TRAVEL continued
circumstances, so it is highly recommended, especially for ex- cursions to the Coral Sea: Divers advanced and above with at least 20 logged ocean dives and at least 5 of those in the last 12 months. Divers are encouraged to dive with a buddy of their choice while participation in small group guided dives is available for those preferring closer supervision by a dive pro- fessional. Solo diving is permitted for suitably qualified and certified divers at the sole discretion of the Skipper and Trip Director. Rebreather diving on Spoilsport is by arrangement. All dives include a detailed pre-dive briefing often with
Seasickness can be an issue for some so take preventative measures before you feel any symptoms. Non-prescription seasick tablets are available onboard but bringing your own is preferred. Environment: Most of the diving is done in marine parks so there is a strong ‘no take, no touch’ policy. Each vessel has its own unique conservation practices which may include conducting marine surveys. Your dive operator will include in your trip package an Environmental Management Charge for you to enter the GBRMP. This charge is used to maintain the sustainability of the world’s largest living organism.
excellent graphics of the site. These live- aboards operate in very remote areas where swimming to accessible land is not an option. Therefore, Spoilsport and Spirit of Freedom , which operate in the most remote areas, equip each diver with a Nautilus GPS locator. This is to be used if separated from the vessel and there is a need for a tender pick-up. Diving usually consists of a maximum of 5 dives per day on multiple sites. A typical day consists of first breakfast (con- tinental), dive #1, main breakfast, dives #2 and #3, lunch, dive #4, dinner, and dive #5/night dive. Torches are supplied for the night dive and/or general use to illuminate the many swim-throughs and small caverns that can be found on many of the dive sites. Water temperatures range from 24°C / 75°F in the winter
Rum Runner
Courses Offered: Multiple specialty courses are offered on request for a fee. These may typically include Advanced, Deep, Nitrox, Rescue, Photography and Solo. Additional Charges: Your expedition tour price includes cylinders and weights/weight belts. However, if you need additional dive gear, high quality equipment can be rented onboard in- cluding a dive computer which are manda- tory for all divers. It is advisable to prebook your equipment needs and nitrox packages at time of booking. Onboard purchases (e.g. souvenir shop, bar, training courses, etc.) can be settled with major credit cards and/or cash. While tipping is very highly appreciated
Spirit of Freedom
(March–October), peaking at 30°C / 86°F in the summer (November to February), while maximum air temperatures range from 24°C / 75°F to 32°C / 90°F. The GBR has an average year-round visibility of 25m / 82ft and the Coral Sea 50m / 165ft. All three liveaboards limit recreational scuba diving to 40m / 132ft with bottom times ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. In consideration of your own safety and the impact that an incident may have on the diving schedule of other passengers, a medical declaration is required. In the event of any medical condition or medications being deemed to possibly be contrary to diving, a dive medical is required prior to departure. Evac- uation and medical insurance are highly recommended especially for non-Australian citizens. A liability release commonly developed by the diver training agencies will also need to be signed.
it is not expected throughout Australia. Non-Diving Activities: Snorkelers and non-diving guests are welcome on all three vessels where some of the best snorkelling on the planet can be experienced. However, Coral Sea expeditions are commonly limited to scuba divers. Cairns is also the stepping–off point to visit the Daintree Rainforest. With the GBR adjacent, this is the only place in the world where two World Heritage areas come together. Therefore, land tours of the rainforest, waterfalls and other escorted land tours are extensively available and a perfect way to ‘off-gas’ after all that diving.
There’s More: Cairns also hosts a fleet of coastal liveaboards which we will discuss in Part Two of this series. See Dive-Queensland.com for more information on this region.
email Terry
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