Spoilsport Liveaboard, Australia

Name: Far North Coral Sea Exploratory (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-10-22
End: 2026-10-29
Location: Australia

9.2 Superb

Nitrox available
Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers

from $ 405 / day Check dates

“Great crew who attended to every detail of comfort, safety and service with high professional standards.”
BRIAN D, Australia

Highlights

Australia’s most awarded liveaboard dive boat
Twin hull design to increase stability and reduce motion onboard
Swim with dwarf minke whales in June & July

The MV Spoilsport liveaboard is an award winning vessel which was custom built to explore the uncrowded dive sites of the Coral Sea. The twin hull design of the boat increases stability making for smooth sailing year-round. On board there are 4 cabin standards to cater to differing budgets, from the budget cabins with twin bunk beds to the premium cabins with double beds and ocean views.

The on board dining experience includes chef prepared meals with freshly sourced produce from sustainable resources from both land and sea. A wide variety of dietary requirements can be catered to, including vegetarian and vegan, which are served at the indoor salon and dining room. There is a large sun deck on the upper deck with a partially shaded area and comfortable loungers.

Guests can enjoy world-class diving on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea with the Spoilsport Australia. Itineraries include the 5-night Coral Sea & Cod Hole trip, the 6-night Yongala & Coral Sea trip for adventure diving the SS Yongala Wreck; Wheeler, Holmes & Flinders Reef, 3, 4 & 7 night fly dive expeditions as well as the limited minke whale trips.

Call us or book online today to start planning your Coral Sea dive liveaboard aboard the Spoilsport yacht.

Please note that the 3 and 4 night itineraries can be extended to 7 night trips.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

27 Aug

6 Days / 5 Nights

$ 2,458

Select Cabin only 1 space left

03 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,032

FULL

03 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,442

FULL

07 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,795

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

10 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,442

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

17 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,032

FULL

17 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,442

FULL

21 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,795

FULL

24 Sep

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,032

FULL

24 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,442

FULL

28 Sep

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,795

FULL

01 Oct

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,032

FULL

Included: VAT, Port Fees, Local Flights, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Cabin Towels.

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (AUD20 / night), National Park Fees (AUD8 / day).

Optional Extras: Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Nitrox (AUD30 / day), Nitrox Course (AUD310 / item), Private Dive Guide (AUD350 / activity), Rental Gear (AUD44 / day), Scuba Diving Courses (AUD280-310 / item), Snorkel Gear.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Naturalist Guide
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Non-Smoking Rooms
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Outdoor Dining
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Naturalist Guide

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Fine Wines Selection
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Tech diving
Rebreather Support
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 1990

Year renovated: 2014

Length: 30 meters

Beam: 10.5 meters

Top speed: 15 knots

Cruising speed: 10 knots

Engines: 2 x 354 KW Detroit 60 series

Max guests: 28

Number of cabins: 14

Number of bathrooms: 14

Tenders: 2 inflatables

Water capacity: 8000 liters

Fuel capacity: 12'000 liters

Freshwater maker: 10'00 liters per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Spoilsport Reviews

9.2 Superb

Vessel

8.9
Crew

9.3
Food

9.8
Diving

9.4
Value

8.8

9.2 Superb
Wolfram S
Germany

Very well organized
Super efficient, highly organized, very friendly and helpful crew.e
Recommended for
Crew. Diving. Food.
23 Oct, 2025

9.6 Exceptional
Cesar A
Spain

Wonderfull
LOVE from the crew,diving and food
Recommended for
Crew,nature and sea
27 Aug, 2023

10 Exceptional
Walt B
United States

Mike Ball Liveaboard is the BEST!
The room was spacious and comfortable, the service was excellent, the food superb, and the diving was great. The Mike a Ball Staff worked tirelessly to ensure we had a memorable trip. They are the best!
Recommended for
Supreme Service from a Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff! Great diving! Great Food!
11 Sep, 2015

6.8 Review score
Marco C
Portugal

Interesting journey as a whole
Interesting dives but without having seen the Minkle whale and with previous liveaboards of great quality make it difficult to classify this trip as incredible. A curiosity... There are several dives that allow tourists to do unguided dives, that is, on their own!
Recommended for
Great Barrier Reef. Crew. Route boat trip.
18 Jul, 2026

Translated from Portuguese

10 Exceptional
Ghaffar Z
Netherlands

Unforgettable Diving Trip
Very friendly crew, everything was fantastic especially night dives and dives with sharks.
Recommended for
Diving, service, comfort
16 Apr, 2018

Translated from Dutch

9.6 Exceptional
Christopher F
United Kingdom

Dive a portion of reef where you are the only visitors
The service was brilliant from start to end, and this includes the people in the office. A great experience to see a range of species normally scared away at other sites due to the volume of divers. Recommendation leave only bubbles and take only pictures.
Recommended for
Sharks, cuttlefish and the staff
24 Dec, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
Norman D
United States

Everything you could ask for!
The crew was extremely helpful and friendly. The food was amazing and the chef was extremely accommodating for allergies and special diets. The diving was top notch with everything you could ask for
Recommended for
The crew, food, and diving were all amazing!
14 Jul, 2023

10 Exceptional
Ben L
United Kingdom

Brilliant trip, great staff, awesome dives, superb boat
- Shark feed and dives on Osprey reef - Fantastic weather and diving conditions - Excellent boat, all cabins clean and tidy, beds comfortable, fresh towels whenever requested. - Great food, like eating in a restaurant for all meals - Brilliant staff, all exceedingly friendly and happy to help no matter the time of day or night. Very professional and made the diving feel really easy and extremely safe.
Recommended for
great staff, awesome dives, superb boat
24 Jan, 2017

10 Exceptional
Colin Z
United States

Excellent Trip in Maldives with Scubaspa
the small crew and passengers on the boat which made it great to make new friendships. the diving team was great and thorough with their itineraries. saw amazing aquatic life and sceneries there. highly recommended!
Recommended for
friendly crew, best dive team, and great food!
06 Dec, 2017

8.8 Fabulous
John P
United Kingdom

Great experience
Overall excellent. One surprise was no on deck toilet and shower which is normally seen on all the live-aboards i have been on. This would have made things a little more convenient. Other than that the trip was superb.
Recommended for
Great food. Shark Dive. Low level flight back to Cairns.
30 Sep, 2025

225 reviews

9.2 Superb
225 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

9.6 Exceptional
Maximilian David C
Switzerland

An asolutely perfect trip z
It was a great trip for us!The crew is just not only good, they were fantastic. Familiar, friendly and uncomplicated.The lowest cabin category is so-so, but all the higher categories are wonderful.The diving is a little different than on other boats. You often dive without a guide. No problem for experienced divers. Great explanation of the dive sites. SAFETY IS THE TOP PRIORITY FOR THE OPERATOR! :-)
Recommended for
The staff was great. Thanks to the catamaran, it is a quieter boat. Dive sites in the Coral Sea.
26 Jan, 2026

Translated from German

9.6 Exceptional
Ngung Chia S
Singapore

Minke Minke every where
Saw Minke Whale 3 days in the 8D7N expedition. Some excellent diving sites e.g. lighthouse bommie. Rough sea due to strong wind but trip is comfortable because of excellent crew and food. Cabin is above average with adequate storage space for luggage and good air conditioner. Very detail dive briefing, making unguided dive not a problem. They also provide two complimentary guided dive per day for those that need them. Professional organisation on dive deck. Bonus information on marine life and minke whales from researcher on boat. Provide drop off service in Cairns area.
Recommended for
Minke Whale, Crew, Diving
22 Jul, 2019

10 Exceptional
Brian V
United States

These memories will last a lifetime and will always be at the top of the list!
My trip was full of amazing people and experiences! The scuba diving was safe and exciting. The boat (Spoilsport) was clean, well staffed with amazing food every meal. The crew were warm and friendly, extremely helpful and kept everyone very involved in the process.
Recommended for
The friends I made on the trip, the scuba diving and crew, the amazing food!
30 Oct, 2018

10 Exceptional
Eli R
United States

Superb diving on a boat made for diving that allows you to dive to your heart's content.
Spoilsport is a boat made for divers. The open deck dive policy is one of the best I've seen where you can go and explore with your buddy on your own dive plans and dive durations. The crew goes out of there way to make the experience pleasant. All this on top of fantastic diving in well flourishing sparsely visited portions of the Great Barrier Reef.
Recommended for
Open deck self guided diving. Really great trip leader organization and super attention to detail. Exploratory sites, didn't know what to expect.
12 Dec, 2025

10 Exceptional
David F
United Kingdom

Cod hole 3 nights
I honestly had a great time, the crew and fellow divers were really friendly and it was a really safe and fun environment to do the dives! All of the locations offered something different - I’d recommend it to anyone!
Recommended for
The diving, the crew and the food!
20 Oct, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
Kate W
United States

Worth it
Wonderful trip, great diving, relaxed diving with open deck, catered well to my dietary restrictions, cruise director was amazing.
Recommended for
No other boats at the dive sites. accommodation to dietary requirements. Experience of other divers.
14 Sep, 2024

10 Exceptional
Robert E
United States

Amazing
The dives were amazing and could not have had a better crew. They were informative and friendly as well as skilled in all aspects of diving. The shark dive was phenomenal, the flashlight fish completely remarkable and the wall dives beautiful. The reef was in great shape from our perspective, the colors, the variety and the condition all amounted to an absolutely memorable trip. Be happy to recommend Mike Ball to all who are curious. Although the seas were rough enough to disrupt your sleeping, that is living in the open seas. Learn to snuggle and hold each other together! Figured that out the last few hours of the last night.
Recommended for
Dives, Crew, Food
01 Nov, 2023

10 Exceptional
Tim K
United States

It was great. The shark feeding dive was the best part for me personally.
The previously mentioned Shark Feeding, sea snake and schools of fish under water were the best parts of the diving experience.
Recommended for
The Shark Feeding, Seeing the sea snake and schools of fish.
30 Dec, 2019

10 Exceptional
Mitchell G
United States

Mitch & Mimi's GBR Dive Experience
We loved the Dive director and Crew: Jelle, Kerrin, Kiana, Olly, Justin, Jemma, Derren, Trevor, Julia, and two vounteers Brian and Phil! Jelle was very organized and knowledgeable. The crew were so helpful and always busy. The food was amazing! The other divers on board were wonderful to get to know and have made some very good friends even though we had only been together for 3 days. And the dives were AMAZING! We saw so many beautiful fish, turtle, octopus, manta ray, cuttle fish, stone fish, giant clams, tiny nudibranchs, and beautiful corals! Words can't describe! Luckily we have some awesome pictures that Julia took! I highly recommend the SpoilSport Liveaboard! Thank you!
Recommended for
The dives, the crew, the organization, the food! (sorry that's 4)!
08 Feb, 2017

10 Exceptional
Jane D
Australia

Exceeded my expectations
This trip was amazing. The team on Spoilsport were first class. The diving was amazing, the cabins were comfortable and kept very clean. I absolutely loved this liveaboard.
Recommended for
The crew. The dive sites. The company on board.
06 Oct, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Hector Alastair I
United Kingdom

Superb trip to Coral Sea and barrier reef.
We had an excellent trip onboard Spoilsport, Kieran and crew were all very helpfully and the food was the best we've had on a Liveaboard. Dive sites chosen were all great and the fact that we were the only dive boat on the sites made it even better.
Recommended for
Excellent food. Great Crew. Very good diving.
27 Aug, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Erin O
Canada

Perfect once in a lifetime Minke Whale trip
The Minke Whales were the highlight of course. But I also enjoyed the BBQ on the last night and how organized and smoothly everything ran.
Recommended for
Beautiful Diving. Amazing staff. Great food.
15 Jul, 2025

10 Exceptional
Bozena B
Poland

I was speechless in front of such amazing underwater life.
I was surprised that not every dive was guided, but it was nice to dive in my own speed and plan.
Recommended for
Selfnavigation undervthe water after exellent dive breefing. Food. Friendly atmosphere.
03 Oct, 2025

9.2 Superb
Allison S
Australia

Superb Liveaboard and Diving
Had a fab time on the 7 Day Coral Sea Explorer. Highlights was definitely the diving on the outer reef systems, including Holmes, Bouganville and Osprey Reef systems. The staff were great and the marine biologist talks were amazing.
Recommended for
Service on Board, Quality of Diving and Marine Biologist Talks
15 Jun, 2022

9.2 Superb
Kathryn C
New Zealand

Swimming with 20+ minke whales, sharks, sea turtles & more!
Swimming with large groups of minke whales was incredible - they come so close to divers and snorkelers. The coral reefs are vibrant and full of sharks, fish, macro life and turtles. Incredible GBR outer-reef diving and the crew were so helpful and fun.
Recommended for
Minke whales, bull sharks, pygmy seahorses
16 Jul, 2019

10 Exceptional
Jasen A
Australia

Really well run dive operation. Seamless!
The diving, the staff, the food, the experience. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions are the best.
Recommended for
The organisation, the quality of dive sites, the quality of service.
31 Mar, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Dean B
United Kingdom

Coral Sea and Ribbon Reefs
Great time with a great crew. Highlights being the hammerhead sharks and the leopard shark! Incredible dive sites with lots of variety.
Recommended for
Osprey reef. Freedom for dive planning. Onboard meals.
02 Oct, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Robert S
Canada

First live aboard trip, sets a very high bar!
Visiting remote dive sights on the Osprey Reef and the shark dive, truly amazing! Also the final night of the trip we had a bbq and music courtesy of the captain and the crew. Made it a very memorable experience with new friendships. Can't wait to go back for another trip with them.
Recommended for
Great community feel, helpful staff who went above and beyond, very tasty food and beverages
16 May, 2022

10 Exceptional
Gerald B
Canada

Fantastic in every way!
Staff were very professional. Very impressed with commitment to procedures and safety. Experience excellent in all respects. Highly recommended.
Recommended for
Professionalism, Great Staff, Great Hospitality
11 May, 2016

9.6 Exceptional
Stefan M
Germany

Great diving experience at Great Barrier Reef
We had an amazing trip! The boat was excellent and the crew was incredibly friendly. We have been on many liveaboards, but we’ve never seen such a high level of safety precautions and professional care—it was truly impressive. Also, the "open deck" diving mode is unique and made the whole experience effortless. Highly recommended.
Recommended for
Friendly & Professional Crew. Open Deck Diving. Safety First.
16 Apr, 2026