Coral Sea & Ribbon Reefs: 4 Night Liveaboard

Where you dive

• Osprey Reef, Coral SeaCrystal-clear water with visibility of 30 to 100 metres, and sheer walls covered in gorgonians, sea whips and yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor far below. At North Horn, grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic whitetip gather, with Spirit of Freedom’s shark attraction dive.
• The Ribbon ReefsA string of 10 coral ramparts on the Great Barrier Reef, with huge plate corals, pinnacles, walls, channels for drift dives, caves, canyons and coral gardens.
• Bougainville ReefIn special weather conditions only: caverns, an unusual underwater landscape and a partly submerged wreck.

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
• Scenic flightLow-level flight from Cairns to Lizard Island
• 4 nights on boardIn the cabin you choose
• Up to 15 divesWeather dependent, and not guaranteed
• 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.
• 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 1Sunday · fly to Lizard Island

   About 7:00 am The Spirit of Freedom coach takes you from your Cairns hotel to Hinterland Aviation at Cairns General Aviation Airport, for the scenic flight up the coast to Lizard Island. The crew meets you and takes you out to the boat by tender. After an orientation, head to Ribbon Reefs No. 9 and 10 for two dives in the afternoon, at sites like Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens and Pixie Pinnacle. Overnight crossing (about 10 hours) to Osprey Reef.

2. Days 2–3Monday & Tuesday · Osprey Reef

   Two days at Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea, weather permitting: visibility of 30 to 100 metres and sheer walls of gorgonians, sea whips and yellow soft corals. At North Horn, grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic whitetip gather for Spirit of Freedom’s shark attraction dive. 4 to 5 dives a day, with a night dive on Monday. Overnight back to the Ribbon Reefs on Tuesday.

3. Day 4Wednesday · Ribbon Reef No. 3

   Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. In special weather conditions the boat may head south from Osprey to Bougainville Reef instead, for its caverns, unusual landscape and partly submerged wreck. Overnight cruise back to Cairns.

4. Day 5Thursday · back in Cairns

   6:30 am Arrive in Cairns. Light breakfast and a group photo
   About 8:00 am Drop-off at your Cairns hotel

A sample itinerary: sites and their order change with the weather and access. Number of dives isn’t guaranteed.