Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 6D/5N Ocean Quest (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-11-29
End: 2026-12-04
Location: Australia

8.9 Fabulous

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

from $ 220 / 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

09 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin only 4 spaces left

09 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin only 1 space left

09 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

09 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

09 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

10 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin only 1 space left

10 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

10 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

10 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

10 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

11 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

FULL

11 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

11 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

11 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

11 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

12 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

12 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

12 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

12 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

12 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

13 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

FULL

13 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

13 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

13 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

13 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

14 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

FULL

14 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

14 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

14 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

14 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

15 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

15 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

15 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

15 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin only 1 space left

15 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

16 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

16 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin only 1 space left

16 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

17 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin only 1 space left

17 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin only 1 space left

18 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin only 1 space left

19 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

19 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

19 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

19 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

19 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin only 5 spaces left

20 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

20 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

20 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

20 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin available

20 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin available

21 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin available

22 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

22 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

22 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

22 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin available

22 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin available

23 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

23 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

23 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

23 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin available

23 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

Select Cabin available

24 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

24 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

24 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

24 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

Select Cabin available

24 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

25 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

25 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

25 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

Select Cabin available

25 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

25 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

26 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

26 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

Select Cabin available

26 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

26 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

26 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

27 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

Select Cabin available

27 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

27 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

27 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

27 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

FULL

28 Nov

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 574

FULL

28 Nov

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 797

FULL

28 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,020

FULL

28 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,244

FULL

28 Nov

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,467

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

9.4
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

9.6 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
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
Catherine S
New Zealand

Come alive & thrive on a barrier reef dive!
This trip was outstanding and a dream come true. We did this trip 24yrs ago but this time surpassed all expectations. Highlights were the sharks in the dark dive. Special shout out to Ari, Sol, Tristan, Kiara & Liam who went above and beyond to get to know us and make our experience extra special.
Recommended for
Staff. Dives. Organization.
05 Jun, 2026

10 Exceptional
Jeff B
Australia

Every thing i was expecting
Diving the reef was number 1 of course. But the crew and hospitality were amazing also. The whole experience was awesome and as my first live aboard it has definitely enticed me to do more
Recommended for
Diving, friendly crew and meeting people
21 Aug, 2023

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

10 Exceptional
Eva F
Spain

Everything great
Our experience was amazing. Great boat, nice people on board, great food. Everything really well organized.
Recommended for
Great boat. nice people. amazing reefs.
08 Jul, 2025

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
Noah P
United States

Fantastic Scuba Experience
Ocean Quest is a very well managed ship. Diver’s Den is recognized in Australia as one of the top diver and dive instructor training programs. One student from Melbourne described it to me like this: “All the best dive instructors I have met got their training here.” That’s consistent with my experience too. The guides were fantastic. The food was delicious and abundant. I’m still raving about the English bacon they serve at breakfast. The boat is older but the staff is very diligent with maintenance. Every guest room includes a private bathroom with a shower too. We saw a huge variety of corals and fish and the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable about identifying them. I got stumped trying to identify a picture I took of a Juvenile Rock Mover Wrasse and they recognized it right away! We also saw and captured a photo of a Hammerhead Shark! The night dives were fantastic too. Diving another nearby reef off of the tender was also fun and exciting!
Recommended for
Excellent Adherence to Safety Guidelines. Outstanding Guide Services. Really good meals.
13 Dec, 2024

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

585 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
585 Verified Reviews

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10 Exceptional
Amanda G
United States

Great 3 day 2 night dive trip on Oceanquest 2
Nights dives, professional and fun dive masters and crew, the warm showers after diving!
Recommended for
Awesome dive guides, professional crew, organized (from the booking until we left)
21 Aug, 2016

10 Exceptional
Esther N
Australia

Owesome crews and great team work! Best liverboard in Cairns☆☆☆☆☆
Diving at Saxon reef was the best and Sharks in the dark was the best fun. It was the best holiday to stay on Oceanquest. The food was beautiful and plenty all the time. Program runs on time and every crew knows what they need to do for each program. Great team work, great support for every dives. All crews are kind and enjoyed to work for us. Energetic and cheerful mood all the time.
Recommended for
Great crews, facilities including gears, well organised program
14 Oct, 2022

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
Simon L
Australia

Awesome adventure with my Son
Marine life Staff where amazing
Recommended for
Staff , Diving , Weather
20 Oct, 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
Kelcy H
United States

Amazing!
Great diving, so much variety. The food was amazing! The crew was friendly and we met some awesome people we will be staying in touch with!
Recommended for
The diving, the people we met, the food
19 Aug, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
Lucy Tahlia P
Australia

Great Dive Sights & oppotunity to upskill
Overall a fantastic experience that helped me further my dive skills. The crew have a focus on safety and lots of knowledge to share. I would recommend this as a budget friendly and upskilling experience.
Recommended for
Dive sights. Food. Experience.
20 Dec, 2025

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

9.6 Exceptional
Hyejin Y
South Korea

It was wonderful experience and crew!
Great Barrier Reef!!
Recommended for
Diving point, Foods and Crew
04 Dec, 2023

9.2 Superb
Brendan G
United States

Fantasy crew with lots of energy and enthusiasm
The crew, was on for 6 days and loved them all.
Recommended for
The crew, amount of dives offered, all equipment included
31 May, 2019

9.2 Superb
David P
United States

safety was the number one concern which made me feel very comfortable
The beautiful sea life, the staff
Recommended for
the helpfulness of the staff, the Great Barrier Reef and the punctuality of the organization
19 Dec, 2022

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

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
Aleks K
Australia

Great driving experience!
Well- run and organized diving, great guides who were very knowledgeable and looked after divers safety.
Recommended for
The boat was very comfortable and well equipped, the staff were awesome and most importantly superb diving!
30 Nov, 2019

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

8.0 Very good
Lawrie A
United Kingdom

Highly recommend!
The team was great! Took out a Scuba diving guide with me every dive. Highly recommend! Had a very enjoyable experience overall!
Recommended for
Scuba Diving. Night Dive. Very well Organised.
06 May, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Ashish D
United States

Great Experience
Oceanquest is the best value for money you can get. It was reasonably priced but the amenities you get, like awesome food with great desserts, along with best staff and dive guides was way more than I expected. Great locations to dive and great experience.
Recommended for
Food, dive guides, staff
30 Dec, 2023

9.2 Superb
Eachan C
United States

Wonderful trip to the reef
Saw all sorts of amazing ocean life, lobsters, octopuse, sharks and more!
Recommended for
Lots of dive opportunities, friendly crew, good dive sites
15 Nov, 2018

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

8.4 Very good
Adi T
Israel

Good time on the Ocean Quest
Very professional operation. Safety oriented. Good overall diving equipment. Great friendly staff.
Recommended for
The staff was nice and attaintive. The ship is well maintained. Loved sitting up at the sun deck between dives.
22 Jun, 2026