Liveaboard scuba diving Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

We are proud of our world wide reputation for diving Australia, the exceptional diving provided on our liveaboard Cairns based dive service to the great barrier reef and the coral sea. It is our attention to detail that sets us apart.

Expect more detailed dive expedition and dive site information on Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, more exciting images, the latest up-to-date Trip Reports... you can even take part in our innovative 'Virtual Dive' to the Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole. Our live-aboard dive vessels were custom built in Australia with your comfort in mind and are amongst the most well-designed in the world.

Here you can tour your vessel; cabin by cabin. Check out the chef prepared menus and let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. We have attempted to cover all FAQ's, however if you cannot find what your looking for email our friendly reservations team, we are only too happy to assist you in anyway.


Latest expedition reports! See who's been diving off Cairns, Australia... you might be there!
	This week on the Reef... our weekly reports from the reef. Written by our Trip Directors with photos from expeditions, photo competition winners and creature sightings! click here>> This Month on the Great Barrier Reef - Monthly report from Spoilsport, as published in Dive Log - including "A View from the Bridge" by skipper Trevor Jackson and "Did You Know" by Photo Pro and Marine Biologist Laurence Buckingham. click here>>


What's New... for all the latest Mike Ball news on Australia, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

	Fodor's Travel Guides Announces Mike Ball Dive Expeditions as a "Fodor's Choice" travel expeience Fodor’s Travel, the foremost name in travel publishing, has named Mike Ball Dive Expeditions as a 2008 Fodor’s Choice selection. This distinction recognizes a remarkable achievement and the team at Mike Ball are very pleased to have their efforts recognized in this way. For the Full story click here>>

	Encountering Mutual Respect– Viarne Mischon Writer, Viarne Mischon, came aboard Spoilsport for a Minke Whale Expedition in June this year. Her article featured in "Ecos" magazine, the publication of the Commonswealth Scientific and Industrial Reseach Organisation. For the full story click here>>


Don't take our word for it... take a look at what our guests have been saying about their diving adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea in Cairns, Australia. We'd love to hear your comments... email us! For more Guest Comments click here>>

Wanda Sutter - USA	Travel Date 23rd October 2008
Diving with the Crew Members helped me see things I would not have otherwise been able to see and experience. i.e.. Shark feed. You guys do an excellent job of making the passengers feel comfortable and I wouldn't change a thing. You are all just great!! Wanda Sutter USA

John Bellis - U.K	Travel Date 23rd October 2008
I was originally booked on another trip which was cancelled however I am extremely happy that I was able to dive with you guys. I can not fault any aspect of the diving or service provided by the crew who were amazingly helpful and really made the trip one of the best diving holidays I have been on. My only issue is that I am now 2 stone heavier than when I started. Well done to Chef Simon for the great food! John Bellis UK

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame

In 2004, at Grand Cayman Island, Mike Ball joined diving great like Jacques Yves Cousteau and Hans Hass as an inductee into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Mike was the first Australian dive operator and the world's first liveaboard operator to receive this recognition. He was honoured for his contribution to the growth and development of scuba diving and his pioneering efforts in the liveaboard industry. His uniquely designed twin hull liveaboard's have set the standard for both comfort and innovation with introduction of such services as onboard photo and nitrox services and a formal Safe Solo Diving program.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Turtle and Jellyfish, Diving from Cairns
Congratulations to Pete Atkinson
- Turtle and Jellyfish -

COMPETITIONS

Come Dive Cairns Australia gate way to the Great Barrier Reef and The Coral Sea

FEATURE ARTISTS

ROGEST is Ron Steven.

As a thank you to Mike Ball and his guests, Rogest is offering a 10% 'Mate’s Rate Thank You' discount to all Mike Ball customers present, past and future. This fine art inspired by many years of diving in Australia and Papua New Guinea is available to be shipped to any location.

Visit www.rogest.com and quote 'MBDE-007' and enjoy the color and passion of one of the best known marine artists.

ECO ACCREDITATION

MIKE BALL FACT FILE

>>1969 Started Dive School in Townsville.
>>1969 First Australian dive school to use cylinder pressure gauges and BCD’s.
>>1977 Introduced the first dive skins/stinger suits to diving.
>>1981 Acquires the world’s first custom built twin hull dive vessel – ‘Watersport’.
>>1981 Built Australia’s most hi-tech dive shop and training facility.
>>1986 Built ‘Supersport’ – to expand service to Coral Sea .
>>1989 Built ‘Spoilsport’ – internationally credited as world’s best liveaboard.
>>1990 Expanded operations into Cairns .
>>1992 Queensland Tourism Awards – Best Tour Operator.
>>1996 Opened sales office in Flagstaff , Arizona .
>>1997 Expanded operations into Papua New Guinea.
>>1997 World’s first formal Solo Diving program.
>>1997 Introduced 5 star liveaboard service to Papua New Guinea with Paradise Sport .
>>2000 Centralised operations at Cairns head office.
>>2004 Inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame at Grand Cayman Island.
>>2005 Mike’s new direction - going out on boats instead of just running boats. Scaling back to one vessel operating from Cairns… back to his original roots as a keen underwater photographer.
>>2005 Introduced photo competition on every departure.
>>2006 Replaced Supersport in Cairns with Spoilsport.
>>2007 Closed Papua New Guinea service after 10 great years.
>>2007 Achieves advanced Ecotourism accreditation.
>>2008 Announces new rebreather service