4-day/3-night Minke Whale Expedition
Taka Dive Adventures |
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This trip is aboard Taka II, a 72 foot Mono Hull with a maximum of 30 divers and a Dive Staff of 7. It is for 4 days, 3 nights, and allows 9 dives, plus 2 night dives.
Departure Information
Departure is from Taka Dive Office, 131 Lake St. Cairns, Cairns at 5:00 PM, return time 3:30 PM.
Trips depart 7/8/2008, 7/15/2008 and 7/22/2008.
The Dive
You visit one of the best dive areas on the entire Great Barrier Reef on this trip. The Ribbon Reefs, being out of range for one-day dive boats, are less frequently visited. The visibility is usually amazing. Only a few boats offer trips that combine a visit to this outstanding dive area, and the chance to interact with Dwarf Minke Whales; Taka is the choice of divers and snorkelers on a budget.
Taka Dive is very experienced with these unique animals, and has worked along side CRC Research and James Cook University in their Dwarf Minke Whale research programs since mid 1995. From the years of researching these whales they have discovered favored sites along the Ribbon Reef to encounter the whales. While Taka usually tries to stick to the usual itinerary during the whale season, customers are given the option to stay in the water with the whales and miss a dive. Taka’s skipper is highly experienced with these animals; he’s also a trained zoologist. Dwarf Minke Whales are encountered on 90% of these trips.
Due to unpredictable encounters with the whales, itineraries are subject to change during this season. For the protection of these whales, scuba diving is prohibited with the whales. Snorkeling from a Mermaid line is the safest and most non-intrusive way to interact with and these whales.
This is an ideal trip for snorkelers as well as scuba divers. Not only do they get to interact with the whales, but two introductory scuba dives are included in the trip price for snorkelers as well.
For more info about this boat, see the floorplan.
The Boat
The Taka II is a large and comfortable liveaboard. There is ample room for the 26 divers aboard. There are large deck and dining areas, comfortable air-conditioned cabins, and a staff that prides itself on its service and friendliness. She's an older boat, built in 1980 and as befits her age, she is neither as sleek or as fast as other boats running up to the Northern Reefs. The first and last nights of the trip she will be motoring to and from the Norther Reefs.
Dive photographers will especially appreciate the on board slide processing equipment. (Hungry divers will appreciate the tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit that are available at all times in the lounge!)
Trip Prices
Included
 Tanks, weights (with Dive price only)
All linen
Tea, coffee, snacks
All meals
Light, batteries for night dives (with Dive price only)
Transfers to/from your Cairns lodging
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All prices are in
US Dollars. |
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1 Jul 08 -
onwards
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| 4-share cabin, snorkeller |
$951 |
| Standard Twin, snorkeller |
$1,047 |
| 4-share cabin, certified diver |
$1,047 |
| Standard Twin, certified diver |
$1,142 |
| Double/Twin w/bath, snorkeller |
$1,237 |
| Double/Twin w/bath, certified diver |
$1,332 |
| Stateroom, snorkeller |
$1,427 |
| Stateroom, certified diver |
$1,522 |
| Extras: | |
| Beer, wine, soda, on sale at bar |
- | | Environmental management charge (pay on board) per trip |
$14 | | Subsequent Intro. Scuba dives per dive |
$29 | | Fuel levy (pay on board) per trip |
$43 | | Underwater video of trip |
$57 | | Camera hire (Sea&Sea MX10/Strobe) per trip |
$62 | | All dive gear (inc. computer) per trip |
$95 | | PADI advanced course per course |
$124 | | Underwater photography course per course |
$238 | | Nitrox certification course per couse |
$266 |
About Taka Dive Adventures
Taka Dive Specializes in providing full service liveaboard diving at a good price. The company has been operating in Cairns since 1990.
Taka III is a large purpose-built dive vessel, and the newest of all the dive boats visiting the Cod Hole?ribbon Reefs region. The staff is professional, friendly and helpful.
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