Join us on our next expedition to the Great Barrier Reef in peak Minke Whale season.
We have been lucky enough to secure 11 spots aboard Mike Ball Dive Expeditions during the peak time to experience Minke Whales.
The trip begins with a low-levelscenic flight over the Reef to Lizard Island for a bird’s eye view of some of the reefs you’ll be diving. Captain Cook landed here in 1770, climbing to its peak to search for a way through the labyrinth of coral, and naming the island after the many monitor lizards that live here.
This 3-night expedition is dedicated to maximising your in-water interactions at the world’s only known minke whale aggregation sites, whilst enjoying the diverse marine life of the Ribbon Reefs.
Researchers will dive with us and educate you us on the world’s most friendly whale species. Expeditions include interpretive lectures on whale biology, behaviour, and identification to enhance your experience and allow you to connect with nature as never before. As one of a few swim-with-minke whales permitted operators, you will have the chance to be up close as the whales swim to you, making closer and closer passes. Interactions often last more than an hour, providing spectacular opportunities for close up video and photography. It is an unforgettable experience that has been referred to as one of the best wildlife experiences on earth!
This trip is designed for maximum time with the Minke’s and very much for snorkelers not just divers. It is a unique opportunity to get face to face with these amazing creatures and learn more about their biology and behaviour from the research volunteers on board. You may also choose to participate in this research by assisting with behaviour monitoring and other projects. We will have a Minke Whale researcher aboard during our trip for lectures and slide shows.
Since commencing Minke Whale Expeditions in 1996 they have had a 98% success rate. The largest pod seen was 28 whales, the longest encounter was 10 hours. Every day has a high probability of dwarf minke encounters.
MV Spoilsport is Australia’s most awarded liveaboard dive boat. Custom built to provide superb dive and guest facilities, Spoilsport has a twin hull design which maximises stability and passenger comfort in all conditions. Measuring 30m in length, Spoilsport has a dedicated crew of 12 people including the dive team, Master, chef, and host. They have everything you need for a comfortable, enjoyable liveaboard dive/snorkel expedition. Cabins are a combination of double and twin share. All cabins are air-conditioned and are serviced daily.
There is a spacious lounge / bar inside, or head up to the sun deck and enjoy the view over the Coral Sea. The food is fantastic, and vegetarians are well-catered for with their own dedicated menu.
If they are not able to locate whales at the reliable sites, up to two hours at a time is spent searching for whales further afield.
We have managed to secure 12 spots (With 6 already booked). We have secured ;-
3 x Club cabins
2x Standard cabin
I have included a link (below) to a booking form which requests a deposit to confirm your spot.
Please can you complete and return to Mike Ball Dive Expeditions - "Att Dorothy" in the header and copy to me (anzecmembership@gmail.com) with the type of accommodation you require and we will try to accommodate your request.
Contact Jayne Jenkins (ANZEC Expedition Manager) for further details – space is limited.
M: 0411255156
Jayne Jenkins
Expedition Manager
The Australia and New Zealand Chapter of The Explorers Club
