Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 6D/5N Ocean Quest (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-10-02
End: 2026-10-07
Location: Australia

8.9 Fabulous

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

from $ 216 / 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

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12 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

12 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

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12 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

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12 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

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12 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

13 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

13 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

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13 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin available

13 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

13 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

14 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

14 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin available

14 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

14 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

14 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

Select Cabin only 1 space left

15 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

15 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

15 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

15 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

Select Cabin only 1 space left

15 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

16 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin available

16 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

17 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

17 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

17 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

18 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

18 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

18 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

19 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

19 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

19 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

19 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

19 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

20 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

20 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

20 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

20 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

20 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

21 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

21 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

21 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

21 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

21 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

22 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

22 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

22 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

22 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

22 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

23 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

23 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin available

23 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin available

23 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

Select Cabin available

23 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

24 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

24 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin available

24 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

Select Cabin available

24 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

24 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

25 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

25 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

Select Cabin available

25 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

25 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

25 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

26 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

Select Cabin available

26 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

26 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

26 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

26 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

27 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

27 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

27 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

27 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

27 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

28 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

28 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

28 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

28 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

28 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

29 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

29 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

29 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

29 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

29 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

30 Sep

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

30 Sep

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

30 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

30 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

30 Sep

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

01 Oct

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 603

FULL

01 Oct

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 837

FULL

01 Oct

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,072

FULL

01 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,307

FULL

01 Oct

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,541

FULL

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

9.5
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
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

9.2 Superb
Mousindha A
United Kingdom

Nils was an absolutely fantastic dive master and I highly recommend requesting him for dives if booking a master. the whhole
1. Nils was absolutely fantastic. He recognised our challenges as divers and supported us throughout. Felt really confident and comfortable with him 2. All our equipment was always ready and prepared for us to go. 3. The vegetarian food was good and I liked that we always had snacks between and hot drinks 4. Everything ran like clockwork and was well organised
Recommended for
Nils our dive master. location of the dives. food and drinks availability.
18 Jul, 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

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

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

10 Exceptional
Taylor M
United States

An incredible experience that I would recommend to alll.
The staff really went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great experience. The dive masters were very knowledgeable and friendly- especially Guy and Phil. The dive sites were beautiful. The boat was clean and comfortable and the food was amazing. Overall, a great experience and would dive again with Deep Sea Divers Den.
Recommended for
Staff, dive sites and food.
14 Oct, 2016

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

576 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
576 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

10 Exceptional
Andrea R
Spain

Impressive! An unforgettable experience, without a doubt. Highly recommended!!
The atmosphere on the boat is spectacular, and the location unbeatable for diving!
Recommended for
Stuff, location and atmosphere
11 Nov, 2022

Translated from Spanish

10 Exceptional
Jasper W
United States

Such a wonderful experience!!
All the nudibranchs!! Amid seeing some of the most amazing animals on the planet, I made some wonderful friends and ate great food!
Recommended for
High number of dives, exuberant and knowledgeable staff, warm cozy beds
22 May, 2023

10 Exceptional
Christian F
Denmark

I will come back
The diving was really good and the main highlight was a night dive with around 30 sharks. We had rough weather, but the crew were so good that no one felt uncomfortable.
Recommended for
Diversden run a tight ship and know their dive sites. I loved the night dives.
15 Sep, 2023

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
Jessica M
United States

Fantastic Boat, Service, and Crew
12 beautiful dives on the Great Barrier Reef. Wonderful, friendly, enthusiastic crew. Good food. Good company with fellow divers, fantstic overall.
Recommended for
Food, diving comfort, fantastic location!
25 Apr, 2017

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
Isabelle K
Germany

Best trip ever!!!! Highly recommended
I met wonderful people and saw wonderful animals. It was great how many reef sharks were around and how many dives we could do. The food was spectacular and the crew is a dream! Cannot complain in the slightest and would always come back
Recommended for
Great crew, amazing food, a lot of great animals to see
17 Nov, 2022

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

10 Exceptional
Elicia T
Australia

Amazing experience
The dive sites were amazing! So much variety at each site! The night diving was next level. Highly recommend it.
Recommended for
Dive sites, food and friendly cabin crew
29 Apr, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Julie W
Denmark

Great Crew and good guides
Helpful crew, always gave a good briefing before the dives. Our room had an amazing view. The food was always great. Can recommend!
Recommended for
Friendly crew, good food og nice rooms
09 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
Devin C
United States

Superb crew
Short trip but got in 6 amazing dives. The crew teams were fabulous. Good food, nice cabin and super diving.
Recommended for
Enthusiasm of crew. Swift procedures. Good dives.
28 Nov, 2024

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
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

9.2 Superb
Celine B
Belgium

Great experience!
Great night dive with reef sharks!
Recommended for
Organization. Security. Comfort.
16 Sep, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
URSULA O
Mexico

Excellent experience
The Great Barrier Reef is excellent for all types of divers, but on this liveaboard they make it even more spectacular than it is. The staff is friendly and professional.
Recommended for
The organization, the comfort and the place
13 Jul, 2018

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

9.2 Superb
yui fung H
Hong Kong

Awesome experience!
Great experience of seeing sea turtles and ray!
Recommended for
Nice crew, nice cabin, nice dive guides
06 Oct, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Margaux A
United States

Wonderful time aboard the OceanQuest!
I had such a lovely experience. The dive guides were great, along with the rest of the crew. Getting to do 12 dives in 3 days was also a great deal! The flouro dive was really unique and spectacular as well, don't miss it! Food was good too, with vegetarian options :)
Recommended for
Beautiful dive sites, friendly and helpful crew, great food
12 Sep, 2018

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

10 Exceptional
Nellie M
Australia

All the staff were brilliant, super friendly and I always felt very safe
You could tell the staff valued pleasing divers (and snorkellers) in water and on the boat. Particular shout out to chill Phil, knowledgeable Clara and "always right" with the best recommendations Mickie. The food was splendid, good spread, I'm vegetarian and I loved the salads and veggies, oh and that risotto! I enjoyed no Wi-Fi, (could send texts and access the internet with Telstra on my phone), very relaxing. Beds were comfy, showers were hot. Recommend bringing cash for tipping the staff for their attentiveness and above and beyond service. #bringbackthemargaritamachine
Recommended for
Diving, relaxing and lovely staff
29 Jan, 2020