State: Queensland Eco
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 2,600

These extraordinary expeditions spend 6 days on the Great Barrier Ribbon Reefs swimming with magnificent Dwarf Minke Whales!

Research: The Undersea Explorer project is a collaboration between our own scientists, James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical North Queensland. We'll have two leading whale scientists onboard, providing presentations for our guests. Guests will help identify individual whales, be involved in behavioural observations and be absorbed by the atmosphere of exciting Minke Research. Every guest on board is helping conservation of these whales.

The best Wildlife Experience on Earth!: The Minke whales are the most curious and interactive of all the whales, and will approach guests as close as one metre. Most of our whale interactions occur while snorkelling and holding on to lines attached to the vessel as it drifts. This ensures that the encounter happens under the whales terms. Encounter usually last for over and hour with multiple whales.

You'll be diving and snorkelling the Ribbon Reefs found along the edge of the continental shelf in North Queensland. This area is renowned for diversity of coral and fish life, and clear visibility. The beautiful coral gardens and pinnacles of the Ribbon reefs offer a variety of diving experiences. We intend to make 2 -3 dives per day over 6 days. Guests need to be certified to partake in the Diving. Scheduled dives will be replaced by whale watching and snorkelling experiences with the whales, and dives may be reduced to 2 per day depending on the length of time of the interactions with the whales.

Itinerary:

Boarding Saturday 5pm at Princes Wharf, Port Douglas. enjoy dinner ashore and be back onboard by 7.30pm for the Skippers briefing.

Day 1 Ribbon Reef # 3 or 5. Dive Traceys, Steves Bommie, Temple of Doom, Clam Beds or Provona.
Day 2 Lower No 10 Ribbon Reef area including Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay and Lighthouse
Day 3 North to Eagle Rock, Cod Hole or No Name reef.
Day 4 Diving and drifting in the Northern waters with the whales between the Cod Hole and Day Reef, with a possible visit to Lizard Island.
Day 5 Areas that are producing the most whale sightings between the Cod Hole and No 3 ribbon Reef
Day 6 Agincourt Reef and dive/snorkel sites such as Nursery Bommie, Eureka, Castles or the G-Spot. Port Douglas by approximately 5pm

Note: The itineraries and activities are flexible and can be altered at the discretion of the Skipper. 

The Vessel: The Undersea Explorer is a 25m motor vessel that offers accommodation in air conditioned twin-share cabins. Other features include: Lecture room, DVD Projector & Screen, Microscope linked to TV, Underwater digital camera and video, Marine reference library, Guest computer with CD Burner, Air compressor, 2 inflatable tenders, Desalinator for fresh water supplies.

What's Included?

• Excellent meals prepared by onboard chef
• Twin share accommodation for 6 nights
• 3 dives per day (depending on conditions)
• Daily interpretive presentations
• Tanks, weights,airfills
• Additional scuba gear is available and payable on board cost is $200 for full set of gear.
  
• Beer and softdrinks available on board (BYO accepted)  

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Departs every Saturday in June
Trip Duration: 7 days
Departs from: Port Douglas
Tour Ends: Port Douglas
Departure Time: 5pm
Return Time: 5pm
All Prices: $2600pp
Deposit of $520pp. Balance due 60 days prior to departure.All guests must have emergency insurance. We recommend the Dan 30 day Travel Assist cover if you do not have annual membership.