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 ADVENTURE DIVING and RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS

Departing from Port Douglas, Northern Queensland
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Exciting 6 (or 9 day) adventure diving expeditions which support reef research and ecological education.   Live aboard arguably the most interesting adventure dive boat in Australia, a 25 metre motor vessel with 5 crew and a maximum of 20 passengers.   Expedition and research themes throughout the year include minke whales (pictured below, left), sharks, octopus, plus nautilus (shellfish) and coral spawning. There is always at least one marine biologist aboard, giving  participants the opportunity to dive and mix with scientific experts.   The expeditions visit remote reefs off northern QLD including Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, Ribbon Reefs, and Cod Hole (pictured below, right) near Lizard island.  This is an internationally renowned dive operation that has featured in National Geographic and the Discovery Channel. Truly Australia commends this dive operation whereby tourism helps to fund ecological research.
Minke whale, northern QLD Diving the Cod Hole, northern QLD
  

Getting to Port Douglas ...

Cairns is a major international and domestic airport in northern Queensland.   Port Douglas is about a one hour drive north from Cairns.   Local bus services operate from Cairns city and the airport to Port Douglas taking about 90-100 minutes. Alternatively private car transfers can be arranged.
Boarding the vessel for these dive expeditions commences from 5.00 pm.
 

The Vessel ...
The Undersea ExplorerDive platform, Undersea ExplorerA purpose built 25 metre steel, adventure diving boat.  Fully air-conditioned, it can accommodate 20 passengers, 5 highly trained crew and a couple of visiting scientists comfortably.  The cabins are queen and twin share bunk style with no more than 2 persons allocated to each cabin; single cabin occupancy may be possible at the dive operators discretion, on request and at a supplement - normally however, single travellers will be offered a same gender cabin share.   Bathrooms are separate and are shared. 
Time aboard usually develops into an ongoing exchange of ideas and experiences.   Excellent food from the chef's galley and a highly personable and professional crew ensure that your diving holiday is most memorable.  And even with constant activity in the ocean, there will always be a quiet place aboard in which to simply relax.  A previous passenger on the 'Undersea Explorer' described her diving holiday as " ... a 5-star experience in 3½-star accommodation with 4-star food throughout ..."
  

The Diving ...
There are 5 crew - skipper, engineer, marine biologist, dive instructor, who are all divemasters or instructors, plus a chef.   Before each dive, participants will receive a thorough dive briefing.   Diving safety is of the highest priority.   Queensland Government Regulations insist on 'buddy' pair diving and at various times during the trip there will be opportunities to dive with a crew member.   During each 6 day trip there will be a maximum of 20 - 22 dives.
Do only experienced divers go on this trip?
No.  Most participating divers are intermediate to experienced divers, but recently certified divers can also travel.   However divers who have not dived in the previous 6 months and inexperienced divers are recommended to undertake a refresher course.   For those not trained in night dives or deep dives, an onboard advanced course is available.
Are these adventure diving or research expeditions?
A combination of both.   On all trips passengers enjoy the very best adventure diving whilst research projects are conducted around them resulting in interesting and informative marine biology presentations and hands-on learning in the water.
Do you dive as a group?
Participants are free to plan and execute their dives with their chosen 'buddy'.   However there is always a crew member who will be diving and who will assist with divers who are less experienced or less confident.  
IMPORTANT DIVE INFORMATION: 
~Certified divers must produce certification cards and log books.
~Certified divers aged over 55 years need to obtain an Australian Standards medical form AS4005.
Silvertip shark, Great Barrier Reef Parrot fish, Great Barrier Reef
  

The Commitment ...
The operators of the vessel 'Undersea Explorer' have pledged the following -

Commitment to the adventure diver:
  • dive the best dive sites the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea can offer
  • provide exciting and flexible diving opportunities that promote self sufficient diving whilst maintaining the highest safety standards
  • discover new marine creatures, observe their behaviour and other natural events that will enhance the diving
  • provide a friendly, enjoyable and inspirational atmosphere
  • conduct the most interesting diving experience possible

Commitment to the environment:
  • conduct valuable new marine research projects
  • conduct quality coral reef education programmes
  • fund research projects in collaboration with other institutes and researchers
  • propose and support important marine conservation issues
  • develop and support accreditation for environmental education and guiding programmes
  • produce films and articles which increase awareness and promote action for marine conservation
  • develop practical approaches to reef management in liaison with industry, government, community and conservation bodies
A school of baracuda, Great Barrier Reef
  

More information about these adventure diving and research expeditions ...
For an area map... 
PRICES: Adventure Dive/Research Expeditions Per Person Aboard the 'Undersea Explorer': Share of Twin Cabin Truly
Reference
Link direct to Undersea Explorer's own website for up-to-date prices and schedules
            2008 Dive Schedule and Prices		 Use Undersea Explorers' own ref (eg. MR107)
2007 / 2008 Dive Schedule and Prices: GET A FREE HOTEL NIGHT IN CAIRNS or PORT DOUGLAS
Book your Adventure Dive/Research Expedition through Truly Australia and receive a free night's accommodation before or the night after your expedition either in Cairns (Cairns Colonial Club Standard Room or similar hotel) or in Port Douglas (The Mediterranean, studio room, or similar hotel - One twin room, on a room only basis, per two passengers booking.  This offer is subject to availability. For brief details of the accommodation click - City Hotels/Cairns and Nearby
Please include the words 'Free offer - Cairns/Port Douglas (indicate you choice and date)'  on your Truly Australia Booking Request Form to claim this free offer.
NOTE: THIS FREE ACCOMMODATION IS IN ADDITION TO ANY SPECIAL OFFERS WHICH UNDERSEA EXPLORER MAY ALSO BE OFFERING FOR A PARTICULAR DEPARTURE.
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our Currency Converter
Click here for details of How to Book /How to Make a Secure Payment
Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made direct with the local operator or hotel.   You are completely free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote separately by Email for competitive flight prices, including in business class.
  
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