News | Barrier Reef Diving Great Australia

Liveaboard Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

News

The latest news and happenings from the desk of Mike Ball.

Coral Sea Shark Dive

Shark Revolution in the Coral Sea

In mid-February a team of divers walked into the Mike Ball office looking to head out to the Coral Sea. The shark population at Osprey Reef has received a lot of attention recently and the team from Shark Revolution were here to check it out. Shark Revolution is a communication project "from the shark's mouth". Through imagery and writing the team aim to educate through their website, a series of children's books and a body of photographic works.

November Shark Expedition

Renowned shark research Richard Fitzpatrick, Eye to Eye Marine Encounters and Mike Ball Dive Expeditions are once again teaming up to bring you a weeklong shark expedition.  For more information visit our Extraordinary Expeditions, contact us or view the expedition report and photos from John Rumney (Eye to Eye Marine Encounters) of last years expedition, which sold out well in advance and was a great success.

Cairns Underwater Photo Competition

The Cairns Underwater Festival is now in its 4th year and is growing in popularity.  This year, a new and exciting addition to the successful Festival will be the Cairns Underwater Photo Competition, which will include 'macro', 'fauna and flora', 'man and the sea' and 'young photographer' categories.  Here are the details...


Judy Haynie

Conneticut to the Coral Sea

I first met Mike Ball in Connecticut on a cold winter night in January 2007. Snow was piled up about three feet, around the local dive shop. About thirty of us ventured out to hear about diving Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. And we weren’t disappointed. His presentation to the dive club stirred the imagination, and raised the desire to make a journey to that far off land down under. There was no question about it, we were going to Australia... read on...
 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the team at Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. 

PADI Award with Drew Richardson

Mike's Travels

Mike has just returned from six weeks visiting friends and divers in Australia, UK and USA. During this time Mike also attended Dive 2009 (UK) and DEMA (USA).
Win a trip with Mike Ball and Barry Andrewartha

Win A Minke Whale Expedition

Win an Exotic Critter and Big Animal Expedition valued at $3462. Aboard Spoilsport with Barry Andrewartha and Mike Ball.
Underwater Australasia

Underwater Australasia Video Competition

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions have once again teamed up with Underwater Australasia to sponsor and underwater imagery competition.  This time the inaugural Video Competition.
Minke Whale coming to surface for air

Australian Geographic Society - Minke Whale Expedition

Join the Eye to Eye Marine Encounters Team...on an Official Australian Geographic Expedition as they get up close and personal with the world’s friendliest marine mammal, the Dwarf Minke Whale. Snorkel and dive the remote northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef between educational and awe-inspiring encounters with these inquisitive animals. Interpretive lectures on whale biology, behaviour and identification by Minke Whale Project researchers will enhance your experience and allow you to connect with nature as never before…

Best Australian Dive Experience Award

Winner - Australia's Best Dive Experience Award!

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions were recently awarded 'Travelling in Australia's - Best Dive Experience' award and ranked as one of Australia's '20 Best Experiences'.   Here is what Travelling
Pygmy Seahorse - Aaron Smith

And The Winner Is... Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Announces 2008/2009 Onboard Photo Competition Winner

Congratulations to Aaron Smith who won this year's onboard photo competition.  Mike deliberated on the winner for quite some time as there were many great photographs in the running to win.&nb
Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Gains Advanced Ecotourism Certification

On the 6th November 2007 Mike Ball Dive Expeditions was awarded an Advanced Ecotourism Certification through the Nature an
Rebreather Group

Coming of Age – Trevor Jackson - Rebreather Diving on Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

It started to get a bit repetitive. People glancing at their watches to check that it wasn’t April the 1st, or waiting for a punch line. “Sorry, you fair dinkum Trev?
Ecos Magazine

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.

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame

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.
Fodor's Choice Award 2008

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions announced as a "Fodor's Choice" Travel Experience

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...