Spoilsport

Routes: 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.

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

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

Voor fotografen: Camera room with charging benches; the operation has hosted photo professionals for decades.

Prijzen: 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.

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