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Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Special Itineraries
Departs: Cairns * Select Departure Dates
Returns: Cairns
The Mike Ball Dive Expeditions ‘Extraordinary Itineraries’ are run over select dates and are exclusively designed for divers wishing to dive incomparable locales . Almost all divers have ‘advanced skills' however we can accommodate 1 or 2 less experienced certified divers. These itineraries take advantage of prevailing dive sites and seasonal weather conditions.
Spoilsport is a three level catamaran, accommodating a maximum of 29 divers. Food, accommodation and organisation of the dives is excellent, and has earned Spoilsport many repeat customers. There are four categories of air-conditioned cabin types: Premium Cabins (Ocean View, Double Bed & Private Ensuite Bathroom), Standard Cabins (Ocean View, Twin Single Beds & Private Ensuite Bathroom) Club Cabins (Twin Bunk Beds & Private Ensuite Bathroom) and Budget Cabins (Bunk Beds & Share Facilities). The vessel’s massive dive deck is superbly set up for diving.
This itinerary has been designed to include the ‘prime’ Ribbon Reef sites that have restricted access. If weather forces an itinerary change our surety of access to the prime Ribbon Reef sites is your guarantee of the best diving. Spoilsport’s outstanding stability minimizes disruption to your itinerary and your diving experience.
Spoilsport’s specially designed itineraries provide more diving and more relaxed diving. Quickly you will notice there is no rush or limit placed on your dive time. At sites like, Challenger Bay, some photographers do 2-hour dives to capture special fish behaviour photographs. The ‘open dive deck’ gives you the freedom to dive as little or as much as you want.
Get spoilt on board Spoilsport, a custom designed twin hull liveaboard with a spacious sundeck, al fresco deck, saloon and large well equipped dive deck. Enjoy the luxurious motor yacht atmosphere and the attentive crew. Enjoy a sumptuous variety of meals that has earned Spoilsport a reputation for catering excellence. Vegetarian and standard diets are catered for.
Access to prime dive sites guaranteed! From Cairns the focus is on the superior northern Ribbon Reefs, including the Cod Hole, and pristine Coral Sea locations including Osprey Reef and Bougainville Reef. Here, the marine life is at its best and you will see spectacular concentrations of pristine coral s, colourful tropical fish, schooling pelagics and shark action. Experienced dive crew are often able to show you very rare species like the beautiful dwarf scorpion fish and ghost pipefish.
Spoilsport is a custom designed twin hull liveaboard to provide the optimum liveaboard experience with excellent spaciousness and stability. She has received 11 prestigious Rodale’s Reader Choice awards including Best Liveaboard and Most Environmentally Sensitive Liveaboard. Spoilsport is very spacious and stable with a very large well-equipped dive deck as well as a very spacious sundeck, al fresco deck and saloon.
- Complimentary Reef Ecology Program
- 2 large inflatables for personalised dive service
- Underwater photography and video services
- PADI instruction: Advanced, Nitrox, Naturalist and Photo/Video
- Aussie BBQ and party night, wave ski’s, videos and library
- Warm towel after each dive
- Solo diving as per Mike Ball Safe Solo System
You benefit from the industries best trained and qualified staff. 7 of the 11-person crew are divemasters or instructors. The ‘Trip Director’ is specifically tasked to ensure you have great diving and a great time. Most guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. It is not a policy for all dives to be divemaster led. Guests who prefer more supervision are offered a combination of: complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills: a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and the opportunity to dive with the crew on an ad hoc basis. Nitrox, solo diving and photo services are available.
Enjoy a sumptuous variety of meals that has earned Spoilsport an enviable reputation for catering excellence. Vegetarian and standard diets are catered for with Australian and International menus using fresh local produce. Please advise if you have special dietary needs
Here you will have about 50 sharks swimming within meters of you The main species are: grey reef sharks; white tip reef sharks; a family of silver tips and seasonal hammerheads.
Damien Siviero is onboard to coach you on his techniques to achieve that iconic shark shot. Join Mike Ball and Damien for the 7 night Coral Sea Safari or the 4 night Fly Dive Coral Sea Safari. Damien is a multi awarded underwater photographer and accomplished technical and recreational diver with a passion for the underwater world.
Expedition Dates
- 7 Night Shark Shooter Expedition - 5th-12th April 2018
- 4 Night Shark Shooter Expedition - 5th-9th April 2018
- 3 Night Macro Expedition - 9th-12th April 2018
Expedition 2 - Minke Whale Great Barrier Reef & Coral Sea ExpeditionDeparting in the most prized, exotic critter and big animal window available to the Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea where you can expect amazing marine life encounters; from 5mm Pygmy seahorses to 5m Minke whales. In recent seasons we have encountered Pygmy seahorses, Hairy Ghost pipefish, Leaf and Lacy scorpionfish, diver-size Potato cod, White Tip Reef sharks , Hammerhead sharks, plus several other shark species! If you have ever thought about diving the Cod Hole, the Coral Sea or with the Minke whales...this trip is for you!
Expedition Dates 2018
- 3 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 11 June | 18 June | 25 June | 2 July | 9 July
- 4 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 7 June | 14 June | 21 June | 28 June | 5 July
- 7 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 7 June | 14 June | 21 June | 28 June | 5 July
- 7 Night Minke Whale Exploration - 12 July
Expedition Dates 2019
- 3 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 10 June | 17 June | 24 June | 1 July | 8 July
- 4 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 6 June | 13 June | 20 June | 27 June | 4 July
- 7 Night Minke Whale Expedition - 6 June | 13 June | 20 June | 27 June | 4 July
- 7 Night Minke Whale Exploration - 11 July
Expedition 3 - 7 Night Turtle Spectacular
A rare opportunity to visit the remote and pristine reefs of the far northern Great Barrier Reef. Dive with hundreds of turtles at Raine Island & descend on the historic Pandora Wreck of ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ fame.
Diving support includes nitrox and solo diving pony bottle rigs. The rebreather service includes a limited supply of 2L aluminium, 3L steel and 7L steel bailout cylinders plus a rebreather workstation with blender and booster. Lime, O2 and additional cylinders supplied to order, fee applies.
Highlights:
- Spectacular low level flight over the reef from Cairns to Lizard Island and return.
- Remote rarely visited reefs with incredible coral.
- Cod Hole – Get up close with diver sized potato cod.
- TMO – Beautiful bommies create interesting swim throughs teeming with fish.
- Tijou and Cat Reefs – wall diving with fans, soft corals and pelagics.
- Small Detached Reefs – vertical walls adorned with soft corals and fans, patrolled by reef sharks & potato cod.
- Great Detached Reef – Big fans, hard and soft corals & pelagics.
- Pandora Wreck – Historic wreck sunk in 1791 with 35 crew and mutineers from HMS Bounty.
- Raine Island – See hundreds of turtles at the world’s biggest green turtle nesting site. Tiger sharks are attracted to the nesting turtles.
Expedition Dates 2018
- 7 Night Turtle Spectacular - 12 November | 26 November
Expedition Dates 2019
- 7 Night Turtle Spectacular - 11 November | 25 November
Expedition 4 - Far North Coral Sea Exploratory - 7 NightsThis 650 mile expedition explores three unique regions: remote Coral Sea; the Far Northern Reefs & the superb Ribbon Reefs.
Highlights
- Bougainville – Spectacular big fish action at Crystal Plateau. Explore the Dungeons & Dragons labyrinth of caves & caverns. Dive the scattered remains of MV Antonio Tarabocchia.
- Osprey – 2-3 shark attraction dives, see 100’s of sharks. Includes Passive Attraction, Shark Feed & Private Shark Shoot. Spectacular topography, visibility & pelagics at False Entrance
- Far Northern Reefs – Tijou, Cat, Mambo #5 & Aladdin’s Cave. The upwelling currents attract schooling pelagics including: trevally, barracuda, mackerel, patrolling tuna & sharks. Mantas, mobula & eagle rays cruise the Continental Shelf. Photograph huge yellow & red soft corals on the deep walls.
- Ribbon Reefs – Explore the Ribbons best fish & coral sites. Buddy up with diver size fish at the Cod Hole. Night dive with moray eels, giant trevally & sharks at Gotham City. Find the Great Barrier Reef’s largest clam at the Clam Beds. Diverse critters & pelagics at Lighthouse, Pixie Pinnacle & Steve’s Bommie.
Expedition Dates 2018
- 7 Night Far North Coral Sea Exploratory - 6 September | 4 October | 20 December
Expedition Dates 2019
- 7 Night Far North Coral Sea Exploratory - 5 September | 3 October | 26 December
Expedition 5 - 7 Nights Deep Reef Exploratory ExpeditionJoin Professor Simon Mitchell and Captain Trevor Jackson of the 'Centaur' fame, on the exploratory expedition to the untapped depths of the Coral Sea. In 2002 Trevor and Simon rewrote the history books when they uncovered the truth behind this famed hospital ship; the dive to 178m which lasted 5 hours is still unparalleled in Australia. Following the extraordinary success of last year's Deep Reef trip, the team get back together to take you on the expedition of a lifetime.
The itinerary includes 5 full days in the Coral Sea diving the plummeting walls of Holmes, Bougainville and Osprey Reefs. We return to the visually stunning Deep Sea Arcade dive site and set aside some time for pure exploration. Our 6th and final day sees us back on the Great Barrier Reef for the best of the Ribbon Reefs.
Professor Mitchell and Captain Jackson will host several night time seminars on hyperbaric medicine and deep diving adventures. This 7 night journey is suitable for recreational and technical divers alike and particularly caters for those who want to spend the majority of their dive time in the Coral Sea. The Mike Ball crew will ensure that each days itinerary will be suitable for all levels of diver. Qualified and experienced technical / rebreather divers are encouraged to join us and will be allowed to dive to their certification depth limits.
Expedition Dates 2018 / 2019
- No expeditions currently scheduled
Expedition 6 - Nautilis Interaction ExpeditionsIn 2012 we welcomed PhD student Rachel Williams onboard for a special Nautilus Research expedition. Five specimens were collected and shipped to their new home at Central Queensland University. Although they were given numerical identification for the research, they’ve also acquired pet names: Chris, Riley, Spoil, Sport and Bubbles (a bubble hog who holds onto the aerator).
The collected specimens are being observed with a variety of behaviour studies to assess how these ancient creatures respond to factors such as light wavelengths and food source. Rachel‘s research goal is to help produce data to assist with decisions on whether the nautilus needs formal protection against harvesting.
In 2013 we will be running six expeditions with a Nautilus capture and release program for the Central Queensland University research department. Nautilus traps will be set overnight at Osprey Reef and retrieved the next morning. Guests will have the rare opportunity to observe, photograph and dive with these deep sea creatures.
Expeditions with special Nautilus interactions are the 4 Night Fly Dive Coral Sea Expeditions and 7 Night Coral Sea Safaris departing on Thursday: March 7th, May 9th, July 11th, September 26th, November 21st and December 12th.
Imagine yourself as a feeling of excitement arises as you cruise north in the shelter of the Great Barrier Reef. Your choice of hot beverage delivered to your cabin begins the next day in a civilized way. On deck you are greeted by the fabulous turquoise waters of the Ribbon Reefs. To port is historic Cooktown to starboard is the vastness of the Coral Sea.
Expedition Dates 2018
- 4 Night Nautilus Interaction Expedition - 5 April | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May
- 7 Night Nautilus Interaction Expedition - 5 April | 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May
Expedition Dates 2019
- 4 Night Nautilus Interaction Expedition - 4 April | 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May
- 7 Night Nautilus Interaction Expedition - 4 April | 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May
- Premium Cabin AU$5578.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5124.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$44476.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3815.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 4 Night 2018
- Premium Cabin AU$3073.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2802.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2529.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$2199.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 3 Night Macro 2018
- Premium Cabin AU$2780.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2539.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2249.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$1939.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
** Enquire About Current Dive Specials ~ Stand-by Rates May Be Available **
Rates - Expedition 2 - Minke Whale Great Barrier Reef & Coral Sea Expedition
- Premium Cabin AU$2780.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2539.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2249.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$1939.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 3 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$2850.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2602.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2305.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$1987.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 4 Night 2018
- Premium Cabin AU$3073.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2802.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2529.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$2199.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 4 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$3150.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2872.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2592.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$2254.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 7 Night 2018
- Premium Cabin AU$5578.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5124.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4476.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3815.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 7 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$5717.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5252.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4588.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3910.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
** Enquire About Current Dive Specials ~ Stand-by Rates May Be Available **
Rates - Expedition 3 - 7 Night Turtle Spectacular
- Premium Cabin AU$5578.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5124.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4476.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3815.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 7 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$6117.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5652.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4988.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$4310.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
** Enquire About Current Dive Specials ~ Stand-by Rates May Be Available **
Rates - Expedition 4 - Far North Coral Sea Exploratory - 7 Nights
Rates - 7 Night 2018
- Premium Cabin AU$5578.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5124.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4476.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3815.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Please note: A Fuel Levy of $44 per person applies to this Expedition
Rates - 7 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$5717.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5252.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4588.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3910.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Please note: A Fuel Levy of $44 per person applies to this Expedition
** Enquire About Current Dive Specials ~ Stand-by Rates May Be Available **
- Premium Cabin AU$5523.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$5024.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$4345.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$3704.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
Rates - 4 Night 2019
- Premium Cabin AU$2984.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Standard Cabin AU$2720.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Club Cabin AU$2455.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
- Budget Cabin AU$2135.00 + AU$19.50 per person Government Reef Tax amount
** Enquire About Current Dive Specials ~ Stand-by Rates May Be Available **
- Premium Cabins - Ocean View, Double Bed & Private Ensuite Bathroom
- Standard Cabins - Ocean View, Twin Single Beds & Private Ensuite Bathroom
- Club Cabins - Twin Bunk Beds & Private Ensuite Bathroom
- Budget Cabins - Bunk Beds & Share Bathroom Facilities
- Reg, Ocy, Gauges AU$15.00 per day
- BCD AU$10.00 per day
- Computer AU$12.00 per day
- Snorkel Gear AU$5.00 per day
- Light/Torch AU$10.00 per day
- Wetsuit AU$10.00 per day
- All of the above AU$44.00 per day
- BCD Aqualung Wave x5 sizes.
- Fins Technisub Stratos (full foot) x6 sizes.
- Wetsuits 5mm long sleeve short leg x5 male + x5 female sizes. Includes 3mm hood.
Please Note: Fitting extra small and extra large people can be difficult. Please bring your own equipment if concerned about fit.
- Nitrox EAN AU$75 for the 3 or 4 night and $150 for 7 night
- Pony Bottle AU$15.00
- Fuel Levy* AU$0.00 per night * Subject to Change
- Reef Tax AU$19.50 per trip
- Referral (PADI) AU$245.00
- PADI Scuba Dive Upgrade AU$350.00
- PADI Open Water Diver AU$395.00
- PADI Advanced Diver AU$250.00
- PADI Nitrox AU$300.00 or AU$200.00 Referral
- PADI Discover Scuba (Resort) FOC
- PADI Underwater Photography AU$250.00
- PADI Underwater Naturalist AU$220.00
- PADI Self-Reliant Diver AU$275.00
- Canon GX7 MK2l AU$50.00 per day
- USB Stick - 8GB AU$12.00
- USB Stick - 32GB AU$25.00
- Standard Holiday Trip - AU$70.00
- Personalized Holiday Video – AU$250.00 (Max 4 people)
- Personal Holiday Photographs AU$100.00
- Photo CD AU$50.00
- Non-diver10%
- Non-diving child (8-15 years)20%