Swiming with Whales

Minke whales are commonly seen along the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns between May and August.As well as diving the world famous Cod Holethe second day devoted almost entirely to finding and snorkeling and/or diving with minke whales.  

The trip includes:

• 4 nights on boards the spacious Mike Ball live a board
• optional 11 dives including tanks and weight
• Snorkelling with minki whales
• A low level flight over the reef so you can see the sites from above
• All deluxe Chef prepared meals
• Australian wine with meals
• Abyss Staff member to look after above & below the water
  

• Cabin	Ocean View	Beds	Bathroom
  Premium	Yes	Double	Private
  Standard	Yes	Twin	Private
  Club	No	Twin Bunk	Private
  Budget	No	Twin Bunk	Share	Full

  
  

  Extra Charges
  Nitrox	$10/fill or  $75for entire expedition.
  Pony Bottle	$15/day
  Diving	$148
  Reef Tax	$18
  DAN Travel Assist	$16 for 30 day period.
  *Variable in accordance with fuel prices.

  Cancellation Policy:

 

Less than 90 days, forfeit 30% of trip fee

Less than 60 days, forfeit 50% of trip fee

Less than 30 days, forfeit 100% of trip fee

A fully developed adult Minke Whale is approximately 7-9 meters in length and 5-7 tonnes in weight. Minke whales are the smallest of the baleen whales. They have a characteristic white band on each fin that contrasts with a very dark grey fin tip; these markings are as individual as fingerprints. They like all baleen whales, have two blowholes.

Breathing for minke whales is achieved by surfacing and taking air into their lungs through the two blowholes, which are located near the top of the head. They can submerge for 20-25 minutes; however they usually make shorter dives of 10-12 minutes and can swim up to 12 knots for short periods.


Minke whales are social creatures and are often seen traveling in pods. Communication between whales is a series of grunts, moans and rasping sounds. Breeding occurs predominantly in late winter and early spring in warm waters near the surface. The gestation period is approximately 10 months and the calf is born close to the surface. A newborn calf will instinctively swim to the surface for its first breathe assisted by the mother. Incredibly, within 30 minutes of birth the calf can swim, dive and surface for air. Weighing in at about 450 kilograms and 2.8 meters the calf is nurtured by its mother's milk, being weaned after 5-6 months. At sexual maturity they are 6-8 years. The life span for dwarf minke whales is unknown; other baleen whales live 50-60 years.

Minkes' are renowned for their curiosity and approachability. They also have behavior similar to humpbacks such as breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping, though not to the same extent as their larger cousins.

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