Mike immigrated to Australia from the UK, inspired by the stunning reefs to open Far North Queensland’s first dive school in 1969.  Since then his passion and drive has developed one of the world’s most widely respected dive liveaboard operations, pioneering many now widely-practised safety standards and winning dozens of international awards for excellence.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions focuses on providing excellent diving within a highly professional and safe operation.  Our safe diving protocols cater for divers of all abilities, providing guidance underwater for those who need it and allowing greater freedom for those who don’t.  We take care to seek out the best dive sites, and then combine them with excellent food, accommodation and service to ensure our guests have a fantastic holiday experience.

The company recognises the importance of preserving the underwater environment and has long supported scientific research in marine biology, hosting researchers on board and collecting data to support studies on minke whales, nautilus and coral.  In 2004 the operation achieved an Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and in 2014 was a founding member of Global Shark Diving, an international alliance of dive operators committed to shark conservation and providing unique shark experiences for divers.

In 2004 Mike Ball was the first liveaboard operator inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to recreational scuba diving.