Private Luxury Expedition Charters

An experience that truly defines “once in a lifetime” - Australia is the only place on Earth where you can swim and dive with Minke whales.

Each year, during the months of June and July, the Minke whales enter their winter playground of the Great Barrier Reef. Discover the beauty of the ocean’s most inquisitive creatures and experience the awe of connecting with another species in one of the world’s natural wonders.

Your encounter with the Minke whales is supported through onboard lectures by Marine Biologists and experts on the Dwarf Minke Whale. Your expeditionary vessel is the luxury 26 metre superyacht Galaxy I. Sleek, sophisticated, and superbly appointed, Galaxy I is designed for indulgence and will satisfy the most discerning traveller.

This experience is one the planet’s most captivating and memorable encounters with Mother Nature.

Whale Watching Expeditionary Charters

Charters

Sole charters (whole of vessel) for up to 6 guests are available ex Port Douglas disembarking Lizard Island.

All Whale Watching Expeditionary Charters include the exclusive charter of Galaxy I, all meals, beverages, necessary licenses to dive with the Minke whales, on board resident Minke whale expert and Dive Master. Dive Equipment is not included and will be calculated based on requirements of passengers.

The below itineraries can be taken as either a 3, 4 or 5 night experience. All expeditions leave from Port Douglas and disembark passengers at Lizard Island. Airfares from Lizard Island are not included in these costs, however flights can be arranged.

Port Douglas - Ribbon Reefs - Limousine transfers will pick guests up from their Port Douglas accommodation and transfer you down to Marina Mirage for boarding of Galaxy I. Pre dinner drinks and canapes are served before sitting down to a welcome dinner with an expert on the Dwarf Minke Whale, who will outline the itinerary and what to expect from these extraordinary creatures. Galaxy I will leave Port Douglas at approximately 9pm for an overnight cruise to the first reef location.

Day One - Wake up to the Ribbon Reefs stretching out before you. Enjoy breakfast prepared by Galaxy I’s onboard chef before the first dive/snorkel. This will be accompanied by an in depth briefing of the guidelines for swimming with Minke Whales. Afterwards, travel to your next destination, searching for whales whilst underway. If whales are keen to interact, don your wetsuit for an experience of a lifetime. Watch as their confidence and curiosity grows, bringing them eye to eye with you. In the evening, attend an interpretive talk by researchers on whale biology, behaviour and the history behind the Minke Whale Project. Overnight Galaxy I.

Day Two - Depending on the events of the previous day, focus upon either diving or snorkelling on the reef or spotting whales. The next dive site will be selected based on weather conditions and seasonal marine highlights. Night dives are offered on most evenings. Meals are again prepared during the day by Galaxy I’s onboard chef. Overnight Galaxy I.

Day Three - Another connecting with nature day of looking for whales and exploring more of the Great Barrier Reef. If found, help researchers identify animals, behaviour and keep an ear our for the Minkes’s unique acoustic repertoire. If guests choose the 3 night option, they will be disembarked at Lizard Island for a charter flight back to Cairns.

Day Four - The final day to get wet with the Minkes! Spend the morning diving while on the look out for whales. Spend the afternoon at magnificent Lizard Island. Activities can include exploring one of it’s 24 beaches, climbing historical Cook’s Lookout or even go on a “muck dive” within Watsons Bay. Enjoy your final night on board Galaxy I. Guest choosing the 4 night option will be disembarked on Lizard Island in the afternoon for their flight back to Cairns.