Tusa Dive has been locally owned and operated for over 25 years, and its energetic and highly experienced staff ensures memorable and exciting Great Barrier Reef experiences. Launched in August 2011, the Tusa 6 is one of Cairns newest reef vessels. Tusa continues the tradition of smaller passenger numbers and greater service onboard the 24m Tusa 6. Tusa Dive limits passenger numbers to just 60 guests, while the vessel has seating to accommodate 120 passengers. TUSA 6 is a non-smoking vessel. And as with past vessels, Tusa operates with an average staff to passenger ratio of 1:5 in order to offer a premium service on board and in the water.
Lounge style seating over two decks
Air-conditioned interior over two decks
Large picture windows to allow uninterrupted views of the reef
Flat-screen monitors throughout the interior
Open access to the wheelhouse and Skipper
Two outdoor freshwater showers available on the back deck
Two private hot water showers on the back deck
Four toilets
Large partially shaded sun deck
Sunken lounge in the bow provides additional outside seating
Huge dive deck with dive gear, snorkel gear, wetsuits, and lycra suits
Hydraulically lowered stairs and platform that rests just below water level
Varies, depending on the type of package. Contact us for more information.
Situated within Cairns; trips depart from Cairns Marlin Wharf. Local hotel transfers provided.
A range of exciting dive options is available featuring more than 16 unique dive sites on the outer Barrier Reef. Tusa Dive specializes in day trips and full charters, along with liveaboard excursions aboard the Spirit of Freedom.
[Read More: Australia Dive Travel Guide]

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 km (1,600 mi) along the coast of Queensland, in Australias Coral Sea. Labeled as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and a World Heritage-listed region, visitors come from all over the planet to visit this incredible icon Our Great Barrier Reef.
During the day trip, Tusa Dive visits selected reefs within a 50 km (35-mile radius) from Cairns. Tusas 16 sites are scattered on the reefs lying close to the edge of the continental shelf, where the best visibility and most spectacular corals can be found. Each day the Skipper will choose two sites to maximize diving and snorkeling for the days conditions. If you join Tusa for more than one day, you will visit new sites each day (conditions permitting).
Tusa Dives professional and friendly dive crew are on hand throughout the day to assist you in every way and can provide education about the reef, as well as instruction for snorkeling, first time introductory scuba diving (PADI Discover Scuba course), PADI Courses, and PADI Open Water courses.
For divers looking for more than a day trip, multi-day scuba packages are available for day touring and Tusa 6s big sister, the Spirit of Freedom provides 3 to 7-day liveaboard diving expeditions to the iconic dive destinations of the Cod Hole and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.
Dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Cairns expert reef operators. Tusa Dive is a Cairns local day dive operator with more than 30 years of experience and access to more than 16 unique sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
You will cruise to the outer reef onboard one of Cairns newest reef crafts, the Tusa 6, which was custom-built for ultimate comfort and easy access to the water. Passengers numbers are limited to just 60 to ensure plenty of space, and Tusas friendly crew will ensure your day is fun, safe, and memorable. Two new sites are selected each day, as being the best for the days conditions. This provides guests with a whole new underwater adventure daily. Activities include marine interpretation presentations, guided snorkel tours, introductory diving, and certified diving with up to 3 dives in the day available.
Tusa Dive is an Advanced Ecotourism Operator, committed to providing a service that reflects our responsibility to contribute to the protection of our environment.
Pricing is in AUD inclusive of GST, valid 1 July 2018 31 March 2019. All prices include a per person Environmental Management Charge that contributes to the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. With the fluctuation of world fuel prices, it may be necessary to apply a fuel surcharge, which would be a pay onboard levy.
|
Option |
Note |
Adult |
Child |
|
Snorkeling |
- |
$215 |
$140 |
|
Introductory Diving |
1 Dive |
$285 |
$210 |
|
Introductory Diving |
2 Dives |
$340 |
$265 |
|
Certified Diving with Full Equipment Hire & Guided Dive |
1 Dive |
$265 |
$190 |
|
Certified Diving with Full Equipment Hire & Guided Dives |
2 Dives |
$295 |
$220 |
|
Certified Diving with Full Equipment Hire & Guided Dives |
3 Dives |
$315 |
$240 |
|
Certified Diving with Tanks & Weights only & Guided Dive |
1 Dive |
$245 |
$170 |
|
Certified Diving with Tanks & Weights only & Guided Dives |
2 Dives |
$265 |
$190 |
|
Certified Diving with Tanks & Weights only & Guided Dives |
3 Dives |
$285 |
$210 |
|
Option |
Note |
Adult |
Child |
|
Certified Diving with Full Equipment Hire |
6 Dives |
$795 |
$595 |
|
Certified Diving with Full Equipment Hire |
9 Dives |
$850 |
$650 |
|
Certified Diving with Tanks & Weights only |
6 Dives |
$715 |
$515 |
|
Certified Diving with Tanks & Weights only |
9 Dives |
$770 |
$565 |
|
Course |
Note |
Adult |
Child |
|
2 Day PADI referral |
4 Dives |
$720 |
- |
|
4 Day PADI Learn to Dive |
4 Dives |
$800 |
- |













Local Currency
AUD (Australian Dollar)
International Airport
Cairns Airport
Language
English
Time Zone
UTC+10

Resort
44.0|5
Crystal Blue Resort
Philippines
Mabini, Batangas, Philippines
from$270
Learn more
Resort
55.0|5
Atmosphere Resort & Spa
Philippines
Maayong Tubig, National Road, Dauin, 6217 Negros Oriental, Philippines
from$166
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Atlantis Dive Resort Dumaguete
Philippines
Atlantis Dive Resort in is a beachfront luxury dive resort located within a short trip to some of the best dive sites in the Philippines.
Lipayo, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines
from$87
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Villa Markisa - Private Beach Bungalows - Dive Resort
Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia
from$176
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Anthony's Key Resort
Caribbean
Travel: Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2027
Book by: Dec 31, 2027
$1,217$974
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Sunset House Hotel & Dive Center
Caribbean
George Town, Cayman Islands
from$310
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Volivoli Beach Resort
Fiji
Rakiraki, Fiji
from$386
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Lembeh Resort
Indonesia
Travel: Jan 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026
Book by: Feb 11, 2026
from$2,074
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Buddy Dive Bonaire Resort
Caribbean
Kaya Gob Nicolas Debrot #85, P.O. Box 231, Kralendijk, Bonaire
from$102
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Paradise Taveuni Fiji
Fiji
Travel: Sep 15, 2025 - Mar 31, 2027
Book by: Mar 31, 2026
from$1,975
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Atlantis Dive Resort Puerto Galera
Philippines
Atlantis Puerto Galera in the Philippines is a beachfront boutique dive resort with all-inclusive dive vacation packages, minutes away from the prime dive sites.
Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
from$76
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
CoCo View Resort
Caribbean
French Harbour, Roatan, Honduras
from$252
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Magic Oceans Dive Resort; Bohol
Philippines
Anda, Bohol, Philippines
from$104
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Beqa Lagoon Resort
Fiji
Travel: Apr 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026
Book by: Mar 31, 2026
from$2,297
Learn more
Resort
55.0|5
El Galleon Dive Resort; Puerto Galera
Philippines
Address: Sabang, Puerto Galera, Philippines
from$30
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Cayman Brac Beach Resort
Caribbean
Cayman Brac Beach Resort is a beautiful dive resortlocated on a private white, sandy beach overlooking the dazzling Caribbean.
383 Channel Road, KY2 - 2001, Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands
from$342
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
NAD Lembeh Resort
Indonesia
North Sulawesi, Indonesia
from$110
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Wakatobi Dive Resort
Indonesia
Wakatobi Regency, Indonesia
from$566
Learn more
Resort
44.0|5
Meridian Adventure Dive Resort & Marina Club
Indonesia
Travel: Jun 1, 2025 - May 31, 2027
Book by: Apr 30, 2026
$2,098$1,888
Learn more
Resort
33.0|5
Wananavu Beach Resort
Fiji
Raki raki, Fiji
from$197
Learn more