Liveaboard on Great Barrier Reef

[edonahue]

I am flying into Cairns tomorrow (March 27th) and looking to sign up to do a 3-5 day liveaboard. I haven't booked anything yet and my schedule is very flexible. Do you get better deals booking last minute? Also, do you have any tips on what to look for in a company? Finally, I want to know what areas to go to - obviously I've heard Cod Hole, and some have said to make sure to hit the outer reef. I'd rather not dive at the most crowded areas and see a more pristine portion of the reef. Is there anything else I should look for?

Thanks!

 

[Acanthurus]

My husband and I booked our trip before we left due to our schedule but if yours is loose I would wander around town and ask at various shops and travel kiosks. Many advertise last minute liveaboards.

We dove the 5 day Taka Liveaboard out to Cod Hole and Osprey reef with Deep Sea Divers Den in November and really enjoyed it.

I am most envious! Have fun

 

[MA]

Northern Reef (e.g. cod hole) and osprey reef (magic). Much more expensive but definitely worth it - its a whole new world out at Osprey. thats if you like sharks, an occasional manta, 100m walls, 30-40+ viz.

 

[thanksforallthefish]

You could also try contacting Andrew

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/andrew+jones.html

A very helpful and knowledgeable fellow ... he is an agent for all the operators on the reef

 

[mjh]

We have had good luck with Mike Ball. Have done two trips with them over the yrs. There are trip reports, slide shows, etc... at our website.

 

[Damselfish]

...some have said to make sure to hit the outer reef. I'd rather not dive at the most crowded areas and see a more pristine portion of the reef.

well, you're probably already on the boat? Anyway, from what I've seen "outer reef" is a term dreamed up by a marketing person to make it sound remote. The outer reef referred to by the Cairns operators is probably better diving than some options closer in, but it's still an area where they take tons of people. Beats a day at the office, but heavily dove and not pristine. You definitely want Northern Reefs up by Cod Hole and Osprey for more pristine.