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Dive Review of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions in
Australia/GBR - Coral Sea

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, Dec, 2013,

by Janice Smith, MI, US (Reviewer Reviewer 4 reports with 7 Helpful votes). Report 7481.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 5 stars Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments I signed up for two back to back trips on MIke Ball for a total 7 day trip. I booked directly wiht Mike Ball. Even with the time difference, the office was very professional and prompt in arranging the trip. They do a nice job in helping you with hotel/tour arrangements and provide very detailed planning information. They have you drop off your luggage and check in prior to the trip and recommend you meet at a nearby bar for drinks/dinner for boarding. This worked out well and all luggage was in your cabin and you got to meet everyone before. Mike Ball came and personally met our group. What a nice touch. The crew was fabulous from the beggining- professional, courteous, and fun. The boat is well laid out for divers. Cabins were decent size and were very clean and well kept. Boat and dive briefing were very thorough. As winds were a bit high, we had a rough ride out overnight to the Coral Sea. Water was a bit choppy and vis a bit reduced, but Captain Pete made sure we got to the best spots. Day 3 the clouds parted, the wind stopped and we have 150+ vis. We saw the giant cod, schools of Bump head parrot fish, and of course sharks. The second part of trip we were more on the GBP. The hard coral at the Acropolis and Steve's Bommie were incredible. Wobegon Sharks, large stonefish, wasp fish, and of course lots on anemone fish. We celebrated both Christmas eve an d Christmas on the boat. The chef and staff fixed a great feast on Christmas including Engligh crackers and a proper pudding. The last night on the boat we celebrated Christmas. Capt Pete played the guitar and we all sang along. The first mate grilled shrimp on the barbie and kangaroo too. The food all week was varied and excellent. Overall it was a fantastic trip because of the diving, guests and the crew. It is definitely in my top 3 dive destinations and I look forward to returning. Many thanks to the other guests and crew for such a great week.
Websites Mike Ball Dive Expeditions   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Palau, Sulawesi, Cocos, Galapagos, Caribbean
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, cloudy Seas calm, choppy, surge
Water Temp 82-82°F / 28-28°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-150 Ft/ 18-46 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Use computer, Dive with buddy,
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 4 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 2 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 5 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities 5 stars
UW Photo Comments Julie the UW Professional was great. She took both videos and photos throughout the trip. She really made an effort to get around to everyone. She also provided reef education seminars which were great, on-land tour. She taught the PADI UW digital photography class. As I was the only one in class, I got great help with camera settings and white balance. Very helpful class and made a big difference. In addition, she is a super person. Thanks Julie.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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