This Queensland adventure includes mesmerising encounters with graceful dwarf minke whales by liveaboard and manta rays from a tropical island at both ends of the Great Barrier Reef.
The adventure begins in Cairns with opportunities to explore Daintree National Park and dive the Great Barrier Reef. Set sail on a week long liveaboard to the Ribbon Reefs and home to migrating dwarf minke whales.
At the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, spend time on a tropical island renowned for its diversity of marine life and manta ray encounters.
It’s an adventure worth travelling for!
Depending on your chosen airline, it’s possible to break the long journey with a city stopover on the way. We recommend flying with Singapore Airlines.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. Check in for four nights and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Today is at leisure to help overcome jet lag, and you can explore and enjoy the attractions of Cairns and the surrounding areas.
After plenty of rest from the journey, today it’s possible to book a day of diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from Port Douglas the full day trip includes two dives and a visit of up to three different reef sites (additional cost).
Today is an opportunity for topside exploring. It’s possible to book a full day tour visiting the unique coastal region of Kuku Yalanji and walk in the Mossman Gorge in the Daintree national park, a rewarding cultural experience (additional cost).
Transfer to the dock late afternoon to join the Mike Ball Minke Whale trip. This unique week long adventure operates in June and early July. Sailing to the Ribbon Reef #10 it offers the best sightings of the graceful dwarf minke whale as well as fantastic dive sites. Snorkellers are welcome and the trip includes the opportunity to take part in monitoring and researching the whales, whilst learning more from evening lectures by the crew.
On your return to port, disembark early morning and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hervey Bay via Brisbane. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation for a one night stay at the Mantra Hervey Bay hotel. Located on the esplanade, the property boasts a prime location over looking the marina and is in close proximity to cafés and restaurants.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for the short flight to Lady Elliot Island resort located on the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. On arrival, check in for five nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Over the next four days, enjoy eight boat dives in the pristine waters of the southern Great Barrier Reef. With over 15 dive sites to explore, the highlight here is the manta ray encounters as they come to visit the cleaning stations. Snorkellers are welcome.
This afternoon, fly back to Hervey Bay and check in to the same accommodation as previously visited for an overnight stay.
This morning it’s possible to spend the day at sea on a humpback whale watching excursion (additional cost). This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Brisbane, where you will remain in transit before checking in for your international flight later in the evening.
Please note: This trip idea is timed to optimise dwarf minke whale and manta ray encounters. It’s possible to get on board the Spoilsport or visit Lady Elliot Island at other times of the year.
Stretching almost 3,000 kilometres along the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is a complex ecosystem blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. There are over 2,900 individual reef systems, cays and tropical islands. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea on board this luxurious liveaboard. Three, four and seven night itineraries are available to the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and Osprey Reef. Find Out More about MV Spoilsport
This low-key eco-resort is a unique island paradise, located in the southern reaches of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It offers world-class diving experiences, and is one of the top destinations for manta ray encounters. Find Out More about Lady Elliot Island
