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Mike Ball Dive CNS Mon SYD [DiveMB2]

9 Days / 7 Nights - Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition and Sydney

This itinerary departs from the USA on Friday evening. Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next morning (Monday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night then travel to Sydney for 2 nights. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Sunday morning.

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.
The dive vessel departs Cairns 7:00 am Monday and returns 8:00 am the following Thursday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation in Cairns.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live-Aboard Diving Expedition (3 Nights), Cairns (1 Night), Sydney (2 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Cairns (via Sydney), Sydney to Los Angeles
• Australian Domestic Flights - Cairns to Sydney
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return), Cairns Accommodation to Live-Aboard Dive Boat (return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!


Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Day 2 - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Days 2 to 3 - 1 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Days 3 to 6 - 4 Days Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Fly / Dive Cod Hole. 3 nights 12 dives
Imagine yourself on a spectacular "flying start" to Lizard Island. On the way you will have a birds-eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. Half of your 150 mile flight is at a very low 180 metres (600ft) above the sites you will dive along the Great Barrier Reefs continental shelf. A truly spectacular beginning to your expedition.


Monday: Check-in and Departure & Ribbon Reef #10 & #9 - Cod Hole, Cod Wall, Challenger Bay
Spectacular low level 150 mile reef flight to Lizard Island. Explore the rarely dived Cod Wall at the outer reef edge that disappears into 60 meters(200ft). Glide back towards the Cod Hole while enjoying the clear water and spectacular coral formations. Shallow but fantastic, Challenger Bay is extremely rich in biodiversity from spectacular coral gardens and unusual critters through to large schooling fish. Great night dive location watch out for Baza the Barra!

Tuesday: Ribbon Reef #9, #5, #4 - Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Pinnacle, Andy's Postcard, Clam Beds, Vertical Gdns Circumnavigate Pixie Pinnacle and Lighthouse Bommie shrouded in fusilier baitfish.Fluorescent purple and orange anthias attract predatory fish to these photogenic sites. Majestic Minke whales are seen here in June and July. Rising from 80 meters the pinnacle of Andy's Postcard is encrusted in had corals, lion fish, nudibranchs, octopus, schooling trevally and barracuda. See spectacular giant clams at Clam Beds as well as caves, canyons and coral encrusted bommies awaiting exploration. Sheer walls covered in whip corals and sea fans brim the natural amphitheatre of Vertical Gardens. Marine life varies from the many colourful nudibranchs to large schooling bump head parrotfish.
Night dive.

Wednesday: Ribbon Reef #3 - Flare Point, Joani's Joy, Steve's Bommie
Spiral majestic coral pinnacles teeming with marine life. See huge schools of baitfish stalked by barracuda, mackerel and trevally. Anticipate spectacular coral gardens, spotted rays, reef sharks and green turtle sightings.

Thursday: Dock at Trinity Wharf, Cairns
Early morning docking at Trinity Wharf - Cairns, breakfast, courtesy transfers to Cairns city hotels.

This itinerary has been designed to include the 'prime' Ribbon Reef and Coral Sea dive sites. If weather forces an itinerary change our surety of access to the prime Ribbon Reef sites is your guarantee of the best diving.

Days 6 to 7 - 1 Nights Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 4-Star CAIRNS accommodation.

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Cairns, this remarkable hotel captivates guests with its warm hospitality, exceptional service, and breathtaking views. The accommodations offer a harmonious blend of comfort and style, complemented by the hotel's prime location near dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. From the inviting restaurant to the attentive staff, every aspect ensures an unforgettable stay. Discover a tranquil oasis in Cairns that promises cherished memories for discerning travelers.
 
<b>Hotel Amenities</b>
Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Paid Parking, Room Service  
 
<b> Preferred Room</b>
Standard Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Smart TV.
 
<b>Room Upgrades</b>
Past T12-15 (Other Upgraded Room Types)
- Executive Room - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Esplanade, Trinity Inlet, or Ocean Views ; Flat Screen TV.
- Deluxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Same level as the pool deck ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Pod coffee machine ; 42-inch Flat Screen TV.
- Tropical Luxe Premium - 1 King or 2 Singles - Room Features: Mini Fridge ; Pod Coffee Machine ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities ; Luxury skincare & Hairdryer ; Safe ; Located on Levels 2 & 3 ; Washer & Dryer ; 50-inch Flat Screen TV ; Two-person bath.
 
<b>Need to know</b>
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

Day 7 - Shuttle Transfer Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

<b>Need to Know</b>
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

Day 7 cont - Australian Domestic Flight - Cairns to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Sydney.

Day 7 cont - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Days 7 to 9 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Travel to your accommodation in Sydney, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights in your studio room apartment.

Just 30 minutes from Sydney Airport, your accommodation is conveniently located between Darling Harbour and the Sydney CBD.

The friendly staff at your accommodation can attend to your every need with 24 hour guest reception. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at their signature restaurant.

Relax in a stylish and comfortable haven whilst being in close proximity to shopping at Westfield's Pitt St Mall and Darling Harbour. Don't forget to take a stroll down Pitt St towards Circular Quay to take in more of Sydney's world famous sites- like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Day 8 - Free Day to Explore Sydney

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbour-side Taronga Park Zoo, or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney's premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10 minute train ride and is one of Australia's most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it's known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Harbour Bridgeclimb

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

<a href="//youtu.be/vNBOOE8Lydk" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="alignleft" src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Sydney-Harbour-Bridgeclimb-Australia.jpg" width="350" height="197" /></a>

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all - the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you'll remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

<b>Operates:</b>
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

<b>Need to Know:</b>
- Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
- Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
- No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
- Children ages 8 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
- Maximum of 14 people per group.

<b>Times:</b>
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

<b>Inclusions:</b>
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Opera House Tour

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

<a href="//youtu.be/C2UPo8f7EpE" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Sydney-Opera-House-Tour-Australia.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>
</b>This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theatre as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

<b>Operates</b>
Daily 9a-5p – one hour in duration
<b>Includes</b>
- One hour guided experience
<b>Need to Know</b>
This tour has 200+ stairs - Low Impact
Cloaking: Backpacks and small items to be cloaked
No luggage or large bags accepted
<b>Upgrades</b>
Can upgrade to private tour, tasting plates, backstage tour, architectural tour or performance

Day 9 - Shuttle Transfer Sydney Accommodation in Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

Day 9 cont - International Flight - Sydney to Los Angeles

Depart Sydney from the International Airport and fly to Los Angeles. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

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