Open 7 days, Sunday-Thursday: 8am-5pm; Friday-Saturday 8am-6pm 10 Campbell Street, Whitianga

MINKE WHALE EXPEDITION

Great Barrier Reef - Australia

16th - 23rd June 2026

The Great Barrier Reef, has over 900 small islands and coral cays, 3000 stand-alone reefs, more than 1500 species of fish and over 200 bird species. This vast area makes up the most extensive coral reef system in the world, it's not surprising that this is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site

Located about 96 kilometres north of Cairns, lies a string of long narrow reefs known as the Ribbon Reefs. The Cod Hole is the most well known dive site and is home to a group of very friendly potato cod. These giant fish approach divers quite closely, and can be hand fed at the site. Coral pinnacles and drop offs attract large pelagic fish and a wide variety of marine life.

Dwarf minke whales travel through the Great Barrier Reef each winter. The Great Barrier Reef is the only location where snorkel and dive tours with minke whales are available, It is a truly remarkable moment when these big, beautiful whales slowly approach you and glide gracefully past. As you come eye to eye with these amazing marine creatures you'll realise just how privileged we are to share the ocean with them.

Minke expeditions are suitable for both snorkelers and scuba divers. The close-up whale action combined with excellent winter visibility on the Ribbon Reefs makes for great diving. Most diver and whale interactions occur while snorkelling.

To maximise your diving and snorkelling experience, travel aboard Spoilsport, Australia's most awarded diving liveaboard. A custom built vessel with superb dive and guest facilities. Spoilsport has a twin hull design which maximises stability and passenger comfort in all conditions. Measuring 30m in length, Spoilsport has a dedicated crew of 12. You will have everything you need for a comfortable, enjoyable liveaboard dive expedition, Guest cabins are a combination of double and twin share. All are air-conditioned and serviced daily. Relax in the spacious lounge bar inside, or head up to the sun deck and enjoy the view over the reef.

Don't miss out on this amazing Minke Whale Sea & Ribbon reef combo!

Itinerary 

Tues 16 June

AIR NZ - Auckland to Cairns 07:10 | 10:45 NZ 161

2 Nights' Accommodation at the Pacific Hotel Cairns 

Liveaboard: Boarding Thu 18 June, Disembarking Mon 22 June, 4 nights on Spoilsport

Sample of a 'typical day' aboard Spoilsport, however times will vary to optimise the prevailing weather conditions on the day.

  • 6.30 am: Wake up call, light breakfast available in dining room

  • 7:00 am: Dive brief & diving commences

  • 9.00 am: Full cooked breakfast

  • 10.30 am: Dive briefing & dive. “Open decks” accommodate 1-2 dives either am or pm

  • 2.00 pm: Lunch

  • 3.30 pm: Dive brief & diving

  • 4:30 pm: Afternoon tea

  • 6:30 pm: Night dive brief & dive

  • 8:00 pm: Dinner

Mon 22 June

  • 7.00 am: Light breakfast

  • 8:00 am: Disembark Spoilsport. Our crew will walk you to the airport on Lizard Island.

  • 9.30 am: Board a light aircraft for a low-level flight over the reef back to Cairns (flight time approx. 1 hour).

  • 11:45 am: Land Cairns and courtesy transfer to inner Cairns’s city hotels,

1 Night Accommodation at the Pacific Hotel Cairns 

Tue 23 June

Air NZ Cairns to Auckland  11:55 | 18:35 NZ 162

Extra Information

This expedition is dedicated to maximising your in-water interactions at the world’s only known minke whale aggregation sites, whilst enjoying the diverse marine life of the Ribbon Reefs.

This expedition is dedicated to maximising your in-water interactions at the world’s only known minke whale aggregation sites, whilst enjoying the diverse marine life of the Ribbon Reefs.

Accommodation details 

Pacific Hotel Cairns - Superior King Balcony Room - Twin / Double Superior King Balcony Room - Twin / Double Includes:

  • Accommodation with 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds

  • Free WiFi

  • Tea & coffee-making facilities

  • Mini fridge

  • Breakfast

  • Check in: 14:00 Check out: 11:00

Liveaboard Spoilsport: 
Includes:

  • 4 nights TWIN share Budget Cabin with daily service and shared bathroom (bunk bed)

  • Delicious meals & snacks, complimentary soft drink or wine with evening meal

  • Opportunity for up to 12 dives with tanks and weights

  • Dedicated time for interactions with Minke Whales

  • Reef ecology programme

  • Dive computer workshop

  • Stunning 250km low-level Great Barrier Reef flight from Lizard Is. to Cairns

  • Transfer to the airport or Cairns hotel after your expedition

Trip costs

DIVER/SNORKELLER : Twin share Budget Cabin (bunk with shared bathroom facilities) : $5505.00pp

DIVER/SNORKELLER : Twin share Club Cabin (bunk bed with private bathroom facilities) : $5750.00pp

DIVER/SNORKELLER : Twin share Standard Cabin (twin beds private bathroom facilities, ocean view) :
$6,637.00pp

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