Australia

Minke whales are possibly the only whale species that regularly initiate contact with people in the water. Unlike traditional whale watching activities where boats carefully manoeuvre to allow people to view whales from the surface, minkes—in this very specific location and at this specific time of year—appear to seek out dive boats and allow us to join them in the water.

To watch these magnificent animals as they circle us, perform their ballet, and generally entertain us on their own terms is an unforgettable and enriching experience not to be missed.

We will be joined on our charter by a member of the Minke Whale Project's Research Team—a minke expert that will provide information on the latest minke research and advise us on the best ways to ensure a wonderful in-water experience. Guests will also have the opportunity to directly contribute to the research: by recording sightings on data sheets, and providing photos and videos, we can help the scientists identify individual whales. In this way, we can contribute to the growing database of information on individual and group migrations, growth rates, and other critical information that will help the scientists monitor and help protect these amazing creatures.

Site selection for each day is weather-dependent, but here's what we're aiming for...

Spoilsport is a large, modern and well-equipped catamaran—and Australia's most awarded liveaboard dive boat.

A proper trained chef will keep you happy at meal times.

There is a spacious dive deck at the stern, and most dives are done from here (giant stride entry) whenever the ship is moored over a dive site. There are also two skiffs which are used for some dive sites. The skiffs have ladders.

Most divers do 2 morning, 2 afternoon, and a night dive most nights. Normally there is "open deck" at a single site for a whole morning, then 2 scheduled dives in the afternoon—although this may be reversed, depending on location and conditions. This schedule gives you freedom to dive as much or as little as you want.

There will be 1-2 dive guides in the water for each dive, but you aren't obliged to follow them.

More about the dive operations here.

All divers are required to have an alternative air source, safety sausage and whistle. A dive light plus back-up light or chemical light sticks are required for night dives.

The Queensland government has some diving rules that all boat operators have to follow, re: diving with buddies. Mike Ball have put together their Safe Solo Diving Program as a way to allow you to dive by yourself while still working within the framework of the government's rules. If you want to dive without a buddy, you're required to have a redundant spare air supply (e.g.: pony bottle, minimum 6 cubic feet) with an independent regulator. You can rent a 6cf pony bottle + regulator for A$15/day. You're also required to have a compass, and undergo a skills evaluation. Full details here.

Only 3 spaces remaining.

Every day you have the option to follow our presentations on various aspects of underwater image-making. The aim is to begin improving your images.

We'll be there to critique and work with you on your shots, offer suggestions for improvement, and generally get stuck into all aspects of underwater photo and video. Pick our brains at any time, we're there to help you. Ten days presents a great opportunity to hone your skills and learn new techniques.

New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders must apply for a tourist visa before leaving home; you can do this online at Australia's visa and immigration website.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. You'll also need an onward or return flight ticket.

The trip is in June, to coincide with the minke whale season. June tends to have good viz and little rain, but can be windy.

Air temperatures: approx 25°C / 77°F.

Water temperatures: approx 26°C / 79°F 24-26°C (75-79°F) latest reports (2 June 2011) are that the water is the coldest it has been in a few years. When you are doing 4-5 dives a day you may start to feel extra-chilly after a few days, so choose wetsuits accordingly. 

The boat has Australian three-pin 240 volt outlets and US two-pin (unpolarised) 110 volt outlets. If you have heaps of things to plug in, it helps to bring your own powerboard.

There is a satellite phone available for outgoing calls, and calls are charged at A$5/min.

If your family or friends need to contact you in an emergency, they should phone the Mike Ball office in Cairns:  +61 7 4053 0500

The trip begins on a Monday and ends on a Thursday.

Check-in on June 13th is at the Mike Ball office (143 Lake Street, Cairns) between 8:30am and 4:00pm. Drop all your luggage off, then you're free for the rest of the day. Note that no individual bags can weigh more than 25kg/55lbs, a Workplace Health & Safety rule.

When you check-in you'll get a map and directions to the Trinity Wharf meeting point for boarding. Be there by 6:00pm. Light refreshments are served onboard that evening (champagne, fruit, cheese), so grab a bigger feed before boarding if you think you might go hungry.

Diving begins on the morning of the 14th.

On the final day, June 23rd, we get into port very early. At least 2 people are getting off at 3am to catch an early flight, so this option is there if you need to do the same (but flying out this early will mean you won't get to do too many dives on the last day). Otherwise, wake up and have breakfast as per usual, then at 8am there is a courtesy transfer to take you to your choice of: the Mike Ball office, the airport, or any inner city hotel (inner city boundaries are within the airport to the north and Earlville shopping centre to the south).

Once you're in Australia, if you have any problems you need help with:
Josh's mobile phone 0401 237975
Liz's mobile phone 0432 234526
Mike Ball office in Cairns 07 4053 0500 or resv@mikeball.com