TRAVEL
Pt. 1: A Dive Guide to Northern Queensland Expedition Liveaboards by Terry Cummins , OAM, Ph.D., Principal Partner, Dive-Queensland.com, Australia
N ORTHERN QUEENSLAND is home to two of Australia’s most remarkable marine environments, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the remote Coral Sea Marine Park. From Cairns, ex- pedition liveaboards depart regularly to explore these iconic reef systems. The market is served by three primary vessels: Spoilsport with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Spirit of Freedom , and Rum Runner . Vessel Descriptions: Spoilsport is a large catamaran (L: 100ft / 30m. B: 34.7ft / 10.5m), Spirit of Freedom is a monohull (L: 122ft / 37m. B: 24ft / 7.1m) and Rum Runner is a 66ft / 20m motor sailing schooner. The maximum number onboard per trip (divers / crew): Spoilsport 28 / 12, Spirit of Freedom 24 /12 and on Rum Runner 16 / 3 to 4. These crews include an ‘Australian Maritime Safety Authority’ qualified Master / Skipper and First Mate / Engineer, dive team, chef
characterized by multiple dives on multiple days, strict adherence to the ‘flying after diving rules’ should be a major consideration when planning your homeward bound flights. Bookings: On Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom the accom- modation options include double and twin share cabins with ensuite(s). Cabins are serviced daily. Meanwhile, Rum Runner is aimed at the adventurous diver on a limited budget with multi share twin single bunk areas, semi-private twin single bunk cabins, and a 4-share single bunk cabin. You can book directly with the vessels or through your preferred travel consultant. Single and group bookings are available. Book a minimum of 6 months out, but 12 months is preferred to avoid disappointment. Onboard Services & Special Events: On Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom you have separate sun and dive decks, drying areas, camera tables and freshwater tubs. Spoilsport and Spirit
and dedicated host / tour director. Chefs prepare quality meals including for those with special dietary requirements. Trip Durations: There are 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 day schedules available. There is also a fly in/out option from Cairns/ Lizard Island for 4-day trips. It is not totally uncommon for some divers to do back-to-back trips to extend the 7- day option to 11 and 14 days. Best Time to Visit: The most seasonally stable weather is October through to December when Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom commonly explore the further Northern reaches of the GBR and out to the Coral Sea. For example, the very
of Freedom also have large lounges, dining areas and bar with complimentary coffee, tea, biscuits and snacks. Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom also have guest internet services, a dedicated battery charging station, shared computer desk for photo editing, in-water professional photo serv- ices/guide, souvenir shop, library of ref- erence books and dive magazines. Hair dryers are available. Your adventure will also include marine presentations by a qualified ‘Master Reef Guide’ and on occasion celebrity guests. All three vessels have an end of trip cel- ebration and/or BBQ. Spoilsport also hosts an Underwater Photo Contest on
Spoilsport (Mike Ball Dive Expeditions)
remote ‘Far North Expeditions’ from Horn Island at the tip of Australia are only conducted in November and December. Vessels tend to focus the rest of the year in the more sheltered Ribbon Reef section of the GBR which also has year-round access. Snorkelling with Minke Whales is from June to July. How to Get There: Cairns is serviced by flights from all Australian major airports and several overseas hubs, especially those from Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, China, Singapore and from the USA via Fiji. Because these expeditions are
each trip with the winner going in the draw for a free return trip while Spirit of Freedom ’s ‘Trivia Night’ is a real blast and a chance to showcase your marine knowledge. Dive Destinations: All are world-class diving sites and include the remote CSMP (e.g. Ashmore, Osprey, Bougainville & Holmes Reefs) and the GBRMP’s Ribbon Reefs (e.g. Lizard Island to Flare Point). Additional destinations in season include Far North (November & December) to Ashmore & Detached Reefs & Raine Island), and the wreck of the SS
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