Mike Ball Reef Diving & Outback [ST-DiveMB7]
15 Days: Mike Ball Reef Diving & Outback [ST-DiveMB7]
Starting at
$7,793
Per Person
View Details
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (7), Cairns (1), Ayers Rock (2), Sydney (2)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns (via Sydney), Sydney to Los Angeles
  • Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock to Sydney
  • Day Tours - Ayers Rock: Uluru Tour Pass
  • Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Accommodation to Live-Aboard Dive Boat (return), Ayers Rock Airport to Accommodation (return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return)
  • All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 (Mon) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Day 2 (Wed) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Departures occur approximately 30 minutes after aircraft arrival-time for domestic flights. For international flights this will be considerably longer because of customs and other formalities.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Days 2 to 3 (Wed - Thur) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Days 3 to 10 (Thur - Thur) - 8 Days Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

The azure and fathomless water of the Coral Sea is a playground for sharks and big fish action in exceptional visibility. Huge soft coral trees, sea fans, and otherworldly marine life will impress on this 5-night Coral Sea & Cod Hole Expedition aboard the award-winning Spoilsport vessel. Experience up to 18 dives in the Coral Sea with superb Great Barrier Reef marine biodiversity.

Day 1: Check-in and Departure

Check in and make your way to Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf to meet your fellow passengers and prepare to board Spoilsport. Enjoy a glass of champagne and light snacks while your Trip Director provides a full briefing. Depart Cairns and begin your Coral Sea Safari!

Day 2: Coral Sea – Bougainville Reef

Start your day with a light breakfast before a briefing, then don on your gear and dive into the waters of the Coral Sea. Explore the wondrous sights at Bougainville Reef, where the Crystal Plateau reef top descends to a spectacular terrace of hard corals at 20-30m before edging over into an abyss hundreds of meters deep. Sea fans and soft corals adorn the reef wall where (friendly) sharks also patrol.

Days 3 & 4: Coral Sea – Osprey Reef

Cruise 100 miles overnight to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. This site never disappoints with exciting fish action alongside colorful gorgonian fans, whips and soft corals. Resident barracuda and schooling big eye trevally make for great photo opportunities, and keep an eye out for cruising hammerheads out in the blue. At North Horn, you’ll watch a controlled shark feed with 10-30 gray reef, white-tip, and other friendly sharks. Then, enjoy a maze of huge towering bommies at Admiralty Anchor, home to plenty of fish and a delight to explore.

Day 5: Great Barrier Reef – Lizard Island & Ribbon Reefs

Enjoy diving at Ribbon Reefs before mooring off Lizard Island for the evening. The potato cod grouper at the Cod Hole are a highlight, however it is the rich biodiversity of fish species and coral that make this section of the Great Barrier Reef so incredible. Mid expedition you’ll disembark at Lizard Island, where you will have a few hours to relax. Step back in time at the ruins of Mrs. Watsons Cottage, or walk through the mangrove swamp on a boardwalk where a stroll up Chinaman’s Ridge yields magnificent views of the island and reefs below.

Day 6: Great Barrier Reef – Ribbon Reefs

Circumnavigate renowned dive sites at Ribbon Reefs including Pixie Pinnacle and Lighthouse Bommie, shrouded in fusilier baitfish. Fluorescent purple and orange anthias attract predatory fish to these photogenic sites. Majestic Minke whales are seen here in June and July. Rising from 80 meters the pinnacle of Andy’s Postcard is encrusted in corals, lion fish, nudibranchs, octopus, schooling trevally and barracuda. See spectacular giant clams at Clam Beds as well as caves, canyons and coral encrusted bommies awaiting exploration. Sheer walls covered in whip corals and sea fans brim the natural amphitheater of Vertical Gardens. Marine life varies from the many colorful nudibranchs to large schooling bump head parrotfish.

Day 7: Ribbon Reefs

Explore even more incredible underwater waters of Ribbon Reefs at Coral Kingdom and Steve’s Bommie. Spiral majestic coral pinnacles teeming with diverse marine life. Bump headed parrotfish and inquisitive barracuda cruise the site along with schools of other reef fish, gliding above vast beds of staghorn and colorful giant clams. At Steve’s Bommie, hunt out such creatures as stonefish, scorpionfish, octopus, clown anemone fish and turtles, not to mention the many schools of fish that call this place home.

Day 8: Dock

Wake up with a light breakfast before disembarking at Cairns, where courtesy transfers await to take you to your next destination.

Operates
Departs every Thursday.

Need to Know
If weather forces an itinerary change, the crew will divert to the best, ‘safe, accessible sites’ to ensure you get the best scuba diving available. The Coral Sea may not be accessible in strong winds.

Hire gear is available at additional expense, however it is recommended to bring your own wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.

Divers who have completed less than 15 dives, less than 5 ocean dives or less than 5 dives in the last 12 months are required to complete a complimentary onboard orientation dive. In addition, divers over 65 years old, who have completed less than 50 dives are required to complete the complimentary onboard orientation dive.

Diver Health: If you have a medical condition or are currently taking prescription medication, you will need a medical clearance. For further details refer to our Diver Information form or contact our Reservations team.

Room Types Available are: Premium – queen or double bed, private bathroom, ocean views. Standard – twin beds, private bathroom, ocean views. Club – twin bunk beds, private bathroom, no ocean view. Budget – twin bunk beds, share bathroom, no ocean view.

Note: Itinerary subject to change. Specific marine life sighting cannot be guaranteed.

Days 10 to 11 (Thur - Fri) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4.5 star accommodation combines contemporary decor with a tropical ambience. The magnificent location of this 176 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the pool or bar followed by a sumptuous meal at the award winning Bushfire Flame Grill.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, television, broadband internet access, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: 24 hr reception, tour desk, free wireless internet, Bushfire Flame Grill, bar, pool, business services on request, coin operated laundry on four floors, room service, laundry & dry cleaning.

Day 11 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Day 11 cont (Fri) - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Ayers Rock

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Days 11 to 13 (Fri - Sun) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Ayers Rock

Travel to your accommodation in the heart of Australia, the Red Centre, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 1/2 Star vacation accommodation is centrally located to all resorts and Australia touring facilities and offers a range of stylish accommodations, from shaded poolside rooms to the magnificent deluxe rooms overlooking the desert. You can relax from your travel in the comfort of your own private balcony or courtyard, or unwind in the hotel’s refreshing pool, sipping cocktails. It’s only a short stroll to the resorts numerous lookouts, where you can view what is arguably Australia’s best sunset. Its spectacular display of colours across the face of Uluru and the surrounding desert turns your vacation into a memorable event.

Airport shuttle transfers included.

Days 11 & 12 (Fri & Sat) - Uluru Tour Pass

Explore the fascinating surroundings of Australia’s Red Centre.

Day 1 – Sunset/Afternoon:
Your experienced driver guide will give you an overview of the fascinating history of Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park as you make your way to Walpa Gorge, a lush desert haven for plants and animals. The gentle but rocky track will lead you into a world of rare plant species and lush evergreen shrubs known as Spearwood. Time to head off to the Uluru sunset viewing area. On arrival you’ll be served from a selection of Australian wines and nibbles. You can just sit and relax or stroll around the area to find your own personal space to watch an amazing Red Centre sunset.

Day 2 – Sunrise/Morning:
Enjoy tea or coffee and be inspired by an incredible view through stunning desert landscape as the sun rises over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. From the viewing platform it is possible to see way into the distance, providing an ideal photo opportunity. After the amazing sunrise and a relaxing morning tea, you will join a tour around the base of Uluru learning details on its geology and incredible history. Last on the morning tour is a visit to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Includes National Park Entry Pass

Day 13 (Sun) - Australian Domestic Flight - Ayers Rock to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from the Red Centre at Ayers Rock to Sydney.

Day 13 cont (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Days 13 to 15 (Sun - Tues) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield’s Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don’t forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney’s world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

(Day 14) - Free Day to Explore Sydney

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney’s premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia’s most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it’s known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Opera House Tour

This inspiring tour provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to venture inside one of the world’s most recognised global landmarks.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece.

You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room.

You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour – a perfect photo opportunity.

Operates

Daily.

Need to Know

1 – 11 guests maximum per group. No large bags or luggage accepted. This tour contains approximately 200 steps – low impact.

Times

Departs every hour between 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Inclusions

Guided tour of the Sydney Opera House.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Bridgeclimb

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all – the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you’ll remember forever – you’ve conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

Operates:
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

Need to Know:
– Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
– Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
– No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
– Children ages 8 – 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
– Maximum of 14 people per group.

Times:
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

Inclusions:
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

Discover the spectacular World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and see native wildlife. Stretching for over one million hectares, the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands, truly one of Australia’s natural one wonders.

Your first stop is at Echo Point where you can view the famous Three Sisters rock formation and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation.

Visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre and expreience Aboriginal song, dance, didgeridoo and culture.

Next, arrive at Scenic World where you will have free time to join the optional rides or grab some morning tea and enjoy the amazing views (own expense).

Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops. Enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura and enjoy a delicious two course cafe style lunch at the Loaves and Dishes.

Next, experience an afternoon encounter at Featherdale Wildlife Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little penguins. Full Day Tour.

Depart approximately 8:00 AM, return at approximately 5:45 PM.

Upgrade to small group touring available – please inquire

Day 15 (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Day 15 cont (Tues) - International Flight - Sydney to Los Angeles

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

 
Detailed Pricing
Approximate Pricing Double Occupancy Sole Occupancy Permitted USA Departure Dates & Fare Rules
Land Content Only $7,793 $8,660 International return flights from the USA are not included. Please see detailed itinerary (above) for more information on inclusions. Itinerary can commence any day (subject to availability).
Special (Economy Class) $9,411 $10,278 Nov 22 2022 - Nov 11 2023
Select USA Departures: NOV 22 - DEC 5, 2022; JAN 3 - JUN 28 & JUL 24 - NOV 11.Expires MAR 30 2023
International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable, Non-Changeable. Other Dates may also apply. For details phone Toll-Free: (888)359 2877
Basic (Economy Class) $9,884 $10,750 Basic: May 1 - Jun 8 & Jul 24 - Sep 21, 2022. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply). Subject to Availability.
Shoulder (Economy Class) $10,091 $10,957 Shoulder: Feb 1 - Apr 30, Jun 9 - Jul 23 & Sep 22 - Dec 8, 2022. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply). Subject to Availability.
Peak (Economy Class) $10,608 $11,475 Peak: Dec 9, 2022 - Jan 31, 2023. International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Non-Refundable. Changeable (Fees Apply. Subject to Availability.
Premium (Economy Class) $12,860 $13,727 Premium Economy Class International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Change and Cancellation Fees Apply. Subject to Availability.
Business Class $14,676 $15,543 Business Class International Return Flights from the USA (Los Angeles) are included. Subject to Availability.
  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.