Spoilsport

Location: Australia

Rating: 4.6/5 (89 reviews)

About Spoilsport

Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Spoilsport, exploring the vibrant reefs of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. This award-winning liveaboard offers unparalleled access to some of the world's most pristine underwater ecosystems.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea beckon with an unparalleled tapestry of marine life and breathtaking coral formations. This UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its vibrant biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, offers divers an extraordinary playground. From the iconic Cod Hole, teeming with giant potato cod, to the dramatic drop-offs and pelagic encounters of the remote Coral Sea, this region promises an adventure for every diver. Exploring these pristine waters, the Spoilsport liveaboard provides a stable and luxurious platform, ensuring divers can fully immerse themselves in the wonders beneath the surface. Diving from the Spoilsport is an experience crafted for the ultimate underwater enthusiast. The vessel boasts a well-appointed dive deck and utilizes tenders to access the most secluded and spectacular dive sites. With Nitrox available for extended bottom times and support for technical and sidemount diving, the Spoilsport caters to a wide range of skill levels and preferences. Naturalist guides enhance each dive with their expert knowledge, helping guests identify the myriad species encountered, from colorful reef fish to majestic sharks and, seasonally, the enchanting dwarf minke whales. Up to five dives a day are offered, allowing ample opportunity to explore the diverse underwater landscapes. Life aboard the Spoilsport combines comfort with the thrill of discovery. Guests can retreat to air-conditioned cabins, each featuring an en-suite bathroom, ensuring privacy and relaxation after a day of diving. The vessel offers a range of cabin types, from cozy budget options to spacious premium cabins with ocean views. Social spaces include an indoor saloon, perfect for unwinding, and a large sundeck with both shaded and open areas, furnished with comfortable loungers – ideal for soaking up the Australian sun or stargazing. Dedicated camera stations and separate rinse tanks cater to underwater photographers, ensuring their gear is well-maintained. Culinary delights are a highlight of the Spoilsport experience. The onboard chef prepares delicious meals using fresh, sustainably sourced local produce, served buffet-style in the indoor dining room or al fresco. The menu features a blend of Western and local cuisine, with a strong emphasis on quality and variety. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, are happily accommodated upon request. Complimentary wine is served with dinner, and snacks are available throughout the day, ensuring guests are well-fueled for their diving adventures. The Spoilsport, built in 1990 and last renovated in 2014, is a robust and custom-built liveaboard designed specifically for diving expeditions. At 30 meters in length and with a generous beam of 10.5 meters, its twin-hull design provides exceptional stability, making for smooth journeys even in open waters. Powered by two 354 KW Detroit 60 series engines, she cruises at 10 knots with a top speed of 15 knots, efficiently transporting up to 28 guests to remote dive locations. The vessel carries 8,000 liters of water and 12,000 liters of fuel, supported by a freshwater maker producing 10,000 liters per day, ensuring self-sufficiency on extended trips. This liveaboard is an excellent choice for divers seeking an immersive and comprehensive exploration of Australia's iconic underwater realms. Whether you're a seasoned photographer, an adventure seeker hoping to encounter large pelagics, or simply looking to experience the sheer beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the Spoilsport offers a meticulously planned and comfortable journey. Its diverse itineraries, including the unique opportunity to swim with dwarf minke whales in June and July, cater to a variety of interests and ensure an unforgettable dive vacation.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 30m
Guest capacity: 28
Year built: 1990
Nitrox: Available

Cabins

Club Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin bunk beds — These Club Cabins feature comfortable twin bunk beds and a private ensuite bathroom. Guests on the same booking can share these twin-shared cabins, or they can be assigned to another single traveler.
Standard Cabins (sleeps 2) — Twin — These comfortable Standard Cabins feature twin beds and a private ensuite bathroom. Guests can enjoy an ocean view from their cabin. Twin-shared accommodations are offered for those on the same bookin
Budget Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin bunk beds — This budget-friendly cabin features comfortable twin bunk beds. Guests will find a shared bathroom for their convenience. These twin-shared accommodations are ideal for individuals on the same reserva
Premium Cabins (sleeps 2) — Double — Experience the comfort of these Premium Cabins, featuring a cozy double bed. Each cabin is equipped with a private ensuite bathroom for your convenience. Enjoy the added luxury of ocean views from you

Itineraries

Coral Sea & Cod Hole

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Australia's Coral Sea and the iconic Cod Hole, a remote oceanic wilderness brimming with life. This itinerary explores pristine coral gardens, sheer walls dropping into the abyss, and a stunning diversity of marine encounters. Expect remarkable visibility, vibrant reef fish populations, and frequent sightings of pelagic species cruising the outer reefs, including various shark species at Osprey Reef's deep-water amphitheatre. Experience the thrill of close e

GBR Ribbon Reefs

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Experience the prime dive sites of the northern Great Barrier Reef, located over 150 miles from Cairns. This itinerary explores the legendary Ribbon Reefs, featuring famous locations like the Cod Hole. Expect exceptional 40-meter visibility, healthy corals, and encounters with big fish, sharks, and diver-sized potato cod.

Coral Sea Odyssey

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

This expedition explores the remote offshore atolls of the Coral Sea and the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Highlights include encounters with diver-sized fish at the world-famous Cod Hole and thrilling shark attraction dives. Expect big fish action in 40-meter visibility, drift dives along deep walls with 1,000-meter drop-offs, and exploring huge soft corals.

Northern Exposure South Bound

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

This itinerary offers an extensive exploration of Australia's premier diving regions, from the remote Coral Sea to the northern Great Barrier Reef. Divers will experience deep walls and shark encounters at Osprey Reef before visiting the famous Ribbon Reefs, including the iconic Cod Hole and the vibrant Steve's Bommie.

Northern Exposure North Bound

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

This eight-day northbound expedition travels along Australia's renowned Great Barrier Reef. Divers will explore a world of spectacular topography, from sheer walls and coral gardens to intricate cavern systems. Itinerary highlights include opportunities to encounter giant potato cod and a land-based excursion to explore Lizard Island.

Coral Sea Exploratory (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns

This expedition-style cruise offers an adventurous diving experience combining the remote Coral Sea with the renowned Ribbon Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for advanced divers with at least 20 logged dives, the trip includes approximately 28 dives over its duration. The journey begins and concludes in Cairns, with the exact route and dive sites chosen by the captain based on conditions. Please note this is a sample itinerary. Max guests on this trip: 28.

Fly Dive Minke Whales (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns, Australia

This five-day expedition offers the unique opportunity to swim with Minke whales in the Great Barrier Reef. The trip departs from Cairns and features diving along the remote Ribbon Reefs and the edge of the Continental Shelf. Divers can explore famous sites like the Cod Hole, known for its giant potato cod, and Steve's Bommie. The adventure concludes with a spectacular low-altitude scenic flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns. Max guests on this trip: 28.

The Ultimate Minke Whale Expedition (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns

This eight-day expedition from Cairns focuses on encountering Minke Whales and exploring the northern Great Barrier Reef. The trip includes approximately 22 dives, with dedicated time for finding and swimming with whales. Divers will explore the famed Ribbon Reefs and the edge of the Continental Shelf, visiting renowned sites like the Cod Hole and Steve's Bommie. The itinerary also features a stop at Lizard Island for some onshore exploration and an Aussie-style BBQ. Max guests on this trip: 28

Fly Dive Minke Whales

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns

This short expedition focuses on finding and swimming with Minke Whales on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The trip commences with a stunning low-altitude scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island, where guests board the liveaboard. Diving is centered around the Ribbon Reefs, a region celebrated for its excellent coral diversity and marine life. The itinerary may include world-famous sites like Cod Hole, known for its large potato cod, and Steve's Bommie, which is packed with unusual creatures.

Fly Dive Minke Whales (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns

This special expedition offers a unique chance to swim with Minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef. The trip begins with a spectacular low-level scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island, where you will board the Spoilsport. Over four days, you will explore the famous Ribbon Reefs, including a visit to the renowned Cod Hole. The itinerary is packed with diving and dedicated time for whale encounters before an overnight cruise back to Cairns. Max guests on this trip: 28.