4-5 day liveaboard rec on Aug 11 or 12 for north GBR/Coral Sea?

[anishk]

I arrive into Sydney on Aug 11 at 6:30 AM, and I leave Aug 23. My plan is to dive at the beginning of my trip, and spend time in Syndey at the end of the trip. So, as soon as I arrive into Sydney, I'm going to fly to Cairns. I'm looking for the following:
-4 or 5 day liveaboard. My time in Australia is limited, and I wanted to do more than just dive
-I'd love to try to jump on a liveaboard the 11th or 12th
-I'm a simple guy and would love to keep costs down. I don't need a luxury boat, but I also wouldn't mind having my own room.
-I've done about 30 dives over 5-6 years, and it's been 2 years since I have dove. I'm taking a refresher course this week, but I want to be on a boat that's responsible
-I want to head out to the northern great barrier reef and the coral sea so I can check out the good stuff!

I've heard the name Mike Ball, but the schedule doesn't seem to work out. It also seems expensive. Any other recs? I'd like to book in advance.

thanks in advance!

 

[almitywife]

hi and welcome

firstly, down here its dived not dove

now ive not dived with them so hopefully some of those that have dived GBR will be here soon, otherwise ive heard good things about Taka, http://www.takadive.com.au/
and this site might give you some ideas, http://www.divingcairns.com.au/liveaboards.html

cheers and goodluck!

edit: oh, and i see by your profile youre into snowboarding... we're having the best snow season in years down here and the snowy mountains are about 6hrs drive from sydney

 

[mjh]

We have had good luck with Mike Ball. You can check our site for a trip reports, gallery and slide show. The trip out to Cod Hole was really fun.

 

[Bubble Junky]

I too have heard lots of good things about Taka - think they do the Cods Hole.

 

[Illini_Fan]

I also did Taka in June and posted a trip report here: http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=193385

I don't think the Taka schedule will match-up (unless they have changed it) as the 4 night departure would be Friday-- also check out www.divethereef.com

 

[Bubble Junky]

You could also look into what liveaboards leave from Port Douglas - just a wee bit further north from Cairns.

 

[anishk]

thanks everyone for their advice!!!

I ended up having to change my plan around, and I'm flying to Australia tomorrow! Crazy. As a result of the last minute booking, I was able to get a good deal on Mike Ball's boat for the 4 day coral sea trip! I'm excited!

I've never dived with sharks, so I'm a little nervous!

 

[Bubble Junky]

Have an excellent time, I hear good things about Mike Ball too.
And don't worry about the sharks, you'll be mesmerised the first time you see them - nothing else moves quite like a shark - beautiful !!

 

[Illini_Fan]

...
I've never dived with sharks, so I'm a little nervous!

Enjoy the trip -- don't be nervous about the sharks, just make sure you can move faster than your buddy

 

[general]

The Coral Sea diving isn't cheap, but it is very good. Unless you have a significant other with you or plan to find one on board, the private room won't be worth the costs if you're looking to keep things from being dear (that means expensive). A bunk is fine given that you'll be tired and just want to sleep. Bring some ear plugs if you're worried about snoring.

Just read your last post. Mike Ball's trips are supposed to be great. Get working on cardio and fitness so you'll be good on your air. Try to find a buddy who won't go through a tank in 2 minutes. THey also have a nitrox option on board if you go to shallow places. You'll feel better if you're doing 4 dives per day.