The Dwarf Minke Whale Expeditions run through June and July . Unlike any other Whale experience WORLD-WIDE the Dwarf Minke' are unique, the encounters are regular and entirely initiated by the Whale's themselves. The MV Ocean Quest live aboard provide every opportunity for close approaches, being in the water offering the highest abundance of Whales, but The Dwarf Minke whales find us, we don't find them. During peak season there is a success rate of achieving in-water encounters of up and beyond 90%, the average Whale interactions lasting 2 hours, often longer!
A 20% deposit is required with the balance paid 60 days from the Trip departure.
Solo travelers wishing to book a twin-share cabin can do so and will share with another solo traveler. NOTE: in the event that the Queensland Government change the restrictions requiring departures to only have one traveler per cabin, a single supplement will apply (please refer to terms & conditions).
Day 1 (Friday)7.30am Check-in
You're journey starts here! Check-in at Deep Sea Divers Den to board transfer vessel Reef Quest. We make our way to the Outer Barrier Reef where we will enjoy two dives before transferring to Ocean Quest at approximately 14:30. You will then experience two dives at Norman Reef which will include our world famous Sharks in the Dark Experience. Whilst you steam Ocean Quest will steaming overnight to the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 2 (Saturday) Second day at sea
Wake up to sun rising over the GBR at Light House Bommie, this area is a hot spot for the Minke Wales. We will enjoy four dives, including one night dive, at various sites on the upper Ribbon Reefs
Day 3 (Sunday)Third day at sea
Today you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most untouched areas of the GBR. We will also take part in an exploration dive. Four Dives are included in todays itinerary, including a night dive when the reef will transform itself into a completely different setting with all new nocturnalmarine life just watiing to meet you.
Day 4 (Monday) Fourth day at sea
Explore more of the Great Barrier Reef at various dive sites along the Ribbon Reefs over four incredible dives, including a dive at Steve's Bommie, one of the most pristine dive sites that the Ribbon Reefs have to offer. On completion of our final night dive we will steam south towards Cairns.
Day 5 (Tuesday) 8:30am Disembark in Cairns
Wake up to your last morning on Ocean Quest. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to your Cairns city accommodation at approximately 08:30. Please note, itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. During Minke Whale season, the dive schedule may be altered to enable as much in-water interaction with the whales as possible.
What to bring on board
Please bring your own personal toiletries, swimmers, light long sleeve top, t-shirts, shorts, suitable shoes to wear on board (can have slippery surfaces), sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses are a must. If you are not sure of your sea legs, we strongly recommend that you take motion sickness tablets on the trip. Kwells and Travel Calm are suitable to use when diving.
Luggage Restrictions
We request that you only bring a small bag on board. If you have bags that need to be stored when you are at sea, this can be done at the Dive Shop.
Flying After Diving
We recommend you give yourself a 24 hour surface interval after your last dive before flying.
Reef Taxes and Levies
There is an additional AUD$80 fee which includes Government Management Charge, as well as a Port Departure Tax and administration costs. Payable direct at the end of the trip.