Minerva Reef Diving Expedition
The Minerva Reefs are a group of two submerged atolls located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Fiji and Tonga. The reefs were named after the whaleship Minerva, wrecked on what is now known as South Minerva after setting out from Sydney in 1829.
Many other ships would follow and become shipwrecked, making the reefs an excellent diving spot where you can explore the sunken wrecks, dive for crayfish and lobster and swim with whales, turtles and manta ray.
Expedition Details
Boat: R.V. Braveheart
Depart/Return: Tauranga
When: 7 August – 22 August 2021 (16 days)
Cost: $14,500 per person (for a single-berth in a cabin, cabins are shared)
What’s included: Meals, refreshments (including water, tea, coffee and soft drinks), bait, dive fills
Availability is limited – register your interest below to reserve your place on the trip.
Itinerary
Embark on the R.V. Braveheart and depart from Tauranga.
As we set off, get familiar with the boat, meet your expedition mates and settle into your new home for the next 16 days.
At Sea – Trolling for Tuna.
While at sea you can get involved with a variety of onboard activities which are sure to keep you and your fellow expedition-mates entertained.
Arrive at the Kermadec Group.
Stop at L’Esperence Rock, a small pinnacle formed of hard basalt rock, and an important nesting site for seabirds and other wildlife. There is the potential to spot bronze whaler and grey nurse sharks here. If the weather permits, the boat will anchor for your first opportunity to dive.
At Sea – Trolling for Tuna.
Get involved with a variety of onboard activities which are sure to keep you and your fellow expedition-mates entertained.
Arrive at South Minerva. Here you will explore the shallow reef areas in crystal clear water, with the opportunity to dive the wreck of a Japanese fishing vessel.
Daily activities can change, but include: wreck diving, reef diving, diving for lobster, swimming with whales, and spearfishing.
Continue your diving adventure at South Minerva. Try your luck at diving for crayfish and potentially catch some for dinner!
Daily activities can change, but include: wreck diving, reef diving, diving for lobster, swimming with whales, and spearfishing.
Arrive at North Minerva, a reef almost perfectly oval in shape and approximately 3.5 nautical miles wide. Here you might be lucky enough to swim with a manta ray or a green turtle, see white tip reef and grey reef sharks, and discover more wrecks.
Daily activities can change, but include: wreck diving, reef diving, diving for lobster, swimming with whales, and spearfishing.
Continue your diving adventure at North Minerva and take in the magnificent coral in waters less than 20 metres deep.
Daily activities can change, but include: wreck diving, reef diving, diving for lobster, swimming with whales, and spearfishing.
Head back around to South Minerva for your final dives here.
Daily activities can change, but include: wreck diving, reef diving, diving for lobster, swimming with whales, and spearfishing.
Depart South Minerva for Tauranga.
At Sea – Trolling for Tuna.
Get involved with a variety of onboard activities which are sure to keep you and your fellow expedition-mates entertained.
At Sea – Trolling for Tuna.
Stop for a dive at Raoul Island, the main island in the group, which has the largest area of shallow underwater habitat. Here you are likely to see a variety of underwater life, including Demoiselles, Blue fish, Blue Mao Mao, Mado, Drummers and Moorish Idols.
At Sea – Trolling for Tuna.
Get involved with a variety of onboard activities which are sure to keep you and your fellow expedition-mates entertained.
Arrive back in Tauranga, disembark and take with you the new memories and friendships you’re sure to treasure for a lifetime.
* Please note, the proposed activities are weather dependant and may change.
Register your interest
Complete the form below for further information and details on how to reserve your place.
