3 NIGHT MINKE WHALE EXPEDITION
An Outstanding Diving & Snorkelling Experience In The Great Barrier Reef
Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef & Coral Sea aboard Australia's best liveaboard 'Spoilsport'
from Cairns, Australia. Exclusively chartered by VU Ltd for a 3 nights/3 day Minke Whale
dive expedition. This offers a great opportunity for in water encounters with Minke Whales
for both divers and non-divers.
Since 1969 Mike Ball has been setting standards in the Australian dive industry with
exceptional liveaboard expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Spoilsport’s twin
hull design maximizes your comfort in all weather conditions. Expeditions suit both novice
divers and the adventuresome diver seeking exciting big fish and shark action. Novice divers
are given the opportunity to enhance their skills with complimentary orientation dives, and
experienced divers are given the freedom to do their own thing. It is our attention to detail
that sets us apart and puts a smile on your face. In 2004 Mike Ball was the world’s first
liveaboard operator inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Mike Ball
Dive Expeditions makes world class diving a world-class experience
"As a qualified advanced diver I am thrilled that we are on the liveaboard trip during the
dwarf Minke Whale season and I am excited about the prospect of diving with them. This is
one excursion I definitely will be part of - no beach whale comments when you see me in
water please!" Victor Ubogu
3 nights - 11 dives + snorkelling with whales.
Embark: Monday 1st July 2013 7am - Mike Ball office, 143 Lake St, Cairns.
Disembark: Thursday 4th July 8am - Trinity Wharf, Cairns.
Diving Experience: Snorkellers to Advanced Divers
Expedition Summary
Minke whales are commonly seen along the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns between May and
August. In June and July we conduct special Minke Whale Expeditions with the second day
devoted almost entirely to finding and snorkeling and/or diving with minke whales. Since
commencing minke whale expeditions in 1996 we have discovered the locations where
minkes' are most commonly found. In this time we have evolved a diving and snorkeling
protocol that has minimal impact on the whales and allows them to approach divers within
their own comfort zone. This protocol combined with the minkes' natural curiosity provides
you with very close encounters and spectacular opportunities for close up videos and
photography.
Spoilsport = Dive Freedom!
Our 'Open Deck' policy provides the freedom to dive as frequently as you choose. Two large
inflatables enable personalized diving away from Spoilsport, you can even dive during
mealtimes. We provide the maximum diving at your pace. At sites like Challenger Bay some
photographers do 2-hour dives to capture special fish behavior photographs.
Spoilsport = Better Diving!
Access to prime dive sites is guaranteed! From Cairns we focus exclusively on the superior
Ribbon Reefs north of Cooktown including the Cod Hole. Here, the marine life is at its best,
you will see spectacular concentrations of pristine corals, colorful tropical fish, schooling
pelagics and shark action. Our experienced dive crew are often able to show you very rare
species like the beautiful lacy scorpion fish and ghost pipefish. Spoilsport's complimentary
Reef Ecology Program will assist you in identifying the rare marine life.
Fly Dive = Spectacular Flight!
250km GREAT BARRIER REEF FLIGHT! HALF THE FLIGHT BELOW 200M! The 'Fly
Dive' flight is designed to maximize your appreciation of the northern section of the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park. We supply a detailed flight map so you can anticipate the low
altitude pass (180m) over: Endeavor Reef where Captain Cook ran aground; the Emily
Wreck; the outer reefs you will dive from Spoilsport and Lizard Island. Keen observers are
often rewarded with sightings of minke whales, dugongs, rays, turtles and sharks.
"Who could forget their first encounter with a minke whale? For me it was towards the end of
a dive on the Great Barrier Reef. I was leisurely making my way back after an incredible
dive, when off in the distance I could see a large shadowy object. Excited, I waited. As I hung
there, my mind a-buzz with possibilities, I could hear my breath catch in my throat as I
realized what was heading in my direction. High on adrenaline I signalled my dive buddy
who was, as you guessed, looking in the opposite direction! We hovered there, motionless, as
the minke whale came within meters of us. All I could feel was my heartbeat and my buddies'
hand excitedly grasping my arm in amazement. She drifted by effortlessly, lingered for a
moment, and then continued on her way to destinations unknown." Liz Davis.
You may ask what is the thrill of the diving with these extraordinary creatures? It is one of
those life-altering moments that we have so few of. It is an indescribable feeling of total
tranquillity as you come face to face with creatures such as these. And you realize just how
small you are in the grand scheme of things and have, for a split second, a better
understanding of what it would be like to live in their world.
Minke Whales
Dwarf minke whales are the smallest of the baleen whales. They have a characteristic white
band on each fin that contrasts with a very dark grey fin tip; these markings are as individual
as fingerprints. They like all baleen whales, have two blowholes. A fully developed adult is
approximately 7-9 meters (25-30ft) in length and 5-7 tonnes in weight. Minke whales have a
layer of blubber several inches thick and are quite sleek in appearance.
Breathing for minke whales is achieved by surfacing and taking air into their lungs through
the two blowholes, which are located near the top of the head. They can submerge for 20-25
minutes; however they usually make shorter dives of 10-12 minutes and can swim up to 12
knots for short periods.
Minke whales are social creatures and are often seen traveling in pods. Communication
between whales is a series of grunts, moans and rasping sounds. Breeding occurs
predominantly in late winter and early spring in warm waters near the surface. The gestation
period is approximately 10 months and the calf is born close to the surface. A newborn calf
will instinctively swim to the surface for its first breathe assisted by the mother. Incredibly,
within 30 minutes of birth the calf can swim, dive and surface for air. Weighing in at about
454 kilograms (1000 pounds) and 2.8 meters (9ft) the calf is nurtured by its mother's milk,
being weaned after 5-6 months. At sexual maturity they are 6-8 years. The life span for dwarf
minke whales is unknown; other baleen whales live 50-60 years.
Dwarf minkes' are renowned for their curiosity and approachability. They also have behavior
similar to humpbacks such as breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping, though not to the
same extent as their larger cousins.
Acknowledgment's:
James Cook University, CRC Reef Research Centre & The Museum of Tropical Queensland.
Minke Whale Itineraries
Since commencing Minke Whale Expeditions in 1996 Mike Ball Dive Expeditions have had
a 98% success rate. The largest pod seen was 28 whales, the longest encounters was 10 hours.
James Cook University, together with the Museum of Tropical Queensland has an ongoing
research project studying the whales. All passengers on our Special Minke Whale
Expeditions are encouraged to participate and assist by recording their observations on the
forms provided. Every day has a high probability of dwarf minke encounters. Day 2 is
specifically dedicated to locating and observing minkes' at close range under water.
In the unlikely event that we are not able to locate whales at our reliable sites up to two hours
at a time would be spent attempting to find whales further a field. If none were sighted, we
would provide as many of the standard Fly Dive Cod Hole itinerary dives as circumstances
would allow.
In any event a minimum of 11 or 12 scuba dives on the Ribbon Reefs will be provided at the
most spectacular sites, such as Cod Hole, Challenger Bay and Pixie Pinnacle.
Dive Site Guarantee!
All your dives will be north of Cooktown including ‘prime’ Ribbon Reef sites that have
restricted access. If weather forces an itinerary change our surety of access to the prime
Ribbon Reef sites is your guarantee of the best diving available. Spoilsport’s outstanding
stability minimizes disruption to your itinerary and your diving experience.
Dive Freedom!
You will notice there is no rush or limit placed on your dive time. Spoilsport’s itineraries
normally provide 3 dive sites per day with opportunity for relaxed or unlimited diving. At
sites like Challenger Bay some photographers do 2 hour dives to capture special fish behavior
photographs.
Diving Service.
Most guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. Guests who require
supervision are offered a combination of: complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills;
a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and dives with our staff on an ad hoc basis.
Our crew will locate species like the beautiful leaf scorpion fish. The complimentary Reef
Ecology Program will assist you identify the marine life.
Spoilsport = 5 Star Service!
We aim to spoil you! To ensure your needs are met, on arrival the ‘trip director’ will have a
private consultation with you. In between dives you enjoy Spoilsports luxurious motor yacht
atmosphere and attentive crew. Spoilsport is the Great Barrier Reef’s most awarded live
aboard.
Spoilsport
Spoilsport was designed to provide divers with a new level of comfort and convenience. You
get less rock’n’roll with more space and comfort. She has received 11 prestigious Rodale’s
Reader Choice awards including Best Live aboard and Most Environmentally Sensitive.
Sumptuous Meals.
Enjoy a sumptuous variety of meals that has earned Spoilsport an enviable reputation for
catering excellence. Vegetarian and standard diets are catered for with Australian and
International menus using fresh local produce. Please advise if you have special dietary
needs.
Spoilsport Vessel Features:
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Spoilsport is Australia ’s most ‘Awarded’ live aboard,
Length 30m (100ft); Beam 10m (36ft); Speed 15 knots,
Passenger average 20 (max 28) Crew 11,
Twin hull’s reduce seasickness and maximises stability, space and privacy,
Twin or double cabins, most with ocean views. Daily cabin service,
Spacious: dining room; lounge; alfresco deck and sundeck,
Sensational complimentary chef prepared meals and in-between meal snacks,
Complimentary soft drinks and Australian wines (with dinner),
Low level 250km reef flight
Spoilsport Dive Services:
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Complimentary Reef Ecology Program,
Low key photo comp on every expedition,
Huge dive deck with convenient entry/exit platforms,
Photographer friendly with 3 large camera tables,
‘Open dive deck’ allows flexible dive planning,
3 dive sites per day is normal,
Underwater photography and video services,
Nitrox
PADI instruction: Advanced, Nitrox, Naturalist and Photo/Video,
Dry towel after each dive,
Solo diving as per Mike Ball Safe Solo System,
2 large inflatables for personalised dive service.
What’s not included?
 Government EMC levy (reef tax) $14, Equipment rental $40 per day.
 Photo / Video services (DVD $85, Photo CD $50, camera hire $60/day)
 Course Instruction (eg SDI Nitrox $275)
 Nitrox fills ($75)
 Additional beer, wine, soft drinks
 Souvenirs (t-shirts, hats, etc)
Details subject to change.
Liveaboard Option Costs
The costs below are in addition to the tour costs, as selected, and include one night
accommodation, B&B, at the 5star Shangri-La Hotel on Sunday 30th June 2013
Cabin
Premium
Standard
Club
Budget
Cabins /
Berths
4 cabins/sleeps
8
4 cabins/sleeps
8
4 cabins/sleeps
8
2 cabins/sleeps
4
Singles in twin share unless sole
occupancy
Double Bed, Ocean View, Private
Bathroom
Twin Single Beds, Ocean View, Private
Bathroom
Price July
2013
£1,580
£1,418
Two Bunk Beds, Private Bathroom
£1,225
Two Bunk Beds, Share Separate Bathroom
£1,100
Single
Supplement
£1,106
£993
£858
£770