Where to book
Diving on the Spoilsport liveaboard
Diving on the Spoilsport allows guests to explore the Great Barrier Reef year-round, with warm water and suitable conditions throughout the year. Water temperatures range from 75 to 82 F (24 to 28 C). The warmer months extend from November to April, while cooler conditions prevail from May to October.
The best time for an exciting minke whale encounter is during June and July. Standard itineraries generally offer three dives per day. Typically, there’s an “open deck” policy, allowing guests to choose how much or how little they’d like to dive.
Spoilsport takes you to remarkable sites like Cod Hole, Goggle Gardens, and Snake Pit, where you’ll encounter stunning walls adorned with large soft corals, exciting big-fish action, shark dives, and possibly deep pelagic dives.
Spoilsport’s itineraries also provide opportunities for snorkeling, particularly during the Fly/ Dive Cod Hole and Coral Sea Safari itineraries. The experienced and professional crew ensures a hassle-free dive safari adventure.
To enhance the diving experience, Spoilsport offers services such as nitrox fills, solo diving, and a rebreather service. If you’re not already certified, you may also take a 3-day nitrox course that includes free nitrox fills. Certified divers can obtain fills at a rate of $25 per day.
Highlights:
- Year-round diving in ideal conditions
- Snorkeling with minke whales in June and July
- Three daily dives
- Nitrox fills, solo diving, and rebreather services
Onboard the Spoilsport
The Spoilsport is a custom-built vessel affiliated with the renowned Mike Ball Dive Expeditions, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious dive experience. With two parallel hulls, it offers stability while at sea.
Spoilsport has 12 experienced crew members and welcomes 28 guests into 14 spacious cabins, catering to various budgets. Cabins include budget options with shared bathrooms, club cabins with ensuite facilities, and standard/premium cabins. All are air-conditioned and serviced daily, offering choices of queen, double, or twin beds.
When not exploring the underwater world, guests can unwind in the air-conditioned lounge or the open-air dining area. Onboard facilities also include a TV, DVD player, music and movie library, a computer and CD burner, and a satellite phone. A selection of books, magazines, games, and fish identification books is available for added entertainment.
Upstairs, a spacious sundeck offers a comfortable lounging area, complete with both shaded and sunlit sections. The adjacent bar makes it a perfect spot to enjoy refreshing drinks.
On the dive deck, guests will find a spacious area supervised by dive guides. It’s well-equipped with rental gear, storage boxes, camera stations, freshwater showers, and rinse tanks.
A dedicated battery charging station keeps devices powered. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the three large camera tables and the dedicated camera rinse tanks.
Highlights:
- Accommodates 28 guests in 14 spacious cabins
- Lounging area, sundeck and bar
- Three large camera tables and rebreather friendly
Dining on the Spoilsport
Spoilsport offers international and Australian dishes, and the chef aims to please, catering to vegetarians, vegans, and those needing gluten-free meals. Fresh snacks and fruits are available all day.
In addition to the breakfast and lunch menu, there are always daily options like fruit salad, cereals, yogurt, toast for breakfast, and bread, salads, and fruit for lunch. Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water are available 24/7.
Complimentary wine and soft drinks are served with evening meals, while personal alcohol is not allowed. Guests receive fruit juice and light refreshments when they board.
Highlights:
- Diverse dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan
- Complimentary wine with evening meals
- 24/7 access to fresh snacks and drinks
Things we like:
- Dives including shark feeds, minke whales and potato cod encounters
- Excellent food
- Friendly and professional crew
- Informative and safety-conscious dive briefings
- Open dive deck policy and dedicated photo stations
Things we don't like:
- Some cabins are small with limited amenities
- Interior cabins lack windows
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1989 |
| Max Divers | 28 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | < 5 Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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