Cod Hole & Coral Sea: 7 Night Liveaboard

Where you dive

• 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.
• The Ribbon ReefsA string of 10 coral ramparts on the Great Barrier Reef. Sites like Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, the Snake Pit and, when the current is right, a drift through Dynamite Pass, a channel sharks use.
• Osprey Reef, Coral SeaVisibility of 30 to 100 metres, sheer walls covered in gorgonians, sea whips and soft corals, and big shark action. At North Horn, grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic shark gather, with Spirit of Freedom’s shark attraction dive.
• Bougainville ReefIn special weather conditions: caverns, an unusual underwater landscape and a partly submerged wreck.

Also look for turtles, anemones, sea snakes, manta rays and, in June and July, minke whales. 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
• 7 nights on boardIn the cabin you choose
• 26 divesWeather dependent
• 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 and port and administration fee, 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 week

1. Day 1Thursday · out to the reef

   About 11:00 am The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus picks you up from your Cairns hotel and takes you to Trinity Wharf, where the crew give you an orientation of the boat
   12:00 pm Depart, with lunch on board as you cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef
   Afternoon A check-out dive, then a twilight or night dive
   After dinner Cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs

2. Days 2–3Friday & Saturday · Ribbon Reefs No. 9 & 10

   Two days on the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs, with 4 to 5 dives a day, including a night dive on Friday. Always at least one dive at the Cod Hole, with its family of huge, friendly potato cod. Other sites may include Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie and the Snake Pit, and, if the current is right, a drift dive through Dynamite Pass, a channel sharks pass through. Saturday night is at anchor in Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, with a sunset barbecue dinner on the top deck.

3. Day 4Sunday · Lizard Island

   After breakfast, go ashore on Lizard Island to stretch your legs at the halfway point; we recommend the guided walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s cottage, over Chinaman’s Ridge and back to the beach. Around 11:00 am, back to Ribbon Reef No. 10 for two dives, at sites such as the Snake Pit, the Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Wall and Pixie Pinnacle. In the evening, a 10-hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

4. Days 5–6Monday & Tuesday · Osprey Reef

   Two days at Osprey Reef, weather permitting. Coral Sea visibility runs from 30 to 100 metres, with sheer walls of gorgonian fans, sea whips and bright yellow soft corals dropping thousands of feet. At North Horn, grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic shark gather, for the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. 4 to 5 dives a day, including a night dive on Monday. On Tuesday night, cruise overnight back to the Ribbon Reefs.

5. Day 7Wednesday · Ribbon Reef No. 3

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

6. Day 8Thursday · back in Cairns

   6:30 am Arrive in Cairns, with a light breakfast on board and a group photo
   About 8:00 am Drop-off at your Cairns accommodation

A sample itinerary: sites and their order change with the weather and access.