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Minke Whale Dive Trips | Great Barrier Reef | 3 Night Liveaboard | Fly/Dive | MB

Tour Code: 670

Operated By: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

Departing: Cairns

NEW Swim with whales immersion experience
  • 250km low level scenic flight departs from Cairns and flies over the Great Barrier Reef and lands on Lizard Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef.
  • Whilst on the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef we also have the expereince of swimming with man size Potato Cod at the world famous Cod Hole
  • Swimming eye to eye with the Dwarf Minke Whales will give you a feeling you have never experienced before in your life. They are so curious, playful and love the human interaction.  

Included In Price

  • Accommodation in twin/double cabins
  • Delicious meals & snacks, wine and soft drink are included with the evening meal
  • Tanks, air fills and weight belt
  • Daily cabin service
  • Reef ecology programme
  • Dive computer workshop
  • Transfer to the airport or Cairns hotel after your expedition
  • Low level scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island

Swim with Minke Whale dive tours. Book your space on our 3 night Minke Whale dive and snorkel tours. Between the months of June and July a very special event happens on the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland Australia.

What to Expect

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure awaits you with our 3-night liveaboard dive tours, where you can swim alongside Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. These majestic creatures, which gather in large pods, can only be found in this region during the peak months of June and July. With a departure from Cairns, this swim with whales expedition offers the chance to interact with these Minke Whales while diving and snorkelling in some of the most pristine and biodiverse regions of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Large numbers of Dwarf Minke Whales migrate to the Great Barrier Reef, the only known location in the world that these whales gather in large pods. It is the only event of its kind in the world, and these whales that are so rare and relatively unknown were only recognised in the 1980’s when they started to approach boats and snorkellers – the visiting of the elusive Dwarf Minke Whales.

This is a rare opportunity for divers and snorkelers to come to the only place where you can experience this amazing marine life encounter. Australian Traveller Magazine named this Minke Whale interaction on the Great Barrier Reef as one of the most “Incredible Travel Secrets in Australia”. Whoops! The secret is now out, swimming with Dwarf Minke Whales.

On this 3-night swim with whales tour, you will also dive at famous locations like the Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs, where the marine life is as vibrant as the coral formations. The trip is enhanced by a low-level scenic flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns, offering breathtaking views of the reef and Daintree Rainforest. This experience is perfect for divers and snorkellers alike, providing an intimate and unique encounter with the underwater world.

Departure Dates Currently Available (as of 01/02/25):

2025 Departure Dates Currently Available: 09/06, 16/06 & 21/07
2026 Departure Dates Currently Available: 08/06, 15/06, 22/06, 29/06, 06/07, 13/07 & 20/07

Features and Highlights

Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales

  • Rare Wildlife Encounter: Experience one of the world’s most unique marine encounters as you swim with Minke Whales during the peak migration months of June & July in their natural habitat on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns providing an unrivalled opportunity to swim alongside them. These whales are known for their curious nature and often approach snorkellers for extended periods.
  • Interactive Experience: Minke Whales are known for their inquisitive nature, often approaching swimmers and staying nearby for extended periods. Some encounters have lasted up to 10 hours, with large pods of up to 28 whales.
  • Research and Conservation: You’ll contribute to Minke Whale research by helping collect observations and photographs, assisting in the ongoing conservation efforts for these rare animals.
  • The Minke Whales gather exclusively in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef during June and July, making this overnight dive and snorkel tour an unmissable opportunity for marine enthusiasts.

3-Night Liveaboard Marine Life Adventure

  • This 3-night trip includes 10 dives and snorkelling sessions at world-renowned dive sites such as Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs. Enjoy the beauty of the reef both above and below water.
  • You’ll board in Cairns and be flown back via a low-level scenic flight from Lizard Island, showcasing the incredible patterns of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush Daintree Rainforest and Tropical Far North Queensland.

Cod Hole Dive Site

  • Known for its friendly and giant Potato Cod, Cod Hole is one of the most famous dive sites on the reef. These massive fish, some weighing over 240 pounds, interact with divers and make for unforgettable underwater photos.
  • This dive also offers sightings of reef sharks, giant clams, and a variety of colourful marine life.

Steve’s Bommie

  • A top site for macro and wide-angle photography, Steve’s Bommie boasts a rich diversity of fish and coral species. Schools of trevally and barracuda swim alongside reef sharks, while smaller creatures like anemonefish and nudibranchs hide among the coral.

Gotham City

  • This sloping reef is perfect for both day and night dives, with its abundant coral and fish species. Keep an eye out for Minke Whales passing by and experience the excitement of nighttime reef activity as sharks and trevally hunt their prey.

Ribbon Reefs

  • The Ribbon Reefs, particularly around Lizard Island and Cooktown, are some of the most pristine and biodiverse sections of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, nutrient-rich waters from the continental shelf attract a variety of marine life, including the Dwarf Minke Whales.

Scenic Flight from Lizard Island

  • End your adventure with a scenic low-level flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns. Soar over the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforests, providing a perfect conclusion to your tour.

Marine Research Participation

  • As part of your experience, you can assist with ongoing Minke Whale research. Observations and photographs you capture during the trip will help update the Dwarf Minke Whale database, contributing to the conservation of this elusive species.

Important Information

  • These dive and snorkel tours are available only during June and July each year, when the Minke Whales migrate to the Great Barrier Reef.
  • The minimum age for diving is 12 years old, and children 8 years and older can participate in snorkelling activities.
  • Divers must have at least an Open Water certification, and snorkelers are also welcome.
  • Bookings are limited and fill up quickly due to the popularity of this rare experience, so we recommend you book a full year or two in advance to secure your berth.

Join this extraordinary swim with Minke Whale dive and snorkel adventure, and witness one of the most special wildlife encounters the world has to offer. With the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in their natural environment, this is truly a bucket-list experience for marine life enthusiasts.

See all the swim with Minke Whale tours on the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns.   

Learn more about swimming with Minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef on The Tour Specialists Blog.  

What Dive Tours Are Available for the Dwarf Minke Whale Scuba Diving Expeditions?

Choose from our 3 night, 4 night or 7 night liveaboard dive and snorkel tours to the Ribbon Reefs in the northern section of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. 

 There are a range of tours that leave Cairns for the swim with Dwarf Minke Whales leaving Cairns on different days.

On our 3 night departures guests take a low level scenic flight from Cairns to meet the dive boat at Lizard Island. On our 4 night departures guests take a low level scenic flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns.

3 Nights/10 Dives - Fly Dive - Swim with Minke Whales

The bonus of our 3 day swim with Minke Whales trips is the low level scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island to meet the boat. With a flight time of approximately 1 hour you will see the amazing patterns of the Great Barrier Reef as your first introductory along with the scenic coastline and the World Heritage Rainforests of Tropical North Queensland.

From Cairns our swim with Dwarf Minke whale tours are only conducted over the prime months of June and July each year, just when the Minke whales gather in their numbers on the northern section of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, giving us close to 98% chance of seeing them over the 3 nights.

Of course being wild animals/mammals nothing can be guaranteed, and thankfully to date we have not had any disappointments.

Over the 3 nights we will be visiting some of the most outstanding dive and snorkel locations on the Great Barrier Reef and you will encounter some of our regular characters such as the family of Giant Potato Cod at the world famous Cod Hole.

The Ribbon Reefs are teaming with a healthy variety of hard and soft corals that are home to reef sharks, octopus, stone fish, scorpion fish, sting rays and lot’s of other colourful and interesting reef fish like the Humphead Maori Wrasse that are like playful little puppies.

As our swim with Dwarf Minke Whale tours on the Great Barrier Reef are becoming so well-known worldwide, we encourage you to book your space very early to ensure your berth and not miss this wildlife experience that is only on offer here in Australia on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.  

Sample itinerary, subject to change based on conditions.

Monday:  (3 dives)

  • We will direct you to meet us in our Cairns Dive office the day before departure to fill in paperwork
  • Check in at our office between 6.30 and 7am on Monday morning.
  • 7. 15 am:  Transfer to Cairns Airport
  • 8.00 am:  Board a light aircraft for a low level flight over the reef to Lizard Island (flight time approx. 1 hour).
  • Board Spoilsport mid-morning where you will be served drinks and snacks while our Trip Director gives you a welcome briefing.
  • Time to organise any rental equipment and put your dive gear together on the dive deck.
  • 12.45 pm: Dive brief and dive
  • 2.00 pm:  Lunch
  • 3.45 pm:  Dive brief and dive
  • 4.45 pm:  Afternoon tea
  • 6.00 pm:  Dive brief and night dive
  • 8:00 pm:  Dinner

Tuesday:  (4 dives + night dive)

This is a sample of a ‘typical day’, however exact times may vary to optimise the prevailing weather conditions on the day.

  • 6.30 am: Wake up call, light breakfast available in dining room
  • 7:00 am: Dive brief & diving commences
  • 9.00 am: Full cooked breakfast
  • 10.30 am: Dive brief & diving. “Open decks” accommodate 1-2 dives either am or pm.
  • 2.00 pm: Lunch
  • 3.30 pm: Dive brief & diving
  • 4:30 pm: Afternoon tea
  • 6:30 pm: Night dive brief & dive
  • 8:00 pm: Dinner

Wednesday:  (4 dives)

  • As per above. Exit last dive 5pm
  • As the sun sets we pour the champagne, lay out the nibbles and get ready for an Aussie BBQ party night. Don’t forget to wear your loudest tropical shirt or dress and sing along to music played by our talented crew.
  • Spoilsport cruises back to Cairns overnight.

Thursday:

  • Early morning docking.
  • 7.00 am: Light breakfast
  • 8:00 am: Disembark and courtesy transfer to Cairns inner city hotels, the airport or our office where we can store your luggage until 5pm if you have a later flight.

Important:

We recommend that you allow 24 hours between your last dive and your onward flight (all diving is finished by 5pm Wednesday).

A luggage allowance applies to the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island:

25kg / 55lb per person plus 3kg / 6.5lb – carry on.
An additional 10kg/22lb is allowed for professional photo/video housed systems.

7 Night Liveaboard Dive Tours on the Coral Sea

Hosted by Minke Whale experts, this Exploratory Expedition will take you further out from the Great Barrier Reef to the Coral Sea beyond. 

You will dive remote dive sites like Fairy Grotto and go diving with sharks at North Horn and experience seeing the rare Nautilus at Admiralty Anchor.

Dwarf Minke Whales are very similar to Minke Whales, but are slightly smaller, hence their tag “Dwarf”.  Though, if dwarfs were measured as 8 metres long and weighing up to five tons then “giant dwarfs” might be nearer the description.  

These curious, gentle and amazing animals come to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef at this time to feed on lantern fish, krill and other crustaceans and small fish. 

It is not unknown to have populations of 100 or more feeding and cruising off the ribbon reefs of the Great Barrier Reef around this time.

This is an extra special scuba dive trip only available from Cairns  where you can be in the water to interact with these mammals.

Minke Whales are naturally curious and seem to enjoy their human friends and will approach boats and snorkelers spending hours swimming with the scuba divers and snorkellers.

It is this natural desire to interact that has enabled local diving and snorkelling operators to organise swim with Dwarf Minke Whale dive and snorkel tours from Cairns on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Being in the water with these gentle giants is truly remarkable.  You’ll never forget looking into the eyes of these amazing creatures as they gently approach and gracefully glide past you.

You will realise how privileged you are to share the ocean with such beautiful animals and it truly is a humbling and almost life changing experience. 

Swim with Minke Whales Dive Tours & Expeditions Only Operate in June and July.

These unforgettable close-up Dwarf Minke Whale experiences can be enjoyed by both divers and snorkellers however the Minke Whales prefer to spend time with snorkellers rather than divers with tanks on their backs . 

The itinerary of this amazing adventure will be dictated by the Dwarf Minke Whale activity and proximity of the key dive sites so allowing the best utilisation of time.

Your boat for this adventure is the most highly awarded liveaboard dive boat in the country. This well-appointed luxury dive liveaboard is your home and the expedition is offered to divers over 12 years (inclusive) with a minimum age of 8 years old, however we are unable to provide the correct dive equipment sizes for children.

To ensure the best safety for divers and snorkelers and the Dwarf Minke Whales, all interactions with these animals are strictly governed by clear rules from the Australian Government and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. 

Once a pod of Minke Whales has been spotted the boat will stop its engines and everyone will quietly slide into the water with their snorkelling gear. 

There is a floating cast line that runs from the boat that allows people to hold on and wait for the Minke Whales to approach. 

The Dwarf Minke Whales can be a little nervous around scuba divers and moving snorkelers, but will approach with no trepidation to snorkelers hanging quietly on the surface and will get very close as they curiously pass by.

Sometimes they even come right up close and spy hop amongst you and take a close look at the humans hanging onto the ropes and they look at you eye to eye as if trying to communicate with you.

All guests will also be involved in helping to research and gain information on these elusive creatures.  Whale observations and photographs are all valuable resources in helping to update the Dwarf Minke Whale database.

When not snorkelling with the whales, you will still have a whale of a time diving the amazing dive sites on the northern section Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Continental Shelf. 

The coral reefs off off Tropical Far North Queensland are some of the most pristine reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Due to less coastal settlements and farming by man there has been less impact on the health of the coral reefs and acidity levels of the water. 

At times a James Cook University Minke Whale Project researcher may be present to help with questions and to inform guests on these amazing animals.

Dwarf Minke Whales

As mentioned previously, dwarf is a rather a relative term for an animal that can grow up to 8 metres long and weigh several tonnes.

An average interaction with the Dwarf Minke Whales consists of around 2-3 whales for around 90 minutes or longer.  Some of the best encounters to date was a Minke Pod of 28 whales with an encounter that lasted for 10 hours. 

It has to be remembered that these are wild animals and this isn’t a Disney theme park.  Past successes do not guarantee any future successes, so your trip really will be a case of seeing what happens.

Research on the Dwarf Minke Whale is continuous. There are only two known species of Minke Whales, the slightly larger Antarctic Minke and the North Atlantic Minke. 

It is thought that the Dwarf Minkes, and the ones that visit the Great Barrier Reef are related to the North Atlantic Minke, or is an unknown species.

World Famous Cod Hole

Yes, the Code Hole is aptly named as the place where you will see Cod and is the most famous dive site on the Great Barrier Reef.  The Potato Cod at Cod Hole are the size of a diver (and larger) and can reach up to 8.5 feet and weigh in up to 110 kilograms (240 pounds).

These curious fish are used to divers and are very used to being photographed (if they had their own phone they would be the ‘selfie’ fish of the Pacific).  Other dive friendly big fish are the Maori Wrasse (other names – Napolean and Humphead Wrasse). 

The Maori Wrasse are another dive sized fish that can reach up to 2 metres long and weigh up to 180 kg, but typically most you see will be around 1 metre long.

These are listed as endangered, but are protected in the area.  They will follow divers around sometimes like little puppies and are inquisitive of divers.

This is a great dive for the photographers – so make sure you have a wide angled lens – so you can get in all the action.

Other marine life at the Cod Hole includes anemones, giant clams, Solomon’s sweetlip, feather stars, cruising white tip reef sharks and plenty of cleaning stations.

Steve’s Bommie

Steve must be chuffed - this is one of the most popular sites in the area. This dive site is one for all macro and wide-angled photographers.  It is one of the best sites on the Great Barrier Reef due to the density and diversity of marine life here.  Large schools of fish take refuge around the bommie and circle it.

Watch large schools of trevally and barracudas, reef sharks and rays.  Interspersed in the colourful corals macro life clings to the sides of the bommie and you can see anemone fish, stone fish and nudibranch. 

A small underwater plaque commemorates ‘Steve’ who the bommie was named after in 1989.

Lighthouse Bommie

This is another popular site for divers and for the Dwarf Minkes.  Diving here you will see large schools of yellow and blue snapper and many types of anemone fish and a good likelihood of seeing the amazing Dwarf Minkes on the surface.

Pixie Pinnacle and Gardens

This dive site boasts a pinnacle that is 30 metres tall and 15 metres diameter.  This Pinnacle, like an ornate cake is decorated on the sides by wonderful coral formations and a host of marine life.  Your dive starts at the top at just 2 metres depth and you slowly work your way down around the hard and soft and corals, dodging sea whips, large gorgonian fans and sponges.  

Some of the nooks and crannies and overhands shelter lionfish, shrimps, moray eels, clownfish in their anemone home and the amazing flaming fire shells.

Circling in the blue next to the pinnacle are schools of surgeonfish, barracuda and trevally.  For the small critter enthusiasts you can check out lace scorpion fish, harlequin ghost pipefish and leafy scorpion fish.

Night/Twilight Dives on the Great Barrier Reef

On all the trips you will have the opportunity to do night dives (led dives) or twilight dives (you and your buddy).  These dives are usually spent on the last dive site and moor up of the afternoon.

Night lights can be rented or bring your own (with spare batteries).

As day turns to night you can see feeding coral polyps, colourful fans, crustaceans and cruising sharks. The night dives are a whole different experience and a completely different show.  As the day animals curl up to sleep and nestle under their rocks – out come the thousands of reef animals that surface under the cover of dark.

View the red eyes of shrimps illuminated in your dive light like the eyes of lots of little aliens.  Colourful fish will follow your light with curiosity.  Catch sight of hunting octopus, moray eels, or a sleeping turtle with its head under a rock.   

You might see a nocturnal black spotted puffer fish, a dog face, epaulette sharks and clown fish. The hard coral your saw on your afternoon dive now looks different as the polyps have come out to feed.

You might see passing sharks looking for easy fish to pick off amongst the rocks and sleeping Parrotfish encased in their own specially made saliva sleeping bags.

There’s nothing like diving at night amongst phosphorescence or surfacing under the stars of a clear tropical night. 

Liveaboard Scuba Diving Boats - Features

Your well-appointed liveaboard dive boat has plenty of room to spread out and many living areas that include an alfresco bar (handy for watching another beautiful sunset with sundowner cocktail) an inside bar and lounge area, a large sundeck (with sun beds)

  • There is equipment and set ups for photographers
  • A 12 person crew – all highly experienced
  • A Marine Biologist will give nature presentations daily and is there to consult with throughout the trip
  • The vessel has full air-conditioning
  • Daily cabin service
  • Well designed large dive deck with well laid out exit and entry platforms
  • 2 large screen TVs in the lounge area
  • Nitrox and Rebreather divers are catered for
  • 2 large inflatables dinghies are in use every day allowing for optimal dive access 

Dive Boat Specifications

  • Beam – 10.5m (35ft)
  • Length - 30 m (100ft)
  • Speed – cruising speed of 15 knots
  • Survey – 29 people - Commissioned in 1989

Instruments on Board

  • 240V /110V Recharge Facilities – available in lounge areas and bedrooms.
  • Radar
  • Global Positioning Systems x 2
  • Chart Plotters x 2
  • HF & VHF Radios
  • Echo Sounder

Equipment

If you don’t wish to lug heavy equipment on the airlines and in bags then you can rent all your equipment for the trip.

That includes BCD’s (Aqualung Wave), wetsuits (5mm full length), snorkel gear, regulators, gauges, dive lights and snorkel gear.

By law all dive companies that provide equipment have to have it serviced every 6 months (that’s BCD’s and regulators).  So you don’t have to worry about renting shonky equipment.   If you do bring your own equipment then it is recommended that you ensure it has been serviced within the year.

For safety on the dives all divers are provided with a  Nautilus Lifeline GPS (no extra rental charge), which  is worn on each dive.

No matter what your first stage set up the boat has European DIN and US style tank valves.

For keen photographers you can also hire an underwater camera.

Extra Diving Services

Rebreathers

Due to the demand the boat now has facilties to cater for rebreather divers.  Please advise the tour specialists when booking the trip as paperwork is sent prior to ensure that all the equipment and support you require on the trip is in place.

Rebreather services include:

  • HI 5G booster pump and fill pane
  • MBDE Rebreather Pre-Dive Checklist for added safety
  • Tri-mix rebreather service and decompression diving
  • Safety diver and bailout gas will all be prepared and ready during decompression dives
  • Complimentary supply of:
  •  2L aluminium
  • 3L steel “on board” cylinders
  • 7L steel “off board” cylinders (limited supply)
  • No time limit on dives (where practical)
  • Any depths will be limited to experience and qualifications
  • Soda lime and oxygen supplied to order (fees apply)

Please note:  All rebreather divers are requested to dive with a buddy and this is a safety policy on board these trips.

Photographic services on board

  • Air guns at all camera stations
  • Spacious camera stations x 3
  • Freshwater rinse tubs on diving deck for camera equipment
  • Camera shelving with 3 tiers to incorporate charging facilities:
  • 240v (Australian) socket.
  • 110v (USA style - 2 prong straight pin)
  • Charging sockets in all cabins -  110v and 240v
  • Access to computers (Windows) for editing and saving of photos
  • 1x video/DVD player – to view videos
  • 2x large TV screens to allow for viewing photographs and video
  • Enter the Guest Underwater Photo Competition that is run every expedition (win a free dive trip!)

Note:  Remember when you pack to bring adaptors for the electrical sockets (Australia sockets are two thin prongs pointed together and a straight thin prong at the base).   Also remember any chargers and USB sticks and memory card readers.  

Nitrox

Nitrox is offered on this trip whether as a certified nitrox diver (bring your certification card) or why not take the nitrox certification course whilst on board.  This will extend your bottom times as it offsets your nitrogen limits (at extra cost). 

Dive Schedule

Your diving day will consist of:

  • Morning Dive
  • Afternoon Dive
  • Night Dive (at the same site as the afternoon dive)

A certified experienced Dive Master can accompany you on dives if you wish.  If you prefer to dive with your dive buddy then that’s fine as well.

Meals provided on board

  • Continental Breakfast
  • Full Breakfast
  • Mid morning snacks and fruits available
  • Lunch
  • Fruit and snacks
  • Dinner (a la carte)

Book your swim with Minke Whales liveaboard dive trip now to secure your berth on these limited marine encounter opportunities on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

View more Cairns liveaboard dive tours and specialised dive with sharks and swim with Dwarf Minke whale tours. 

Tour Languages Offered
  • English
Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

6.30am

Departure Instructions
  • Check in at the dive office between 6.30am and 7.00am
  • 7.15am: Transfer to Cairns Airport
  • 8.00am: Board a light aircraft for a low level flight over the reef to Lizard Island (flight time approx. 1 hour).
Destinations
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Lizard & North Direction Islands
  • Ribbon Reefs
  • The Cod Hole
  • Lighthouse Bommie
  • Gotham City
  • Pixie Pinnacle
  • Coral Kingdom
  • Steve’s Bommie
Months of Operation

June - July

Days of Operation

Monday

2025 Departure Dates Currently Available: 09/06, 16/06 & 21/07
2026 Departure Dates Currently Available: 08/06, 15/06, 22/06, 29/06, 06/07, 13/07 & 20/07

Duration

3 nights

Available for Purchase / Hire
  • Bar Bill - Please note that the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority requires us to collect an Environmental Management Charge of $7.00 per day spent on the Great Barrier Reef. This amount will be added to your bar bill at the end of your expedition.
  • Gear Hire: wetsuits, gloves, tanks, GPS, safety sausage, nitrox fills, tanks, weights, gauges, BCD, light/torch
  • Note: we recommend you bring your own wetsuit, mask snorkel and fins to ensure they fit well.
  • Dive Courses are available on board, discuss options at time of booking
  • Underwater camera hire
  • Trip videos
  • Underwater photography course
Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions
  • Experience: Snorkelers, novice & advanced divers
  • We recommend that you allow 24 hours between your last dive and your onward flight (all diving is finished by 5:00pm Wednesday)
  • Passengers MUST understand English
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

  • Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
  • Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
  • Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
  • Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Advanced Dive Medical Intro Dive Medical

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

  • A luggage allowance applies to the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island: 25kg / 55lb per person plus 3kg / 6.5lb – carry on plus an additional 10kg/22lb is allowed for professional photo/video housed systems.
  • Excess luggage may be left at dive company office. We take care but not liability.
  • You should bring your own personal toiletries, hair dryer, personal medication, swimming costume, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, foot wear (sandals or tennis shoes), T-shirts, shorts, sweater and sweat pants – light weight pants and tops for the evening are a good idea. Also your wildest “loud” shirt/dress for the BBQ evening.

  • We seldom have children onboard however we do welcome ONE family per expedition with children minimum age 8 years.
  • We are unable to supply dive gear in children’s sizes
  • Children must be over 12 years old and must be fully qualified to be able to dive

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

Payment Schedule:
  • 30% of trip fee per passenger as deposit to confirm the booking.
  • Remaining balance 30 days prior to departure date.

Cancellations by Client:

  • Cancellations must be advised in writing.
  • Less than 60 days prior to departure - forfeit 30% of trip fee per person.
  • Less than 30 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of trip fee per person.

Cancellations by MBDE:

  • Due to weather: 85% refunded to client. 
  • Refunds are issued to client via Agent, not MBDE.

Children:

  • Minimum child age is 8 years. Those travelling with children are responsible for childminding.
  • Minimum age of diver is 12 years.
  • Allocation of one family with children per expedition.

Notes:

  • Insurance should be taken to cover: weather problem; expedition cancellations; airline difficulties; medical problems and lost or damaged luggage. 
  • Unforeseen weather or machinery problems may cause us to cancel or change an itinerary. 
  • No refund is offered for time lost due to the medical evacuation of a guest or reduction of dives due to weather conditions. 
  • No compensation is offered to guests to change flights or holiday plans. 
  • DiveAssure offers cover for both Australian residents & non-residents traveling to Australia.

Minke Whale Dive Trips | Great Barrier Reef | 3 Night Liveaboard | Fly/Dive | MB

Tour Code: 670

Operated By: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

Departing: Cairns

NEW Swim with whales immersion experience

From

au$2,304.00

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au$2,304.00
Family: au$9,216.00

Tour Code: 670

From

au$2,304.00

16 yrs & over

8 - 15 yrs

Ages of Children
(Discounts May Apply)
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745
Phone
1300 761 612
WhatsApp
+61 427 074 745

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