Liveaboard Diving Charters to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea
A Unique and Extraordinary Holiday
Join our team of scientists and conservationists for an 11 day luxury conservation cruise to the Coral Sea as part of "Project Lihou".This is an exclusive opportunity and a unique and extraordinary holiday. We'll be taking you to a place you could never normally visit, to learn about strange and wonderful animals. You'll get the chance to take part in some research, learn something new every day from a diversity of experts - including conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts - but most of all, you'll immerse yourself in a beautiful experience.
**This expedition suits both the diver and non-diver**
Last year, with the help of passengers, we produced a series of short documentaries on life at the reef, including pieces for the Copenhagen Climate Change conference. Here's some excerpts you might enjoy:
Also watch ...
This a once-in-a-lifetime adventure “beyond the Great Barrier Reef”, will see you dive and snorkel with sharks, see pristine coral reefs, watch the sun set behind thousands of soaring Frigatebirds and observe turtles nesting. Or… you can just lounge in the luxury of the Elizabeth EII and be waited upon by their experienced staff.
The islands we visit are part of Lihou Reef, which is a strict nature reserve and can only be accessed under Commonwealth permit. Visiting these islands is a unique privilege.
This expedition suits both the diver and non-diver. For the divers, there are superlative shark dives at Anne Cay and the sheltered lagoons offer the chance of night dives. We will aim to do at least two dives per day. The islands are also significant seabird breeding sites and we will go ashore morning and evening to do counts and photography.
Lihou Reef is also a photographer's paradise.
Colourful fish and tawny nurse sharks abound in just a couple of metres of water, whilst nesting boobies, noddies and frigatebirds are perfectly photogenic and approachable. Whether you know a little or a lot about ocean life, this is the trip for you.
Departing
Mackay, Saturday, 27 November 2010
Returning
Mackay, Wednesday, 8 December 2010.
Contact the expedition leader, Simon Mustoe for further information on this special opportunity. For more information, stories and videos about this trip, visit the Project Lihou Website .
Simon Mustoe
Mob: +61 (0) 405220830
Email: simonmustoe@ecology-solutions.com.au
The Elizabeth E11 is a fully equipped live aboard dive vessel for up to 20 divers at any one time. We carry two dive tenders and can cater for up to four dives per day including drift dives, night dives, wall diving and underwater photography.
The Coral Sea Charter Company is one of only a handful of charter operators that are permitted to dive in reserve areas around The Great Barrier Reef including Lihou and Coringal Herald Nature Reserves in the Coral Sea where visibility can reach up to sixty metres. Planning a dive for small to larger groups is an easy task for our fully qualified dive master and trained crew who will take you to the most beautiful reefs for an unforgettable experience.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS All divers must be formally certified. There are two good reasons for this: first, these trips offer such excellent diving that the time involved in learning basics is wasted. Second; many of the dive sites and conditions we experience are of an advanced nature. We recongise both Padi and SSDI.
