Divers Den

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The team at Divers Den are, simply put, a well-oiled machine. They've been running trips out of Cairns to the Outer Reef for decades, and that experience shows in the smooth operations. We love them for their solid PADI training programs; if you're looking to start your dive journey, or push through to DM or Instructor, their PADI Instructor Development Course is a local favourite. Hop aboard one of their day boats, and you'll often find yourself at Saxon or Norman Reef. We've spent many mornings at these sites, dropping in on the protected side for a gentle drift along the bommies. Keep an eye out for giant clams with their rippling mantles and the flash of an inquisitive reef shark patrolling the deeper sections. If you're a photographer, the late morning light here, around 10:30, really makes the soft corals pop. They also offer liveaboard options, which are our pick for getting further out and beating the day-tripper crowds to some of the quieter moorings.