DIVE - AUSTRALIA
GREAT BARRIER REEF - A unique opportunity, diving with the Dwarf Minke whales
The Great Barrier Reef is the only place on earth where you can dive/snorkel with Dwarf Minke Whales. An experience so exclusive it only happens for two months of the year (the rest of the time, they are in cooler southern waters)
Expeditions are open to both snorkellers and divers, with whale interactions strictly controlled. Dwarf Minke whales grow up to 8 metres (26 feet) long, and a closeup encounter with these majestic 6-tonne creatures is an experience you will never forget.
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Minkes often approach snorkellers, divers and boats, so there is every chance to see them close up. Our success rate for close sightings during a Minke whale dive over the peak season is over 90%, and your interaction with the whales could last two hours or more!​
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This trip is also good for snorkellers!
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MAD STATS
Accommodation - 4 nights live-board, all cabins are air conditioned with en suite bathrooms.
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Dive sites - You will also get to dive at Ribbon Reefs including Steve's Bommie, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie's Pinnacle, Clam Garden, Challenger Bay and more (dependent on conditions)
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Best time to dive - June and July is the only time you will see the Dwarf Minke whales.
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MAD TIPS:
-While you can scuba dive, most interactions with the Dwarf Minke whales occur with snorkelers, making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity accessible for all.
- Encouters with these precious creatures is controlled to minimise the impact on the animals, this includes not swimming after them. These whales are curious, so just float around and let them come to you - it's a moment you'll never forget.
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SAIL NINGALOO - experience Ningaloo Reef in style!
During this 5 night Ningaloo Reef Tour spend 6 days aboard Shore Thing exploring some of the most magical and varied coral outcrops to be found on the Ningaloo Reef, sailing over 70km between Coral Bay & Norwegian Bay where no other tour accesses.
On what can only be described as a marine safari, observe turtles and dugongs rising to the surface, graceful rays swimming past, playful dolphins and Humpback Whales during their annual migrations (June through to October).
Within the protected waters of the reef, there is an abundance of impressive snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, including snorkelling the wreck of The Fin. With stunning secluded beaches to explore, we visit Point Cloates, our favourite place to watch the sun setting over the vast Indian Ocean.
MAD STATS
Accommodation - Aboard 'Shore Thing’ is a purpose built, Roger Hill designed and beautifully appointed, live-aboard sailing catamaran, 51 feet in length and 27 feet in width. Being a catamaran she is extremely comfortable and stable, both at sea and at anchor.
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Dive sites - reefs and historic shipwrecks
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Best time to dive - December to March is hot (low to high 30's) so we recomend going in June to Ausgust when it averages around 25 degrees celsius
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Other activities - Kayaking and snorkelling
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MAD TIPS:
- Whale sharks can been seen from March onwards, Humpback whales migrate past Ningaloo from mid June, so make sure you plan your trip if you want to see them
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