Frequently Asked Questions

Booking your adventure with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions on Spoilsport is quick, easy, and supported by our personalised service every step of the way.

Check Live Availability
You can check live availability directly on our Availability page. Browse expeditions by date, destination, and cabin type — all updated in real time.

Not sure which trip is right for you? Visit the Reef Reports page to view recent expeditions, guest feedback, and seasonal diving conditions. It’s a great way to find the best time to join us.

Submit a Booking Enquiry
Once you’ve found a trip that suits you, simply complete the Booking Enquiry Form located in the main menu. This allows our team to confirm availability, answer any questions, and ensure all your requirements are covered before proceeding to payment.

Speak with a Real Person
Prefer a personal touch? Our Reservations Team is happy to assist with expert advice and tailored support.
Contact us by:

• Email: resv@mikeball.com
• Phone: +61 7 4053 0500 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST)

Personalised Service
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with a group, or liveaboard diving for the first time, we’ll help design the perfect expedition for you. We consider your dive experience, travel plans, and preferences to ensure a seamless and memorable journey.

Booking and Payment
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.

Booking directly with us guarantees your price — no hidden fees, no third-party markups, just transparent value and full support from the team behind Spoilsport and Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.

Booking Confirmation
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a detailed email with your itinerary, payment confirmation, and everything you need to prepare. We’ll also send final payment reminders and a pre-departure checklist to ensure you’re ready to dive in.

Have any questions? Just get in touch — we’re here to help.

Reservation:
30% security deposit to hold reservation.

Cancellation Policy:
More than 60 days prior to departure: deposit refundable, less 1.8% credit card transaction fee.
Between 60 – 30 days prior to departure: Deposit not refundable. Credit valid for 2 years.
Within 30 days of departure: 100% forfeit. Credits only offered for cancellations directly resulting from a pandemic; relevant documentation required.

Booking directly with us guarantees your price — no hidden fees, no third-party markups, just transparent value and full support from the team behind Spoilsport and Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact reservations.

Reservations: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST
Phone:+61 7 4053 0500
Email: resv@mikeball.com

In most countries Australian visas are available electronically online or via your travel agent. You will require a current passport, with no less than six months validity from your return date, and tickets to an onward destination. Please contact us if you require a letter for Visa Support.

Currency used is the Australian Dollar. Visa, MasterCard and Amex are widely accepted.

Insurance should be taken to cover: weather problem; expedition cancellations; airline difficulties; medical problems and lost or damaged luggage. Unforeseen weather or machinery problems may cause us to cancel or change an itinerary. No refund is offered for time lost due to the medical evacuation of a guest or reduction of dives due to weather conditions. No compensation is offered to guests to change flights or holiday plans. DiveAssure offers cover for both Australian residents & non-residents traveling to Australia. Scan the code below.

Asia Pacific residents are eligible for DAN AP membership. Join DAN Asia-Pacific TODAY.

The following statement appears on all Mike Ball Dive Expeditions ‘Booking Form’:

Medical Declaration: If you answer YES to questions 2, 3 or 4, you are required to provide a current (less than 12 months) dive medical clearance from a doctor, that clearly addresses all medical conditions and/or medications. It is important to advise MBDE reservations at time of booking, as dive restrictions may apply. Further medical requirements for onboard Dive Course participation. read more.

1. Are you medically & physically fit to dive and/or snorkel?
2. Have you ever suffered any illness or injury that may affect your ability to dive or snorkel safely?
3. Are you currently suffering, or have ever suffered, from an illness, injury or condition relating to any heart or lung disorders, hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, epilepsy, narcolepsy, diabetes, or any other conditions that are contraindications to diving?
4. Are you currently taking any prescription medication (other than contraceptives)?
5. I understand that failure to disclose and/or provide a suitable medical will result in me being strictly limited to 2x in-water supervised dives per day. Further dives subject to staff availability.
6. I understand if no medical is supplied for any listed ‘contra to diving’ conditions in point 3 above, diving will not be permitted.

I understand if I have any medical condition contrary to safe diving I will not be permitted to dive unless I produce a diving medical certificate from a Physician that addresses my medical condition.

In addition, I will not dive on your expedition if I am feeling unwell or I have a chest cold or respiratory congestion.

You are authorized to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. I agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf which may be charged against my credit card.

For Dive Course Medicals read more.

Unfortunately, we only have English speaking staff. Divers must have a good grasp of English to understand our vessel and dive safety briefings. Divers with poor English language skills may have to miss some dives. Note translation apps/ programmes are not accepted as English language skills.

Dive sites may be quite exposed which can create comfort and safety issues for divers with a disability. Spoilsport was not designed to cater to disabled divers and is not suitable for divers who cannot make their own way around the vessel.
Prior to booking, please complete and return the Disabled Dive Questionnaire.

Cabins, bathrooms and diving are accessed from the main deck. Entry to the accommodation companionway has a step 23.5cm high and 12cm across. Door width is 61.5cm.
Dining and lounge areas are one deck up with 11 steps (21.5cm high & 65cm wide). Entry to the saloon has a step 26cm high and 10cm across. Door width is 61.5cm.
Dive entry is via a platform 170cm above the water or by 8 steps (24cm high and 57.5cm wide).
Premium, standard and club cabins have private adjoining bathrooms. Cabin doors are 57cm wide. Step height into bathrooms is 4cm. All showers have a sunken tray of 5cm.
Forward premium cabins standard double bed and rear premium have a queen bed. Standard cabins have twin single beds. The smaller Club and Budget cabins are less convenient with bunk style beds and very small bathrooms.

Also to be taken into consideration is the Lizard Island transfer in an inflatable dinghy, the walk from the airstrip to the beach (approx 400m with 30 across the beach) and the dimensions of our chartered aircraft which range from 5 to 12 seaters.

Supervision / Dive Buddy – A disabled diver must be completely independent or have an able-bodied buddy who can provide assistance for various conditions in and out of the water. We can provide an additional crew member to provide some assistance at an additional cost (refer Personal Guide Costs). This does not include physically maneuvering guests around the vessel or lifting from water.

A variety of jellyfish inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of jellyfish stings are irritable to painful. The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) can be present in inshore waters and estuaries in North Queensland from November to May and their sting can be fatal in extreme cases. Fortunately these are not seen at the outer reefs we frequent.

The small Irukandji box jellyfish (Carukia Barnesi) can be found on the offshore reefs. Stings are very painful however are rare and rarely life threatening. Since 1969 we have evacuated 2 guests with ‘Irukandji Syndrome’, no treatment was required.

Spoilsport has radio contact with emergency services.

Prevention: We recommend covering wrist to ankles; minimum wrist to knee required. Strictly no bare tops/bikinis/short sleeves.

When purchasing sunscreen, review the ingredient list to make sure reef-damaging substances (such as oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidine camphor, all of which have been shown to cause coral bleaching even at low levels) aren’t included. We have marine-friendly sunscreen for purchase onboard.

You will need to make your own way to the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions office for check in for your expedition. After your expedition we will transfer you to either our office, airport or any inner city hotel. Inner city boundaries are within the airport to the north and Earlville shopping centre to the south.

Many car rental companies will allow you to leave your rental car with them whilst you are out at sea. Alternatively, if you are staying at a hotel before or after the expedition you may be able to leave your car with them. There are a number of car storage facilities in Cairns (always check pick-up / drop-off and opening details). Cairns Airport Car Storage and Betta Airport Parking are two good options. There is a 24 hour public car park on the corner of Lake and Wharf Streets that is central, however, it is not secured parking.

Fly Dive 3 & 4 Night LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS including Minke Whale Expeditions –  Lizard Island airport is only accessible by small charter (not commercial) aircraft. Unlike larger commercial airlines with large payload capacity, you cannot purchase extra weight. ALL luggage main and hand, will be weighed; strict conditions apply, please see below –

• • You are limited to 28kg / 61.5lbs inclusive of ALL hand/carry-on luggage.
  • ‘Professional’ Photographers with housings/strobes are permitted an additional 7kg / 15.5lbs only.
  • Bags must be soft sided, duffle style or mesh; hard/rigid cases not permitted (Not applicable for camera gear).

• Excess luggage can be stored at our office during your expedition.
• Max Weight per bag 25kg / 55lbs.

Further luggage advice –

• Hard cases can be stored at office; simply transfer items to your own soft/mesh bag for expedition and flight. Check-in area is small, please ensure your items are transferred prior to arrival at office.
• Any items containing lithium batteries (e.g. laptops, tablets, cameras) must be carried in your hand luggage for the flight.
• Only small items such as a book, camera, iPad, can be taken to your seat on the aircraft, not backpacks. All luggage is handled with the utmost care.
• You and any items being carried will be weighed at the airport prior to boarding. Please empty your personal water bottles prior to weigh-in (you will be supplied a water on boarding).

ALL OTHER EXPEDITIONS 5 and 7 Night –

• No overall weight restriction.
• Max Weight per bag 25kg / 55lbs.

Spoilsport has a library; you are welcome to leave/take a book.

Hand Luggage is limited to camera, wallet/purse, jumper or coat. Backpacks and camera bags are included in the luggage allowance and stored in the cargo hold.

If necessary you can freight excess items to be onboard Spoilsport for your Monday arrival at Lizard Island or we can on-freight excess items if you are on the Monday return flight. Please discuss this option with Reservations.

Excess luggage may be stored at the Mike Ball office whilst you are onboard Spoilsport. Luggage cannot be collected or stored at the office on Public Holidays. Alternative day storage arrangements will need to be made on these days.

Separate Gear Before Arriving at Office: When you arrive at our office please have items in excess of your 25kg (dive trip gear) separated & bagged to leave in office. This will make the check-in & packing process run more smoothly. Unfortunately, there is only room for one person at a time to repack bags in office.

We want you to have everything you need to make the most of your expedition. For hygiene purposes, please bring your own quick-dry towel for dive deck use and a refillable water bottle. Here’s our recommended packing list:

Clothing & Personal Items

• Swimming costumes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• T-shirts, shorts, and light daywear
• Light sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
• Bright “loud” shirt or dress for our end-of-trip BBQ party night
• Travel-size toiletries (combined shampoo/body wash provided onboard)
• Seasickness medication (if needed)
• Personal medications
• Dive logbook & certification cards
• Travel documents (including insurance)
• Chargers for electronics

Footwear

• Bare feet are recommended onboard
• Flip flops or sandals for transfers
• Walking shoes (if planning shore excursions such as Lizard Island walks on 7 Night trips)

Dive Gear
Spoilsport provides tanks, weights, SMBs, whistles, Nautilus Lifeline GPS, and other safety gear. You are welcome to bring your own full dive kit (BCD, regulator, dive computer, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, torch), or for a hassle-free experience, hire your gear directly from us.

What Not to Bring
Large suitcases and unnecessary valuables are best left behind — storage space onboard is limited, and soft bags are preferred. Any excess luggage can be safely stored at the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Cairns Office while you’re on the expedition.

If you’re joining or leaving the vessel via a Fly Dive, please review our Fly Dive luggage and weight restrictions before packing to ensure your gear complies with aircraft limits.

Meals: Three chef prepared meals are provided daily, click here. Please ensure you advise reservations at time of booking for any special dietary requirements. A variety of beverages are served at mealtimes; complimentary wine or soft drink served with dinner.

Other: Morning & afternoon tea provided between meals pending planned days schedule; complimentary tea, coffee, fruit & biscuits are available 24hrs. You are welcome to bring your own ‘nonperishable’ snacks onboard; no access available for heating/cooking/refrigeration.

Beverage (Ships Bar Policy): Beer, wine, spirits & soft drink available for purchase over the bar. Please DO NOT bring alcohol onboard; for any ‘special request’ orders brought or purchased by us, must/will be surrendered to bar, and charged back at equivalent bar list prices, click here.

You can settle your onboard expenses via credit card. NB: 4 night Fly Dive Coral Sea guests’ credit cards are processed via the MBDE office owing to remote location.

Within Australia’s hospitality services, tipping is reserved for those that provide exceptional personal service. As an indicator, for excellent restaurant service, tips of up to 10% is quite common and 5% in taxis. You should expect exceptional service from Spoilsport’s crew, day and night. At the end of the expedition, a ‘tip box’ is made available for a cash tip (any currency), or you can simply add a tip to your credit card whilst paying for any onboard costs incurred. Tips are welcome and distributed evenly amongst crew; please use your discretion and only tip with what you feel comfortable.

In an emergency contact can be made with our office in Australia on t: +61 7 4053 0500 or e: resv@mikeball.com. Make sure the message includes your name and date of travel and we will relay the message to the boat.

Spoilsport Business WIFI – If you absolutely cannot do without internet, Spoilsport Business Wi-Fi is available for purchase, offering speeds up to 3 Mbps and a fixed data allowance depending on your expedition length. As this satellite-based service is limited and shared across the vessel, we kindly ask that it be used only for essential needs to help maintain stable connectivity for all. This is a paid service and is not included in your expedition package. For access please see your Trip Director.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is strictly prohibited indoors. A small designated area is available on the top deck for outdoor smoking or vaping. Please speak with your Trip Director for further guidance.

We seldom have children onboard, however we do welcome families with children 8 years or older. The minimum age for diving is 12 years old (10-12 year old Jr Open Water certified divers – considered, on application). Parents or guardians traveling with children are responsible for child minding, and children less than 12 years of age cannot be left alone.