Far Northern GBR

[ScubaMichael]

Hi: I am looking for informations about a dive trip to the Far Northern GBR. When is the best time to go, reagarding sea conditions, visibilty and most important the big fish? I am reading that the best time would be July-October, is that right? Any recommodation for a liveaboard? And generally speaking: Is it really worth it to go so far north or is the Northern Coral Sea (Osprey Reef) and Ribbon nice enough or even better? Thanks

 

[Carl_Fallon]

G'Day Michael,

The best time to go if there isn’t a cyclone is Dec – Jan with mostly Calmer seas & Warmer Water! But really all year round is fine. August to December is my favourite, as I get away from the colder water down here in Sydney. May June, July is also great as well because of the Minke Whale Season.

So to tell you the truth, When-ever! It all will be great. I wouldn’t really plan around the best time to go because (Fingers Crossed) you will have a great trip regardless.

I have dived all over the reef and I just came back from Osprey…..
It is awesome! Massive fish, Lots & Lots of fish + Sharks, and very clear water! Oh,+ Mantas!

The Ribbon Reefs have sections that are great, but I think it might be the excitement of actually travelling out to the best part of the reef that makes Osprey even better! When you get there you are just busting to jump in!

Also, some operators offer shark attraction dives at Osprey. We had around 50+ Sharks. Seen Hammer Heads, Silver Tips, Grey Reefs, and white and Black tips. + a few smaller species. Can’t complain at all.

I always recommend Mike Ball. I send a lot of people there every month, and have ‘never’ had a bad report back! You might spend a few more hundred Ozzy dollars but the service is second to none, the food is brilliant and the dive deck is perfect. Mike Ball is without a doubt the best live-a-board on the reef. As I said earlier, I just got back from taking my Dive Club aboard, and it is extremely professional. I did 15 dives in 3 days! It was run like clockwork.

There are others that are still good though.
As well as Taka – For a little cheaper extended trips as well.
Deep Sea divers den – for shorter / cheaper trips.

Let me know if you want any more specifics or more info about certain operations. We have a lot of experience working with most of the operators on the Great Barrier Reef, and would be more than happy to offer information about our experience to you.

Yours truly,
Carl Fallon:14:

 

[Illini_Fan]

Carl covered the details, but I'll throw in my $0.02 regarding heading north and then east to enjoy the Coral Sea and Osprey. The trip is fantastic. I went with Taka, which for the price was a great trip. I have a trip report posted on here that speaks more to the operator than the dives.

 

[BlueSun]

Ditto Carl's comments but I would also suggest going with Undersea Explorer. The boat isnt as plush as Mike Ball but we were incredibly well looked after and it has a focus on research and Biology which I found fascinating. We dived along side the marine biologists and I was even able to help with the Nautilus catch and tag project. Having the chance to hold these amazing creatures was a once in a lifetime experience. UE is certainly good value for money. We went in January which was significantly cheaper than the peak season and we had dead calm seas - glassouts on a number of occasions and bath-warm water. Virtually no rain either. As long as I live I will never forget the day with conditions so still that the captain moved the boat to within metres of the plunging reef wall and cruised slowly along it for an hour, surrounded by clear, glassy water, bright, sunny, blue skies, flying fish and not a speck of land in sight. It was magical.

No matter who you go with you'll have an incredible time. Osprey reef is stunning.
Enjoy!

 

[fairybasslet]

Oh I can't wait. I am going on the Nimrod. I hope that was a good choice. It was with a group so I really didn't have much of a choice there anyway

 

[Illini_Fan]

The Nimrod boat is not as new as the others, but I think you will be fine and have a great time.

 

[Carl_Fallon]

G'Day guys,

I would be interested in hearing about your trip Fairybasslet. I havent heard many report about Nimrod. I hope you have a great time, and look forward to a report.

Catch up soon. Not long now hey!

Yours Truly,
Carl Fallon

 

[almitywife]

Fairy... is your nimrod trip before sydney or after??? Carl.... Fairy has a couple of diviing days in sydney so maybe we can tee up a meet'n'dive!

 

[drl]

We're going with Mike Ball on Sept. 20-27. We're so excited! We're taking 3 weeks of vacation total; no point in going all the way to Australia from Chicago and only seeing the water!

Deborah

 

[fairybasslet]

Fairy... is your nimrod trip before sydney or after??? Carl.... Fairy has a couple of diviing days in sydney so maybe we can tee up a meet'n'dive!

Nimrod is before Sydney. I'll be in Sydney on 12/12. Remember Loraine? You told me it would be better for you before the Nimrod. I fly back to the USA 12/17. I didn't know you knew Carl. Diving with both of you would be cool. Loraine, you already promised me some weedy sea dragons and you said one of your tanks had my name on it.
I just have to find a safe, secure but not too expensive place to crash. You think my laptop will be safe in a hostel? Gee, I think I'm kind of old for a hostel anyway. Unless it's elder hostel.
You sure you don't have a couch Loraine?