Australia August Newbie

[echang2]

Hi,

I'm going to Australia for three weeks in August. It appears that Mike Ball might be one of the best liveaboard operators for GBR. I'm going to book their three day Cod Hole dive and I'm trying to decide if I also want to book their four day Coral Sea dive. I'm new to scuba diving. I'm actually doing my PADI classroom and poolwork while I'm in CA and will do the Open Water referral while I'm in Australia.

So my question is, should I spend the money for the four day Coral Sea dive or would I be wiser to go to other place in Australia to dive. Or if Mike Ball is the best and takes you to the best sites, then I'll just go with that.

Thanks for any tips. I'd love to hear from people who have done one or both of these expeditions.

Ed

 

[MA]

I'd say coral sea! YOu will need to do your advanced whilst out there though to really enjoy it. some deep diving - its incredible. 40m viz. 1000m wall dives. sharks. Something not to be missed!

NOte also consider Spirit of Freedom - great liveaboard also.

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

Go for the coral sea - big walls, big fish and great vis.

Let the staff know any concerns you may have and they will look after you.

 

[echang2]

Thanks for the recommendation! I checked out SOF too and they look about the same pricewise. I'll book both trips with Mike Ball. Let's hope I like diving considering I've never done it before.

 

[MA]

You will LOVE it!! And fo rme other than the excitement, the creatures, the coral, you meet great meet people AND for me its meditation. SO relaxing having no tv, radio, computers, people nattering away at you. Just the sound of your bubbles.

 

[drbill]

The Aussie divers I met in Cairns all suggested the Coral Sea, but I didn't have time to do the outer GBR and the Coral Sea on that trip. I would love to return there to dive though.

Really enjoyed the Aussie people... they were a lot of fun (although their hard liquor seemed to be really watered down, probably made specially for divers!).

 

[MA]

Ha. There was one American on one of my liveaboards. Having spent 6 weeks in australia he was finishing up on the liveaboard. He started complaining about the beer here. Turned out he was drinking Light beer his whole time here. Here light beer is light on alcholic content (about half the usual strength) rather than light on calories. Hope you didnt' make the same mistake!

 

[echang2]

Thanks for the tip and all the suggestions. I just signed up for both Cod Hole and Coral Sea. Cod Hole first because I still need to complete my open water dives (told you I was a total newbie) and then off to Coral Sea where hopefully I'll be experienced enough to enjoy it.

I actually heard Australia beer is good. Will have to avoid the light ones. Do they say light? What are the good beers?

Definitely looking forward to meeting people and seeing the GBR. Just hope a total newbie won't hold my buddy up too much!

 

[MA]

Plenty of good beer. Cascade. Boags, Coopers, crown lager for the more premium beers. There's some good boutique beers - little creatures is one of my favourites. Non-premium - depends on what state you're from. Being a victorian i'd recommend Carlton Draught. Queenslanders will tell you XXXX (forex) which is probably what will be on the boat. The black ones are nice.

buddy - dont' worry they match you up with people around the same level and i'd guess they'll have you with a divemaster guide the whole time. Everyone was a newbie once so all understand! Just relax and have fun. Great choice on trip!!

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

Cod Hole Coral Sea for sure. Any of the boats mentioed above are great and also good point about advanced course.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount dive travel to the Barrier Reef and Coral Sea - live aboard and day trips.

Cairns Discount Scuba Diving Trips - Great Barrier Reef