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Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
4.7
97 reviewsAbout
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions is renowned for delivering exceptional diving experiences combined with extraordinary service. Their attention to detail and passion for the underwater world create a relaxed yet immersive environment for every diver. Aboard the Spoilsport vessel, custom itineraries ensure more dive time and an unhurried pace, so divers can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.
Each expedition offers a unique dive experience. The three-night 'Fly Dive Cod Hole' expedition, departing Cairns every Monday, visits the renowned Ribbon Reef dive sites, ideal for divers of all skill levels. For those seeking a more adventurous dive, the four-night 'Fly Dive Coral Sea' expedition departs Cairns on Thursdays and explores the Coral Sea’s remote, awe-inspiring sites. Both itineraries include a breathtaking low-level flight over the reef, just 180 meters above the water, for an unforgettable aerial view.
For those who crave the ultimate experience, the seven-night 'Coral Sea Safari' combines both the Cod Hole and Coral Sea expeditions, offering divers the best of both worlds with diverse dive sites, including the famous Steve's Bommie, without repeating locations.
What's Available
17 featuresECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
Available Tours
Fly Dive Coral Sea
4 Nights / 14 Dives. The Fly Dive Coral Sea expedition with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions begins in Cairns, taking divers on an unforgettable journey to the remote Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. Renowned for its stunning underwater topography and excellent visibility, Osprey Reef features dramatic walls plunging thousands of meters, creating a breathtaking dive environment. A major highlight of this expedition is the thrilling shark feed dive, where divers safely observe grey reef sharks, silvertips, and other pelagic species. The reef also hosts large schools of barracuda, trevally, and tropical fish, making each dive vibrant and full of marine life. The Coral Sea’s clear waters bring the reef and marine encounters into sharp focus. Aboard the award-winning Spoilsport, guests enjoy unmatched stability, spacious decks, comfortable cabins, and gourmet meals. After days of exhilarating diving, a scenic flight back to Cairns provides a stunning final view of the Great Barrier Reef, completing the journey with unforgettable memories. Summary Adventure Diving Experience Advanced, or 15 logged ocean dives inc. 5 in last 12 months
Fly Dive Cod Hole
3 Nights / 12 Dives The Fly Dive Cod Hole expedition with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions begins with an unforgettable 250-kilometer low-level flight from Cairns to Lizard Island, offering breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant coral formations. This scenic start sets the tone for an incredible underwater journey ahead. Upon boarding the award-winning Spoilsport, guests dive directly into the renowned Cod Hole, where diver-sized potato cod provide an extraordinary close-up experience. The adventure continues along the stunning Ribbon Reefs north of Cooktown, known for their pristine coral gardens and thriving marine life. Each dive offers vibrant displays of colorful corals, tropical fish, and a diverse array of marine species. Spoilsport provides unmatched comfort and stability, with spacious decks, cosy cabins, and a relaxed cruising experience within the sheltered Ribbon Reef waters. Ideal for all levels of divers, snorkelers, and those seeking an immersive reef experience, the Fly Dive Cod Hole expedition promises an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure. Summary Best Marine Biodiversity Experience Novice to Advanced Divers and Snorkelers
Coral Sea Safari
7 Nights / 26 Dives. The 7-night Coral Sea Safari with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions offers a comprehensive dive journey through two of Australia’s most stunning marine ecosystems. The expedition begins with dives at the remote Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, where divers can experience thrilling shark feed encounters and explore dramatic walls that plunge into the depths. With crystal-clear visibility, these dives reveal vibrant coral formations, grey reef sharks, silvertips, and large schools of barracuda and trevally. After the Coral Sea, the adventure continues to the Great Barrier Reef’s Ribbon Reefs, including the famous Cod Hole. Here, divers encounter friendly, diver-sized potato cod and explore some of the most pristine coral gardens, abundant with colourful reef fish and unique marine species. Aboard the award-winning Spoilsport, guests enjoy unmatched comfort and stability, with spacious decks and luxurious amenities, creating an ideal retreat between dives. This ultimate dive safari showcases the best of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. Summary Best Adventure and Biodiversity Experience Advanced, or 15 logged ocean dives inc. 5 in last 12 months.
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Reviews & Ratings
John Tan
Google review
2nd time on Spoiltsport since 2017. The best thing about a Mike Ball trip? The amazing staff! Without amazing staff you won’t have delicious food, great diving and a stress free holiday! Food: June’s a great chef! Yum and delicious food every day! Dive deck: super efficient! Just gear up, and hop in! Abby, Nat and Juan are pros! If you’re a noob, they’ll make sure you’re super comfortable in and out of the water! Pablo is an amazing photographer/videographer! Super cool video at the end of the trip! Ship: looks exactly like in 2017! They keep up their maintenance seriously! I was expecting a bit run down! Small cabins, but good enough for sleeping. Cosy couches indoor for chitchats and reading. Expansive roof top sun deck for sunbathing. Well stocked bar for drinks. Annie is a super host! And thanks to Ricardo, Marita and Russel for a smooth trip! Interns: Maddy and Milly, crazy energy! And helpful with all the little things! Trip director: lastly but not least. Jelle is one of a kind. A Great Leader who puts his team and his customers first and foremost. If you’ve been on good cruises you’ll know the difference an exceptional Cruise Director makes. A+++ Looking forward to a 3rd trip with MB in the future!
chris nipper
Google review
All of my three trips with Mike Ball have been amazing. Good Diving, good staff, other divers from all over the world great to meet. Food exceptional. The boat is well setup for diving. Even for us older folk. I would and do recommend to fellow divers. Chris Nipper New Zealand
Tunde Dennehy
Google review
We have just gotten off the boat on the 16/09/24. I don't understand how can anyone say anything bad about the company. We booked the Fly and Dive Coral Sea 4 nights trip. Although we did not make it out to Osprey and Bougainville reefs due to heavy wind, we did have a very good trip. The weather is changeable and it's nobody's fault. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, we were treated like kings and queens, the food was 5 stars, me as a vegan was cooked separate meal at every sitting and was looked after very well. Every person on the boat was very well suited for their role, we simply can not fault the entire experience. The dive sites were chosen according to what was available at the time due to the weather conditions and they were amazing. The cabins are perfect, the boat is big, the staff are very knowledgeable and always friendly. We will be definitely back again.
Trevor Love
Google review
We had a fantastic 5 night trip to the coral sea and Great Barrier Reef, the food was amazing, the staff were brilliant, and the diving was epic, thanks so much ❤️
Tracy Giovannoni
Google review
We just did a 4 day expedition with this company. Captain Peter and cruise director Marita were wonderful. We had a bit of a problem when a plane crash landed at Lizard Island and we were blocked from flying out. They kept us informed and drove us by boat 5 hours away to Cooktown and had planes meet us there. They did a great job making sure everyone got their flights sorted out. The dive trip was great for a younger crowd. We usually do luxury 10-12 passengers trip’s versus the 24 passengers on this. The meals were good and plentiful. The crew were all professional and helpful. The dives are not guided but were fairly easy to manage. We made new friends and had a great time
Get in touch
Where you'll be
3 Abbott Street
Cairns QLD 4870