Minke Whale Expeditions from Cairns 🐋
- Duration: 4 days & 4 nights
- Twin-share and double cabins available
- Unique experience: Swim with Minke Whales!
Embark on an unforgettable Dwarf Minke whale diving trip from Cairns, one of the most exciting scuba diving experiences at the Great Barrier Reef. These extraordinary encounters take place during the whales’ annual migration in June and July, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim alongside these majestic creatures.
Every year, Dwarf Minke whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the famous Ribbon Reefs, a pristine dive location accessible only by liveaboard. Our exclusive four-day, four-night Minke whale expeditions are your chance to witness this remarkable event, but spaces are limited, and they fill up fast! Whether you’re a diver or a snorkeller, you’ll have the rare opportunity to interact with these inquisitive whales, whose close encounters often last for two hours or more.
Measuring up to 8 meters (26 feet) and weighing around 6 tonnes, Dwarf Minke whales are known for their gentle and curious nature. Our expeditions boast an incredible 90% success rate for up-close encounters, with whales frequently approaching snorkellers, divers, and even boats. It’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime, and as a bonus, you’ll be contributing to essential whale conservation efforts. Researchers from the Minke Whale Project join our tours, offering daily talks and involving guests in vital citizen science initiatives aimed at protecting these gentle giants.
During your expedition, you’ll enjoy the comfort of our liveaboard vessel, OceanQuest. Equipped with air-conditioned cabins, en suite bathrooms, a cozy lounge, a bar, and an onboard chef preparing delicious meals, you can relax and unwind after your whale encounters.
Spaces are limited, so book now for your chance to experience one of nature’s most incredible migrations!
Highlights
Swim with minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef!
Itinerary
Day 1
7:00 am: Check-in either at our dive centre or directly on Ocean Quest, depending on your confirmation. We’ll head to the Outer Barrier Reef for two dives at Saxon or Norman Reef, followed by an afternoon and night dive before heading overnight to the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 2
Start with sunrise at Steve’s Bommie, a top dive spot teeming with marine life. Enjoy four dives today—two at Steve’s and two more (including a night dive) at the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 3
Explore more of the Ribbon Reefs with four dives, including two at Lighthouse Bommie, where Minke whales often appear. Afternoon and night dives are also included.
Day 4
Dive four more times across the Ribbon Reefs, discovering remote spots with vibrant coral and marine life. After your final night dive, we’ll begin heading back to Cairns.
Day 5
Enjoy your last breakfast onboard before returning to your Cairns accommodation around 9 am.
The itinerary may vary based on weather, ensuring maximum Minke whale encounters.
Included
- Snorkel equipment, including wetsuits
- Air fills
- All meals on board
- Fresh chilled water, tea and coffee
- Prescription masks (deposit required)
- Dive guides
- Transfers from Cairns city accommodation
Optional Extras
- Digital camera hire
- PADI Minke Whale Awareness Specialty ($200 AUD)
- PADI Advanced Open Water course
- Nitrox fills
- PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver Course
- Soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and quality souvenirs
What to bring
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Swimsuit and towel
- Overnight bag with changes of clothing, including warm clothing and socks for overnight wear
- Toiletries
- Cert card and logbook (for certified divers)
Important Information
Queensland’s code of practice on diving states that for a single no decompression dive, you should not fly/go to altitude for at least 12 hours, or 24 hours if divers have had multiple dives per day for several consecutive days, or have made dives that require decompression stops. Altitude is defined as 300m/1000ft above sea level. This includes going to the Atherton Tablelands (a popular local scenic attraction), so please be aware if booking tours to follow your dive trip. Under normal circumstances, you should be out of the water from your last dive of the day at 2:30 pm.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet