Mike Ball – Spoilsport

  • 29 - Pax
  • 12, 18, 26 - Dives
  • 3, 4, 7 - Nights

We offer discounts on the prices shown, for all Mike Ball trips.

Contact us for details of discounts on the prices shown!

 

 

 

Monday and Thursday departures

Spoilsport is one of the longest running, and the most awarded dive liveaboard offering 3, 4 and 7 night expeditions to the Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea. Spoilsport offers an open dive deck, and is very relaxed. “Spoilsport” lives up to its name.

Trips depart Mondays (3 night Ribbon Reef Cod Hole) and Thursday (4 night Coral Sea and Ribbon Reef).  Fly one way and motor the other. 7 day trips depart Thursdays.

Dive the Northern Great Barrier Reef with Mike Ball’s Spoilsport

Experience the spectacular biodiversity of the northern Great Barrier Reef aboard Mike Ball’s award-winning liveaboard, Spoilsport.
From the world-famous Cod Hole to remote reefs in the Coral Sea, every dive promises unforgettable marine encounters.
Moreover, thrill-seekers can enjoy big fish action, shark encounters, and crystal-clear visibility, making each dive an adventure.

Why Choose Spoilsport?

Spoilsport is Australia’s most awarded dive liveaboard, custom-built for diving.
Its twin-hull design maximises space, stability, and onboard comfort.
In addition, Mike Ball’s unique dive procedures give divers greater freedom.
Thanks to the ‘open dive deck’ policy, there are no restrictions on bottom time, allowing you to explore the reef at your own pace.

Furthermore, Spoilsport’s experienced crew ensures safety, guidance, and a personalised dive experience.
Whether you are a beginner, advanced diver, or underwater photographer, every trip combines adventure, comfort, and world-class diving.

Cabin Types

Spoilsport offers a variety of cabins to suit different needs and budgets.

Premium Cabin

  • Queen or double bed
  • Private bathroom
  • Ocean views

Standard Cabin

  • Twin beds
  • Private bathroom
  • Ocean views

Club Cabin

  • Twin bunk beds
  • Private bathroom
  • No ocean view

Budget Cabin

  • Twin bunk beds
  • Shared bathroom
  • No ocean view

For full vessel layout and cabin details, click here.

Why Spoilsport Stands Out

  • Dive the northern Great Barrier Reef and remote Coral Sea sites.
  • Access Cod Hole for one of the world’s most famous dive experiences.
  • Encounter big fish, sharks, and abundant marine life.
  • Enjoy open dive deck policy for unrestricted bottom time.
  • Sail on a twin-hull, custom-built liveaboard with maximum stability.
  • Select from Premium, Standard, Club, or Budget cabins to suit your needs.
  • Experience award-winning service, expert guides, and small, personalised groups.

Spoilsport combines comfort, adventure, and extraordinary diving to deliver a truly unforgettable liveaboard experience.

For a schedule of all 2026 – 2027 trips click here

Itinerary

Spoilsport Liveaboard Itineraries

Explore the Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs, and Coral Sea on Spoilsport, Australia’s most awarded dive liveaboard.
Trips range from 3, 4, to 7 nights, with up to 26 dives, expert guides, and open deck diving for unrestricted bottom time.

3-Day / 3-Night Cod Hole – 12 Dives

Departure: Monday, 7:00 am | Return: Thursday, 7:00 am
Fly / Dive: Fly one way, motor the other

Itinerary:
Monday:

  • 6:30–7:15 am: Check-in at Mike Ball Office, 3 Abbott St, Cairns
  • 7:15 am: Transfer to Cairns Airport for 8:00 am flight to Lizard Island
  • Mid-morning: Board Spoilsport, tour briefing
  • 12:45 pm: First dive briefing and dive
  • 2:00 pm: Lunch
  • 3:45 pm: Dive briefing and second dive
  • 4:45 pm: Afternoon tea
  • 6:00 pm: Night dive
  • 8:00 pm: Dinner

Tuesday–Wednesday:

  • 4 dives per day + night dives
  • Sites include Pixie Pinnacle, Lighthouse Bommie, Andy’s Postcard, Clam Beds, Vertical Gardens, Flare Point, Joanie’s Joy, Steve’s Bommie
  • Expect vibrant coral, schooling fish, lionfish, nudibranchs, turtles, and giant clams
  • Wednesday evening: Sunset champagne, Aussie BBQ party, cruise back to Cairns

Thursday:

  • 7:00 am: Light breakfast and disembark
  • Courtesy transfer to Cairns accommodation or airport

For travel route map click here

4-Day / 4-Night Coral Sea – 14 Dives

Departure: Thursday, 6:00 pm | Return: Tuesday, 7:00 am

Thursday:

  • 8:30 am–4:00 pm: Check-in at Mike Ball Office
  • 4:00 pm: Meet at Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf
  • 5:50 pm: Board Spoilsport, enjoy briefing, champagne, and light snacks
  • 6:00 pm: Depart Cairns, cruise overnight to Ribbon Reefs

Friday–Sunday:

  • 4 dives per day + night dives
  • Sites include Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea locations
  • Expect colorful reef life, schooling fish, sharks, and photogenic sites
  • Sunday evening: Sunset champagne, Aussie BBQ, overnight cruise to Lizard Island

Monday:

  • 7:00 am: Light breakfast
  • 8:00 am: Scenic flight back to Cairns
  • 11:45 am: Arrive Cairns, courtesy transfer to accommodation or Mike Ball Office

For travel route map click here

7-Day / 7-Night Cod Hole – 26 Dives

Departure: Thursday, 6:00 pm | Return: Thursday, 7:00 am
Exploration: Remote Coral Sea, Far Northern Reefs, Ribbon Reefs

Thursday:

  • 8:30 am–4:00 pm: Check-in Mike Ball Office
  • 4:00 pm: Meet at Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf
  • 5:50 pm: Board Spoilsport, briefing, champagne, light snacks
  • 6:00 pm: Depart Cairns overnight to Ribbon Reefs

Friday–Wednesday:

  • 4 dives per day + night dives (some days 3 dives)
  • Sites include Bougainville, Dungeons & Dragons, Crystal Plateau, MV Antonio Tarabocchia, Osprey, Admiralty, False Entrance, North Horn, TMO, Creech Reef, Stanley Island, Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle, Gotham City, Cracker Jack, Clam Beds, Steve’s Bommie
  • Highlights: Coral gardens, schooling fish, turtles, sharks, giant clams, and indigenous artwork at Stanley Island
  • Sunset champagne, Aussie BBQ party Wednesday evening
  • Cruise back to Cairns overnight

Thursday:

  • 7:00 am: Breakfast and disembark
  • Courtesy transfer to Cairns accommodation

For a travel route map click here

Important Notes

  • Trips include fly/diver options, night dives, and expert guides.
  • Full itinerary and dive site map available here.

 

Mike Ball – Spoilsport - Rates + Bookings

Cod Hole - Premium $3,574.00
Cod Hole - Standard $3,266.00
Cod Hole -Club $2,899.00
Cod Hole - Budget $2,504.00
Coral Sea - Premium $3,945.00
Coral Sea - Standard $3,602.00
Coral Sea - Club $3,255.00
Coral Sea - Budget $2,835.00
7 night Safari - Premium $7,022.00
7 night Safari - Standard $6,450.00
7 night Safari - Club $5,635.00
7 night Safari - Budget $4,802.00
3 night Minke Premium $3,624.00
3 night Minke Standard $3,313.00
3 night Minke Club $2,940.00
3 night Minke Budget $2,540.00
4 night Minke Premium $4,001.00
4 night Minke Standard $3,653.00
4 night Minke Club $3,301.00
4 night Minke Budget $2,875.00
Date of Travel

Contact us prior to booking to check availability and ask us about any current discounts running.

Prices are in AUD and exclude the Reef tax of $7 per person per day.

Fuel levy of $44 per person is applicable on 7 day Safari trips.

Full payment will be taken at the time of booking

Prices valid until March 31st 2027

NOTE: Special trips operate throughout the year. See here for schedules. Contact us for prices if not listed above

Solo travellers: Mandatory sole occupancy surcharge of 70% applies

Inclusions

  • Daily serviced air conditioned accommodation
  • Complimentary softdrinks and wine with your evening meal
  • Superb meals plus fresh snacks between meals
  • Spectacular low level reef flight (except on 7 Night Coral Sea Safari)
  • Warm towels after every dive
  • Uncrowded dive sites – choose between main vessel or tender dives
  • Complimentary Reef Ecology Certificate course
  • Vivid Pix digital photo editing software workshop

Extras

  • Gear rental (if needed)
  • Government Environmental Management Charge – $24 per person per trip.
  • Evacuation Insurance (if needed) – passenger/s require insurance for Diver Medical Evacuation (DAN insurance is recommended, if alternative insurance arrangements have not been made)