Me with Mike BallI had the very pleasant opportunity to meet scuba diving hall of fame luminary, Mike Ball. We attended our nearby dive shop's (Dive Experience in Williamstown VIC) monthly club night where Mike was the scheduled speaker.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions is legendary as the best live-aboard boat operator to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. No doubt about that - a Sydney friend still talks about his great experience on the Spoilsport a few years ago. I always felt that the Mike Ball trips were a) too advanced for my skill level, and b) too pricey for my budget. Probably wrong on both counts.

Meeting Mike in person was a real surprise. He is genuine, friendly and quite the entertaining speaker. The presentation was a simple sales pitch to book a diving holiday with his company. They offer two basic options - a 3-day Eco trip to Cod Hole and the northern areas of the reef, and a 7-day trip to the Coral Sea for more advanced divers. Ideal for those with a keen interest in underwater photography and critter biodiversity which really appeals to me.

Having just returned from a diving trip to Hawaii, there is no comparison for Australian divers which is a better value. Definitely check out Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.

Trivia: Mike wears Computer Socks - even for diving.