3 Night Minke Whale Swim Liveaboard ~ Cairns (Australia) | June–July

Set sail on your 3-night minke whale expedition, focused on maximising in-water encounters at some of the best-known minke whale hotspots in the world, including the Ribbon Reefs. These sites are famous for frequent sightings of dwarf minke whales, offering multiple opportunities to observe these incredible creatures up close.

Your Inclusions:

• 3 Nights

• Twin/Double cabins

• Daily cabin service

• Delicious meals & snacks, wine and soft drink are included with the evening meal

• Up to 10 dives

• Tanks, air fills and weight belt

• Scenic flight Cairns to Lizard Island

• Reef ecology program

• Dive computer workshop

• Digital photo editing workshop

• Transfer to the airport or Cairns hotel after your expedition

The Experience

Your Experience

Get ready for on an unforgettable dive adventure through some of the most remarkable sites of the Great Barrier Reef, each offering unique encounters with marine life and breathtaking natural beauty.

Flying Start
Your journey begins with a spectacular 250km scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island, where you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the reef's vast expanse. This is the same path Captain Cook followed in 1770, offering a rare glimpse into the history and natural wonders of the region.

Minke Whales
A rare opportunity to swim with the incredible dwarf minke whales. These graceful creatures migrate to the reef each year, and you’ll have dedicated time to interact with them, learning about their biology and behavior from onboard researchers. Your participation in research efforts, including behavior monitoring, adds an enriching layer to this extraordinary experience.

The Ribbon Reefs
Dive into the world-renowned Ribbon Reefs, stretching from Lizard Island to Cooktown, where nutrient-rich waters bring abundant marine life. Here, you’ll encounter vibrant coral gardens, schools of fish, and the seasonal presence of minke whales. This is one of the most prized diving regions on the reef, home to a diversity of aquatic species.

The Cod Hole
At the Cod Hole, you’ll meet the famously inquisitive potato cod, some of which are large enough to rival a diver’s size. These friendly giants offer excellent photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy their gentle company in crystal-clear waters.

Diving Highlights
Each dive site offers its own unique allure:

• Lighthouse Bommie, a top location for spotting minke whales, is also a thriving marine ecosystem, rich with sharks, rays, turtles, and olive sea snakes.

• Pixie Pinnacle provides an exciting dive over a vibrant coral pinnacle, teeming with fish life and the occasional flash of a "disco clam."

• Gotham City, an exciting site for night dives, offers dramatic sloping reefs and an abundance of hunting fish such as sharks and trevally.

• Steve’s Bommie is a photographer’s dream, with diverse marine life including stonefish, scorpionfish, and the famous clown anemone fish.

With a 98% success rate in Minke whale encounters, each day brings high chances of close-up experiences with these majestic creatures. In the rare event that they are not sighted, you’ll still explore the beautiful Ribbon Reefs, ensuring a fulfilling dive experience.

Marine Life Diversity
This region is renowned for its extraordinary marine life, including stunning coral reefs, abundant fish species, and exciting encounters with creatures like octopus, turtles, and a range of reef fish. No matter where you dive, the underwater world will leave you awe-struck by its richness and diversity.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary, subject to change based on conditions.

Monday:  (3 dives)

• Check in at in Cairns between 6.30 and 7am.

• 7. 15 am:  Transfer to Cairns Airport

• 8.00 am:  Board a light aircraft for a low level flight over the reef to Lizard Island (flight time approx. 1 hour).

• Board Spoilsport mid-morning where you will be served drinks and snacks while our Trip Director gives you a welcome briefing.

• Time to organise any rental equipment and put your dive gear together on the dive deck.

• 12.45 pm: Dive brief and dive

• 2.00 pm:  Lunch

• 3.45 pm:  Dive brief and dive

• 4.45 pm:  Afternoon tea

• 6.00 pm:  Dive brief and night dive

• 8:00 pm:  Dinner

Tuesday:  (4 dives + night dive)

This is a sample of a ‘typical day’, however exact times may vary to optimise the prevailing weather conditions on the day.

• 6.30 am: Wake up call, light breakfast available in dining room

• 7:00 am: Dive brief & diving commences

• 9.00 am: Full cooked breakfast

• 10.30 am: Dive brief & diving. “Open decks” accommodate 1-2 dives either am or pm.

• 2.00 pm: Lunch

• 3.30 pm: Dive brief & diving

• 4:30 pm: Afternoon tea

• 6:30 pm: Night dive brief & dive

• 8:00 pm: Dinner

Wednesday:  (4 dives)

• As per above. Exit last dive 5pm

• As the sun sets we pour the champagne, lay out the nibbles and get ready for an Aussie BBQ party night. Don’t forget to wear your loudest tropical shirt or dress and sing along to music played by our talented crew.

• Spoilsport cruises back to Cairns overnight.

Thursday:

• Early morning docking.

• 7.00 am: Light breakfast

• 8:00 am: Disembark and courtesy transfer to Cairns inner city hotels, the airport or our office where we can store your luggage until 4pm if you have a later flight.

Important:

• We recommend that you allow 24 hours between your last dive and your onward flight (all diving is finished by 4pm Wednesday).

• A luggage allowance applies to the flight from Cairns to Lizard Island:

  • 25kg / 55lb per person plus 3kg / 6.5lb – carry on.

  • An additional 10kg/22lb is allowed for professional photo/video housed systems.

Location

This whale swim adventure departs from Cairns, Australia.

Accommodation

Relax and recharge aboard the award-winning MV Spoilsport, a custom-designed 30-metre twin-hull vessel offering unmatched comfort, stability, and space as you cruise through the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.

All cabins are located on the same deck for easy access and offer thoughtful touches including air-conditioning and daily housekeeping. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a loved one, you’ll find a cabin that suits your needs:

• Premium Cabins (#3, #4, #9, #10): Featuring large windows with ocean views and private ensuite bathrooms, these cabins offer either queen or double beds—perfect for couples seeking comfort and serenity.

• Standard Cabins (#5–#8): Bright ocean-view cabins with twin bunk beds and private ensuites. A relaxing choice for friends or solo travellers.

• Club Cabins (#11–#14): Interior cabins with twin bunks and private bathrooms, offering restful sleep in a quieter, light-free space.

• Budget Cabins (#1 & #2): Simple and functional cabins with shared facilities—an ideal option for those who prioritise experience over extras.

Beyond your cabin, enjoy nourishing, chef-prepared meals (with vegetarian and dietary options), relax in the spacious lounge, or soak up the peaceful seascape from the sun deck.

Download vessel layout & cabin information (pdf)

Upcoming Dates

Minke whale tours run on set dates and often book out well in advance.

If the dates you see below don't suit reach out to our team to discuss alternatives or advance booking for the following season.

2025 Departure dates: 9 June | 16 June | 23 June | 30 June| 7 July | 14 July | 21 July
2026 Departure dates: 8 June | 15 June | 22 June | 29 June| 6 July | 13 July | 20 July