GBR liveaboard-any benefit to booking onsite?

[Sels]

I'm making arrangements for a 2 week trip to QLD next month and have been looking at a number of liveaboards for Ribbon Reefs, Osprey Reef. I've contacted some of the outfits directly for pricing and availability and am close to making a booking. Reading some previous posts, it seems that some divers travelling from abroad may be paying a higher price by booking in advance rather than in person. Would this apply to someone in Oz as well? Would there likely be a substantial difference in cost if I were to wait until I arrived in Cairns to book?

For ex. Spirit of Freedom has some availability for June, but is it likely to be a ***** fight to get a spot at the last minute as it's Minke whale season?


Thanks.
Sels

 

[slipslop]

taka dive does the exact same itinerary as spirit of freedom and they have a brand new boat. i went on it in march and really enjoyed it. it was cheaper to book when i got to Cairns as it was out of season and they had standby rates. I booked in advance. Imagine travelling all that way and finding they are all fully booked? eew!

 

[underwater]

Check out the liveaboard section on underwater.com.au and you will find a bunch of operators that give great discounts for underwater.com.au card holders if you book direct with them

http://www.underwater.com.au/liveaboards.php/location/queensland

Hope that helps.

See you underwater ...

Tim

 

[scuba_katt]

We went at the end of Minke Whale season and the trips were packed!!

Definitely book in advance (whether online or thru a dive travel co).

cheers

 

[doronhall]

What about October? Is that peak season?

 

[UndrWatrDan]

What about October? Is that peak season?

We went in Oct of last year and had not booked in advance. We arrived in Cairns late Thursday night. We got up Friday morning and made one call and was able to book a 7 day trip on the Nimrod at a substantial savings. It was a chance that we decided to take and it paid off for us, but there is always that chance that you may not get your first or second choice but may find something, or may not find anything at all. October is the beginning of Spring so things are just starting to get busy.