Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs: 3 Night Liveaboard

Where you dive

• The Ribbon ReefsA string of 10 coral ramparts on the Great Barrier Reef, stretching south from the Cod Hole. Beds of huge plate corals, isolated pinnacles covered in fish, walls and channels for drift dives, caves, canyons and shallow coral gardens.
• The Cod HoleAbout 200 km north of Cairns, famous for its family of resident potato cod. Each can weigh up to 100 kg, and they’re used to posing for cameras. You dive it at least once.
• What you might seeSharks, potato cod, sheer walls covered in soft corals, manta rays, and minke whales in June and July.

Every Spirit of Freedom dive site, on a map.

Your cabin

• Cabin typesQuad share, double, twin, stateroom and ocean view deluxe. All have an ensuite.
• On boardBed linen, bath and deck towels, and free wi-fi when in range.

Cabin prices are shown when you book.

What’s included

• TransfersFrom Cairns city accommodation
• 3 nights on boardIn the cabin you choose
• 11 divesWeather dependent
• Scenic flightLow-level flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns
• Dive gear and air fillsTanks, weights and weight belt
• All meals on boardChef prepared, with wine and soft drinks at dinner
• Linen and towelsBed linen, and bath and deck towels
• Luggage storageExcess luggage stored in Cairns while you’re away
• Wi-fiFree on board when in range

Not included

• Flights and accommodationFlights to and from Cairns, and accommodation in Cairns.
• Reef chargesThe Environmental Management Charge, port and administration fee and fuel levy, paid on board at the end of the trip.
• Mask, snorkel, boots and finsNot included: bring your own or hire them. Other gear can be hired too.
• Nitrox fillsExtra, for every dive.
• Dive medicalIf you need one.
• Travel insuranceIncluding cancellation and interruption cover, and diving medical emergencies.
• ToiletriesBring your own.

Your trip

1. Day 1Thursday · out to the reef

   About 11:00 am The Spirit of Freedom coach picks you up from your Cairns hotel and takes you to Trinity Wharf, where the crew shows you around the boat
   12:00 pm Depart. Lunch on board as you cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef
   Afternoon Check-out dive, then a twilight dive. After dinner, cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs

2. Days 2–3Friday & Saturday · the Ribbon Reefs

   Two days diving Ribbon Reefs No. 3 to 10, with 4 to 5 dives a day and a night dive on Friday. Sites and their order depend on the weather, but always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole and its family of huge, friendly potato cod. Others may include Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie and the Snake Pit and, when the current is right, a drift through Dynamite Pass, a channel sharks use. Saturday night is spent in Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, with a sunset barbecue on the top deck.

3. Day 4Sunday · fly home

   After breakfast, leave the boat and go ashore on Lizard Island. Take the guided walk from Watson’s Beach over Chinaman’s Ridge to Mary Watson’s cottage and on to the airstrip, then a picnic breakfast roll before the one-hour flight back to Cairns
   11:15–11:45 am Land at Hinterland Aviation, Cairns General Aviation Airport. The Spirit of Freedom coach takes you to your city hotel

A sample itinerary: sites and their order change with the weather and access. The scenic flight is low level, so it’s safe after diving.