The world's largest reef in winter, the one place you can swim with dwarf minke whales. Running 8 days (17–24 Jul 2027), it’s built for intermediate-level divers. You’ll need your Open Water to Advanced and around 15 logged dives. We hold 20 slots for the iDive group, and the trip is confirmed the moment 15 divers reserve.
Your dive trip host
Amitabh Gautam
Founder · SSI Advanced Adventurer · 200+ dives
Amitabh leads iDive's curated expeditions. A former television journalist of 25+ years, he traded the newsroom for the Arabian Sea in 2016 and founded iDive on small classes, certified instructors and real safety standards. He'll be your point of contact before, during and after the trip.
SSI & PADI affiliated Small groups Based in Goa, India
Why this expedition
Dwarf minke whale encounters (seasonal, July peak)
Ribbon Reefs & the Cod Hole
Wide hard-coral gardens and reef fish
Accessible diving for Open Water+ divers
Liveaboard to the outer Coral Sea reefs
Day by day
Day 1Board in CairnsEmbark, check dive and briefing as the boat steams to the reef.
Day 2Outer reefsCoral gardens, reef sharks and a first night dive.
Day 3Ribbon ReefsThe Cod Hole, giant potato cod up close.
Day 4Minke whale daySwim line encounters with curious dwarf minke whales (seasonal).
Day 5Coral SeaClear-water walls and pelagic action further offshore.
Day 6Reef finaleFinal reef dives and macro; de-gas before flying.
Day 7Disembark CairnsBreakfast and transfer ashore.
Come preparedAround 15 logged dives · Valid Australian tourist visa (ETA/eVisitor) · Winter water, a 5 mm wetsuit is recommended
We verify every diver’s certification before confirming a slot, it keeps the group safe and the diving relaxed. Not quite there yet? Level up with a course and join a future expedition.
Getting there & staying
Your diving, meals and in-trip transfers are sorted by iDive. Here’s how to handle flights and any pre/post-trip nights around Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Getting there
Fly into Cairns (CNS) · 12-14 hours from India.
Where to stay
Hotels and stays near the dive sites, compare rates and book direct.
Yes. Much of the reef is shallow and gentle, so Open Water divers with around 15 dives fit in well. The deeper Coral Sea sites are there for more advanced divers when conditions allow.
Will we definitely see minke whales?
July sits in the middle of the dwarf minke season on the Ribbon Reefs, so encounters are common. As with any wildlife, they are never guaranteed.
Do I need an Australian visa?
Yes. Most Indian passport holders need one, either an ETA or eVisitor or a visitor visa. We will remind you to arrange it in good time.
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Questions before you commit?
Not sure if you're ready for Great Barrier Reef & Minke Whales, or want to bring a group? Talk to a iDive dive pro, we'll be straight with you about whether this trip is the right fit.
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From ₹2,40,000 · 20% to reserve
Reserve your slot
Great Barrier Reef & Minke Whales · Jul 2027
20% reservation hold
₹48,000
Trip total / person
₹2,40,000
Slot reserved!
You're on the list for Great Barrier Reef & Minke Whales. We'll message you on WhatsApp within 24 hours to verify your certification and confirm next steps. No payment has been taken.
This expedition needs Open Water to Advanced and around 15 logged dives. Not there yet? Book a course or a few fun dives with iDive in Goa to qualify, then come back and grab your slot.
