Nimrod Explorer - 3 Night Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs Expedition

Nimrod Explorer is a small 18 passenger liveaboard dive vessel offering divers the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef without the crowds. The Nimrod Explorer spends much of her time between Cairns and Lizard Island, exploring the dive sites along the Ribbon Reefs and in particular the world famous Cod Hole, often described as one of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. The diving depth at Cod Hole varies from 10 to 20 metres on a sloping bottom that is dotted with high profile coral heads and stunning coral gardens. The well appointed main salon offers dining and relaxation areas, as well as an entertainment centre and bar area. The large shaded top deck offers an open air respite from the sun, while the expansive bow serves as a welcome warm up between dives.

Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday - Cairns to Lizard Island
Guest meet at Explorer Ventures Cairns office at 7.00am for a coach transfer to General Aviation Airport for 8.30am flight to Lizard Island. Arrival at Lizard Island at 9.30am, explore the island before picnic brunch is served on beach. Guests are then transferred by tender to the Nimrod Explorer anchored off the island. Introductions and vessel safety briefing. M/V Nimrod Explorer departs Lizard Island at 12.00 noon for Ribbon Reef 9, 3 dives including a night or dusk dive at sights such as Pixie Pinnacle, Lighthouse, Eagle Rock, Snake Pit & Challenger.

Day 2: Sunday - Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
Four to five dives today, including dusk or night dives. Dive Cod Hole, Pixie and Lighthouse, steam overnight to Ribbon Reef 3.

Day 3: Monday - Ribbon Reefs
Four to five dives, Dawn Dive at Steve's Bommie, Flare Point, Century Bay, St Crispins or Agincourt. Depart for Cairns (approx 8hrs).

Day 4: Tuesday - Cairns
Guest disembark the Nimrod Explorer by 8.00am for bus transfer to Cairns inner city accommodation

Accommodation

The spacious Nimrod Explorer accommodates only 18 guests in two double cabins (master or midship double), one twin cabin and three quad share cabins, each with air-conditioning.

Departures

Departs: Saturdays 07.00 Explorer Venture's office Cairns
Returns: Tuesdays 08.00

Vessel Details

Vessel: M/V Nimrod Explorer Length: 72 feet / 22 metres Beam: 26.2 feet / 8 metres Draft: 5.5 feet / 1.65 metres Cruise Speed: 9 knots Safety Equipment - Automatically-deploying inflatable life raft, life vests, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, EPIRB Ship's Electricity - 220 VAC Communications Equipment - VHF and SSB radios, satellite telephone Navigation Equipment - Global Positioning System units, radar, autopilot, LCD depth sounder/recorder Fresh Water - 2 reverse-osmosis watermakers, 1,500 gallons per day, 1000 gallon Storage

Facilities

Diving: Nimrod Explorers spacious dive deck is equipped with individual gear lockers, camera table, 240v recharging station (120v transformers available on request), air filling station, tank racks and a separate freshwater rinse bath for dive equipment and cameras, as well as a wetsuit hanging area and freshwater shower. Steps lead down to the dive platforms themselves, where two in-water ladders hang for easy access to and from the water.

Diving Equipment: tanks and weights are supplied. Most dive equipment, including regulators, B.C's, dive computers, dive lights and underwater photo equipment are available for rent onboard.

Medical: Nimrod Explorer carries emergency medical supplies, oxygen, ship to shore radio and satellite telephone.

Certification: All divers are required to have current open-water certification card onboard from a major certifying agency.

Snorkeling: Snorkelers onboard Nimrod Explorer can also experience the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with the different coral formations and a multitude of tropical fish life to see. Dwarf Minke Whales are often found throughout the waters north of Cairns from May through July; guests often can snorkel with the whales, as they have inquisitive natures and will approach the vessel both at dive sites and as we steam from site to site.

Inclusions

Low-level scenic flight to and from Cairns Non alcoholic beverages Sheets, towels and linens 3 meals daily plus snacks 4 to 5 dives per full day Use of tanks, weights and weight belts Transfer back to Cairns accommodation at conclusion of trip

Additional Information

Instant Quote: Provides rate in Australian Dollars including GST
Not Included: Dive instruction, camera rental and retail charges, Alcoholic beverages, Transport to Cairns office on departure date, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), Crew gratuities, Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
Cruise Operated By: Explorer Adventures

Photo Gallery

Master Cabin

Mid Ship Double Cabin

Share Twin Cabin

Share Quad Cabin