Join our 3 day liveaboard Minke whales expedition. Travel the Great Barrier Reef waters for the opportunity of a lifetime to dive or swim with Minke whales.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a high chance of a Minke encounter!

For a limited time only (everyTuesday from 30th May with last trip Tuesday 01 August 2023) we are offering a special three-day, three-night Minke encounter liveaboards to the Great Barrier Reef.

Traveling to the Minke hotspots on the ribbon reefs off Port Douglas and Cooktown, this liveaboard trip is perfect for the diver looking for that next level of marine life encounter. 

While Minke's operate on their own schedule and no encounter can ever be guaranteed, the liveaboard format allows for multiple sites popular with migrating Minkes, so encounters are highly likely.

If Minkes are encountered at a dive site, divers will have the option to complete one of their up to 10 dives or snorkel with the Minke whales.

All this while still visiting a variety of outer Great Barrier Reef dive locations, giving you the chance to explore the very best of this Natural Wonder of the World. Along with Minke hotspots, you will visit a variety of outer Great Barrier Reef locations, all selected for their extravagance of marine life and excellent visibility.    

Between dives, relax in comfort onboard one of our three premium Scubapro dive boats; these purpose-built liveaboard dive vessels; these feature air-conditioned twin or double cabins, spacious decks, WiFi, catered meals, and the comforts of home.

With small passenger numbers and close crew-to-guest ratios, a high-quality, personalised experience from our dedicated staff is ensured at all times.

Departing Cairns every Tuesday from 30 May until 1 August 2023, this three-day, three-night liveaboard trip offers a truly memorable and exciting way to fully immerse yourself and experience our magnificent World Heritage Great Barrier Reef environment. 

Why travel with us?

• All dive crew are fully qualified PADI instructors. You will be diving with a passionate team of experienced professionals, ensuring the quality of your experience and your safety
• Our boats carry a maximum of 28 passengers and six crew, providing you with a more personal experience
• We provide a true liveaboard experience with our boats departing from and returning to Cairns for every three-day, two-night trip, with no boat to boat passenger transfers
• Access to 19 high-quality dive sites ensuring a diverse range of reef environments and dives

Optional Upgrades and Additional Courses

PADI Advanced Open Water Course: offered in conjunction with the liveaboard trip, this course is the next step in your dive training; designed to expand your diving skills, knowledge and to give the inexperienced certified diver added confidence in their diving.
The PADI Enriched Air Course add on available.

PADI Enriched Air Course (Nitrox): Enriched air (nitrox) is a nitrogen/oxygen mix that extends your allowable bottom time and reduces your nitrogen loading over multiple dives

Enriched Air Package (Nittrox): Only available for divers with enriched air (nitrox) certification. 10 dives with enriched air (nitrox) provided.

Itinerary

Please note we recommend you visit our dive centre the day before to arrange the diving/snorkelling equipment, ensure the necessary paperwork is in order and to ensure your certification details are correct.

Day #1 - Cairns to Agincourt ribbon reefs - 2 dives

Complimentary accommodation transfer - available from Cairns city and Northern Beaches accommodation.

6:00am Check-in

7:00am Depart Cairns

Enjoy two dives at exclusive Agincourt reef sites

8:00pm Depart Agincourt for overnight steam to Ribbon Reef 10

Day #2 - Ribbon reef 10 - 4 dives including 1 night dive

6:00am (approx) Arrive Ribbon Reef 10 

4 Dives through the day, including one night dive

8:00pm (approx) Depart Ribbon 10 for overnight steam to Ribbon 3

Day #3 - Ribbon reef 3 - 4 dives including 1 night dive

6:00am (approx) Arrive at Ribbon 3  

8:00pm (approx) Depart Ribbon 3 for overnight steam to Cairns

Day #4 - Arrive Cairns

Mid Morning (approx) Arrival in Cairns - weather dependant. 

Health & Safety

Your safety and comfort is our number one priority. Please let our experienced instructors know if you are worried, stressed or not feeling well at any point.

Some medical conditions may prevent you from diving. If you answer 'yes' to any of the questions below you will need to consult a doctor and provide us with a medical certificate stating you are “fit to dive” prior to your dive trip:                                       

• Since completing your last dive medical assessment have you suffered any illness or injury that may affect your ability to dive safely?
• Are you currently suffering any illness or injury?
• Are you currently taking any prescription medication other than the contraceptive pill?
• Is there any other condition, fact or circumstance that may affect your fitness or ability to dive safely?

We recommend that you do not fly within 24 hours of diving. The earliest you should fly is 12 pm (midday) on the day after your trip concludes.

Vessel Amenities

• Free WiFi
• Air conditioned cabins and saloon
• 14 twin bunk bed cabins and 2 double bed cabins (enquire on booking)
• All bedding supplied
• Freshly prepared meals 
• Hot freshwater showers
• Spacious dive and sundeck 
• Twin 240v power outlets in each cabin

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

Check in 6.00am

Pickup Locations

• Cairns
• Cairns Northern Beaches

Months of Operation

May - August

Days of Operation

Tuesday

Depart every Tuesday from 30 May - 1 August 2023

Duration

3 Day 3 Night

Fitness Level Required

Active

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.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Clothing and swimwear
• Warm clothes for the evening
• 2 x towels (ocean/shower)
• Dive medical if required (ask us if you are not sure)
• Marine safe sunscreen & toiletries
• Certification card (certified divers)
• Seasickness medication
• Shoes are not necessary
• Alcoholic beverages if you would like a drink in the evening
• DO NOT BRING: Sleeping bags, pillows, extra luggage (luggage can be stored securely at our retail shop)