???Liveaboards for Australia??

[TexasScubaGirl]

I am headed to Australia for the very first time in August. Anyone with amazing experiences on a liveaboard? Please tell me everything... including privacy factors. Of course my other option is to stay on Heron Island... has anyone done both? Recomendations??? Thanks.

 

[almitywife]

Hi,
can i suggest you check out our local forum at www.diveoz.com.au

people really helpful and their archives are good value also.

sorry i cant give you advice, but i get ill looking at a boat in the driveway so i avoid livaboards.
LSL

 

[DiveTub]

Whats your budget like ?
Mike Ball is expensive but the boat, food and service are as good as it gets
Undersea Explorer is your middle of the road
Taka is the backpacker special

Whoever you decide to go with take a trip that is going out to the Coral Sea and ribbon reefs. There is little point diving the reef straight out of Cairns with the cattle boats.

Cheers
Chris

 

[TexasScubaGirl]

Whats your budget like ?
Mike Ball is expensive but the boat, food and service are as good as it gets
Undersea Explorer is your middle of the road
Taka is the backpacker special

Whoever you decide to go with take a trip that is going out to the Coral Sea and ribbon reefs. There is little point diving the reef straight out of Cairns with the cattle boats.

Cheers
Chris

What about "Spirit of Freedom"? They have a dive of 4 days to the Coral Sea & Cod Hole. Would love to do the seven day, but that does reach beyond my budget. Also, in researching the water temp for the middle of August... have seen a broad range... anything specific? Would a 4/3 be enough? I am very excited about going.
Thanks,
Marni

 

[slipslop]

I went on Taka to the Northern reefs, cod hole and osprey reef in March this year. it was fantastic. the boat was brand new and very comfortable, the crew were excellent and the food was amazing. I am saving up to go again next year.

 

[eric1946]

We spent a week on the Nimrod Explorer a couple of years ago. It was a fantastic trip ... great crew, diving, food, and accomodations.

 

[Mark Goodchild]

I dived with the Spirit of Freedom last month. Trip report coming soon.

We did the Coral Sea 4 day trip. The diving is great out there although the trip is long and rough to get there. Take some pills....

We saw mantas, loads of reef sharks, silvertip sharks and some nice reefs. They visit the ribbon reefs on the outer GBR on the way back and sites like Steve's bommie are well worth doing.

I recommend the boat too, it's very well fitted out, the food is great and the crew make the trip as easy as it can be. Recommended!