Leading the way in the Australian dive industry since 1969. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions operates exciting liveaboard scuba diving expeditions departing from Cairns to some of the best dive …
Leading the way in the Australian dive industry since 1969. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions operates exciting liveaboard scuba diving expeditions departing from Cairns to some of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Enjoy spectacular biodiversity on the northern Great Barrier Reef including the world-famous Cod Hole, or venture out into the remote Coral Sea for exciting big fish action, shark encounters and excellent visibility. Spoilsport is Australia’s most awarded dive liveaboard, custom-built for diving and with a twin-hull design that maximises space, stability, and comfort. Plus our procedures allow greater freedom for divers with an ‘open dive deck’ policy resulting in no restrictions on bottom time. Great diving, just as you like it.
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5.0/5 · 556 reviews
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Jan 3, 2025
Dove with these folks years ago. It was my very 1st live aboard dive trip. Now that I have more experience, I can say these people are awesome. Good guides who helped me stay safe, get in and out …Full review by raed452
Dec 14, 2024
Fantastic diving and snorkelling in the very far north of Queensland at Ashmore, Beva and Great Detached Reefs including Raine Island. The vessel, facilities, crew and food were first-class. The unde…Full review by Terry C
Dec 9, 2024
This review is from a 72-YO experienced southern Australia diver with over 3,000 dives to his name. Without berating the boat, it's wonderful crew and excellent dive procedures and protocol, I found…Full review by Graeme R
Decisions, we are looking at either Mike Ball or Spirit of Freedom (7day expedition) both seem great has anyone done both so you can compare? Specifically food and comfort, I expect the staff is great on both and the diving spectacular. We are looking at early Jan so want to know what the weather is like? We are a couple with very mixed one with 2-400+ the other with 30ish dives so we are looking for a mix of relaxing and diving.
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I highly recommend Mike Ball. They have a high level of service (food, diving, cleanliness, friendliness), to help new divers and well as let those with a high number of dives. Anyone had …
I highly recommend Mike Ball. They have a high level of service (food, diving, cleanliness, friendliness), to help new divers and well as let those with a high number of dives. Anyone had the choice to dive on their own with a buddy, or go with a dive guide.
I am travelling with my boyfriend, who is just OW certified with 4 dives. Can he join the Fly Dive Coral Sea expedition?
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Hello Salta-kia, Thank you so much in your interest in Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. For our 4 Night Fly Dive Coral Sea Expedition we do specify that passengers have a minimum of 15 …
Hello Salta-kia, Thank you so much in your interest in Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. For our 4 Night Fly Dive Coral Sea Expedition we do specify that passengers have a minimum of 15 Ocean Dives, with 5 in the last year. The reason being is that the Coral Sea dive sites are typically more challenging. For divers with less experience than that, we suggest the 3 Night Fly Dive Cod Hole. Please be sure to check out our website for more information. We have an extensive archive of videos which you can search for the time of year to see what critters are around at that time. If you decide to go ahead you are able to book directly with us online.
Hello! My husband and I are looking for places to dive as trained divers. As we want to see what is less common, what program would you recommend us to join? Thx
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Hello, thanks so much in your interest in Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. We offer 3, 4 and 7 night Expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs which are more remote and not dived as much as …
Hello, thanks so much in your interest in Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. We offer 3, 4 and 7 night Expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs which are more remote and not dived as much as other dive sites in the Cairns region. The 4 and 7 night Expeditions venture to the Coral Sea which is dived even less. Here you have to opportunity to see sharks, schools of pelagics and walls of beautiful untouched soft corals. The Ribbon reefs is a marine lovers paradise with a huge amount of bio diversity. Please visit our website for more info and perhaps check out our reef reports (goto Diving, Reef Reports), select the month to see photos and videos for that time last year. Please email us at for bookings and enquiries, or book online.
Are there trips for snorkelers or is this boat only for scuba?
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Hi Angelo, Although there are opportunities for snorkeling at a lot of our sites, our expeditions are catered around diving. If you were to join for snorkeling, the Fly Dive Cod Hole …
Hi Angelo, Although there are opportunities for snorkeling at a lot of our sites, our expeditions are catered around diving. If you were to join for snorkeling, the Fly Dive Cod Hole expedition is the most applicable choice. Snorkelers do receive a 10% discount off their expedition price.
Hi, I have Padi AOW and 45 dives but not very confident doing any unsupervised dives as have only dived on holiday in a group with a divemaster. Can I clarify what are the options for going with a DM for dives during this trip? Thank you
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On the first dive there will be extra staff with the dive master to observe and assess who is having any kind of issues (eg buoyancy, control of descent and ascent), and then in the …
On the first dive there will be extra staff with the dive master to observe and assess who is having any kind of issues (eg buoyancy, control of descent and ascent), and then in the post dive review, the dive master will ask if anyone wants to buddy upwith one of the experienced staff. Two women in our dive group did, and this really helped them enjoy and feel more confident. Mike Ball is an excellent, highly professional company and crew. You will have an amazing adventure and memories for a lifetime.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What happens if I have symptoms of COVID just before departure?
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Any guest with symptoms of respiratory illness in the 5 days leading into your expedition should undertake appropriate testing. Any guest who tests positive must not undertake …
Any guest with symptoms of respiratory illness in the 5 days leading into your expedition should undertake appropriate testing. Any guest who tests positive must not undertake travel. Please...
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