Explorer Ventures - M/V Nimrod Explorer Queensland Australia

The custom-designed vessels of the Explorer Ventures fleet introduces scuba divers from around the world to some of the finest dive sites that the undersea world has to offer.

In Australia, their 18 passenger live-aboard dive vessel M/V Nimrod Explorer offers you the opportunity to explore the magical Great Barrier Reef, without the crowds accommodated on larger live aboard dive vessels.
From their base in Cairns, the Nimrod Explorer offers trips from four to eight days along the Ribbon Reefs to Cooktown, the Cod Hole and even farther north, to the rarely visited northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef approaching Papua New Guinea. Seven day Coral Sea trips depart every two weeks, and offer the chance to experience the large pelagics and awesome visibility of the Coral Sea’s Osprey Reef, at certain times of the year, manta rays, rare dwarf minke whales and other large pelagics offer a variety of experiences befitting the world’s largest barrier reef system.

Staffed by a crew of six, the Nimrod Explorer is ideally sized and equipped both for shorter trips and extended expeditions. When you combine the right vessel, an experienced crew, and varied destinations, you have a winning combination – a trip onboard the M/V Nimrod Explorer is the ultimate dive vacation!

Touring Options

Itinerary A – Cooktown, Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs – Five Days/Four Nights.

The Nimrod Explorer spends much of her time between Cairns and Lizard Island, exploring sites along the Ribbon Reefs and introducing guests to the world famous Cod Hole, home to a group of giant Potato Cod.
Diving amidst spectacular bommies and pristine coral gardens, you’ll thrill to the incredible beauty of the Ribbon Reefs and see an unbelievable array of marine life – a real treat for any keen photographer.
The tour finishes with a spectacular low-level flight over the Black Mountains and Great Barrier Reef on the way to Cairns.

Far Northern Reef Adventures – Itineraries Six, Eight and Eleven – Eight Days/Seven Nights.

These expeditions to the sections of the Great Barrier Reef north of Lizard Island and/or Lockhart River, offer unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the most remote and pristine diving areas in the world! These special itineraries offer the best of sites that have been found on previous expeditions, as well as the chance to experience reefs never before visited by divers!

Fans of the large pelagics won’t be disappointed! Reef environment lovers will be astounded at the diversity and colour of the easily accessible, pristine coral reefs in shallow water.

These tours are scheduled from October to December only.

Itinerary B – Cooktown, Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs – Four Days/Three Nights.

Explorer Ventures will give your holiday a flying start! You take to the air from Cairns for a spectacular low-level flight over the Great Barrier Reef to Cooktown.
This itinerary is designed for those who prefer to do more diving and less motoring between dive sites.
Explore the world- famous Cod Hole, dive amidst spectacular bommies, pristine coral gardens and thrill to the incredible beauty and unbelievable array of marine life on the Ribbon Reefs – a real treat for any keen photographer.
Your tour finishes with another spectacular flight over the reef to Cairns.

Itinerary C – Cooktown, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea – Seven Days/Six Nights.

You take to the air for a spectacular low-level flight over the Great Barrier Reef to Cooktown.
Known for its large pelagics and excellent visibility, Australia’s Coral Sea is a pristine area delivering diving memories to last a lifetime! Following a day of diving along the northern Ribbon Reefs, an overnight steam delivers you to the idyllic Osprey Reef and two days at sites such as ‘North Horn’, with its big shark action, abundant reef inhabitants, and spectacular soft corals.

Return to the Ribbon Reefs for a further two days of incredible diving before an overnight motor to Cairns.

Website: www.explorerventures.com