The Nautilus Club would like to thank the sponsors of the 2026 Photo Competition. Here is a list of the sponsors this year, links to their websites and their generous contributions.
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions operates exciting, world class liveaboard scuba diving expeditions departing from Cairns to some of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. From 3 to 7 nights, they provide options for every diver. They are eco certified and won TripAdvisors Traveller’s Choice in 2023.
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions | Cairns Liveaboard Diving | Book Direct
Prize
Dive Expeditions 5-Night GBR & Ribbon Reefs liveaboard trip on Spoilsport
Walindi Plantation Resort
Walindi Plantation Resort located in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, is a long-term sponsor of the photo competition and a valued sponsor. Walindi is a popular destination with club members, renowned for its outstanding marine biodiversity. The resort has 20 accommodation units, day dive boats and links with two liveaboard dive boats.
Prize
5 nights single accommodation, ensuite, all meals, 10 dives, airport transfers for one person
Lissenung Island Resort
Lissenung Island Resort located in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, is a long-term photo competition sponsor and a popular destination with club members. The resort is guaranteed relaxation, with a tranquil atmosphere, maximum of 16 guests for serentiy, and personal service. They have generously donated a 7 night dive package.
Prize
7 nights ensuite accommodation with all meals, 5 dive days, airport transfers for one person
Buceo Anilao – Philippines
The ideal place to experience the excellent service and the famous hospitality of the Filipino people. Local and European management, modern facilities, yet maintaining the country’s tropical and relaxed style. Located on a 5,000 sqm coastal property surrounded by reef full of abundant marine life, and designed to satisfy the taste of all divers, especially underwater photographers with highest expectations.
“50 excellent dive sites for macro & muck diving. Nudibranch capital of the world”
Prize
5 Days/4 nights Superior Room (with breakfast) and 10 dives package (with Nitrox) – for 1 person
Pro Dive Cairns
Pro Dive Cairns is a long term club sponsor and ongoing supporter of the underwater photo competition.
Since 1983, Pro Dive Cairns has developed an international reputation for quality, professionalism, safety, and value. Specialising in dive courses from beginner to advanced, and three-day liveaboard dive trips, you will receive the very best, personalised experience.
Pro Dive Cairns is home to the Great Barrier Reefs premier three-day, two-night liveaboard dive trip; as well as well as a range of PADI certified scuba diving courses. From a five-day Learn to Dive Open Water certification course (run in conjunction with the three-day liveaboard dive trip), through to advanced and professional development courses.
Prizes
- Voucher for 1 for a 3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard trip
- Voucher for 3 Day/2 Night liveaboard trip on OceanQuest for 1 diver – twin cabin
Deep Sea Divers Den
Ocean Quest
Divers Den offers scuba diving and snorkel tours on the Great Barrier Reef. They provide gear, training, dive instructors and scuba diving courses. Ocean Quest is their liveaboard vessel, varying in 2 day to 4 day trips.
Prizes
- Divers Den Voucher for 2 Day/1 Night liveaboard trip on OceanQuest for 1 diver – twin cabin
- Divers Den Voucher for Day trip on AquaQuest – 3 dives – for 1 person
Diveplanit Travel
Your personal dive travel agency
Diveplanit Travel – your personal dive travel agency. They will get you to the best scuba diving locations on the planet.
Not sure where you want to go? Explore their website to find your ideal diving destination by country. Or choose your dive experience using our guides of the best wreck dives, coral reefs, where to go muck diving and where to see the big stuff – sharks, manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.
Wherever and whenever you want to go diving, we’ll find the right package just for you. So what are you waiting for? Pool’s open folks – call Diveplanit now to organise your next dive holiday!
Diveplanit Dive Travel – Your Personal Diving Travel Agent
Prize
Voucher for $500 (to be redeemed against trip with a minimum value of $1800, excluding flights)
Allways Dive Expeditions
We’re divers first, travel agents second
With 45+ years in the water, we know what makes a trip work. We’ve built our business around one simple rule: if we wouldn’t dive it, we won’t sell it. From liveaboards to little island hideaways, we hand-pick operators we trust with our own gear and logbooks.
Prizes
- $500/$750 travel voucher (for a package up to or over $5000 for winner and partner, including flights and accommodation)
- One one-night stay at an Allways Dive Expeditions partner resort
Passions of Paradise
Passions of Paradise are a long term and valued sponsor of the photo competition and the club. They are a wonderful dive operation, running their day boat out from Cairns.
Prize
Voucher for a Day trip for 2
Scuba Diver Magazine
Scuba Diver Magazine is one of the premier dive magazines that offers both digital and print subscription options. It’s a great resource, informative with quality stories and imagery.
Prize
Annual subscription to Scuba Diver ANZ Magazine (print or digital)
Rum Runner
Rum Runner is Cairns’ most affordable outer reef liveaboard dive and snorkel tour operator. They go out regularly for overnight trips, and their boat accommodates up to 16 people.
https://rumrunnercairns.com.au/cairns-scuba-diving.html
Prize
Voucher for 2 Day/1 Night GBR liveaboard trip for one
Pure Snorkelling Adventures
Pure Snorkelling, Cairns’ ultimate half-day reef adventure. Enjoy a quick, fun trip to exclusive reefs like Briggs, Sudbury, Moore, and Thetford, showcasing the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Book now for a thrilling afternoon of snorkelling with plenty of time to explore!
Prize
Voucher for a Day trip for 2
Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive
Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA)
Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive are Townsville’s most experienced diving and snorkelling provider operating a full service dive center with day trips and liveaboards. We visit the Great Barrier Reef and the SS Yongala Wreck departing from Townsville (and Magnetic Island for day trips). Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive also run a wide range of PADI courses.
They are committed to protecting our natural environment. Our day trips are ECO-certified by ECO Tourism Australia and we work with Australian conservation groups, researchers and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to educate the community and monitor the reef.
With over 30 years in Marine Tourism, you can relax knowing Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive have the skills, knowledge and experience of the best spots on the Great Barrier Reef.
Prize
Voucher for Day trip to MOUA for one diver
Octopus Dive
Enjoy small-group SCUBA training for all levels—recreational, occupational, and certified divers—without any extra price tag!
Kick-start your journey into recreational diving with our PADI courses in Cairns, explore the world of occupational diving with our AQF-recognised programs, or join our certified open water dives at Fitzroy Island and Crater Lakes.
Our AQF occupational diving courses are nationally recognised and certified through PADI Asia Pacific RTO #6729.
All PADI recreational diving courses are recognised worldwide.
Prize
Voucher for a training course within 12 months
Diver Alert Network – DAN
DAN helps divers in need of medical emergency assistance and promotes dive safety through research, education, products and services.
Divers Alert Network (DAN), a nonprofit organization, exists to provide expert medical information for the benefit of the diving public.
DAN’s historic and primary function is to provide timely information and assistance for underwater diving injuries, to work to prevent injuries, and to promote dive safety.
Second, DAN promotes and supports underwater dive research and education, particularly as it relates to the improvement of dive safety, medical treatment and first aid.
Third, DAN strives to provide the most accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information on issues of common concern to the diving public, primarily — but not exclusively — for dive safety
Prize
DAN prize package (includes 45L dry bag, deluxe surface signalling kit, water bottle, cap and T-shirt)
Yongala Dive
SS Yongala
Yongala Dive has custom-built dive vessels, to provide the fastest, easiest way to dive the historic S.S. Yongala Shipwreck. Offering accommodation onsite and small dive groups, Yongala Dive is the best way to explore one of the top 10 dives on the planet.
htts://www.yongaladive.com.au/
Prize
Voucher for a Day trip to SS Yongala for 1 diver
Sundive Byron Bay
Established in 1988, Sundive is the only dive centre located in Byron Bay. Sundive has a PADI rating of 5 Stars, representing our commitment to quality, safety and service.
Our fleet of 2 custom rigid hull inflatable boats are some of the fastest in the Bay, perfect for the 10 minute ride out to our dive and snorkelling sites. Our team consist of the most experienced and highly qualified instructors, guides and boat captains, ensuring that each and every trip is a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.
Prize
Voucher for a Double dive at Julian Rocks for 1 person
The Underwater Club
The first Online Underwater Photography School, where underwater photographers get together to learn, help each other and create memorable underwater imagery.
https://theunderwaterclub.com/
Prize
1 month Membership to The Underwater Club, plus 60 mins mentoring/portfolio appraisal with Nicolas Remy
First Aid Academy
First Aid Academy (RTO 40920) conducts first aid and rescue courses and offers rescue equipment for all situations. Their courses are delivered face-to-face and are held on business days, weekends and evenings, so we work when you and your team have the time.
Prize
First Aid Kit – value $199
PADI
Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is a recreational diving membership and diver training organization, recognised internationally.
Prize
PADI pack (includes backpack, cap and bottle)
Benni Marine Designs
Sharing the beauty of the ocean through wearable art
Benni has been diving and taking underwater photos for more than 30 years. She wanted to share the beauty of the underwater world in a unique way. So, Benni started experimenting with fabric design. To begin with she made a few small items like purses and bags, then the product range expanded, and the design portfolio grew!
But Benni didn’t want to just make pretty things, she wanted to make a difference. This is why each year Benni Marine Designs contribute 5% of profits to important ocean conservation projects.
Prize
$200 voucher
Calypso Reef Imagery
Calypso Reef Imagery is Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef digital underwater photography and videography specialists. This dedicated team covers everything from underwater camera hire to private and commercial contracts, film and television, tourism event photography, dynamic aerial cinematography, drones and more.
www.calypsoproductions.com.au/
Prize
Cressi Mask/Snorkel Package
Slip Ins
Everybody enjoys a little attention, and SlipIns can help you achieve that psychological gratification. Be bold, and have fun, because life is an adventure and meant to be enjoyed. So much easier to get in/out of a wetsuit, even when wet. Great skin protection from abrasions, stinging critters, and the sun. Perfect for diving on the reef.
Prize
Voucher for US$50
Baruna Silver
Jewellery of the Seven Seas
Baruna Silver® was created with the purpose of bringing your diving dreams to life. Every piece of jewelry within the Baruna collection is meticulously crafted from sterling silver, ensuring your precious memories endure eternally.
Their exclusive collection is handcrafted by skilled Balinese silversmiths in Celuk, the heart of Bali, using traditional techniques. Each intricate detail is carefully shaped to create a truly unique treasure, reflecting the artistry and passion of our craftsmen.
Baruna Silver (baruna-silver.com)
Prize
Silver pendant worth $120
Mike Scotland
The Editor and Publisher of Dive Log Australia, Mike is a long-term supporter of the Club and our annual underwater photography competition.
He has also published books including “Marine Biology in the Wild” and “Diving with Sharks”.
Dive Log is a free bi-monthly publication and is always a great read, especially for underwater photographers.
You can find all copies of Dive Log on the website: https://www.divelog.net.au/
Pacific Toyota
Pacific Toyota aims to be the most respected, admired, trusted and successful automotive dealership in North Queensland. Their services include selling new and pre-owned vehicles, car servicing, parts and accessories.
Prize
Signed North Queensland Cowboys jersey
