Spoilsport Liveaboard, Australia

Name: Fly Dive Minke Whales (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-07-20
End: 2026-07-23
Location: Australia

9.3 Superb

Nitrox available
Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 404 / day Check dates

“Great crew who attended to every detail of comfort, safety and service with high professional standards.”
BRIAN D, Australia

Highlights

Australia’s most awarded liveaboard dive boat
Twin hull design to increase stability and reduce motion onboard
Swim with dwarf minke whales in June & July

The MV Spoilsport liveaboard is an award winning vessel which was custom built to explore the uncrowded dive sites of the Coral Sea. The twin hull design of the boat increases stability making for smooth sailing year-round. On board there are 4 cabin standards to cater to differing budgets, from the budget cabins with twin bunk beds to the premium cabins with double beds and ocean views.

The on board dining experience includes chef prepared meals with freshly sourced produce from sustainable resources from both land and sea. A wide variety of dietary requirements can be catered to, including vegetarian and vegan, which are served at the indoor salon and dining room. There is a large sun deck on the upper deck with a partially shaded area and comfortable loungers.

Guests can enjoy world-class diving on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea with the Spoilsport Australia. Itineraries include the 5-night Coral Sea & Cod Hole trip, the 6-night Yongala & Coral Sea trip for adventure diving the SS Yongala Wreck; Wheeler, Holmes & Flinders Reef, 3, 4 & 7 night fly dive expeditions as well as the limited minke whale trips.

Call us or book online today to start planning your Coral Sea dive liveaboard aboard the Spoilsport yacht.

Please note that the 3 and 4 night itineraries can be extended to 7 night trips.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

08 Jun

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,812

FULL

11 Jun

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,051

FULL

11 Jun

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,507

FULL

15 Jun

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,812

FULL

18 Jun

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,051

FULL

18 Jun

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,507

FULL

22 Jun

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,812

FULL

25 Jun

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,051

FULL

25 Jun

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,507

FULL

29 Jun

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,812

FULL

02 Jul

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,051

FULL

02 Jul

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,507

FULL

Included: VAT, Port Fees, Local Flights, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels.

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (20 AUD per night), National Park Fees (8 AUD per day).

Optional Extras: Dive Insurance, Travel Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Nitrox (30 AUD per day), Nitrox Course (310 AUD per item), Private Dive Guide (350 AUD per activity), Rental Gear (44 AUD per day), Scuba Diving Courses (280-310 AUD per item), Snorkel Gear.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Outdoor Dining
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Fine Wines Selection
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Tech diving
Rebreather Support
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 1990

Year renovated: 2014

Length: 30 meters

Beam: 10.5 meters

Top speed: 15 knots

Cruising speed: 10 knots

Engines: 2 x 354 KW Detroit 60 series

Max guests: 28

Number of cabins: 14

Number of bathrooms: 14

Tenders: 2 inflatables

Water capacity: 8000 liters

Fuel capacity: 12'000 liters

Freshwater maker: 10'00 liters per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Spoilsport Reviews

9.3 Superb

Vessel

8.9
Crew

9.3
Food

9.8
Diving

9.4
Value

8.9

9.6 Exceptional
Stefan M
Germany

Great diving experience at Great Barrier Reef
We had an amazing trip! The boat was excellent and the crew was incredibly friendly. We have been on many liveaboards, but we’ve never seen such a high level of safety precautions and professional care—it was truly impressive. Also, the "open deck" diving mode is unique and made the whole experience effortless. Highly recommended.
Recommended for
Friendly & Professional Crew. Open Deck Diving. Safety First.
16 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Markus F
Germany

Can't get any better
Great dive sites with perfect care all around
Recommended for
Kindness. Comfort. Catering.
28 Sep, 2025

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Steven C
United Kingdom

An extremely professional and safety conscious liveaboard
I loved how all the staff worked together as a team. They were constantly on the go making sure all our needs were catered for. Constantly double checking everyone is accounted for and catered for with the dives (guided or self-guided).
Recommended for
Extremely professional and safety conscious. Excellent food. Self-guided diving.
11 Sep, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Thomas
United States

It was a great dive trip
It was a great trip. The crew did everything they could. The reefs are amazing there all the fish and the coral great time.
Recommended for
diving was amazing. Crew did an excellent job. Dining room was really loud. Boat is old..
11 Dec, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Jaroslava S
Czech Republic

Perfect diving holiday
The crew was professional, helpful and always prepared. They double and triple checked everything while still being flexible and adjusted to my needs. I always felt secure to dive and I was perfectly taken care of. Diving spots are selected to showcase the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life. I saw tremendous amount of aquatic life all within safe measures. I can only recommend this trip.
Recommended for
I felt safe and well prepared for each dive.. Food was excellent.. Started as a fresh new diver and left as experienced diver..
12 Sep, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Maggie F
United States

Great staff, great food, very informative, loved my trip overall.
Our tour operator was very kind. The captain hosted a party on the boat the last night and sang for us. The crew was very helpful. We just loved this trip.
Recommended for
Diving, Staff, Food.
03 Sep, 2019

10 Exceptional
Eli R
United States

Open deck diving with an awesome crew that makes the diving.
Diving in the middle of nowhere with no crowds just us. Excellent hard coral everywhere, beautiful color and natural lighting. Liveaboard with a crew for detail and open deck diving. Epic distance covered.
Recommended for
Exploration to new sites. Excellent crew with attention to detail. Liveaboard built for diving first.
15 Dec, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Hector Alastair I
United Kingdom

Superb trip to Coral Sea and barrier reef.
We had an excellent trip onboard Spoilsport, Kieran and crew were all very helpfully and the food was the best we've had on a Liveaboard. Dive sites chosen were all great and the fact that we were the only dive boat on the sites made it even better.
Recommended for
Excellent food. Great Crew. Very good diving.
27 Aug, 2024

9.2 Superb
Russell H
United States

Spoilsport crew took great care of us!!!
The variety of each of the dive sites. The night dives were fantastic with lots of sharks and trevally coming out to feed. The vast diversity of the fish and coral species.
Recommended for
Helpfulness of the crew, amazing dive sites and the boat's amenities.
13 Dec, 2016

10 Exceptional
Tim K
United States

It was great. The shark feeding dive was the best part for me personally.
The previously mentioned Shark Feeding, sea snake and schools of fish under water were the best parts of the diving experience.
Recommended for
The Shark Feeding, Seeing the sea snake and schools of fish.
30 Dec, 2019

220 reviews

9.3 Superb
220 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

10 Exceptional
LOUISE B
United States

Fantastic!!!
The crew members were absolutely THE BEST!! Everyone was so helpful, considerate and patient. The assistance they gave us with entering and exiting the water was above and beyond. My travel mate/dive buddy and I were a bit apprehensive diving the Great Barrier Reef. The instructors/crew/staff took great care of us, being with us, guiding us, making sure we were comfortable in every way, never left our side on the dives, and, in general, were the nicest and most considerate, helpful, congenial, people ever!! The crew members were so efficient in everything they did. The total experience we had on the Spoilsport was FANTASTIC!!! Ollie, Oliver, Trent, Laurence, Little Sam, Big Sam, Jemma, Carl and of course, Skipper Pete and First Mate-Ricardo were ALL THE BEST!! (And anyone else I might've left out by mistake)There experience and professionalism were incredible. Thank you to all for a most wonderful experience on our first LiveAboard, and hopefully not the last with you all!! We highly recommend Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, this crew and the Spoilsport to everyone!!! Weezie & Rae D. Texas-USA
Recommended for
1. Helpfulness of the Staff and Crew 2. Ease and comfort of the Spoilsport. 3. Dive deck very organized.
27 Jun, 2016

10 Exceptional
Suzanne W
United States

Outstanding Experience
We saw a diversity of animals and locations, the weather was fantastic, and the entire crew were fantastic to spend a week with.
Recommended for
The staff were professional and knowledgeable, the kitchen was able to accommodate my dietary restrictions, the weather was outstanding.
02 Nov, 2023

8.0 Very good
Emanuele P
Switzerland

Top
Very nice diving sites and marine life. Top crew
Recommended for
Crew courtesy and professionalism. Diving sites. amenities on board/ food.
03 Oct, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Andreas M
Belgium

Awsome
Awsome crew, awsome meals, awsome service!
Recommended for
Crew, service, meals
28 May, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Ngung Chia S
Singapore

Minke Minke every where
Saw Minke Whale 3 days in the 8D7N expedition. Some excellent diving sites e.g. lighthouse bommie. Rough sea due to strong wind but trip is comfortable because of excellent crew and food. Cabin is above average with adequate storage space for luggage and good air conditioner. Very detail dive briefing, making unguided dive not a problem. They also provide two complimentary guided dive per day for those that need them. Professional organisation on dive deck. Bonus information on marine life and minke whales from researcher on boat. Provide drop off service in Cairns area.
Recommended for
Minke Whale, Crew, Diving
22 Jul, 2019

9.2 Superb
Shawn A
United States

Amazing experience
Definitely spending time on the whale lines watching the minke whales. The shark feed dive was awesome and the wall dive that was next to the shark feed was equally good. Potato cod, sea turtles, sea snakes, and eagle rays were other highlights of the trip. The crew was also really great, they were fun and friendly and were just as excited as the guests were when spotting whales or talking about the dives. I would recommend this trip to any serious diver.
Recommended for
Whales, Shark Feed, the Crew
12 Sep, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Eglys V
Canada

Come dive with Spoilsport
Overal great experience. Very lovely boat
Recommended for
The diving sports. The equipment. The food.
24 Dec, 2025

10 Exceptional
Brooke B
United States

Amazing
I loved the crew! They were very friendly! The food we had on board was also great! The dives were always exciting and we always had a guide available if needed!
Recommended for
The dives, the living space, and the crew
16 May, 2024

10 Exceptional
Desmond M
Canada

Expensive but worth every penny; I will remember this forever.
superb
Recommended for
sites, staff, food
13 Jan, 2016

10 Exceptional
Michael B
New Zealand

Fantastic trip that exceeded our expectations
Opportunity to have so many dives, using great equipment and smart, experienced, and friendly staff enabling us to get the very most out of the trip. Highlight was Coral Kingdom dive - simply stunning!
Recommended for
The diving was fantastic, despite so so conditions. The crew was friendly and very knowledgable and service was top notch. Food and accomodations were wonderful.
11 May, 2016

8.8 Fabulous
Michele W
United States

Wonderful trip above and below the water!
The Shark encounter, friendly co-passengers, entertaining attentive crew!
Recommended for
Bobby’s cooking was outstanding!!, Destinations were wonderful!, Crew made me feel safe underwater and relaxed and happy above water.
17 Dec, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Joe S
United States

Excellent Experience with a phenomenal crew!
This was a phenomenal experience that I will do again in the future!
Recommended for
1) The Amazing Crew Members 2) The knowledge of the dive sites 3) the family feel amongst the entire group including the crew
24 Nov, 2023

9.2 Superb
Kathryn C
New Zealand

Swimming with 20+ minke whales, sharks, sea turtles & more!
Swimming with large groups of minke whales was incredible - they come so close to divers and snorkelers. The coral reefs are vibrant and full of sharks, fish, macro life and turtles. Incredible GBR outer-reef diving and the crew were so helpful and fun.
Recommended for
Minke whales, bull sharks, pygmy seahorses
16 Jul, 2019

8.8 Fabulous
Kate W
United States

Worth it
Wonderful trip, great diving, relaxed diving with open deck, catered well to my dietary restrictions, cruise director was amazing.
Recommended for
No other boats at the dive sites. accommodation to dietary requirements. Experience of other divers.
14 Sep, 2024

9.2 Superb
Martin C
Hong Kong

First time on a liveaboard
It was my first liveaboard experience, and I think I have been spoiled by the amazing trip: the crew were exceptionally friendly, the food was delicious, not to mention the amazing diving at the great barrier reef. My highlight was the shark attraction dive at Osprey reef!
Recommended for
Food, cabin crew, dive buddies
12 Jan, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Francis R
Belgium

Awesome diving experience
From the first moment, everything was perfect! Awesome flight over the reef, super friendly staff, amazing diving spots, really the whole package. Will go diving with Mike Ball again for sure!
Recommended for
Diving spots - friendly crew - food
02 Mar, 2020

10 Exceptional
Chien Hung Jackson H
Canada

Whole trip has been amazing!
Whole trip has been amazing!
Recommended for
Food. Staff. Diving.
09 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
David F
United Kingdom

Cod hole 3 nights
I honestly had a great time, the crew and fellow divers were really friendly and it was a really safe and fun environment to do the dives! All of the locations offered something different - I’d recommend it to anyone!
Recommended for
The diving, the crew and the food!
20 Oct, 2023

9.2 Superb
FATEN N
Jordan

Best trip ever
For me the reason I enjoyed so much and made everything else so good is Marita the dive trip director I can’t say anything bad about this trip because of her she is perfect The way she put things together and the way she explained everything was just too good , I never seen a leader that is so informative so knowledgeable and so loving and kind and so professional in what she does her diving skills her knowledge is just wow the way she describe the dive site is exactly what we get !! And the kindness that she has and her passion to diving is just too good and she influenced me big time the whole crew to tell u the truth are the reason for me enjoying , pablo , Rickardo , Blair , wow wow these people are so born to do this , Blair was just too kind and fun and awesome also the diving was wooooooooow best dive of my life but I can actually say Marita pablo rickardo and Blair made the dive better and Captin was so good and nice and understanding I had a situation as I can’t share the room with a man as am conservative Marita and Captin Peter were so understanding and tried to help so much , Captin sang for us and that was super wow and fun god bless all the team also I want to mention Annabel she was too kind and very professional and helpful
Recommended for
1 Marita 2. Diving 3 location
30 Dec, 2023

10 Exceptional
Zachary R
United States

Exceeded expectations and the absolute best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
The night dive in Gotham was unreal, so much activity and so many sharks made this the best night dive I have ever been on. Everything about the trip was perfect, from the low altitude plane ride over the reef to the food served constantly throughout the day. One of the best parts was the fact that they catered to my party's different levels of dive experience and did everything imaginable to make the trip a one of a kind experience. Furthermore, the personalty of the crew was top notch as they knew when to be serious, but more importantly, they were extremely laid back and helped remind us that we're in one of the best spots in the world to go diving and diving should be fun.
Recommended for
The a sheer number of dives, the biodiversity, the one-on-one expertise given by the crew
03 Apr, 2017