The Great Barrier Reef + Minke Whales

### Minke Whale Dive Expeditions – A unique opportunity on the Great Barrier Reef

Dwarf minke whales travel through the Great Barrier Reef each winter, with most sightings occurring during June and July. The Great Barrier Reef is the only location where snorkel and dive tours with minke whales are available and Mike Ball Dive Expeditions is one of a handful of operators licenced to operate them. Most sightings occur at Ribbon Reef # 10, where some of our best dive sites are.

These are the second smallest of the baleen whales and can grow up to eight metres in length, weigh several tonnes and are very inquisitive. An average interaction consists of 2 – 3 whales for approximately 90 minutes. The largest minke pod seen was 28 whales, the longest encounter 10 hours. However, minke whales are wild animals and can be unpredictable; past success does not guarantee future success.

Research is continuing to define the exact species of the dwarf minke whale that visits the Great Barrier Reef. There are two known species of minke whales, the North Atlantic minke whale and the slightly larger Antarctic minke whale. It is thought that the Great Barrier Reef dwarf minke whale is related to the North Atlantic minke, or is an un-named species.

This is a grand adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, but it is specifically planned during Minke Whale season. I fought for and won the perfect date for this trip, it's in the middle of Minke Whales season, but they will only give me half a boat or 14 berths - that's 13 pax plus me. This adventure is just 19 months away so it's not too far away, to plan one of the most unique and bucket list trips there are.

The most complete details and pricing are on my website, see below, https://coloradodivetravel.com/trips/pacific/australia/the-great-barrier-reef-minke-whales-jun-jul-2022/,

Please watch this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLfFFi1AYQg, this encounter is a privilege, to enjoy, with our friends in the sea.

Mike Ball Dive Expedition includes:

• 7 nights, in air-conditioned accommodation in twin/double cabins
• Delicious meals & snacks, complimentary soft drink or wine with evening meal
• Tanks, air fills and weight belt
• Reef ecology program
• Dive computer workshop
• Transfer to either our office, the airport or inner-city hotel after your expedition

Dive Package Does Not Include:

• International Flights Denver (DEN) to Australia
• Additional hotels and meals not specified
• Rental dive gear
• Scuba training
• Nitrox $150 AUD
• Crew gratuities

*Environmental Management Charge - $7/day (max 3 days) spent on the Great Barrier Reef – will be added to your onboard bar bill, in AUD.

Complete Package Pricing – starting at $4459 ($3010 USD). Prices are per person in AUD, based on double occupancy.

Payment Schedule:
Deposit: $1000 to reserve your space ($500 is non-refundable)
2nd Payment: $1500 is due on December 20, 2023
Final Payment: Balance is due on April 20, 2024

Passport requirement – must have 6 months remaining until expiration date upon return to USA.

For all dive trips, consider purchasing travel insurance, and dive accident insurance. Both are highly recommended, and are made available to purchase!

To purchase DAN dive accident insurance, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click on the DAN banner link, Join DAN Today!, then follow the prompts on DAN’s website.

To purchase travel insurance, please scroll to the bottom of this page, and click on the DAN banner link, Purchase Travel Insurance?, then follow the prompts on DAN’s website.

* Credit card or any payments made through the PayPal invoice will be charged an additional 3.5% (5% international payers). This fee covers the cost of the PayPal fee. Venmo, Zelle, Send Money to Friends and Family, and checks are always welcome.

If interested, please contact Andy Skuntz, at Colorado Dive + Travel Adventures, email to askuntz@yahoo.com, or call at 719-322-6941. This exciting trip will fill up fast.

Trip flyer, terms and conditions, and a trip application will be provided. Once the application is complete, please return to Andy via fax or email, then an invoice for the designated deposit will be provided.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or call me.

Thank you,

Andy Skuntz
719-322-6941
askuntz@yahoo.com