Great Barrier reef for Newbie's

[Damselfish]

Coral Sea or Northern Ribbon reefs will be much better diving than the so called "Outer Reefs" - name makes them sound more remote and less dived than they really are from Cairns. (One of the many disappointments on TAKA was they did the last few dives in the "Outer Reef" area so I can unfortunately compare. It was apparently a new thing when we went because they had just joined up with a company with platform/moorings out there, don't know if they are still doing it that way.) We unfortunately did not get to the Coral Sea so I can't comment on conditions there, which are bound to be variable anyway. But things can happen on the Ribbon Reefs itinerary too, we got caught in a surprise ripping current that required them taking out the inflatable and having everyone hang onto the line to get towed back to the boat. A fun time was had by all. Don't know how often that sort of thing happens. (There were lots of pretty new divers though and they all survived to tell the tale.)

TAKA is not the fanciest liveaboard, but I don't know I would describe it as backpacker, certainly not when we were on it. While less expensive than SOF or Mike Ball, it's not remotely cheap unless maybe you walk on at the last minute.) While it was full when we were on it, it was not loud or crazy or lots of drinking. Pretty quiet really. Atmosphere on most boats is just a function of the folks on it any given trip.

 

[bracko]

Spirit of Freedom is already sold out for the time we will be there. Mike Ball only has a 7 day running while we will be in Cairns. So I'm back to either Taka or Ocean Quest.

FB

having been to both the outer reef and coral sea... absolutely taka if you want to do some better diving. if at all possible I'd get your advanced done before you go on the trip, or at least do the deep adventure component and knock off the night adventure while on the boat, it's reading about 30 pages (similar to the O/W course, about 90% "common knowledge") and then you jump in with a torch and a glow stick on your tank, night diving isn't really much harder than that [as has been mentioned above]

if you want to have a splash around and see some trigger/parrot fish and a turtle or 2 then ocean quest will be awesome, simple and fun.

Damefish is right, it depends on the group... we had 13 (half the boat) russians with us on MB which made communication above water as difficult as below. the rest was a smattering of different races/ages...

the final note is that aboard taka [as with the other 2], when you travel at night it can get rough... so that's something else to consider if you or your wife suffers from serious sea sickness, but there are always drugs.

the diving isn't hard on Taka, and you don't *have* to do the night dives... as long as you are somewhat fit [which you said you both are] and keen to dive that's the main thing you need. your wife will most likely feed of the excitement of the other divers to get in the water and see some amazing naudi's or turtles and completely forget any jitters

 

[MA]

I agree with above. Go taka for better diving and do your course on board or before. Cod hole and ribbon reefs are shallower diving so you will feel more comfortable. If you are unsure just ring taka direct and have a chat to them about your experience. Don't worry just go ahead and enjoy!

 

[MA]

I also forgot to mention that you will be better divers after the taka. They will take the time to guide you and help with buoyancy etc. I doubt you will get this on ocean quest. Too many less experienced divers.

 

[FB_]

Thanks everyone! I am still leaning towards Taka. I am going to send them an email.

Thanks

FB

 

[tracy_from_oz]

If you can afford it go to the Coral Sea. You will love it and it will be worth it.

 

[tracy_from_oz]

If you can afford it go to the Coral Sea. You will love it and it will be worth it.

 

[FB_]

We ended up booking the 5D/4N coral sea on Taka. However my wife may not be able to dive on this trip due to medical reasons (Dive medical scheduled next week). At this point I am going to be dinged a 30% penalty to cancel up until June 14th and 60% after. I was wondering how much different this trip would be if she snorkeled and I did 1 or 2 of the 3 dives each day and snorkeled the rest of the sites. I really want to do the shark dive which my wife was not to keen on anyway.

Thanks

FB