Route Description - Northern Exposure – Northbound
Embark on the Northern Exposure Expedition: a thrilling journey along the Continental Shelf to explore some of the most secluded, untouched regions of Australia’s Far Northern Great Barrier Reef. Venture into the rarely visited northern reaches, where pristine reefs, vibrant marine life, and awe-inspiring underwater landscapes await. This is the chance to discover the true hidden gems of the Far North Great Barrier Reef, immersed in pure, natural beauty.
Itinerary
Northbound Expedition – Cairns to Horn Island (Up to 27 dives)
Sample itinerary – subject to change based on weather and sea conditions.
Note: This expedition departs from Cairns aboard Spoilsport and concludes at Horn Island. Guests are responsible for arranging their own commercial flight from Horn Island (not included in the expedition price).
Thursday – Departure from Cairns
Guests are asked to check in at the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions office (3 Abbott Street, Cairns) between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm.
At 3:30 pm, the crew escorts guests to board Spoilsport. Once on board, a full safety and trip briefing is provided by the Trip Director.
At 5:00 pm, Spoilsport departs Cairns and heads north. During this time, guests can organise rental gear and set up dive equipment on the deck.
7:00 pm – Dinner is served.
Friday – Diving Begins (Up to 4 dives + night dive)
A typical dive day includes:
6:30 am – Wake-up call and light breakfast
7:00 am – Dive briefing and morning dive
9:00 am – Full cooked breakfast
10:30 am – Dive briefing; “open deck” format allows for 1–2 dives
2:00 pm – Lunch
3:30 pm – Dive briefing and afternoon dive
4:30 pm – Afternoon tea
6:30 pm – Night dive briefing and dive
8:00 pm – Dinner
Dive times and locations may vary to optimize conditions.
Saturday – Exploration & Celebration (Up to 3 dives + excursion + BBQ party night)
Morning follows the same structure as Friday with up to 3 dives.
4:00 pm – Island excursion to Stanley Island Rock Art, offering a chance to explore local indigenous heritage.
7:00 pm – Onboard BBQ party night with music, food, and a relaxed atmosphere under the stars.
Sunday to Tuesday – Diving Continues (Up to 4 dives + night dive daily)
Guests continue exploring world-class sites along the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, following the daily dive schedule as outlined on Friday.
Wednesday – Final Dive Day (Up to 4 dives)
The final day of diving concludes by 5:00 pm. In the evening, guests celebrate with a farewell BBQ party. Everyone is encouraged to wear their brightest tropical shirts or dresses.
That night, Spoilsport cruises toward Horn Island.
Thursday – Disembarkation at Horn Island
7:00 am – Light breakfast
8:00 am – Disembarkation
Guests transfer independently to Horn Island Airport for their onward flights.
Important Notes
Flight Timing: Ensure at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight (last dive ends at 5:00 pm Wednesday).
Flights: Commercial flights from Horn Island are not included and must be booked independently.
Luggage: Please confirm weight limits with your airline.
Courses: No dive courses are available on this expedition.