TRIP SUMMARY
DATES 17–23 June 2027
DEPARTS Cairns, Queensland
AT SEA 4 nights aboard OceanQuest
ASHORE 2 nights in Cairns
WHO Divers and snorkellers welcome
Wildlife encounters are a possibility, never a promise. All water activities depend on conditions and crew guidance.
DATES & PRICES
Your June 2027 escape.
17–23 June 2027 · All prices in Australian dollars, per person.
TWIN SHARE
$3,875 AUD
Per person, two single beds. Published package rate.
DOUBLE SHARE
$4,069 AUD
Per person, one double bed. Published package rate.
SNORKELLERS
$200 OFF
Per person, for snorkellers who are not diving. Ask for your final quote.
Includes 4 nights aboard OceanQuest and 2 nights’ Cairns accommodation. Availability, upgrades and optional extras are confirmed when you enquire.
Minke and Ribbon Reef magic.
There is a moment on a wildlife trip when everyone goes quiet. A shape appears in the blue, and the ocean suddenly feels very different.
This June, head to the northern Great Barrier Reef for a holiday built around dwarf minke whale season, reef exploration and life at sea. Curious minkes sometimes approach boats and people in the water, creating encounters that happen on the whales’ terms. Between encounters, snorkel the reef or join the certified diving programme.
For snorkellers, divers and ocean people.
FOR SNORKELLERS
Snorkel with a sense of wonder
No scuba certification needed. Minke encounters happen at the surface, with the crew guiding each swim when conditions allow. Ask us about suitability for your swimming experience.
FOR CERTIFIED DIVERS
Dive the Ribbon Reefs
Combine minke season with reef diving, including night dives. The programme offers up to 16 dives (up to 4 a day), subject to conditions and the final itinerary.
FOR WILDLIFE TRAVELLERS
Travel for the wildlife
Bring your curiosity and your camera. Slow down to watch, learn and enjoy the ocean – travelling with a partner, friends or on your own.
Why the Ribbon Reefs in June?
The Ribbon Reefs lie north of Cairns on the outer Great Barrier Reef. They are an important area for dwarf minke whales, with June and July the main encounter season.
A liveaboard gives the holiday its rhythm: wake at sea, spend time in the water, then share the day’s stories on deck. Reef stops and whale opportunities depend on weather, sea conditions and the vessel’s operating plan.
A glimpse of the experience
Moments from past Scuba Sojourns trips, including the 2026 Minke Whale Sojourn. Wildlife encounters vary on every departure.
Photography: Michelle Barry.
Four nights aboard OceanQuest
Make OceanQuest your home at sea for four nights. Cabins are ocean-view with a private bathroom, and all meals are served on board.
Twin share cabins have two single beds; double share cabins have one double bed. Cabin upgrades and sole occupancy are subject to availability.
Your package also includes two nights in Cairns, with a trip leader supporting the group in Cairns and on board.
ITINERARY
Day by day: 17–23 June 2027
THU 17 JUNE
Arrive in Cairns
Check in, then join the group for a Meet & Greet dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns – seafood buffet and live music. Overnight in Cairns.
FRI 18 JUNE
Head to the reef
Board OceanQuest. Check-out dive or snorkel, then a night dive.
SAT 19 – MON 21 JUNE
Three full days on the Ribbon Reefs
Up to 4 dives a day, reef snorkelling and minke encounters when conditions allow.
TUE 22 JUNE
Return to Cairns
Breakfast on board, then disembark. Free time or optional Palm Cove trip. Farewell drinks and overnight in Cairns.
WED 23 JUNE
Farewell
The package ends. Ask about extra nights or local tours.
Planned itinerary. Weather, wildlife and operational needs may change the route and activities.
What’s included
Included
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4 nights on OceanQuest in an ocean-view cabin with private bathroom
-
2 nights’ Cairns resort accommodation
-
Meet & Greet dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns, with live music
-
Resort-to-boat transfers
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All meals on board; tea, coffee and filtered water
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Snorkel gear; scuba tanks, weights and air fills
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Minke whale presentations and expedition guiding
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Trip leader, trip top, taxes and reef levy
Not included
Flights, airport and home-town transfers, and travel insurance. Optional extras: dive gear hire, Nitrox, courses, fluoro night dive and the Palm Cove trip.
Ask for a written quote confirming your cabin, activities and booking terms.
Let the whales set the pace
The best encounter is one the whales choose. Follow the crew’s briefing, stay calm in the water and give the animals space. Never chase, touch or try to attract a whale.
Minke encounters are managed under specific vessel permissions and protocols. The crew decides when an activity can begin, continue or end. The published dwarf minke whale Code of Practice explains the approach behind these encounters.
Frequently asked questions
Make room for minke magic.
Tell us whether you want to snorkel or dive, who you are travelling with and what you would like from the trip. We will help you check the fit and the available options.
June dates do not suit? Explore the July 2027 Minke Whale Sojourn.
