For any dedicated scuba diver heading to Australia the Great Barrier Reef has to be one of the areas you’re looking to get into the big blue – but if you’re wanting to go all out and experience the best of what it has to offer you can’t get much more pristine than the famous Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs.
This Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef Scuba Dive Liveaboard with the crew of Spirit of Freedom takes in some of the best dive sites that Australia has to offer – including Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit as well as the Cod Hole itself.
Dive alongside giant Potato Cod, Reef Tip Sharks and thousands of other species on some of the most untouched and amazing coral reefs in the world – clocking up to 24 dives (11 on the 3 night option).
The Spirit of Freedom is one of the largest live aboard vessels in Australia, providing plenty of room to unwind and soak up the sunshine in between dives – as well a spacious dining and living area for relaxing in the evening.
Both the 3 night and 7 night option also end with an incredible low level scenic flights back to Cairns departing from Lizard Island – a spot you’ll also have some time to explore and check out the view points.
World class diving, pristine coral reefs and an incredible boat – this is one dive trip you’ll never forget!
Additional information
| Trip Length | 3 Nights, 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Options | Ocean View Deluxe, Ocean View Standard, Quad Share, State Room, Twin/Double |
Day 1
The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus will pick you up from your Cairns hotel around 11:00am to transfer you to Trinity Wharf, where you will board the vessel. You will be greeted by the Spirit of Freedom crew, who will give you an orientation of the vessel before a 12 noon departure. Enjoy lunch on board while we cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight or night dive. After dinner we cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 2&3
These two days are spent diving at the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs, Number 9 & 10 Ribbon Reefs. Dive sites and sequence may vary depending on the weather conditions, but will always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you encounter a family of massive and very friendly Potato Cod. Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, just to name a few. If the current is right, you may also take a drift dive at Dynamite Pass, well know as a channel for sharks to pass through. See the dive site page for site selection of some of our dive sites on the Ribbon Reefs. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on the Tuesday. On Wednesday evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.
Day 4
This morning after breakfast you will disembark and say farewell to Spirit of Freedom. On shore at Lizard Island you can take the guided walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s cottage over Chinaman’s Ridge and back to the air-strip. Here you will board a twin-engine light aircraft for your low level flight over the reef and / or along the coast back to Cairns. The one hour flight arrives at Hinterland Aviation, Cairns General Aviation Airport around 11.15 to 11:30am, where the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.
Day 1
The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus will pick you up from your Cairns hotel around 11:00am to transfer you to Trinity Wharf, where you will board the vessel. You will be greeted by the Spirit of Freedom crew, who will give you an orientation of the vessel before a 12 noon departure. Enjoy lunch on board while we cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight or night dive. After dinner we cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 2 & 3
These two days are spent diving at the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs, Number 9 & 10 Ribbon Reefs. Dive sites and sequence may vary depending on the weather conditions, but will always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you encounter a family of massive and very friendly Potato Cod. Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, just to name a few. If the current is right, you may also take a drift dive at Dynamite Pass, well know as a channel for sharks to pass through. See the dive site page for site selection of some of our dive sites on the Ribbon Reefs. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on the Tuesday. On Wednesday evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.
Day 4
This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to go ashore at Lizard Island. A good chance to stretch you legs on land at this half way point, you can take the guided walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s cottage over Chinaman’s Ridge and back to the beach. Around 11.00am we will cruise back to Ribbon Reef Number 10 for two dives at a choice of sites including the Snake Pit, Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Wall, and Pixie Pinnacle. If the tide permits we may repeat a dive at the Cod Hole or visit new sites. We depart in the evening for a 10 hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.
Day 5 & 6
Two days will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with visibility ranging 30 to 100 metres. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below. ‘North Horn’ is a dive site at the tip of Osprey where grey reef sharks, silvertips, and the occasional oceanic congregate, and you can experience a close encounter with the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on the Friday. See the dive site page for site selection of some of our dive sites at Osprey Reef. On Saturday night we will depart Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.
Day 7
At Ribbon Reefs Number 3 we will dive such sites as the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. A second option for this day, in special weather conditions, is to head south from Opsrey to Bougainville Reef, known for its unusual underwater landscape or caverns, and its partially submerged wreck. On Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns
Day 8
We arrive back into Cairns at 06:30am. Enjoy a light breakfast on board and a group photo opportunity before being dropped back to your Cairns hotel around after disembarking at 7.30am
Number of Dives (3 Day Option): Up to 11 dives, including up to night dive (s)
Number of Dives (7 Day Option): Up to 24 dives, including night dives
Number of passengers: 26 maximum
Vessel: 37m monohull, 3 spacious decks, fully air-conditioned, electronic stabilisers
3 Day Option;
Departs: 12pm, Mondays from Cairns
Returns: Approx 11.30am Thursday to Cairns, by 250km Low Level Scenic Flight from Lizard Island
Extra costs:
A AUD$20 per person Marine Park Levy & Port fee applies (Flat fee for 3,4, or 7 day tour)
Optional Extras:
3 Day Full Equipment Rental AUD$120.00
3 Day Nitrox Package AUD$75.00
PADI Advance Course AUD$265.00
PADI Nitrox Course AUD$295.00
7 Day Option;
Departs: Monday at 12pm
Returns: Monday at 7:30am
Extra costs:
A AUD$20 per person Marine Park Levy & Port fee applies (Flat fee for 3, 4, or 7 day tour)
Optional Extras:
7 Day Full Equipment Rental AUD$245.00
7 Day Nitrox Package AUD$180.00
PADI Advance Course AUD$265.00
PADI Nitrox Course AUD$295.00
What to bring:
– Dive Certification Card
– Hat & Sunscreen
– Warm clothing for evenings
– Money for bar and other on-board purchases
– Soft luggage (max 20kg)
What’s Included:
– Accommodation Transfer from Cairns City accommodation
– Quality, chef-prepared meals Australian wine with evening meals
– All linen and towels
– Tanks & weights
– Dives on the outer Great Barrier Reef
– Dives at the world famous Cod Hole home to a family of giant potato cod
– Dives on the remarkable chain of Ribbon Reefs with varied topography featuring coves with expansive beds of plate corals to isolated pinnacles, home to clouds of colourful tropical fish.
Courses Available:
PADI Advanced Course
PADI Nitrox Course
Special Note: Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to 20kg/45lb per person. All bags must be soft sided.
Spirit of Freedom Details
At 37 metres, Spirit is one of Australias largest liveaboard dive vessels, with on board facilities to satisfy the most discerning dive traveller.
Electronic stabilisers ensure the smoothest cruising, while the comfortable furnishings and polished timber interior, give you the feeling of being on a luxury private yacht.
Passenger entertainment areas include sun deck, lounge/ bar and huge dining saloon with wide screen TV/DVD system.
Theres also a large fully equipped dive deck with Nitrox and photo facilities.
11 roomy cabins all feature private bathrooms and are serviced daily.
All bookings MUST reconfirm 48hrs in advance. Ph: 07 4047 9150 or from outside AU: +61 7 4047 9150. Extra costs: AU$20 EMC.
Provider Details
SOF Pty Ltd T/as Spirit of Freedom
Phone: 07 4047 9150
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review