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

from $2,738.00

Experience the extraordinary on a 4-night liveaboard adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, the only place in the world offering snorkeling and diving encounters with dwarf minke whales—reaching up to eight meters long and several tonnes in weight. These highly inquisitive creatures offer an extraordinary experience as they approach you and glide gracefully past. It’s a truly remarkable moment that brings you face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most majestic giants in their natural habitat.

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Your Inclusions:

4 Nights
Twin/Double cabins
Daily cabin service
Delicious meals & snacks, wine and soft drink are included with the evening meal
Up to 14 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

Your Experience

Get ready for an action-packed 4-day dive adventure in one of the world’s most diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems. From swimming with majestic minke whales to exploring the Great Barrier Reef’s hidden gems, this experience is designed to immerse you in the wonders of the reef.

Minke Whales
A unique opportunity awaits you to encounter the elusive dwarf minke whales. With dedicated time set aside for these encounters, you’ll get up close to these gentle giants while learning about their biology and behavior from onboard research volunteers. You may also have the chance to contribute to important research efforts, including behavior monitoring and other fascinating projects.

Continental Shelf
Venture 100 miles north of Cairns to the edge of the Continental Shelf, where powerful currents bring nutrient-rich waters, attracting an incredible array of marine life. This site offers divers a thrilling challenge as they explore deeper, more exposed regions of the reef.

The Ribbon Reefs
Explore the pristine Ribbon Reefs, an area renowned for its spectacular fish and coral diversity. This stretch of reef from Lizard Island to Cooktown is not only home to vibrant marine life, but it’s also where minke whales migrate each year to breed and calve. The nutrient-rich waters make this region a must-see for any diver.

The Cod Hole
At the world-famous Cod Hole, you’ll have the chance to swim with diver-sized potato cod, which are known for their inquisitive nature. These gentle giants love to interact with divers, offering an unforgettable opportunity for photos and close encounters.

Dive Sites
Every dive brings something new:

Gotham City, a sloping reef full of hard and soft corals, offers a chance to spot minke whales and is an exciting site for night dives, where hunting fish such as sharks and trevally come to life.
Lighthouse Bommie is one of the best places to see dwarf minke whales and features a large pinnacle teeming with marine life like sharks, rays, turtles, and reef fish.
Pixie Pinnacle offers an exhilarating dive with vibrant soft corals and an abundance of fish life. Look out for the unique ‘disco clams’ that light up in flashes of color.

Scenic Flight Over the Reef
Your adventure concludes with a spectacular scenic flight from Lizard Island to Cairns. Enjoy panoramic views of the reef and islands as you soar above the waters. Just as Captain Cook did in 1770, take in the beauty of Lizard Island, named after the many monitor lizards that roam the island.

Success Rate
With a 98% success rate for minke whale encounters, your chances of seeing these incredible creatures are exceptionally high. If no whales are spotted at the usual sites, additional time is spent searching further afield, and you will still dive many of the stunning Ribbon Reef sites.

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Location

This whale swim adventure departs from Cairns, Australia.

Accommodation

Step aboard MV Spoilsport, one of Australia’s most celebrated liveaboard vessels, where comfort meets adventure on the Coral Sea. This 30-metre twin-hull catamaran is purpose-built for stability, creating a smooth and relaxing experience between unforgettable days in the water.

All guest cabins are located on the same deck for convenient access to dive and snorkel gear, and feature air-conditioning, daily servicing, and a range of configurations to suit your travel style:

Premium Cabins (#3, #4, #9, #10): Ocean-view cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. Choose between queen beds (Cabins 9 & 10) or double beds (Cabins 3 & 4)—perfect for couples or close travel partners.
Standard Cabins (#5–#8): Ocean views, twin single bunk beds, and ensuite bathrooms make these ideal for solo travellers or friends sharing.
Club Cabins (#11–#14): Cozy interior cabins with twin bunk beds and private ensuites—great for those who spend most of their time on deck or in the water.
Budget Cabins (#1 & #2): Compact interior cabins with shared bathroom facilities, offering the best value for adventurous travellers.

After an exhilarating day of marine encounters, relax in the comfortable lounge, enjoy a drink at the bar, or watch the sunset from the sun deck. Guests are treated to delicious, freshly prepared meals with vegetarian and dietary options available.

Download vessel layout & cabin information (pdf)

Upcoming Dates

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