Spoilsport

Rotte: Mike Ball's twin-hulled expedition ship pairs the Ribbon Reefs — Cod Hole's potato cod among them — with runs out to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea for shark action on the wall at North Horn. Fly-dive options shorten the transit.

Stagione: Sails year-round; dwarf minke whale encounters on licensed trips happen in June-July on the Ribbon Reefs.

Carattere: Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea sharks and seasonal minke whale swims

Per i fotografi: Camera room with charging benches; the operation has hosted photo professionals for decades.

Prezzi: Roughly A$2,500-6,000 depending on trip length and cabin. Australian schedules, fuel surcharges and reef access arrangements are updated regularly — verify with the operator.

Partenze: Turns around in Cairns, with optional low-level flights to meet the boat at Lizard Island.