Undersea Explorer is Australia’s most exciting liveaboard scuba diving operation, offering 6-9 day adventure diving expeditions with a marine research focus.  Undersea Explorer‘s extraordinary dive expeditions visit the Great Barrier Ribbon Reefs and magnificent Osprey Reef, and provide incredible marine animal encounters and interpretation unparalleled around the world. 

Each week, marine scientists carry out valuable research on remote coral reefs.  In turn, guests are able to learn from the experts, and enjoy new and different dive experiences.   The research activities fit around the diving program, adding a stimulating atmosphere of discovery to all expeditions while contributing to knowledge and conservation of marine eco-systems.
 
In June and July you will swim with up to 70 magnificent Dwarf Minke Whalesduring a week, with encounters usually lasting for over an hour with multiple whales. Having a whale approach you in the water as close as one metre is incredible, and some describe it as a life changing experience!  Every guest on board is helping whale conservation and is part of their exciting research program.

Shark expeditions take place throughout the year at Osprey Reef, one of the worlds most magnificent coral atolls rising 1000 metres from the ocean floor, well known for its awesome visibility and pelagic animals.  Divers will encounter schools of sharks at close range, and will see the rare deep sea nautilus, as well as amazing giant soft corals.

Adventure Diving

Undersea Explorer's guests visit Australia's best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Departing Port Douglas, the expeditions are 6 to 9 days duration, and in Mar-May 2008 they are introducing 3 day expeditions.

Visit remote Osprey Reef which offers 1000 mtr drop-offs, shark dive and pelagic action, the coral gardens of the Ribbon Reefs and the World Famous Cod Hole.
 
Undersea Explorer is a liveaboard scuba diving operation, which combines adventure diving with authentic marine research and education.  Your diving experience is the top priority. Diver's abilities are respected and include no time-limit dives and exhilarating drift dives. They do not generally dive as a "group", and this increases the chance of seeing marine animals. crew are there to assist those with less experience, and the adventure divers are not held back. 

Research & Interpretation

Undersea Explorer undertake research projects which contribute to knowledge and conservation of marine ecosystems, as well as creating new experiences for divers.  If you travel with Undersea Explorer you are directly contributing to marine research and conservation.  Thousands of dollars are donated each year to research, and in-kind berth space for scientists.

Research projects explore many areas of interest including minke whales, sharks, manta rays, nautilus, coral reef health, water quality and coral spawning. They employ a scientist as a crew member and have special guest scientists onboard.

Trips offered include:
OSPREY REEF SHARK ENCOUNTER
6 day Expeditions to Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, and Osprey Reef

DWARF MINKE WHALE EXPEDITIONS
6 Day Expeditions to Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole - Mid June to July

REMOTE FAR NORTHERN EXPEDITIONS
7 and 9 day Expeditions to Great Detached Reef, Raine Island, Mantis Reef and Wreck Bay near the top of Australia. Oct/Nov

Departing from Port Douglas, one hour north of Cairns in Queensland, Australia - the vessel carries maximum of 20 guests.  6 day/6 night expeditions board on Saturday at 5.00pm, and return on Friday at 4.30pm.

CORAL SPAWNING EXPEDITION
6 day Expeditions - November expedition visits Ribbon Reefs only
December expedition visits Osprey Reef and Ribbon Reefs

All trips include: Twin share accommodation, all meals, from breakfast on first day until lunch on last day, 20-22 dives (6 day Osprey reef expeditions), daily marine biologist presentations, Tanks, weights, airfills.

The Boat features Air-conditioned 2 berth cabins, toilets and showers, Linen including bath towel, 2 Researchers and 5 Crew, Hydraulic Dive Platform, Lecture Room, Top deck with awning, Video and TV (Pal and NTSC), Microscope linked to TV, Digital underwater video and camera, Marine library with computer CD, Rom240 v AC - outlets in cabins

Awards

• Qld Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Award Winner 
• Winner of 2006 PADI Environmental Achievement Award 
• Listed in World Top 10 Adventures in National Geographic Magazine
• Recognised by GBRMPA as Best Practice Advanced Ecotourism Operator
• Sponsored by Australian Geographic Society