Spoilsport – Liveaboard Dive Expeditions

What happens if I have symptoms of COVID just before departure? Any guest with symptoms of respiratory illness in the 5 days leading into your expedition should undertake appropriate testing. Any guest who tests positive must not undertake travel. Please get in touch with our reservations team for assistance. (See Booking Conditions below.) What if I test positive for COVID onboard? We encourage safe practices of hand sanitisation and physical distancing throughout your voyage. Any symptomatic guests are encouraged to wear masks and practice physical distancing around the vessel. We understand that a positive result is both disappointing and inconvenient, however the health and safety of all concerned is extremely important. We highly recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers covid-related issues at least 21 days prior to travel. These should include but not limited to, protection against evacuation from vessel, relocation, hotel/accommodation isolation, flight cancellation and or changes. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I understand if I have any medical condition contrary to safe diving I will not be permitted to dive unless I produce a diving medical certificate from a Physician that addresses my medical condition. In addition, I will not dive on your expedition if I am feeling unwell or I have a chest cold or respiratory congestion. You are authorized to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. I agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf which may be charged against my credit card.

In most countries Australian visas are available electronically online or via your travel agent. You will require a current passport, with no less than six months validity from your return date, and tickets to an onward destination. Note: Russian passengers should contact us for Visa Support.

Currency used is the Australian Dollar. Visa, MasterCard and Amex are widely accepted.

You will need to make your own way to the Mike Ball Dive Expeditions office for check in for your expedition. After your expedition we will transfer you to either our office, airport or any inner city hotel. Inner city boundaries are within the airport to the north and Earlville shopping centre to the south.

Insurance should be taken to cover: weather problem; expedition cancellations; airline difficulties; medical problems and lost or damaged luggage. Unforeseen weather or machinery problems may cause us to cancel or change an itinerary. No refund is offered for time lost due to the medical evacuation of a guest or reduction of dives due to weather conditions. No compensation is offered to guests to change flights or holiday plans. DiveAssure offers cover for both Australian residents & non-residents traveling to Australia. Asia Pacific residents are eligible for DAN AP membership. Join DAN Asia-Pacific TODAY.

The minimum age for diving is 12 years old (10-12 year old Jr Open Water certified divers – considered, on application) Parents or guardians traveling with children are responsible for child minding, and children less than 12 years of age cannot be left alone.

Spoilsport was not designed to cater for divers with severe disabilities. Please see “Dive Procedures Disabled Divers” for full details.

Unfortunately, we only have English speaking staff. Divers must have a good grasp of English to understand our vessel and dive safety briefings. Divers with poor English language skills may have to miss some dives.

A variety of jellyfish inhabit the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of jellyfish stings are irritable to painful. The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) can be present in inshore waters and estuaries in North Queensland from November to May and their sting can be fatal in extreme cases. Fortunately these are not seen at the outer reefs we frequent.

When purchasing sunscreen, review the ingredient list to make sure reef-damaging substances (such as oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate and 4-methylbenzylidine camphor, all of which have been shown to cause coral bleaching even at low levels) aren’t included. We have marine-friendly sunscreen for purchase onboard.

Meals: Three chef prepared meals are provided daily, click here. Please ensure you advise reservations at time of booking for any special dietary requirements. A variety of beverages are served at mealtimes; complimentary wine or soft drink served with dinner. Other: Morning & afternoon tea provided between meals pending planned days schedule; complimentary tea, coffee, fruit & biscuits are available 24hrs. You are welcome to bring your own ‘nonperishable’ snacks onboard; no access available for heating/cooking/refrigeration. Beverage (Ships Bar Policy): Beer, wine, spirits & soft drink available for purchase over the bar. Please DO NOT bring alcohol onboard; for any ‘special request’ orders brought or purchased by us, must/will be surrendered to bar, and charged back at equivalent bar list prices, click here.

You can settle your onboard expenses via credit card. NB: 4 night Fly Dive Coral Sea guests’ credit cards are processed via the MBDE office owing to remote location.

Within Australia’s hospitality services, tipping is reserved for those that provide exceptional personal service. As an indicator, for excellent restaurant service, tips of up to 10% is quite common and 5% in taxis. You should expect exceptional service from Spoilsport’s crew, day and night. At the end of the expedition, a ‘tip box’ is made available for a cash tip (any currency), or you can simply add a tip to your credit card whilst paying for any onboard costs incurred. Tips are welcome and distributed evenly amongst crew; please use your discretion and only tip with what you feel comfortable.

Wi-Fi – Please be advised we DO NOT have Wi-Fi onboard, allowing you to interact with other guests and maximise your holiday experience. Whilst at sea or on Lizard Island, there is no reliable phone reception available.