Spoilsport
Liveaboard Diving
Twin Hulled Aluminium Catamaran…Price  Customer Rating  Mike Ball is synonymous with lavish Australia diving safaris, seen by many as the most luxurious operator in the region. Indeed Spoilsport has earned more awards than any other liveaboard operating on the Great Barrier Reef and currently boasts 11 prestigious ‘Rodale Readers Choice’ awards including ‘Best Liveaboard’. Length: 30 metres / 98.4 foot Beam: 10 metres / 32.8 foot Cruise: 16 knots Divers: 29  • Featured Trip Report  Customer ReviewsVIEW VIDEO GALLERYThere are several accommodation categories available on Spoilsport, depending on your requirements and wallet size, most of which have en-suite bathrooms. A spacious 3-deck layout offers you a roomy dive deck with individual storage spaces for each diver. In-situ nitrox fills are available to help you maximise your unlimited dives aboard Spoilsport – most guests do 4 day dives and 1 night dive each day on these Great Barrier Reef liveaboard trips. For the photographers amongst you, it’s reassuring to note that Mike Ball himself is an avid underwater photographer, so you can rest assured that the setup for photographers is second to none. The dive deck has 3 dedicated camera tables as well as rinse tanks for your valuable equipment. On most trips, an informal photo competition is held, so you can enter your best shot of the trip and see how it fairs against your fellow divers. Spoilsport operates an “open dive deck” policy, which allows guests to plan and dive independently with their buddies. This means that if you want 2 hours in the water getting that “cover shot” of a particularly elusive fish then there is no problem in doing so. However, if you like having the dive sites’ best marine life pointed out to you, the experienced Spoilsport crew leads scheduled dives twice daily. Additional guided dives can be arranged with the Spoilsport staff on an ad-hoc basis. When not enjoying the delights of world famous dive sites or sampling the delicious meals prepared by the chef, you can top up your tan on the ample sundeck or simply relax in the comfortable lounge, perhaps taking in a movie or 2. |
 Send Enquiry |
| Cabins, Berths, Showers, Bathrooms…Spoilsport can accommodate up to 29 divers in 15 air-conditioned cabins across 4 categories. All located on the middle deck, the cabin categories comprise 4 Premium cabins, 4 Standard cabins, 4 Budget cabins and 3 Club cabins. Of the Premium cabins, 2 are fitted with double beds and 2 with a double and a single bed. The Standard cabins all feature twin single beds, whilst the Budget and Club cabins provide twin bunk beds. The Premium and Standard cabins feature large windows that allow natural light in. Club and Budget cabins, located in the centre of the vessel, feature cabin lights and reading lamps. All cabin categories have private en-suite facilities, except for the Budget cabins, which have shared bathroom facilities. All the cabins have:Air-conditioningPrivate bathroom with hot water shower and hand basin (except Budget cabins)Daily cabin serviceReading lampsCabinet and shelvesMirrorBedding110/240v 24 hours per dayFire alarmNo. of bathrooms / showers – 15 / 13 – hot water  |
| Send Enquiry |
Trips and Prices
| Prices, Destinations, Durations…ScheduleYour liveaboard safari itinerary options: DestinationDaysNgtsNo. of divesAccommodationWhole Boat Chart.BdgtClbStdPremUS$US$US$US$US$Cod Hole 11/12 – Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs (Fly-dive)43121,5421,7952,0302,228POACod Hole 12/13 Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs (Fly-dive)43121,5931,8542,0962,300POACoral Sea 11/12 – Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef (Fly – Dive)54141,7452,0132,2362,457POACoral Sea 12/13 – Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef (Fly-dive)54141,8022,0792,3082,536POACoral Sea Safari 11/12 – Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef87263,0403,5784,1484,566POACoral Sea Safari 12/13 – Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef87263,1373,6904,2774,708POANote: Liveaboard trips to the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey reef are very popular and fill up quickly. Please book well in advance.Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea, wine with evening meals, soft drinks and water, dives, tanks, weights and weight belts, low-level scenic flight to or from Lizard Island (for “Fly-dive” trips).Cruise price per person excludes (where applicable): Scuba equipment (US$ 40 /day), torches (US$ 8 /day), nitrox (US$ 16 /day), Reef tax (US$ 20) per person per trip, dive insurance (mandatory), alcoholic drinks (except as detailed above).How to get there: Spoilsport departs from either Trinity Wharf in Cairns or Lizard Island depending on the itinerary. 3 Night trips begin with a flight to Lizard Island and end on the boat in Cairns. 4 night trips begin on the boat in Cairns and end with a flight back from Lizard island. 7 Night trips begin and end on the boat in Cairns.For Cairns departures, check in at the Mike Ball office at 143 Lake St between 8.30am and 4pm on the day of departure. For Lizard Island departures, check in at 7am at the Mike Ball office at 143 Lake St for transfer to the airport for the charter flight to Lizard Island.For more information on getting to Cairns see our How to Get to Cairns section.Minke Whale Expeditions: Trips marked * include efforts to dive and/or snorkel with minke whales. Prices remain the same but expect fewer overall dives on these trips. Check out this excellent video of a Minke Whale trip.Non-diver rates: 10% off the published prices, non-diving child (8-15 years) 25% off.Dive clubs and group discounts: None  Send EnquiryScheduled Charter Departure Dates…Click on a departure date to make a booking enquiry:DepartsReturnsDestinationDysNtsDatePortTimeDatePortTimeJanuary 2012>> 19Cairns18:0023Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 19Cairns18:0026Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 23Lizard isl07:0026Cairns08:00Cod Hole 11/1243>> 26Cairns18:0030Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 26Cairns18:002Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 30Lizard isl07:002Cairns08:00Cod Hole 11/1243February 2012>> 2Cairns18:006Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 2Cairns18:009Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 6Lizard isl07:009Cairns08:00Cod Hole 11/1243>> 9Cairns18:0013Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 9Cairns18:0016Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 13Lizard isl07:0016Cairns08:00Cod Hole 11/1243>> 16Cairns18:0020Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 16Cairns18:0023Cairns11:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 20Lizard isl07:0023Cairns08:00Cod Hole 11/1243>> 23Cairns18:0027Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 23Cairns18:001Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 27Lizard isl07:001Cairns08.00Cod Hole 11/1243March 2012>> 22Cairns18:0026Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 22Cairns18:0029Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 26Lizard isl07:0029Cairns08.00Cod Hole 11/1243>> 29Cairns18:002Lizard isl11:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 29Cairns18:005Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287April 2012>> 2Lizard Is07:005Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 5Cairns18:009Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 5Cairns18:0012Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 9Lizard Is07:0012Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 12Cairns18:0016Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 16Lizard Is07:0019Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 19Cairns18:0023Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 19Cairns18:0026Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 23Lizard Is07:0026Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 26Cairns18:0030Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 26Cairns18:003Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 30Lizard Is07:003Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343May 2012>> 3Cairns18:007LIzard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 3Cairns18:0010Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 7Lizard Is07:0010Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 10Cairns18:0014Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 10Cairns18:0017Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 14Lizard Is07:0017Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 17Cairns18:0021Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 17Cairns18:0024Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 21Lizard Is07:0024Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 24Cairns18:0028Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 24Cairns18:0031Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 28Lizard Is07:0031Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 31Cairns18:004Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 31Cairns18:007Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387June 2012>> 4Lizard Is07:007Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 7Cairns18:0011Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 7Cairns18:0014Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 11*Lizard Is07:0014Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 14*Cairns18:0018Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 14*Cairns18:0021Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 18*Lizard Is07:0021Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 21*Cairns18:0025Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 21*Cairns18:0028Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 25*Lizard Is07:0028Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 28*Cairns18:002Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 28*Cairns18:005Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387July 2012>> 2*Lizard Is07:005Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 5*Cairns18:009Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 5*Cairns18:0012Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 9*Lizard Is07:0012Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 12Cairns18:0016Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 12Cairns18:0019Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 16Lizard Is07:0019Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 19Cairns18:0023Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 19Cairns18:0026Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 23Lizard Is07:0026Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343>> 26Cairns18:0030Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 26Cairns18:002Cairns08:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 30Lizard Is07:002Cairns08:00Cod Hole 12/1343August 2012>> 2Cairns18:006Lizard Is11:00Coral Sea 12/1354 |
| Send Enquiry |
Facilities and Food
Crew, Facilities, Dive Courses…Price  Customer Rating  The crew comprises:Cruise Leader2 DivemastersVideo / photo proCaptainCookEngineer1st MateStewardess2 Deck hands  Enriched air nitrox – 3 Camera tables – Separate rinse tank for cameras – Video/photo editing facilities – Air-conditioned lounge with bar, TV, DVD and music centre – Movie library – Open-air dining area – Wave skis – Computer & CD burner – Satellite phone and fax – Books, magazines, games, fish ID books – Sun deck with sun chairs and shaded areas – Water dispenser |
 Send Enquiry |
| Menu, Cuisine Type…Spoilsport’s culinary reputation precedes it with devine international and Australian dishes. Complimentary wine is served with evening meals. All meals are served in the air-conditioned dining room, however, the open-air rear sundeck can also facilitate meals if you choose.Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.Vegetarians are catered for with delights such as oven roasted eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin and capsicum served with warm couscous and wild rice on a well thought-out menu.Complimentary 24-hour coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.A well-stocked bar for a daily diving analysis with favourite tipple in hand.Guests are always welcomed aboard Spoilsport with fruit juice and light refreshments, but the first full meal onboard will be breakfast or lunch, depending on cruise departure time.Fixed menu.  |
| Send Enquiry |
Specs and Safety
Technical Specifications…Price  Customer Rating  Built in year 1989Size — 30m x 10mTop speed — 17 knotsCruising speed — 16 knots2 x 354 KW Detroit 60 series engines2 x 95 KVA Cummins 6BT generators2 x Bauer K180 compressors10.5 litre aluminium scuba tanks1 x Nitrox membrane filling system – 3 x 50 litre nitrox banks & 6 x 50 litre air banksElectricity — 240V 24 hours per dayWater capacity – 8,000 litresFresh water maker – 10,000+ per dayFuel capacity – 12,000 litres |
 Send Enquiry |
Safety Support Features…2 x Life rafts2 x Inflatable dhingiesGlobal positioning systemRadarEcho soundersUHF handheld and UHF/HF radiosMobile telephoneSatellite telephoneFirst aid boxOxygen – approx. 49,000 litresLife jackets throughoutFire alarms / detectorsBilge pump alarmLoudhailerSearch & emergency lightsLoudhailerCustomer dive insurance NOT provided – see our insurance programme for a competitive quotation |
| Send Enquiry |
Layout Plans… |
| Send Enquiry |
Spirit of Freedom
Liveaboard Diving
Steel Hull, Aluminium Superstructure Motor Yacht…Price  Customer Rating  Experience the boundless pleasure of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef liveaboard, the luxurious Spirit of Freedom. This is one of the largest and best-equipped dive charter vessels in Australia, ensuring your comfort on the Great Barrier Reef’s most relaxing liveaboard. Length: 37 metres / 121 foot Beam: 7.1 metres / 23 foot Cruise: 11 knots Divers: 26  • Featured Trip Report  Customer ReviewsVIEW VIDEO GALLERYAt 37 metres long, the Spirit of Freedom allows you dive intervals with the benefit of space and superbly equipped facilities. The comfortable lounge bar is a popular part of the ship, as is the saloon, doubling as an enclosed dining area, with a flat-panel TV, DVD player and a movie library. An excellent onboard wine cellar with complimentary wine completes meal times, which you can also enjoy in the al fresco dining area on the upper deck. The en-suite cabins onboard the Spirit of Freedom are very spacious, modern and well-fitted. There are various accommodation standards available, including Ocean View cabins that feature seaview windows as well as TV and DVD players. With a 6,000 nautical mile range, the steel-hulled Spirit of Freedom’s Australia diving cruises easily reach the more remote regions of the Coral Sea and the Northern Great Barrier Reef, allowing you access to the most pristine dive sites. Electronic stabilisers provide a smoother ride, confining green gills to the colourful fish on the reef. The dive deck is designed with space and convenience in mind. An onboard nitrox membrane system allows qualified divers to benefit from extended bottom times on the fabulous reefs. Digital photo facilities enable you to manage those ‘Kodak’ moments captured during your dives. For 3-4 day liveaboard guests, there is an opportunity to experience a fantastic low level flight between Cairns and Lizard Island. It’s an awesome way to start or finish your trip and the views are simply stunning. Remember to keep your camera with you for some amazing reef shots from 200 metres above! Of course, this also saves you valuable time allowing you to spend more time diving and less time travelling. |
  Send Enquiry |
| Cabins, Berths, Showers, Bathrooms…Spirit of Freedom has 11 large, en-suite cabins across 4 price brackets. All cabins are on the lower deck except 2 on the upper deck: the Deluxe cabin (ocean view) and 1 Standard cabin (ocean view). The lower deck has 1 Standard cabin (‘Stateroom’), 6 Double/Twin share and 2 Quad share. Deluxe and Standard cabins are equipped with double beds and CD Players (the Standard cabins also feature a TV and DVD player). The Double / Twin cabins are equipped with single and/or double beds, and the Quad cabins have bunk-style single beds. These ocean view cabins have windows, allowing in natural light, while the other cabins feature cabin lighting. All the liveaboard cabins have:Air-conditioning24-hour electricity (Aus 3 pin 240v)Private en-suite bathroom with hot water shower, toilet and hand basinWardrobeBeddingFire warning systemLife jacketsAdditionally, ocean view cabins feature:TV, DVD & CD PlayerWindowsWriting desk & bedside table (Deluxe cabin only)No. of bathrooms / showers – 13 / 11 – hot water  |
| Send Enquiry |
Trips and Prices
| Prices, Destinations, Durations…ScheduleYour liveaboard safari itinerary options: DestinationDaysNgtsNo. of divesAccommodationWhole Boat Chart.QuadDbl/TwnOcean StddOcean DluxUS$US$US$US$US$Cod Hole 11/12 – Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs43111,4201,7191,9942,193POACod Hole 12/13 – Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs43111,4701,7692,0432,243POACoral Sea 11/12 – Osprey reef and the Ribbon Reefs54151,7442,0432,2932,492POACoral Sea 12/13 – Osprey Reef and the Ribbon Reefs54151,7942,0932,3672,567POACoral Sea Safari 11/12 – Cod Hole, the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey reef87262,9163,5144,0374,436POACoral Sea Safari 12/13 – Cod Hole, the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey Reef87263,0153,6134,1614,560POA Special Offers…We have some fantastic discounts of up to 50% off the normal prices listed here for you and your buddy. Have a look at our Spirit of Freedom Specials page for all the details.Check out Spirit of Freedom’s Special Exploratory Cruise to the Far Northen Reefs in January. Note: Liveaboard trips to the Ribbon Reefs and Osprey reef are very popular and fill up quickly. Please book well in advance.Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea, Australian wines and soft drinks with evening meals, water, dives, tanks, weights and weight belts, full return transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation and daily cabin service.Cruise price per person excludes: Nitrox (3N=US$ 80, 4N=US$ 112, 7N=US$ 190), scuba equipment (3N= US$ 130, 4N= US$ 170, 7N= US$ 260), dive insurance (mandatory), torches and cyalume sticks. There is environmental management charge of (US$ 20) per person and a Fuel surcharge (US$ 10 ) per person per day payable on board, alcohol and soft drinks (except those detailed above).How to get there: The Spirit of Freedom departs from either Trinity Wharf in Cairns or Lizard Island depending on the itinerary.3 Night trips start in Cairns and involve a flight from Lizard island to Cairns, 4 Night trips start in Lizard island and involve a flight from Cairns to Lizard island, 7 Night trips (departing Mondays) start and end on the boat in Cairns with no need for flights.For more information on getting to Cairns see our How to Get to Cairns section.Non-diver rates: Deduct US$ 100 off the 3 & 4 night trip price, or US$ 199 off the 7 night price.Dive clubs and group discounts: See above full charter rates. Equivalent to pay for 23 and get 3 spaces in Quad cabin free of charge. Above full charter rates assume departure in Feb or June to September. Please check with us in other months of departure.   Send EnquiryScheduled Charter Departure Dates…Click on a departure date to make a booking enquiry:DepartsReturnsDestinationDysNtsDatePortTimeDatePortTimeJanuary 2012>> 9Cairns12:0012Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 9Cairns12:0016Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 12Lizard Is08:3016Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 16Cairns12:0019Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 16Cairns12:0023Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 19Lizard Is08:3023Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254February 2012>> 6Cairns12:009Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 6Cairns12:0013Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 9Lizard Is08:3013Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 13Cairns12:0016Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 13Cairns12:0020Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 16Lizard Is08:3020Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 20Cairns12:0023Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 20Cairns12:0027Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 23Lizard Is08:3027Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 27Cairns12:001Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 27Cairns12:005Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287March 2012>> 1Lizard Is08:305Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 5Cairns12:008Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 5Cairns12:0012Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 8Lizard Is08:3012Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 12Cairns12:0015Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 12Cairns12:0019Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 15Lizard Is08:3019Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 19Cairns12:0022Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 19Cairns12:0026Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 22Lizard Is08:3026Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 26Cairns12:0029Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 26Cairns12:002Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 29Lizard Is08:302Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254April 2012>> 2Cairns12:005Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 2Cairns12:009Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 5Lizard Is08:009Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 9Cairns12:0012Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 9Cairns12:0016Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 12Lizard Is08:0016Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 16Cairns12:0019Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 16Cairns12:0023Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 19Lizard Is08:0023Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 23Cairns12:0026Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 23Cairns12:0030Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 26Lizard Is08:3030Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 30Cairns12:003Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 30Cairns12:007Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287May 2012>> 3Lizard Is08:307Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254June 2012>> 4Cairns12:007Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 4Cairns12:0011Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 7Lizard Is08:3011Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 11Cairns12:0014Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 11Cairns12:0018Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 14Lizard Is08:3018Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 18Cairns12:0021Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 18Cairns12:0025Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 21Lizard Is08:3025Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254>> 25Cairns12:0028Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 11/1243>> 25Cairns12:002Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 11/1287>> 28Lizard Is08:302Cairns07:00Coral Sea 11/1254July 2012>> 9Cairns12:0012Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 9Cairns12:0016Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 12Lizard Is08:3016Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 16Cairns12:0019Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 16Cairns12:0023Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 19Lizard Is08:3023Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 23Cairns12:0026Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 23Cairns12:0030Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 26Lizard Is08:3030Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 30Cairns12:002Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 30Cairns12:006Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387August 2012>> 2Lizard Is08:306Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 6Cairns12:009Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 6Cairns12:0013Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 9Lizard Is08:3013Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 13Cairns12:0016Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 13Cairns12:0020Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 16Lizard Is08:3020Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 20Cairns12:0023Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 20Cairns12:0027Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 23Lizard Is08:3027Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354>> 27Cairns12:0030Lizard Is11:30Cod Hole 12/1343>> 27Cairns12:003Cairns07:00Coral Sea Safari 12/1387>> 30Lizard Is08:303Cairns07:00Coral Sea 12/1354 |
| Send Enquiry |
Facilities and Food
Crew, Facilities, Dive Courses…Price  Customer Rating  The crew comprises:Cruise Leader3 InstructorsDivemasterCaptainChefEngineerStewardessDeck hand  Enriched air nitrox – 50m² dive deck with 2 hot freshwater showers – Motorised dive dinghy – Separate rinse tank and table for cameras – Air-conditioned lounge & bar – Open-air dining area – 2 Plasma TVs, DVD, music centre – Movie Library – Computer & CD burner – Satellite Phone – Books, magazines, games, fish ID books – Sun deck with shaded area – 24-hour Electricity supply |
  Send Enquiry |
| Menu, Cuisine Type…The Spirit of Freedom is renowned for the Australian and international cuisine that its talented chef prepares. In fact, guests enjoy it so much that many often leave a little heavier than when they arrived! With 2 breakfasts (1 before and 1 after the first dive of the day), lunch and dinner, as well as snacks such as freshly baked cakes, you certainly won’t go hungry onboard the Spirit of Freedom. Additionally, softdrinks and Australian wines are available during the evening meal or are otherwise available for purchase from the bar. Expertly prepared Australian and international cuisine of which the only complaints is picking up weight.The reason is possibly the scrumptious 4 meals per day: breakfast, another breakfast after the first dive of the day, lunch, dinner and snacksNot to mention the snacks to connect the meal dots, including freshly baked cakeVegetarians and other special diets are catered for with advanced noticeBuffet-style meals service in the air-conditioned lounge or open-air dining areaComplimentary Australian wine and softdrinks during evening mealsFirst meal upon boarding is lunch.  |
| Send Enquiry |
Specs and Safety
Technical Specifications…Price  Customer Rating  Built in year 1992, and refitted annuallySize — 37m x 7.1mTop speed — 12 knotsCruising speed — 11 knots2 Rolls Royce C8M 410 HP diesel engines2 Cummings 6BTs generators2 Bauer 21 CFM dive tank compressors10.5 & 12 litre aluminium scuba tanks with INT valve fittingsEnriched air nitroxElectricity — 240V 24 hours per dayWater capacity – 10,000+ litres per dayFuel capacity — 3,000 litres |
  Send Enquiry |
Safety Support Features…3 x Life rafts2 x 4.8m Naiad tender boatsRadarEmailHF & VHF radiosCDMA Mobile telephoneSatellite telephoneElectronic stabalisersFirst aid boxOxygen – 16,000 litresLife jackets throughoutSearch lightsBilge pump alarmEmergency lightingFire detectors and extinguishers throughoutCustomer dive insurance NOT provided – see our insurance programme for a competitive quotation |
| Send Enquiry |
Layout Plans… |
| Send Enquiry |
Scubapro
Liveaboard Diving
Monohull Motor Vessel…Price  Pro Dive operate 3 identical, custom-built vessels of the multi-million dollar variety that are aptly named Scubapro 1, 2 & 3. Designed specifically for taking divers to the Cairns Barrier Reefs, each vessel is 25 metres long, over 7 metres wide and accommodates 32 divers. Length: 25 metres / 83 foot Beam: 7 metres / 25 foot Cruise: 10 knots Divers: 32 • Featured Trip ReportVIEW VIDEO GALLERY All 3 of these Scubapro Cairns liveaboards share the same design and have the same high level of professional staff onboard. This is no coincidence as this setup ensures that no matter which Scubapro you might find yourself on, you can be assured of an excellent diving adventure on the Cairns’ Barrier Reef. The large dive deck has 2 toilets and showers. It can accommodate all divers in comfort, with personal storage for each diver and ample space in which to gear up. 2 sets of steps from the dive deck leads down to a platform which offers easy access to dive sites. Unusually, rather than just a narrow ladder that you need to clamber up again once your dive is over, Scubapro liveaboards feature a wide staircase in the centre of the platform, making getting back onto the boat a breeze, even in choppy conditions. The saloon has more than enough comfortable seating providing everyone with a space to relax. It’s also the venue for meals served in the saloon’s air-conditioned comfort. The dedicated sun deck is above the saloon, providing opportunity for a spot of tanning or doing nothing much other than take in the fresh air and blue vista of the Cairns Barrier Reef. Bench seating around the edge of the deck is complemented by enough space in which to lie down. A small shaded area allows protection from the sun, as well as hosting the dive site briefings. The Scubapro fleet visit a variety of dive sites at 4 different outer reef locations on which they have exclusive moorings. That means no sharing the dive sites with dozens of other boats on your dive trip! In all, Scubapro has access to 16 exclusive moorings and it would be unusual to dive the same site more than twice on any 1 trip. |
   Send Enquiry |
| Cabins, Berths, Showers, Bathrooms…There are 14 twin share and 2 double bed Standard cabins on each of the Scubapro liveaboards. They do not have en-suite facilities, but with 8 bathrooms onboard there is 1 for every 4 guests, so this is not really problematic. The 2 double bed cabins and a twin cabin are located on the main deck, with 3 more twin cabins on the upper deck and have windows that allows natural light in. The remainder are located on the lower deck and feature cabin lighting and reading lights. All the cabins are air-conditioned, have storage space for your bags and all have a reading light, in case you want to add all the marine creatures you encountered on your daily dives to your dive log. All the cabins have:Air-conditioningFansReading lights24 hour electricity (3 pin 240 volt)BeddingMirrorFire warning systemLife jacketsNo towels are suppliedNo. of bathrooms / showers – 8 / 8 – hot water  |
| Send Enquiry |
Trips and Prices
| Prices, Destinations, Durations…ScheduleYour liveaboard safari itinerary options: DestinationDaysNgtsNo. of divesAccommodationWhole Boat Chart.StandardUS$US$Cairns Barrier Reef – Pellowe Reef, Flynn Reef, Milln Reef, Moore Reef and Thetford Reef3211618POACourse and Cruise – Open Water Course plus 3D/2N trip: Pellowe Reef, Flynn Reef, Milln Reef and Thetford Reef549772POANote: The above prices are valid until 31 March 2012.Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea and water, dives, tanks, weights, weight belts, all dive equipment including dive computer, long leg wetsuits and dive torch, dive insurance, return transfers (Cairns city & northern beaches), guided orientation and night dives. There are German speaking staff available on Thursday and Sunday departures and Japanese speaking staff available on Wednesday and Saturday departures.Cruise price per person excludes (where applicable): Towels, alcoholic drinks and soft drinks. (Note you must bring your own alcohol and towel.) Additional fee of US$ 50 per person payable onboard (environmental charge, port fee, fuel levy and admin charge).Course and Cruise: For further details and a full list of what the price includes and excludes visit our Blog here: Scubapro Course and Cruise.How to get there: Scubapro departs from Trinity Wharf in Cairns every day except Tuesdays. For more information on getting to Cairns see our How to Get to Cairns section).Non-diver rates: 17% off the published prices.Dive clubs and group discounts: None    Send EnquiryScheduled Charter Departure Dates…Click on a departure date to make a booking enquiry:DepartsReturnsDestinationDysNtsDatePortTimeDatePortTimeDEPARTS EVERY DAY EXCEPT TUESDAYS>> xxCairns05:45N/ACairns16:00Cairns Barrier Reef32DEPARTS EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAYS>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:00Course & Cruise54 |
| Send Enquiry |
Facilities and Food
Crew, Facilities, Dive Courses…Price  The crew comprises:Cruise Leader3 InstructorsCaptainChef  Dive tender – Separate rinse tank for cameras – 49m² air-conditioned lounge with TV, DVD, music centre, books, magazines, games and fish ID books – CD burner – Underwater camera rental – Large, dedicated sun deck with shaded area and sun matresses |
   Send Enquiry |
| Menu, Cuisine Type…Scubapro offers 3 international styled meals per day with fully cooked hot and cold breakfasts, lunch and hot dinners with desserts. If you’re peckish, snacks during the day will bring you gastronomic comfort. Scubapro goes the extra mile with freshly baked cakes onboard, which are simply delicious, especially after diving when you’re overwhelmed by that urge to snack. All meals are served buffet-style in the spacious, air-conditioned lounge. Buffet-style service in the loungeFully cooked hot and cold breakfastHot and cold lunchesHot, freshly cooked dinnersDesserts are served after dinnerTea, coffee and cold drinking water are always availableSnacks between meals to to keep you goingCandy bars and soft drinks are available for purchaseDining service aboard Scubapro begins on the first day with breakfast.All meals are freshly prepared on board, no outside catering  |
| Send Enquiry |
Specs and Safety
Technical Specifications…Price  Built in year 2004, refurbished 2008Size — 25m x 7.35mTop speed — 14 knotsCruising speed — 10 knots375 HP Volvo Penta engine2 Fischer & Lombardini generators – 22 & 10 KW2 Bauer dive tank compressors12 & 15 litre aluminium scuba tanks with DIN valves (INT adaptors available)Electricity — 220V 24 hours per dayWater capacity — 5,000 litresFresh water maker – 6,000 litres per dayFuel capacity — 3,000 litres |
   Send Enquiry |
Safety Support Features…15 HP Yamaha motorised dinghyLife raftGlobal positioning systemFishfinderAutopilotSounderRadarRadiosMobile telephoneBilge pump alarmFirst aid boxOxygenLife jackets throughoutSearchlightEmergency lightingFire detectors and extinguishers throughoutCustomer dive insurance NOT provided – see our insurance programme for a competitive quotation |
| Send Enquiry |
Layout Plans… |
| Send Enquiry |
Reef Encounter
Liveaboard Diving
Steel Hull, Aluminium Superstructure Motor Yacht…Price  Reef Encounter is a 35 metre long steel hull catamaran designed with stability and safety in mind, closely followed by your diving pleasure and leisure fun. Permanently stationed on the Cairns Outer Barrier Reef, the Reef Encounter is reachable in a flash by the speeding Reef Experience shuttle boat, or if you just can’t wait, you can opt for a helicopter transfer, at an extra fee, of course. Length: 35 metres / 115 foot Beam: 15 metres / 48 foot Cruise: 8 knots Divers: 42  On-board luxuries and creature comforts abound. The roomy cabins in twin and double configuration all have en-suite bathrooms. The cabins, dining area and enclosed recreational areas are all air-conditioned. A hydraulic diving platform makes getting in and out of the water on to this Cairns liveaboard effortless, and a heated spa is at the ready for all guests at any time you feel like a soak. The Top Deck Club is something a little extra for the discerning diver and is subject to availability. Joining this club you will be assigned a dive or snorkel guide, who will act as your personal valet in and out of the water. You will enjoy benefits such as bath sheets and daily toiletries, breakfast in bed, exclusive use of the top deck, cocktails with the captain, romantic dinners for 2, and a turn-down service of your 800 thread-count Egyptian cotton bed linen. All guests who join the Top Deck Club are assured of top deck cabins with splendid sea views. |
 Send Enquiry |
| Cabins, Berths, Showers, Bathrooms…Reef Encounter have 14 cabins on the upper deck including 6 Double cabins and 8 Twin cabins. On the main deck there are a total of 7 cabins including 3 Doubles and 4 Twins. All cabins are the same price unless you elect to join the Top Deck Club. All the cabins have:Air-conditioning and fanEn-suite bathroom with hot water showerHand basin, towels and toiletriesCabinet and shelvesMirrorReading lampBeddingSafebox24-hour, 240v electricity supplyIntercom fire warning systemFire extinguisherLife jacketsNo. of bathrooms / showers – 23 / 23 – hot water  |
| Send Enquiry |
Trips and Prices
| Prices, Destinations, Durations…ScheduleYour liveaboard safari itinerary options: DestinationDaysNgtsNo. of divesAccommodationWhole Boat Chart.StddTop Deck ClubUS$US$US$Cairns Barrier Reef 2N – Hastings, Norman or Saxon Reef32107401,307POACairns Barrier Reef 3N – Hastings, Norman or Saxon Reef43141,0041,783POACairns Barrier Reef 4N – Hastings, Norman or Saxon Reef54181,2692,259POANote: The above prices are valid until 31 March 2012.Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks, coffee, tea and water, dives, tanks, weights, weight belts, all dive equipment except wetsuits and dive torch, sea transfer.Top Deck Club: This is effectively a luxury upgrade which guarantees you (among other things): own personal guide and assistant, top deck cabin, fine linen daily turn-down service, breakfast in bed a romantic dinner for two and cocktails with the captain.Cruise price per person excludes (where applicable): Land transfers, helicopter transfer, alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, insurance (mandatory) wetsuits and dive torch. Additional daily fee of US$ 16 per person payable onboard (environmental charge, port fee, fuel levy and admin charge).How to get there: Reef Encounter departs from Marlin Jetty in Cairns every day and sea transfer in air conditioned catamaran is included. Helicopter transfer is also available at additional cost. Land transfers from outer suburbs, northern beaches and Port Douglas to Marlin Jetty are all available at additional cost. For more information on getting to Cairns see our How to Get to Cairns section).Non-diver rates: Between 14% and 20% off the published prices, depending on cabin and duration of stay.Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 15 divers and get 1 diver space free of charge.  Send EnquiryScheduled Charter Departure Dates…Click on a departure date to make a booking enquiry:DepartsReturnsDestinationDysNtsDatePortTimeDatePortTimeEVERY DAY UNTIL 31 March 2012>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef54>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef43>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef32 |
| Send Enquiry |
Facilities and Food
Crew, Facilities, Dive Courses…Price  The crew comprises:2 Dive Instructors1 Dive MastersCaptainCruise LeaderCookEngineer9 Stewardesses3 Deck Hands  35m² Dive deck with toilets and fresh water showers – 30m² Dive platform – 2 Motorised dinghies – Separate rinse tank for cameras – 100m² Air-conditioned saloon with TV, DVD and sound system – 50m² Dedicated air-con restaurant area – 40m² Shaded, outside area – 150m² Sun deck with sun chairs – Movie and book library, games and magazines – Fish ID and diving books – Water dispenser – Well-stocked bar |
 Send Enquiry |
Menu, Cuisine Type…The menu aboard Reef Encounter is flexible, with a mix of Thai, international, Chinese, Italian, BBQ and Australian dishes served.The menus are not fixed and meals are served buffet style in the dedicated air-conditioned restaurant.Main meals comprise pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch & dinner with snacks in between.Fruit, tea & coffee and drinking water are available free of charge throughout the day. Milo and toast at breakfast, biscuits during the afternoon and ice-cream as desert are also free.Candybars, soft drinks and Australian beer and wine are available as additional extras on board.Vegetarians and most other special diets are catered for with prior notice.Catering starts with lunch or dinner on check-in day, depending on your time of arrival. |
| Send Enquiry |
Specs and Safety
Technical Specifications…Price  Built in 1988, restored in 2001, refurbished annuallySize – 35m x 14.7mTop speed – 11 knotsCruising speed – 8 knots2 x 500 KW Cummins engines2 x 190 KW Cummins generators2 x Bauer KA15 dive tank compressors12 litre aluminium tanks with international fittings and DIN adaptorsElectricity 240v – 24-hours per dayWater capacity – 40,000 litresFuel capacity – 27,000 litresFreshwater maker – 450 litres per dayEnvironmental storage tanks |
 Send Enquiry |
Safety Support Features…2 x 16 person Yamaha 15 HP dinghies3 x life raftsSB / UHF radiosFire alarm / detectorsEmergency lights / signal devicesEngine room CCTVRadarGPSFishfinderAutopilotEcho soundersMobile phoneBilge pump alarmSearchlightLoudhailerLife jackets in cabinsFire extinguishers throughoutMFA box and trained staff12,000 litres of continuous-flow oxygen on boardCustomer dive insurance NOT provided – see our insurance programme for a competitive quotation |
| Send Enquiry |
Layout Plans… |
| Send Enquiry |
MV Kangaroo Explorer
Liveaboard Diving
Steel Hull, Aluminium Superstructure Motor Catamaran…Price  Customer Rating  MV Kangaroo Explorer is a great way to dive the very best that Cairns’ Outer Barrier Reef has to offer. Length: 26 metres / 85 foot Beam: 9 metres / 28 foot Cruise: 8 knots Divers: 36 • Featured Trip Report  Customer Reviews It is a 4 star steel-hulled boat that remains on the reef and you can be transferred, any day of the week, to and from your floating hotel. This means that there is no time wasted getting around to the finest dive sites including Moore, Miln, Briggs, Elford and Thetford reefs. Packages are normally for 2 or 3 days, but you can stay for as long as you wish! The Kangaroo Explorer is a great option for those who are short of time or on a budget but it does not have to mean you need to sacrifice on comfort. All of the cabins, which are either 2 or 4 share, are fully air-conditioned with en-suite bathroom facilities. Other facilities include a saloon with air-conditioning and full entertainment systems including TV, DVD player and hi-fi. There is also a sundeck with sun chairs for those who prefer to spend their down time catching rays or star-gazing in the cool of the evening. So if time or money are short, or you wish to spend time right on top of the Cairns Barrier Reef then spring into action and hop on board the MV Kangaroo Explorer. |
 Send Enquiry |
| Cabins, Berths, Showers, Bathrooms…Kangaroo Explorer can host up to 36 divers in a combination of 3 cabin types. 6 Twin cabins, 6 Double cabins and 3 Quad cabins are all located on the main deck and all feature fixed windows for excellent sea views. 1 Twin and 2 Quad cabins are located on the lower deck with portholes for natural light. All the cabins have:Air-conditioningEn-suite bathrooms with hot water showerHand basinCabinetShelvesMirrorReading lampBedding24-hour, 220v electricity supplyFire extinguishersLife jacketsNo. of bathrooms / showers – 17 / 16 – hot water  |
| Send Enquiry |
Trips and Prices
| Prices, Destinations, Durations…ScheduleYour liveaboard safari itinerary options: DestinationDaysNgtsNo. of divesAccommodationWhole Boat Chart.StddUS$US$Cairns Barrier Reef 3D/2N – Moore, Milne, Briggs, Elford and Thetford reefs3210540POACairns Barrier Reef 4D/3N – Moore, Milne, Briggs, Elford and Thetford reefs4314667POACairns Barrier Reef 5D/4N – Moore, Milne, Briggs, Elford and Thetford reefs5418794POACruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, tea and water, dives, dive equipment, tanks, weights and weight belts, land transfers to the jetty from city accommodation.Cruise price per person excludes (where applicable): Dive insurance (mandatory), alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and towels. There is a (US$ 21) per day fee payable on board which covers all port, admin, fuel and environmental management levies.How to get there: You can join MV Kangaroo Explorer any day. Transfers with MV Sunkist are included departing from Marlin Jetty. Land transfers from city accommodation to Marlin Jetty are also included. For more information on getting to Cairns see our How to Get to Cairns section.Non-diver rates: Between 15% and 25% off published rates depending on duration of trip.Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 10 divers and get 1 free space (for tour leader). Note port, reef and fuel levy still apply.  Send EnquiryScheduled Charter Departure Dates…Click on a departure date to make a booking enquiry:DepartsReturnsDestinationDysNtsDatePortTimeDatePortTimeEVERY DAY UNTIL 31 March 2013>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef32>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef43>> xxCairns08:00N/ACairns16:30Cairns Barrier Reef54 |
| Send Enquiry |
Facilities and Food
Crew, Facilities, Dive Courses…Price  Customer Rating  The crew comprises:2 Dive Instructors2 Dive MastersCaptainCookEngineer2 StewardessesDeck Hand  Motorised dinghy – 32m² dive deck – 12m² dive platform – Separate rinse tank for cameras – 51m² air-conditioned saloon with TV, DVD and sound system – 51m² dedicated air-con restaurant area – 40m² shaded, outside area – 24m² sun deck with sun chairs – Satellite phone (AU$2/min) – Movie and book library, games and magazines – Fish ID and diving books – Water dispenser – Well-stocked bar |
 Send Enquiry |
Menu, Cuisine Type…International cuisine and Australian specialities are the mainstays of Kangaroo Explorer’s meal times.The menus are not fixed and are served buffet style in the dedicated air-conditioned restaurant.Main meals comprise pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch & dinner with snacks in between.Bread/toast, fruit, tea & coffee, wine (at meal times), water and a limited amount of candy bars and soft drinks are available free of charge.Beer and extra wine are available as additional extras.Vegetarians and most other special diets are catered for with prior notice.Catering starts with lunch, afternoon tea or dinner on check-in day, depending on your time of arrival. |
| Send Enquiry |
Specs and Safety
Technical Specifications…Price  Customer Rating  Built in 1991, restored in 1996, refurbished annuallySize – 26m x 8.5mTop speed – 10 knotsCruising speed – 8 knots2 x 235 HP Hine / Turbo engines2 x 70 KW Cummins generators2 x Bauer K14 dive tank compressors12 litre aluminium tanks with international fittings and DIN adaptorsElectricity 240v – 24-hours per dayWater capacity – 15,000 litresFuel capacity – 15,000 litresFreshwater maker – 10,000 litres per dayEnvironmental storage tank |
 Send Enquiry |
Safety Support Features…1 Suzuki 15 HP dinghy3 x 50 person capacity life raftsHF, VHF, GME, UHF radiosKoden 48 nm & 24 NM radarGPSFishfinderAutopilotEcho soundersSatellite & mobile phonesBilge pump alarmSearchlightFire alarm / detectorsEmergency lights / signal devicesLife jackets in cabins & libraryFire extinguishers throughoutMFA box and trained staff23,000 litres of continuous-flow oxygen on boardCustomer dive insurance NOT provided – see our insurance programme for a competitive quotation |
| Send Enquiry |
Layout Plans… |
| Send Enquiry |