Hi All,
I lurk here a lot, but don't often post. I know how I count on the postings here when planning the next trip, so I thought I should throw my 2 cents worth in to help others, if I could.
I've recently returned from my 3rd trip with Mike Ball (my 2nd trip to the Coral Sea) and having been on other live aboards and day trips in the area I can honestly say that, in my opinion, there is no other way to see the wonders of the Barrier Reef than to choose any of Mike Ball's itineraries. The crew is so nice and fun, and they're constantly taking care of the wonderful details that make the difference in a good trip and a fabulous one. Safety is of paramount importance to them and you are always looked after (without being "molly coddled"). They sign you in and out after each dive and have a look out on the top deck monitoring all of the divers. You are given fresh warm towels at the end of every dive and are given a sport water bottle with your name on it to make sure you're well hydrated. No detail is overlooked to make sure that your vacation is perfect.
The food is to die for and you never go to bed without a chocolate on your pillow. AND...the beds are comfortable (which is a huge statement on a boat!); the cabins comfortable and spacious. I loved lying in my bed at night with my curtains open, looking at the thousands of stars while out in the Coral Sea...a gorgeous sight... I've never seen anything to rival it.
To say that you'll see wonders underwater is a vast understatement. To me, there is no finer dive destination than the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Great viz, warm water, critters and beauty that we simply don't have here. Every dive is one of those WOW dives...
All in all, Mike Ball makes sure that you have the perfect dive trip and I've never come home having had enough.
Any trip to Australia is expensive, but I think, in most cases, you get what you pay for and this is no exception. You will not be disappointed if you choose Mike Ball.
If I can help anyone out further, please don't hesitate to contact me...
Thanks!,
Cynthia
I lurk here a lot, but don't often post. I know how I count on the postings here when planning the next trip, so I thought I should throw my 2 cents worth in to help others, if I could.
I've recently returned from my 3rd trip with Mike Ball (my 2nd trip to the Coral Sea) and having been on other live aboards and day trips in the area I can honestly say that, in my opinion, there is no other way to see the wonders of the Barrier Reef than to choose any of Mike Ball's itineraries. The crew is so nice and fun, and they're constantly taking care of the wonderful details that make the difference in a good trip and a fabulous one. Safety is of paramount importance to them and you are always looked after (without being "molly coddled"). They sign you in and out after each dive and have a look out on the top deck monitoring all of the divers. You are given fresh warm towels at the end of every dive and are given a sport water bottle with your name on it to make sure you're well hydrated. No detail is overlooked to make sure that your vacation is perfect.
The food is to die for and you never go to bed without a chocolate on your pillow. AND...the beds are comfortable (which is a huge statement on a boat!); the cabins comfortable and spacious. I loved lying in my bed at night with my curtains open, looking at the thousands of stars while out in the Coral Sea...a gorgeous sight... I've never seen anything to rival it.
To say that you'll see wonders underwater is a vast understatement. To me, there is no finer dive destination than the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Great viz, warm water, critters and beauty that we simply don't have here. Every dive is one of those WOW dives...
All in all, Mike Ball makes sure that you have the perfect dive trip and I've never come home having had enough.
Any trip to Australia is expensive, but I think, in most cases, you get what you pay for and this is no exception. You will not be disappointed if you choose Mike Ball.
If I can help anyone out further, please don't hesitate to contact me...
Thanks!,
Cynthia
