Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Name: 6D/5N Ocean Quest (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-09-01
End: 2026-09-06
Location: Australia

8.9 Fabulous

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

from $ 212 / 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 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

12 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

FULL

12 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

12 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

12 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

13 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

13 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin only 3 spaces left

13 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

13 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

13 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

14 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

14 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

FULL

14 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

14 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

14 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

15 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

FULL

15 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

FULL

15 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

15 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

15 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

16 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

FULL

16 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

FULL

16 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

16 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

16 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

17 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

FULL

17 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

FULL

17 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

FULL

17 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

17 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

18 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

18 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

18 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

18 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

18 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

19 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

19 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

19 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

19 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

19 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

20 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

20 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

20 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

20 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

20 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

21 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

21 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

21 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

21 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

21 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

22 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

22 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

22 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

22 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

22 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

23 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

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24 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

24 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

24 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

24 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

24 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

25 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

25 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

25 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

25 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

25 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

26 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

26 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

26 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

26 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

26 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

27 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

27 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

27 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

27 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

27 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin available

28 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

28 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

28 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

28 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin available

28 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

Select Cabin only 1 space left

29 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

29 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

29 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin available

29 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

Select Cabin only 1 space left

29 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

30 Aug

2 Days / 1 Night

$ 590

Select Cabin available

30 Aug

3 Days / 2 Nights

$ 820

Select Cabin available

30 Aug

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,049

Select Cabin only 1 space left

30 Aug

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 1,279

FULL

30 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 1,509

FULL

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

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (20 AUD / day), Port Fees (20 AUD / day).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Snacks, Nitrox (10 AUD), Nitrox Course (325 AUD / activity), Private Dive Guide (750 AUD / activity), Scuba Diving Courses (335 AUD / 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
David M
Australia

I'm now one of the privileged few, "La dolce vita!"
Fantastic experience living on the Great Barrier Reef for 5 days and 4 nights. I feel very privileged to have experienced what this great part of Australia has to offer. Loved the fish feeding and the expert commentary from Nils, he was very informative. Ocean Quest and the crew, sorry I cannot remember all the crews' names, but they were all fantastic. Also, a very international flavor with the broad collection of people representing a vast number of countries.
Recommended for
Friendly courteous customer focused crew. All were very welcoming and looked after me and my daughter.. Especial thanks and kudos to the skipper Matt and crew Deanne, Zach, Evan, Liam, Nils and Evelina. Great dive cons made me feel very safe in the water and most importantly kept my daughter safe whilst diving. Got us back to the boat every time within the 50 bar/50 minutes parameters.. The Ocean Quest is a well-appointed boat with very functional facilities for diving and passenger comfort. The only thing that would have improved my experience is the showers having better water pressure and hot water. and heat showers..
16 Jul, 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

7.2 Good
Alejandro J
United States

Great first liveaboard experience
Deanna and James were amazing. James was our private dive instructor and was very kind and patient with us, making sure we saw something spectacular in each of our dives. Deanna was very pleasant and accommodating to us during our stay. It was winter and the water was a bit cold, I wish there was a coffee and tea station set up outside so that we wouldn’t get reprimanded for going inside to get a warm drink. They also should have prepared you by telling you what to bring before you boarded. There were a million emails we received but nothing telling us what to bring for the trip. The cabins were quite cold and we had to purchase sweatshirts, I would have brought socks and warmer clothes had I known. Otherwise great experience overall.
Recommended for
Deanna and James. Ability to dive so much in a short amount of time. Our first night dive.
13 Jul, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Lambertus Sijmen V
Netherlands

Fantastic liveaboard dive experience with Ocean Quest
An awesome few days with loads of diving and incredibly easy, convenient access straight from the boat. The dive sites were stunning, and the whole setup made it very relaxed and efficient. I opted for the Advanced Open Water upsell and it was absolutely worth it — well run and added a lot to the experience. The crew were great, and it was a bonus to meet so many interesting people onboard. Highly recommended.
Recommended for
Stunning locations to dive. Great company. The night dives!.
23 Feb, 2026

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
Andrew O
United States

Great diving trip
A wonderful trip and wonderful crew. Very professional and well organised.
Recommended for
Felix. Service. The boat.
07 Aug, 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

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

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

567 reviews

8.9 Fabulous
567 Verified Reviews

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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

10 Exceptional
Michael M
United States

Ocean Quest
Snorkeling, a terrific crew made this a great vacation experience, and just a rewarding vacation viewing the Great Barrier Reef with the Ocean Quest team
Recommended for
Great Barrier Reef, Awesome Staff/Crew, Outstanding experience
26 Jan, 2023

9.2 Superb
Mark G
United States

3 wonderful days on the great barrier reef liveaboard
Excellent snorkeling on the reef Staff was professional and helpful when we had questions or needs Excellent communications about activities, timing
Recommended for
Entire operation well run by extremely helpful staff. Snorkel guides were very helpful, led us out to a wonderful variety of reefs. Cabins were comfortable, and food was good and plentiful.
17 Feb, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Victoria T
Australia

Incredible experience with an affordable price tag
The night dives with sharks were amazing. All of the staff were so kind and had great knowledge about all the dive sites, with informative briefings and the option for dive guides. The food was also fantastic!
Recommended for
Incredibly affordable, knowledgeable staff, outstanding dive sites
30 Mar, 2022

10 Exceptional
Peter B
Australia

This trip has made me want to do more liveaboards
Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from underwater, diving with sharks, could not fault the trip
Recommended for
Staff being organised, friendly helpful staff, great atmosphere
17 May, 2021

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
Eliot N
United States

Great ocean adventure!
Our family of 5 had a wonderful time on all the different dives sites exploring the reef and aquatic life. All of the crew, from Captains Anna and Dany to Chef Marcos were always friendly, helpful and encouraging! Our dive guides (Diegho, Natalee, Jack, Simon) were so helpful - especially Diegho with his amazing energy and excitement at being able to show us the reef. Our nighttime flouro-dive was spectacular in its intimacy with the flourescence of the coral and the proximity of sharks (almost brushing us)! The chance to dive 4 times per day (or rest) and the crew's support is something we've never had before. One of us completed Advanced Diver certification, another Adventure Diver cert. They both said the chance to do-the-read and immediately apply the diving skills was so much richer than a dive class at home. The care of the crewe towards the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef and "flora and fauna" there is important too - with climate change this opportunity is fading unless huge changes can be made. The crew made us aware of this throughout. We loved our time on OceanQuest and would certainly return/rebook through Diver's Den in the future! Eliot (of the Nottleson family)
Recommended for
The amazing GBR diving, the fantastic diving guides and the great crew,
25 Jun, 2024

10 Exceptional
Claudia G
Germany

Ocean Quest is the best to explorer the Great Barrier Reef !
It was phantastic! Thanks to the whole team !!! Marcus and Claudia
Recommended for
1) Diving with sharks 2)Fluorescens-Diving 3)all time a good atmosphere
17 Jan, 2016

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

8.4 Very good
Eric N
United States

Anyone one who wants to dive the Great barrier Reef shoud do Live Aboard.
Highlight of the time on Live aboard was doing a night dive
Recommended for
Thought all processes for the numerous dives were well managed. They did a good job moving things forward when the trip had to get cut short due to weather risks. The access to numrous dives in a short period of time.
25 Mar, 2026

9.2 Superb
Tom S
Australia

Fabulous experience with my daughter
The diving was amazing the boat ran like clockwork a real pleasure to behold
Recommended for
Boat ran like clockwork. Diving was amazing. Night diving and fluro dive was great.
07 Nov, 2024

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

9.6 Exceptional
Hanna S
Finland

Fantastic!
Everything was working perfectly; all instructions were clear and timetable was kept to the minute - very assuring for a not-so-experienced diver. Food was good and there was enough of it;-) The great barrier reef itself of course was the highlight!
Recommended for
Friendly yet professional staff, well organised operations, great barrier reef
10 May, 2018

10 Exceptional
Sarah S
Ireland

The highlight of our Queensland trip
My partner & I spent 2D/1N on Ocean Quest and it was truly the highlight of our trip. -He completed six dives (the maximum number possible) with guides from the team as well as buddies on board. At each briefing, the team runs through points of interests and is happy to help with any queries. -While he was diving, I completed a number of snorkelling sessions with another member of the team. Still fun and got to see plenty of reef creatures! -Food was absolutely delicious, compliments to the chef. -All members of staff, from the diving team to hospitality team, were super friendly, helpful and always happy to chat. -Vibes on the boat were amazing, everyone excited to be there! Highly recommend this trip.
Recommended for
Incredibly well organised - meals, dives & transfers all work like a well oiled machine. Friendly & approachable team. Comfortable cabin & lots of space on the sun deck and common areas.
09 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Simon L
Australia

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

9.2 Superb
Tad B
United States

Great experience overall
The team made it so much fun, night dives, sharks in the dark, lots of great instruction on where to go and what to see. An overall great experience. The food can use an upgrade, but it got the job done.
Recommended for
Friendly staff, amazing dive locations, and fun environment.
22 Apr, 2023

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

10 Exceptional
Heath C
Australia

Was excellent trip!
1. Night dives, the sharks and Huge GTs were amazing to dive with. 2. The crew. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful… every single member went above an beyond to ensure you had the best time possible 3. The people you get to meet along the journey and share your diving experiences with. I could keep going on but I’d just recommend that you go out and try it for yourself!
Recommended for
1. Night diving with the sharks 2. The friendly crew that went the extra mile at every turn. 3. The value for money experience offered!
14 Oct, 2022

8.4 Very good
Tessa W
Netherlands

Great
Great trip with super friendly crew
Recommended for
Friendliness of the crew. Safety measures. Equipment for diving.
06 Nov, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Lorenz R
Germany

Worth to travel with
Great experience!
Recommended for
Nice and helpful crew. Organized dives. Nice cabin.
19 Jun, 2025

Ocean Quest Liveaboard, Australia

Choose your departure date

Boat features

Food & Drinks

Diving

Languages Spoken

Gear Rental

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Boat navigation and safety

Ocean Quest Reviews

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