reef was never more than a few fin-kicks from the boat—no wasted time. Abundant fish life—day and night. Gear was high-quality, always prepared and dive operations were efficient. This is a BIG deal when you are attempting 4 dives a day with 40 other divers entering and exiting the water.
Recommended for
Crew were wonderful, diving was accessible, captain and crew handled adversity with great professionalism
28 Mar, 2020

10 Exceptional
Kelly M
United States

First time on liveaboard
Overall experience was outstanding. Crew always had things ready to go for the next dive, never had to wait for equipment. Living conditions were clean, neat, and more than met my expectations. Food was great, on-time and always a couple options if a person didnt like what was being served. I liked how the information for the next dive was given out with plenty of time to prepare.
Recommended for
Good amount of dives for time spent on trip. Food was better than expected, plenty of options. Crew was super helpful, always had things ready to go for next dive.
04 Jan, 2026

10 Exceptional
Kate B
United Kingdom

4 days 3 night trip
Excellent, really enjoyed it!
Recommended for
Dive leads. Clean rooms. Breakfasts.
16 Jan, 2025

10 Exceptional
Preston H
United States

The crew was GREAT! A great experience. Thanks to you all!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time aboard the Ocean Quest. Luke, Jo, Ana, Lan, everyone of them were helpful and courteous. It was like being with family, only BETTER. I would definitely recommend Deep Sea Divers Den to anyone that wants to experience the reef and the "personal" service. Thank again, Preston Alaska
Recommended for
The crew, the friendliness, the value.
13 Mar, 2016

10 Exceptional
TSUJII K
Japan

You can experience all the fun of a diving cruise.
The Boat Staff were always smiling and kind. They remembered my name right away, and I received a heartfelt welcome and hospitality that I couldn't believe I was traveling alone. For diving, they took care of safety, equipment management, easy-to-understand briefings, and log data management. The coral reefs and animals during the day, the shark night at night, everything was great.
Recommended for
Safe and fun diving. Delicious meals. Clean and comfortable bedroom.
14 Jan, 2025

Translated from Japanese

10 Exceptional
Sandor H
Australia

Oh my god that was so awesome.
The best value for money trip on the planet. The staff were professional and able to cater to all skill sets. From snorkeling guests all the way up to my travel companion who had over 200 dives under her belt. Everyone was catered for at some of the best dive spots ever. I will be coming back and I will be recommending this to everyone I know. Again a special thanks to Matt for training me in my advanced course. By the way that was the best price I've ever seen for an advanced course.
Recommended for
Night dives with sharks. Early morning dives with the fish waking up. Matt my advanced course instuctor was the coolest and the best.
11 Mar, 2016

10 Exceptional
SOOBIN Y
South Korea

Nothing can better than Liveaboard!
Me and my friend stayed 1night and 2days on board of Sea Quest and Ocean Quest. Everything was perfect and especially thanks to Song and Sun for extra support in Korean:) Definitely coming back for Liveaboard!
Recommended for
Friendly Crews, Private Cabin #21 and Guided Divings
04 Dec, 2018

8.8 Fabulous
Kimiko K
United States

Well run ship
Well run and tight ship practices. Appreciated the focus on safety. Liked the announcements to ensure everyone knew what was coming up.
Recommended for
Barrier reef experience. Staff provided incredible service. On target with their timing of activities.
08 May, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Allison W
Australia

Thoroughly and highly recommend this trip
Feeling well supported as a new diver.
Recommended for
Location , crew, food
08 Dec, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Petr D
Czech Republic

Wanna go back!
Awesome
Recommended for
Diving, friends, crew
28 Feb, 2016

9.6 Exceptional
Carlos C
Spain

We had a good experience
First night dive done, guided by Matias, he did an amazing job. We had an unforgettable experience.
Recommended for
Dive
09 May, 2024

10 Exceptional
Brandon B
United States

Amazing Dive Sites and Crew
The dive sites were simply incredible with the ability to do three dives a day. Briefings were great with a review of the terrain map and you were able to sign up for a guide or explore on your own. The staff are all amazing and made for a super fun trip.
Recommended for
Dive Sites, Crew, Food
04 Jan, 2023

10 Exceptional
Kelly L
United States

Outstanding experience!
We really enjoyed our overnight dive/snorkeling trip. My 18 year old newly certified daughter had a safe and enjoyable dive experience with the staff guides. I was very pleased with the quality of the experience and accommodations. Would recommend 100%!!!
Recommended for
Lots of dive time, great accommodations, exceptional staff
07 Apr, 2023

9.2 Superb
Bert K
Netherlands

Great liveaboard
Great dives during this liveaboard, nice boat and cabin, good helpful crew and good food.
Recommended for
Good rooms and amenities. Good and helpful crew. Good equipment.
31 Oct, 2025

Translated from Dutch

9.6 Exceptional
Robert E
United States

Better than expected
Certainly, diving is paramount. We enjoyed the experience immensely and would consider this again. The accommodations were great, nice sized rooms, and nice bath, the dive deck was great for getting into the water. The crew was respectful and fun and very helpful. The weather was great and the diving was great. We did not see the bigger fish as a whole, but the reef was teaming with life and the colors and diversity of the coral was amazing.
Recommended for
Diving, room and crew
04 Nov, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Darrell S
United States

It was an amazing and relaxing experience!
The friendliness of the crew, the great diving and amazing views made the trip a great adventure. It was very relaxing and the crew made us feel at home. We loved the dives, new friends we made and amount of time in between dives that allowed to relax and not be too tired to dive. The food and crew made our trip extraordinary. Thank you!!!
Recommended for
Friendly crew, great food and awesome diving.
20 Sep, 2017

10 Exceptional
Symeon V
United Kingdom

Great and professional diving experience
Sharks in the dark was pretty cool. The bed was really comfortable All the crew were fantastic
Recommended for
The crew were very friendly and the briefs were great
05 Jun, 2019

10 Exceptional
Annabelle H
United Kingdom

Never to be forgotten!
Professional team onboard, wonderful guides and absolutely fantastic experience with the sharks at night. So good I’ve booked again!!
Recommended for
Staff, safety and the night dive
07 Apr, 2023