Liveaboard scuba diving Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns

We are proud of our world wide reputation for diving Australia, the exceptional diving provided on our liveaboard Cairns based dive service to the great barrier reef and the coral sea. It is our attention to detail that sets us apart.

Expect more detailed dive expedition and dive site information on Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, more exciting images, the latest up-to-date Trip Reports... you can even take part in our innovative 'Virtual Dive' to the Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole. Our live-aboard dive vessels were custom built in Australia with your comfort in mind and are amongst the most well-designed in the world.

Here you can tour your vessel; cabin by cabin. Check out the chef prepared menus and let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. We have attempted to cover all FAQ's, however if you cannot find what your looking for email our friendly reservations team, we are only too happy to assist you in anyway.


Latest expedition reports! See who's been diving off Cairns, Australia... you might be there!
	Spoilsport - 30 July, 2007. Our new dive site again provided the goods with sea snakes, eagle rays, sharks, three flame file shells and one of the largest giant clams I've ever seen. Divers also enjoyed puffer fish and porcupine fish at Challenger Bay. Grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks and our little nemo made a great dive at Steve's Bommie...... For more Spoilsport Trip Reports click here>>


What's New... for all the latest Mike Ball news on Australia, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

	Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Gains Advanced Ecotourism Certification On the 6^th November 2007 Mike Ball Dive Expeditions was awarded an Advanced Ecotourism Certification through the Nature and Ecotourism Accreditation Program (NEAP). The Eco Certification Program has been developed by industry for industry, addressing the need to identify genuine ecotourism and nature tourism operators in Australia. The Certification allows: industry; local communities and travelers to distinguish those operators who have made a commitment to provide product that is environmentally & socially sustainable. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.... For the full story click here>>

	Off gas and hike into history! In 1770 while on his epic voyage of discovery aboard the Endeavour Captain Cook climbed to the summit of Lizard Island to sight safe passage through the Great Barrier Reef. Now, Lizard Island is the Great Barrier Reefs most luxurious reef resort and is a special feature of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions 7 night Coral Sea Safari. Lizard Island is conveniently located at the end of the Coral Sea sector and the... For the full story click here>>


Don't take our word for it... take a look at what our guests have been saying about their diving adventures on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea in Cairns, Australia. We'd love to hear your comments... email us! For more Guest Comments click here>>

Dave Cole - Australia	Travel Date: 25 December, 2006
Well I got back home yesterday and I have to say that was a truly awesome dive trip and was well worth the money to go, the dive that really made the trip for me was the shark attraction I guess there were 2-4 dozen reef sharks around, they were just everywhere, all the dives were just great. I would like to thank the crew for a fantastic time: Shea – Trip Director, Francesca – Photographer/Videographer (I swear she’s part fish), Chris, Georgia, Liz, Toni (Chef), Stef, Sterling, Yul... For the full story click here>>

Anna Davis - Paradise Island Divers, Charlotte NC	Travel Date: 16 November, 2006
I just want to say Thank You for a great time and what an excellent adventure you offer, from booking to getting us back to the hotel off of the boat at the end of our week on Spoilsport. We really enjoyed our time on Spoilsport, your have an excellent crew and that includes you and Tania. I will highly recommend you to anyone who asks and even if they don't ask. The boat was great and the food was awesome. I'm just sorry that I'm home and have to cook for myself again. I don't.... For the full story click here>>

International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame

In 2004, at Grand Cayman Island, Mike Ball joined diving great like Jacques Yves Cousteau and Hans Hass as an inductee into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. Mike was the first Australian dive operator and the world's first liveaboard operator to receive this recognition. He was honoured for his contribution to the growth and development of scuba diving and his pioneering efforts in the liveaboard industry. His uniquely designed twin hull liveaboard's have set the standard for both comfort and innovation with introduction of such services as onboard photo and nitrox services and a formal Safe Solo Diving program.

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Rob Rath
- minke whale -

COMPETITIONS

Come Dive Cairns Australia gate way to the Great Barrier Reef and The Coral Sea

FEATURE ARTISTS

ROGEST is Ron Steven.

As a thank you to Mike Ball and his guests, Rogest is offering a 10% 'Mate’s Rate Thank You' discount to all Mike Ball customers present, past and future. This fine art inspired by many years of diving in Australia and Papua New Guinea is available to be shipped to any location.

Visit www.rogest.com and quote 'MBDE-007' and enjoy the color and passion of one of the best known marine artists.

MIKE BALL FACT FILE

>>1969 Started Dive School in Townsville.
>>1969 First Australian dive school to use cylinder pressure gauges and BCD’s.
>>1977 Introduced the first dive skins/stinger suits to diving.
>>1981 Acquires the world’s first custom built twin hull dive vessel – ‘Watersport’.
>>1981 Built Australia’s most hi-tech dive shop and training facility.
>>1986 Built ‘Supersport’ – to expand service to Coral Sea .
>>1989 Built ‘Spoilsport’ – internationally credited as world’s best liveaboard.
>>1990 Expanded operations into Cairns .
>>1992 Queensland Tourism Awards – Best Tour Operator.
>>1996 Opened sales office in Flagstaff , Arizona .
>>1997 Expanded operations into Papua New Guinea.
>>1997 World’s first formal Solo Diving program.
>>1997 Introduced 5 star liveaboard service to Papua New Guinea with Paradise Sport .
>>2000 Centralised operations at Cairns head office.
>>2004 Inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame at Grand Cayman Island.
>>2005 Mike’s new direction - going out on boats instead of just running boats. Scaling back to one vessel operating from Cairns… back to his original roots as a keen underwater photographer.
>>2005 Introduced photo competition on every departure.
>>2006 Replaced Supersport in Cairns with Spoilsport.
>>2007 Closed Papua New Guinea service after 10 great years.