11/09/2019 - 11/19/2019

Australia

The Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

Where we are diving

Enjoy spectacular biodiversity, exciting big fish action, shark encounters and excellent visibility during this rare opportunity to visit the remote and pristine reefs of the far northern Great Barrier Reef. We’ll be diving some of the best dive sites in the Coral Sea and on the Ribbon Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The Ribbon Reefs sit right on the edge of the Continental Shelf, bringing in an upswelling of nutrient rich water that attracts large fish populations and diverse coral species. We’ll see hundreds of turtles at the world’s biggest green turtle nesting site. There is no rush or limit placed on your dive time. We’ll usually dive 3 sites per day, up to five dives a day. Less experienced divers receive site orientations as necessary, while experienced divers are given the freedom to plan their own dives. Megan Oswald will be the Trip Leader.

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Where we are staying

The Spoilsport, Australia’s most awarded liveaboard, includes a dedicated crew of 12 people including the dive team, Master, chef and host. There is a spacious sun deck for relaxation, and a large dive deck with three dedicated camera stations and freshwater showers. Guest cabins are a combination of double and twin share. Relax in the spacious lounge inside or head up to the sun deck and enjoy the view over the Coral Sea. All meals are fresh and vegetarians are well cared for. Underwater cameras are available for rental and include a complimentary underwater photography workshop to get you started. Each expedition includes a photography competition, the best photo of the year will win a free trip!

Price

Based upon cabin, range is: $4,050 – $5,600 per diver
Group airfare pricing available December 2018

Deposit and payments

$500 deposit due upon sign up
$1,000 due February 14, 2019
$1,500 due June 11, 2019
Full payment due August 12, 2019

Other info

Prices are based upon double occupancy
Airfare closes 90 days prior to departure
All payments are non-refundable
Prices are subject to change due to events outside of our control

Seasonal weather

The average high temperature is 86°F and the low is 73°F. The average sea temperature is 81°F.

What prior travelers say

“There’s a lot of hype built up around diving the Great Barrier Reef. When I spent a week on Mike Ball’s Spoilsport, my experience did not disappoint. I was so amazed by the health of the outer ribbon reefs, the bizarre creatures, and the friendly, professional service provided by the Spoilsport crew. Every dive brought novel experiences, whether it was being able to see Nautilus as a part of a research study, watching hefty stonefish awkwardly wobble around at the start of their mating season, getting to boogie with a disco clam at Steve’s Baumie, or being dwarfed by overly-friendly potato cod at Cod Hole, there was never a shortage of underwater delights. The crew is so passionate and knowledgeable about the reef and its creatures, everyday felt like taking a fish ID class (in the best way!). My week on the Great Barrier and Outer Ribbon Reefs was an experience I’ve yet to top.”

– Katy R.