Liveabord recommendations for GBR diving out of Cairns

My wife and I are going to be in Cairns from 2/11 through 2/17, and we'd
like to dive the reef there. I understand that the reef is far enough out
that day trips aren't the ideal way to dive, so I want to find a good three
to four-day liveabord trip. We want to keep the cost down, and don't mind
a little crowding, but we also don't want to be in the middle of the ocean
with an incompetent captain and crew.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Shawn.

Shawn Willden wrote:
> My wife and I are going to be in Cairns from 2/11 through 2/17, and we'd
> like to dive the reef there. I understand that the reef is far enough out
> that day trips aren't the ideal way to dive, so I want to find a good three
> to four-day liveabord trip. We want to keep the cost down, and don't mind
> a little crowding, but we also don't want to be in the middle of the ocean
> with an incompetent captain and crew.
>
> Any recommendations?

Taka Dive.
Check http://www.taka.com.au/

Well done, we enjoyed it.
new boat since we went.

>
> Thanks,
>
> Shawn.

bob crownfield wrote:
> Shawn Willden wrote:

>> Any recommendations?
>
> Taka Dive.
> Check http://www.taka.com.au/
>
> Well done, we enjoyed it.
> new boat since we went.

That's one that I've been looking at. Any thoughts about OceanQuest? It's
a little cheaper and looks to have nicer rooms (that is, an OceanQuest
double is within my price range, while a Taka stateroom is not). I think
it stays on the reefs nearer to Cairns while the Taka goes up to the Ribbon
Reefs. Closer means less time traveling and more time diving, but also
means being in more heavily-frequented areas.

All comments appreciated,

Shawn.

What about the Spirit of Freedom? Hubby and I were on it in March. The
food was excellent and the crew were well-trained.

Jo

"Shawn Willden" <shawn-scuba@willden.org> wrote in message
news:PNGdnSFjVIDAwSvYnZ2dnUVZ_u_inZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> My wife and I are going to be in Cairns from 2/11 through 2/17, and we'd
> like to dive the reef there. I understand that the reef is far enough out
> that day trips aren't the ideal way to dive, so I want to find a good
> three
> to four-day liveabord trip. We want to keep the cost down, and don't mind
> a little crowding, but we also don't want to be in the middle of the ocean
> with an incompetent captain and crew.
>
> Any recommendations?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Shawn.