Few experiences compare to the thrill of sharing the ocean with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures — the dwarf minke whale. Each winter, during June and July, these gentle giants migrate through the Great Barrier Reef, offering divers and snorkellers a rare opportunity to encounter them up close in their natural environment.
As an endorsed tourism operator, Spirit of Freedom holds a special permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to offer Swimming with Minke Whales experiences. We are proud contributors to the Minke Whale Project, supporting important research into the biology and behaviour of these remarkable whales.
Our crew works closely with researchers to ensure every interaction is conducted with the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility — protecting both the whales and our guests.
During the cooler winter months, the dwarf minke whales visit the Ribbon Reefs in the northern Great Barrier Reef. Here, in the crystal-clear waters, you may find yourself eye-to-eye with a curious minke whale as it gracefully approaches, creating a powerful and unforgettable connection.
Whether you’re a diver or snorkeller, you can join our special Minke Whale Expeditions — a modified version of our:
3 Night Cod Hole Liveaboard Dive Trip
4 Night Coral Sea Liveaboard Dive Trip
7 Night Cod Hole & Coral Sea Liveaboard Dive Trip
Each expedition includes extensive time exploring remote reef sites, while focusing on maximising in-water whale encounters whenever possible. Most interactions occur while snorkelling at the surface, where the whales are most active and playful.
Between ocean adventures, relax aboard Spirit of Freedom with daily cabin service, chef-prepared gourmet meals, and complimentary Australian wine or soft drinks with dinner. Every detail of your trip is designed for comfort and ease, allowing you to simply focus on the extraordinary experience at hand.
Our Swimming with Minke Whales expeditions operate exclusively from June to July, coinciding with the whales’ annual migration. This is a strictly controlled activity — guests must always follow crew guidance to ensure safe, respectful, and meaningful encounters.
The number of dives and whale interactions varies depending on the whales’ behaviour and the time they choose to share with us.
3 DAY ITINERARY, MONDAY DEPARTURE
Departing: Cairns 12:00 noon Thursday
Returning: Cairns 11:30 am Sunday
Planning your travel arrangements
You will need to be in Cairns the night before departure. Spirit of Freedom recommends arrival into Cairns at least the day prior to your trip, as unforseen flight delays or lost baggage may cause inconvenience or you may even miss the boat. However, if you are flying into Cairns on day of departure, please note that you will need to make your own way to our dive shop or the vessel itself.
Check In & Hotel Transfers
Email info@prodive.com up to 48hrs prior to departure to advise your Hotel Accomodation, we will then organise a transfer for you. Pick ups from Cairns City locations only.
Making your own way - Boarding is from 11.15 -11.30am Thursday morning, for a 12.00 noon departure. The vessel is located at Trinity Wharf at the end of Lake Street. Taxis and coaches can drive up onto the wharf to locate the vessel, which is usually berthed under the clock tower.
Fit to Dive
We recommend you complete a dive medical -if required - before you arrive in Cairns
Web address for Doctors registered to do Dive Medicals Australia Wide- www.spums.org.au
Web address for Cairns 24hr Medical Center - Can provide Dive Medicals until 8pm - www.thedoctors.com.au
Dive Certification
Don’t forget to bring your Dive Certification which must be presented at check- in.
Sample Itinerary:
Thursday- Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns, for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.
Friday- Today we dive Steve's Bommie, on Ribbon Reef # 3. This is an isolated pinnacle that rises from 100 feet at its base to around 15 feet from the surface. Colourful antheas and a vast array of fish cover this bommie, while big eye trevally and barracuda hang out in the blue. Look for nudibranch and stonefish. Today we may also dive the Clam Gardens, where giant clams up to three feet across will amaze you. Some of our other favourite sites in this area of the Ribbons include Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall.
Saturday- This morning we will dive the Cod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for its resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). Good opportunity for photographers. We may also dive Dynamite Pass, possibly as a drift dive, well known as a channel for sharks cruising from the Coral Sea to the Barrier Reef. This afternoon we may dive Lighthouse Bommie, where Golden sea snakes are frequently sighted. In the spring months this site is also a Manta Ray cleaning station. Other sites we may visit today include Challenger Bay and Pixie Wall. This evening we cruise into Watson's Bay on Lizard Island where we will overnight in the lea of the island.
Sunday- This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island. At 10:30am you will board a twin-engine light aircraft at Lizard Island for your low level flight over the reef back to Cairns. Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately 11:30am, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.
Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change in accordance to the weather and the accessibility.
What to bring on board
Personal items and toiletries, swimwear, hat, and sweatshirt in the winter (May - September). Casual attire during the day and smart casual for evening wear. For safety and comfort we encourage no shoes to be worn on board. If you are not sure of your sea legs, we strongly recommend that you take motion sickness tablets on the trip. Kwells and Travel Calm are suitable to use when diving.
Luggage Restrictions
Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to 20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person, plus maximum carry-on of 3kg (6.5lbs) or 10kg (22lbs) allowance for professional photo/video housed systems. Excess baggage storage is available in Cairns.
Flying After Diving
We recommend you give yourself a 24 hour surface interval after your last dive before flying.
Reef Taxes and Levies
There is an additional fee which includes Government Management Charge, as well as a Port Departure Tax and administration costs. Payable direct at the end of the trip.
Alcohol Policy
Australian wines and soft drinks are served complimentary with the evening meal. Outside of this time we operate a ships bar with beer, mixed drinks, wine selection. Drinks can be placed on a tab for payment at the end of your trip.
Please note that the PADI Advanced and PADI Nitrox Courses are available in conjunction with this trip. They can be requested at time of booking and are only payable on board.