Live aboards from Cairns?

[Nomada_AM]

Hi everyone! Thanks for your answers!

I was thinking about taking the 7 day liveaboard to Coral Sea and Ribbon Reefs but, due to time problems, I must choose between them (I "only" have 3 weeks in Australia and there are is so much to see!) :shocked2:

Can any of you guys share your experiences regading Coral Sea and Ribbon Reefs:

What are the highlights of each place?
Which one is more diverse?
Which one is likely to give the best dive experience?

I think my hard earned bucks will go to Spirit of Freedom, as they seem quite professional and reliable (this fact was also confirmed by some of you in your past replies).

Thanks for your advice!

Fabio.

 

[ry]

Have you talked to them lately? I booked the 4 day Coral Sea about a month ago and there were only a few spots left for right before Christmas. I chose Osprey Reef, mostly because I wanted to see a lot of sharks, but if you look at videos of the reef on youtube there's heaps of other life there.

Also it's a lot harder to get out to the Coral Sea, so there's going to be less divers and I figure the reef is going to be in far better shape, although the Ribbon Reefs are out of the way of most of the day boats from Cairns.

Good luck

Ryan

 

[Aquapro Dive Services]

The sites that these boats visit are all petty much the same. Places like the Cod Hole, Steves Bommie, Picture Postcard etc are all the best sites along the Ribbon Reefs, so any of the trips you pick will visit the same sites but at different times.
Each boat may have a slightly different mooring location on a particular spot, or may have 2 or 3 spots that are unique to that trip, but basically you can guarantee similar diving from whichever trip you take.
We have outlined itineraries for each of the trips if you wanted to check them out and compare.

Cairns Discount Diving Trips - Overnight Dive Boats

Follow the links to each individual boat and have a read. But Ryan made a good point above that we are in peak season now and these trips fill up very quickly. I know we tried to get someone on Mike Ball and they were booked up at least 4-5 weeks in front. You may get in with an occasional cancellation, but don’t leave it to long.

The experiences are similar on each boat, but from customer service Mike Ball and Spirit of Freedom top the list, and have the advantage that you fly one leg of the trip. Mike Ball probably little better than SOF, but still not much to choose. I think you have made a good choice with SOF. I know they stil have a few spots left as we spoke to them yesterday.

Taka does same sites but motors up and back, so more travel time. That’s why a bit cheaper.

Hope that helps a bit.

Kevin

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

Cairns Discount Dive Trips - Great Barrier Reef Diving - Australia

 

[MA]

I vote for coral sea! 1000m walls (or something like that) and 40+ viz. Can't go wrong. You will also get to dive the reef too, so you'll get to see both and be able to make the comparison yourself. Spirit of Freedom is fantastic, dive, eat and relax. You even get warm dry towels after each dive.

 

[jobsinscuba]

We dived with TAKA about 3 years ago the boat is fine the dives where great but the staff where the worst I have seen on a liveaboard. one member was sacked on the first day out the rest where very rude and the DM was a total idiot and gave dangerous advice to novice divers

 

[Nomada_AM]

I think Coral Sea will be the best choice.....I heard there is a bit of current and the conditions are a bit more rough than the Ribbon Reefs but, on the other hand, this sort of conditions make for good sightnings of bigger fish and pelagics

Has anyone heard of a vessel called "Santa Maria"? Any experience sailing with them?

Cheers!

 

[stargazer61]

My son and I dived with Taka a few months ago and thought it was excellent all round. We did the Osprey Reef trip. The staff were great without exception. The dives were run competently and responsibly without being over pedantic. Guides were always available if you wanted one. Good dive briefings at each site.

I can't comment relative to the other boats as I haven't dived with them, but Taka was first rate.

 

[Nomada_AM]

That is nice to know. I read some reviews on TAKA and they weren´t so positive as the crew was actually described as rude....

 

[stargazer61]

Yes, I am surprised at some of the reviews of Taka here. Maybe they have (or had) problems with a few staff that let them down. While this was our first liveaboard I have dived with operators in NZ, Australia, Thailand, Vanuatu and Sardinia. That covered a fair mix of standards and service, mostly pretty good with the notable exception of Blue Service in Alghero which I consider unsafe.

I enjoyed Taka and would certainly dive with them again.