Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Fly Dive Cod Hole

Map View Full Details Reviews

Fly low over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns to Lizard Island, then spend three nights on the liveaboard Spoilsport diving the Ribbon Reefs, home of the Cod Hole and its diver-sized potato cod. Up to 12 dives, suitable for new divers through to experienced ones, and snorkellers too.

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Age

Junior divers from 12 with depth limits

Group size

Shared liveaboard, 14 cabins

Start / finish

Cairns / Lizard Island / Ribbon Reefs / Cairns
Trinity Wharf, Cairns, about 8am

Return

Trinity Wharf, Cairns, about 8am

Accommodation

3 nights in a cabin on the liveaboard Spoilsport

Transport

Light aircraft to Lizard Island, then the dive boat back to Cairns

Meals

All meals and snacks on board, wine with dinner

Route

Map of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Fly Dive Cod Hole

View map

Included experiences

Scenic flight — an hour low over the Ribbon Reefs to Lizard Island
Cod Hole — dive with giant potato cod
Pixie Pinnacle and Steve's Bommie — soft corals, critters and schooling fish
Gotham City — night dive among hunting fish
BBQ night — the crew's party on the last evening

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions Fly Dive Cod Hole

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS TO LIZARD ISLAND BY AIR

Check in at the Mike Ball office in central Cairns early in the morning, then it's off to the airport for a low-level flight of about an hour and 250 km. You fly along the edge of the continental shelf, looking down on the Ribbon Reefs you're about to dive and on Endeavour Reef, where Captain Cook's ship ran aground in June 1770. At Lizard Island, which Cook named for its monitor lizards, you board Spoilsport, a 30 metre twin-hulled liveaboard built for Mike Ball in 1989. After the welcome briefing and gear set-up comes your first dive, then an afternoon dive and a night dive before dinner.

Lizard Island's own fringing reefs are on the trip's list too, for diving or snorkelling, along with the ruins of Mrs Watson's cottage. In 1881 Mary Watson fled an attack here in an iron boiling tank with her baby son and her servant Ah Sam, and all three died of thirst on another island. A boardwalk through pandanus palms climbs to Chinaman's Ridge for a view over the island and its reefs.

Overnight: On board Spoilsport, Ribbon Reefs

DAY 2: THE RIBBON REEFS AND THE COD HOLE

A full day on the Ribbon Reefs, a chain of ten narrow reefs right on the edge of the continental shelf, where upwelling water feeds around 1,500 fish species. Mike Ball runs an open dive deck, so you decide how many dives you do and how long you stay down: up to four plus a night dive, with guided group dives morning and afternoon. The star is the Cod Hole, where potato cod as big as you swim right up for a look; it is one of the few single sites named in the reef's World Heritage listing. Pixie Pinnacle hides the flashing "disco" clam, and Gotham City is named for its batfish. In June and July, dwarf minke whales pass through.

Overnight: On board Spoilsport, Ribbon Reefs

DAY 3: STEVE'S BOMMIE AND BBQ NIGHT

Another morning and afternoon of up to four dives, perhaps at Steve's Bommie, a photographer's favourite crowded with stonefish, scorpionfish, octopus, clownfish and schooling fish, or at Lighthouse Bommie, a pinnacle where sharks, rays, turtles and olive sea snakes turn up. Coral Kingdom is another site on this route, with wide beds of staghorn coral, giant clams and bumphead parrotfish. Diving finishes by mid-to-late afternoon, which leaves 24 hours before any flight home. As the sun goes down, the crew bring out champagne for the Aussie BBQ party night, so pack your loudest tropical shirt. Spoilsport then cruises south towards Cairns overnight.

Overnight: On board Spoilsport, cruising to Cairns

DAY 4: BACK IN CAIRNS

Spoilsport docks early at Trinity Wharf in Cairns, the town that grew up from 1876 as a port for the goldfields inland. After a light breakfast you step ashore at about 8am, and you're dropped at your inner-city hotel, the airport or the Mike Ball office. Flying out later? The office can hold your bags until 4pm, leaving you the morning to wander the Esplanade and swap photos of the potato cod over coffee.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions office, Abbott Street, central Cairns. Check in between 6:30 and 7am on Monday; make your own way there.
Finishes: Trinity Wharf, Cairns, about 8am on Thursday, with a transfer to your inner-city hotel, the airport or the office.
Suits: Novice to advanced divers, and competent snorkellers. Sites are 0 to 30 metres deep, inside the shelter of the reef, with visibility often around 25 metres. Divers with fewer than 15 logged dives, or few recent ones, do a free orientation dive first.
Fitness: You must declare medical conditions when you book; some need a doctor's dive medical. Spoilsport is not built for divers who can't move around the boat on their own. Briefings are in English only.
Accommodation note: Spoilsport has 14 cabins: Premium (double or queen bed, ensuite, ocean view), Standard (twin beds, ensuite, ocean view), Club (bunks, ensuite) and Budget (bunks, shared bathroom). All are air-conditioned.
Please note: Luggage on the light aircraft is limited to 28 kg each including hand luggage, in soft bags of no more than 20 kg, with a small extra allowance for professional camera housings; spare luggage can be stored at the office. Allow 24 hours between your last dive and your flight home. Sites can change with the weather.

What to bring

Quick-dry towel for the dive deck
Refillable water bottle
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Long sleeves and pants for cooler evenings
A loud shirt or dress for BBQ night
Soft-sided bags only, for the light aircraft

What is included

Scenic low-level flight from Cairns to Lizard Island
3 nights on Spoilsport in your chosen cabin type, twin or double share
All meals and snacks, with wine and soft drink at dinner
Up to 12 dives, with tanks, air fills and weight belt
Nautilus Lifeline GPS on loan for every dive
Reef ecology talks and a dive computer workshop
Daily cabin service
Transfer to the airport, your Cairns hotel or the office at the end

Not included

Environmental Management Charge of about $8.50 per person per day, added to your bar bill on board
Dive gear hire, nitrox and dive courses
Drinks from the bar
Private dive guides

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 4 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

My dad and I did the 3-night Cod Hole trip and couldn't have had a better time. The crew and service were amazing, everything was organised yet relaxed, and I loved Helen's marine life talk and photos. Having the dive sites to ourselves with no other boats made it extra special.

Olivia Fodor Verified· Travelled 1st October 2026

Read original ↗

(5/5)

We loved our 3-night fly-dive Cod Hole trip, though we missed the giant cod while doing our check-out dive. The flight to Lizard Island went smoothly, the double cabin was comfortable, the chef catered brilliantly for every diet, briefings were thorough and safety-focused, and Pablo's free trip photos and video arrived quickly.

Katharine Ryans (Kate) Verified· Travelled 24th August 2026

Read original ↗

(5/5)

An incredible 3-night Cod Hole trip. After a simple check-in we took the low reef flight to Lizard Island and joined Spoilsport. Steve's Bommie was my favourite site, Kerrin's briefings and wake-up songs were a highlight, the instructors were fun, and the food was outstanding. My only wish is that the photo packages had been explained at the start.

Carly W Verified· Travelled 3rd October 2017

Read original ↗

(5/5)

We joined the 3-day Cod Hole trip and enjoyed every second. The flight over the reef was amazing, the crew were professional and kind, the cabins clean and comfortable, and the guides knew where to take us. The final-night barbecue with the captain singing and playing guitar was fabulous.

Galit LEVIN GICHON Verified· Travelled 15th September 2017

Read original ↗