Encounter the extraordinary

  • Are you an adventure seeker looking for your next unforgettable experience? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
  • Argo Expeditions is excited to offer you the opportunity to swim and snorkel with minke whales during an eyeopening seven-day trip on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Spanning up to eight metres and weighing several tonnes,
    Minkes are one of the most majestic creatures in the sea.
    They are known to be incredibly inquisitive and will often linger in an area for a number of hours, allowing you to appreciate their beauty up close.
  • Whether you are a seasoned swimmer, avid ocean-goer or
    completely new to all sorts of water activity, this all-new Argo trip provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Responsible fishing

Our best chance to interact with Minkes is during the months of June and July
along a particular stretch of the Ribbon reefs near Lizard Island up north.
With only a handful of operators having the necessary permit to swim with these animals, we are proud to offer this opportunity.

During the expeditions, we follow the necessary guidelines to keep both our visitors and the whales safe. Interactions are based on the behaviour of the whales on the day and we have a strict ‘no-touch’ policy at all times during the whale swims.

Our low guest numbers allow for an intimate wildlife encounter and more time in the water with the whales!

Everything You’ll
Need

Onboard the Argo, you’ll find everything you need for an unforgettable trip:

  • Spacious Saloon to relax in air-conditioned comfort amidst three cozy lounge booths.
  • Comfortable air-conditioned cabins serviced daily.
  • Chef prepared, locally inspired meals and refreshments.
  • Spacious decks perfect for relaxing after a day in the water.

Your trip includes 6 nights accommodation and all snorkelling equipment. All the logistics are handled by our professional crew, so you can focus on the experience.

Download Brochure

Next Trip
Dates

2026 Departure Dates
24 June to 30 June th th
1 July to 7 July

2027 Departure Dates
9 June | 16 June | 23 June | 30 July |7 July

  • Rates are per person based on shared cabins
  • Rates are inclusive of GST
  • Ex/Return Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas

Voices of satisfaction

Argo is more than just a vessel. It’s the ultimate go-anywhere, anytime base for exploring the reef and beyond. This 27‑metre motor yacht offers a cruising range of 3,000 km and comfortably accommodates up to 18 guests.

“In our first season of “Below Deck Down Under” it was critical that our support vessel was on queue. Argo provided excellent services and an intimate knowledge of the Whitsundays that enabled our operation to function fluidly and efficiently.”

Rudy Castellon
Co-Executive Producer

“ARGO provided the perfect platform for several weeks of filming on the Great Barrier Reef, with plenty of room onboard for crew and kit! The Captain and crew were excellent, utilising their knowledge of the reef to help us succeed. Last but not least, the food was outstanding, no easy task for 3 weeks at sea. I look forward to my next trip onboard ARGO!”

Paul Satchell
Plimsoll Productions

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

Minke Whales trip of a lifetime! I highly recommend anyone considering a Minke whale trip to go with Argo!! Their professionalism, customer service, and the love and care the crew have for the whales and the ocean is wonderful. The two trips I have done with Argo (July 2022 and 2023) focused purely on snorkelling with Minke whales and allowed for maximum encounters. Will definitely be joining them in future ocean adventures!

Jemma
July 2023

Be surprised – book this trip. Most amazing trip. If you have ever wanted to swim with whales this is the easiest, safest and most exhilarating way to do it. Great boat and lovely crew and best captain. You won’t go hungry and you won’t be disappointed, you may see soooo many minkes you are too tired to go back in the water. But just one more time 🤣🤣 And Vanessa – a very knowledgeable and approachable guide, super generous with her underwater photo tips and tricks and making everyone feel like part of an amazing adventure.

Louise D
June 2024

10 Stars! This was trip number 5 on Argo and I loved everything about it. The boat is very comfortable and homey, and I love the small group size. The crew is super professional and knowledgeable, attentive and helpful. And don’t get me started about the food, it is always so delicious! I also love the fact that the trips have been dedicated to swimming with dwarf minkes which are fascinating little whales. And in the rare occasions when whales didn’t want to interact, Argo took us to stunning reef locations. I cannot wait for next year trip. Thank you Argo!

Vmignon
June 2024

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

“Based on excellent feedback from other operators, we chose to work together with MV Argo for our dive expeditions to the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea. With its ideal size and guest capacity, along with the comfortable cabins and living areas, this was an easy choice, and our trips have been hugely successful with MV Argo being crucial to this success. Added to this, there is excellent service and meals on board, and with the friendly, experienced crew; we couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Martin Connolly
Managing Director

Flexible options

We offer a range of cabin options, including a bunk cabin, mid cabins with a queen bed and bunds for up to four guests, and ensuite cabins with a queen bed and bunks for twin to quod occupancy plus a private bathroom.

Vessel.layout

Make Your Trip
extraordinary

Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the underwater world with these gentle giants. Register your
interest today.