Written by Trip Director - Chris Brunton
The scene was set for a fantastic trip up the Ribbon Reefs from day 1 we had perfect weather conditions and a very excited boat full of divers. After a smooth night of steaming we splashed down at Challenger Bay for our first encounter with the majestic minke whales.

Visibility was about 30+ meters which made the famous Lighthouse Bommie come alive with a fish chart easily crossed off in the first dive. The hardest decision to make was where to look first.

Olive sea snakes and 3 hawksbill turtles where finding it hard to compete for attention with up to 10 minke whales putting on an amazing, almost choreographed show. Our onboard minke whale expert, Matt, had his work cut out for him with minke whale sightings all day – everyday.

A big thanks to all who contributed to the minke whale research project and sharing another magic trip on the Ribbon Reefs.

Ian Shorey, Australia. “Swimming with minke whales and great reef diving in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Written by Trip Director - Kerrin Jones
After Arriving at Lizard Island we headed south to Two Towers, where we started the trip with one of the best mike whale interactions we’ve had so far this season. Minke whales were approaching snorkellers extremely closely, and later even some divers had some close approaches.

Although the weather was not perfect we had more great diving and more minke whale encounters over the following days.

Jonathon Orr, Australia. “Far out reefs.”

Written by Trip Director - Kerrin Jones
A very relaxed trip with only 9 guests aboard, for one of the first minke whale trips of the 2007 season. Our best minke whale encounter this trip occurred at Lighthouse Bommie where all 9 guests had a minke whale come to check them out while snorkeling on a line and at least one lucky diver saw a minke whale while diving.

Aw well as the minke whale encounters we had lots of great dives as we made our way up the Ribbon Reefs at sites such as Steve’s Bommie, Pixie Pinnacle and the world famous Cod Hole.

The end of the trip was celebrated with a lively party night at Lizard Island.

Tina McGriffin, Australia. “Minke whales!! Being well looked after on the dive deck. Great crew and great food.”

Mark Shergold, Australia. "Minke whales, all the dives were great. Crew were fantastic."

Dave Hemsley, UK. "The crew, the boat, the guests and all the dives... 1st class."

Kim & Carol Weemhoof, USA . “The while trip couldn’t have been better!”

Kim Gunst & Ken Ross, Australia . “Very relaxing and well organized. Very friendly crew. Volunteers were all excellent.”

Melanie Zauel, USA. “The diving was beyond my expectations. Advance Open Water course with Julia was excellent, the crew was friendly and beyond helpful. What a wonderful week… can I stay!”