Introduction

During January, February and March of each year our goal is to aid the study of Manta Rays. In October and November each year we strive to collect data related to the Turtle and Shark populations.

During June and July your diving experience includes the chance to interact and observe the Dwarf Minke Whales at close range. Our partners diving vessel holds one of the very few ‘Swim with Whales’ Permits, which allows you the unique opportunity to view and photograph these beautiful creatures while swimming with them underwater.

We are also involved with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authorities “Eye on the Reef” initiative and are currently monitoring a range of environmental impacts such as coral bleaching and water turbidity at Pixie Pinnacle, one of our popular dive sites along the Ribbon Reefs.

Beginning late May and lasting through early August, Dwarf Minke Whales are commonly sighted along the Ribbon Reefs section of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. These little-known marine mammals have been studied by the Minke Whale Project for the past 11 years; due to the dedication of marine scientists and graduate students and the efforts of certain dive companies. Data about these unique whales is collected annually and helps determine the direction of sustainable interaction between humans and the Minke Whale.

DIVING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

The Northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, situated off the eastern coast of Queensland, offers one of the most exciting dive experiences in the world. The world’s largest living structure, the Reef’s many remote locations contain a magic all their own.

The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps one of the most important gifts Australia has given the world, by nominating it as a World Heritage Park.

The average diving depth along the Great Barrier Reef is approximately 18 - 20 metres. The water temperature varies year round, and there is no 'best' time of year for diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

Each month sees different action, from Manta Rays during February, March, and April, to the world-renown Dwarf Minke Whales in June and July (more information on these special expeditions!), sometimes Humpback Whales during August, and the coral spawning in November.

COD HOLE / RIBBON REEFS

The diving depth at the Cod Hole varies from 10 to 20 metres on a sloping bottom dotted with high profile coral heads. The lee side of the Ribbon Reefs offer a variety of diving habitats. The best sites often are found around the small coral bommies off from the main sections of the reef.

This site, often described as one of the best dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef, is known for its resident family of huge Potato Cod, which enjoy protected status in the area and have made this small section of the reef their home. They range in size from 50 to an impressive 120 pounds.

* Jan - March (27-28°C) - 3mm wetsuit recommended * April - June (24-26°C) - 5mm wetsuit recommended * July - Sept (22-23°C) - 5mm wetsuit recommended * Oct - Dec (25-27°C) - 3mm wetsuit recommended *

TURTLE & SHARK SAFARI

Join us for one of 5 weeks diving the pristine & remote area around the Far Northern Reefs, including the famous Raine Island. The FaDETA travels north of Lockhart River in Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula for only a few weeks each year.

These itineraries offer big animals and pristine reefs in many areas which rarely, if ever, see a diver! Raine Island is a famous windswept treeless cay known as a breeding & nesting ground for many sea bird species and sea turtles. The surrounding waters are a major breeding area for sea turtles during the months of October and November.