Connect with us
background

News

Whale Diving at the Great Barrier Reef

Published

on

What Types of Whale Are At The Great Barrier Reef?

From June to September, around 10,000 whales migrate from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef to breed and calve. Humpback and dwarf minke whales are commonly seen and there are plenty of other species to lookout for as well; including orcas, false killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and beaked whales.

Can I Swim With Whales At The Great Barrier Reef?

Yes! You can swim with dwarf minke whales at the Great Barrier Reef. These whales are only found in the southern hemisphere and migrate to the Coral Sea each winter to breed and calve. Their migration route was discovered in the 1980s and the Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world where divers and snorkelers can jump in the water with these curious whales. They can grow up to 8 metres in length, weigh up to 6 tonnes, and live for up to 60 years. Each whale has a distinctive colour pattern, making it easy to identify individual whales in the water, and they are known to approach divers closely when encountered.

Humpback whales are more timid than dwarf minke whales. These whales can reach lengths of 15 meters and weigh over 40 tonnes. Divers can enjoy listening to their song underwater and watching the whales breach and tail slap at the surface.

Image: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

Who Offers Whale Swimming Safaris at the Great Barrier Reef?

The M/V Spoilsport liveaboard offers minke whale safaris during June and July each year. This liveaboard also hosts special Minke Whale Coral Sea expeditions with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. Guests on these safaris can participate in minke whale behavioural monitoring and research, enjoy lectures about the reefs and whales, and spend plenty of time swimming with the whales.

These minke whale expeditions have had a 98% success rate of finding the whales since they began in 1996, and the largest pod they have seen consisted of 28 whales. Their longest encounter with the whales lasted a whopping 10 hours!

The OceanQuest liveaboard also offers Meet the Minke whale safaris during June and July each year.

What Else Can I See At The Great Barrier Reef?

One of the advantages of visiting the Great Barrier Reef in whale season, is it also happens to be peak diving season with dry weather and great sea conditions. Divers can experience some of the 1500 species of fish, 400 coral species, and numerous sharks found at the reef.

Image: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

There are many scuba diving highlights, such as exploring Ribbons Reef, a chain of remote reefs in the northern part of the Great Barrier Reef, to swim with huge diver-sized potato cod at Cod Hole. The beautiful Lizard Island national park is also well worth visiting to enjoy pinnacles, walls, flat reefs and pelagic diving.

Osprey Reef is known for large animal encounters and is the place to go in search of whale sharks, beaked whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, eagle rays, mantas, green turtles and loggerhead turtles. North Horn at Osprey Reef is famous for its shark feeding dives with silky and grey reef sharks.

Flynn Reef has some of Australia’s best corals, whilst Milln Reef is ideal for snorkelers and new divers. Bougainville Reef is an exposed reef that can only be reached when conditions permit and offers some of the most unspoilt diving in the area.

The SS Yongala wreck is unmissable for wreck fans and is one of the best wreck dives in the world. The wreck sank in 1911, is relatively intact and hosts a huge variety of marine life.

Image: Mike Ball Dive Expeditions

What Experience Level is Needed For Diving At The Great Barrier Reef?

Diving at the Great Barrier Reef is suitable for all dive experience levels and there is plenty for new and experienced divers to enjoy.

Swimming with dwarf minke whales is conducted at the surface using a snorkel, though it is recommended to be a qualified diver to also take advantage of the dive sites on offer during the safari.

This article was written by divers and writers at LiveAboard.com


Discover liveaboard diving holiday solutions around the world at Liveaboard.com.

 

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

Published

on

regulator

Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.

Excellent performance with the TR-80

Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.

regulator

Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulator

Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50

The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.

regulator

Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

regulator

Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.

regulatorregulator

Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

regulator

The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

Continue Reading

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

on

paul watson

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Instagram Feed

Shortcode field is empty!Shortcode field is empty!

Popular