Destination Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole
Duration 6 Days, up to 16 - 18 Dives
Departing Port Douglas (Mid June to July)
Returning Port Douglas
The Excursion
The best wildlife experience on earth!
These extraordinary expeditions spend 6 days on the Great Barrier Ribbon Reefs swimming with magnificent Dwarf Minke Whales!
Enjoy amazing in-water encounters with Dwarf Minke whales, unparalleled around the world. The Minke whales are the most curious and interactive of all the whales, and have been known to approach snorkellers as close as one metre. Most of our whale interactions occur while snorkelling and holding on to lines attached to the vessel as it drifts. Encounters usually last for over an hour (often for many hours) with multiple whales.
In addition to swimming with the whales, you will have the added bonus of diving the Northern Great Barrier Reef. This area is renowned for its diversity of coral and fish life, and clear visibility. The beautiful coral gardens and pinnacles of the ribbon reefs offer a variety of diving experiences.
The Research
The Minke Whale Project is a collaboration between our own scientists, James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical North Queensland. We’ll have at least two leading whale scientists onboard, conducting research and providing presentations for our guests.
Guests will help identify individual whales, conduct behavioural observations and be captivated by the atmosphere of exciting Minke research. Every guest on board is assisting in the conservation of these whales by simply learning and understanding these amazing animals and a part of your ticket price goes towards this research.
One exciting outcome of our project has been an industry code of practice for Minke whale encounters. This has been adopted by the International Whale Commission, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority & Environment Australia as well as the tourism industry.
Diving & Snorkelling
We intend to dive 2-3 times per day, depending on conditions and Minke whale sightings.
Guests need to be snorkellers or certified divers in order to partake in the water activities on the expedition. Please note that dive sites are chosen for certified divers and confident snorkellers.
Visibility 20m plus
Hydraulic dive platform
Flexible dive time
Drift and Drop dives
We respect your abilities as a diver.
The diving schedule will be flexible on these expeditions to make the most of whale watching experiences and in-water interactions with the whales.
The Itinerary
The vessel boards at 5pm at Princes Wharf, Port Douglas. Load you gear onto the vessel and then enjoy dinner ashore at one of the many quality restaurants Port Douglas has to offer. Be back onboard by 10pm for the
Skipper’s and Marine Biologist’s Briefing.
Day 1: Ribbon Reef No. 3 or 5. Dive Tracey’s, Steves Bommie, Temple of Doom, Clam Beds or Pavona.
Day 2: Lower No 10 Ribbon Reef area including Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay and Lighthouse.
Day 3: North to Eagle Rock, Cod Hole or No Name Reef.
Day 4: Diving and drifting in the northern waters with the whales between the Cod Hole and Day Reef, with a possible visit to Lizard Island.
Day 5: Cod Hole and No 3 Ribbon Reef.
Day 6: Agincourt Reef and dive/snorkel sites such as Nursery Bommie, Eureka, Castles or the G-Spot. Arrive Port Douglas by
approximately 5pm.
The itinerary and activities are flexible and can be altered at the discretion of the Skipper.
Inclusions:
The Vessel
Accommodation
Gear Hire
Extras
Dates and Rates 2009
Note: Rates include DAN Dive Emergency Evacuation assistance
6th June – 12th June |
AU$2,865.00 |