Spirit Of Freedom Coral Sea

Spirit Of Freedom:

The Great Barrier Reef is a broad chain of 2,900 individual reefs and is the Earth's largest structure built by living organisms, being clearly visible from space. It is an ecosystem of unsurpassed marine diversity and presents the diver with a vision of exquisite natural beauty. Beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems and crystal clear waters of Australia 's Coral Sea . This is home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish and sharks in an undersea world of mountains, pinnacles and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans and rising from thousands of feet below.

It is to these destinations that the live aboard "Spirit of Freedom" will take you to discover what diving dreams are made of. With 3, 4 and 7 days itineraries, you can enjoy some of the worlds best diving almost from your arrival at Cairns International airport.

At 120 feet, the Spirit of Freedom is one of Australia 's largest live-aboard dive vessel. She features three decks of spacious comfort including sun deck, lounge and bar, dining saloon, and huge dive deck. Equipped with electronic stabilisers, silent generators, and fully air-conditioned throughout, the Spirit offers smooth and comfortable cruising.

Be prepared for an amazing range of diving experiences on Spirit of Freedom's 7 day/ 7 night Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea adventure.

The first part of your dive expedition will be on the 'Ribbon Reefs' - a string of 10 coral reefs stretching over 100 miles to the north of Cairns . Awaiting you are picturesque coral gardens and isolated 'bommies' crowned in delicate corals, anemones, and colourful reef fish. The Cod Hole lies at the top of the Ribbon Reefs, and is home to a family of resident Potato Cod (Groper). These diver friendly fish will amaze you with their sheer size and seeming eagerness to pose for camera.

You will also venture out 120 miles offshore to Osprey Reef in the oceanic wilderness of Australia's Coral Sea.   Here 3,000 ft walls emerge from the ocean depths and the water is so astoundingly clear that divers appear suspended in air.  You will see massive red and yellow soft corals, reef sharks, whaler sharks, schooling hammerheads, mantas, plus schools of barracuda, big eye trevally, and mackeral. 

Code Hole Cairns Coral Sea

Coral Cairns Great Barrier reefClown Fish CairnsSea Slugs Cairns

If the luxury of time is not on your side, Spirit of Freedom also offers 3 and 4 day tours, both of which include a one hour low level flight over the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns and Lizard Island.

The 3 day/ 3 night dive adventure on board Spirit of Freedom will take you to the famous Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs, finsihing with the scenic reef flight from Lizard Island to Cairns.  This itinerary takes you to see the very best of the Great Barrier Reef and is a must do for divers of all experience levels and macro-photgraphers.

Spirit of Freedoms' 4 day /4 night dive adventure offers a tantalising taste of both the Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea.  Commencing with the scenic reef flight, you will be delivered to the boat at Lizard Island to start your diving at sites such as the Cod Hole, before overnight travel to the spectacualr Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea

While the diving may be out of this world, the facilities and service on board Spirit will complete your ultimate liveaboard experience.


Spacious double or twin share cabins, all with private en-suite, make a comfortable retreat at the end of your day's scuba diving. Delicious chef prepared meals can be enjoyed throughout the day and complimentary Australian wines are offered with dinner. The sun deck is always a popular spot in bewteen dives, and a great location to watch the sunset on our BBQ nights.  There is a comprehensive marine library,DVD movies, wide screen, and a fully stocked bar for relaxation after diving. Nitrox fills, camera hire, and CD downloading are also available on board.

Spirit Of Freedom Cairns

Top Deck Cairns

Video Crew

Multi-talented and professional crew will look after your in and out of water needs on board Spirit of Freedom. The dive team are experienced locals who are only too happy to share their extensive reef knowledge as well as a little 'Aussie' good humour.

3 DAY/ 3 NIGHT ITINERARY, MONDAY DEPARTURE

Departing:   
Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning:  
Cairns 11:30 am Thursday

 

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4 DAY CORAL SEA ITINERARY         

Departing
Cairns 08:30am Thursday
Returning
Cairns 07:00am Monday
Includes one way flight to Lizard Island over the reef

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7 DAY/ 7 NIGHT ITINERARY
MONDAY DEPARTURE

Departing:  
Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning: 
Cairns 07:00 am Monday

 

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7 DAY ITINERARY,
THURSDAY DEPARTURE 

Departing:   
Cairns 08:30am Thursday
Returning:  
Cairns 11:30am Thursday

 

Print Itinerary

COD HOLE & RIBBON REEFS 3 DAY/ 3 NIGHT ITINERARY, MONDAY DEPARTURE
Departing:   Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning:   Cairns 11:30 am Thursday

Trip Includes

  • Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation

  • Low level reef flight – Lizard Island to Cairns

  • Opportunity for up to 11 dives

  • En-suite cabin with daily service

  • Chef prepared meals

  • Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals

     

Special note:

Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to
20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person.  Excess storage is available at the Spirit of Freedom office.

 Sample Itinerary:

Monday: 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.

Map Of 3 Day Trip

Tuesday: 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.

Wednesday: This morning we will dive theCod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it’s 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 c hannel 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.

Thursday: 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.

RATES  per person $AU 3 Day Trip

 CabinType

1 JULY 2009 to
30 JUNE 2010

 

 

 Ocean View Deluxe

$2,050.00

 

 Ocean View Standard

$1,850.00

 

 State Room

$1,850.00

 

 Double/ Twin

$1,600.00

 

 Quad Share

$1,300.00

 

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4 DAY CORAL SEA Includes one way flight to Lizard Island over the reef
Departing Cairns 08:30am Thursday
Returning Cairns 07:00am Monday

Trip Includes

  • Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation
  • One way reef flight – Cairns to Lizard Island
  • Opportunity for 15 dives
  • En-suite cabin with daily service
  • Chef prepared meals
  • Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals

Special note: Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to 20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person. Excess luggage storage is available at the Spirit of Freedom office.

4 DAY/ 4 NIGHT CORAL SEA

Sample Itinerary

Thursday: Courtesy coach transfer from Cairns city hotels to Cairns airport will commence at 07:30am. Your twin-engine light aircraft will depart at 08:30am for your scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island. Spirit of Freedom crew will greet you on arrival and transfer you to the vessel, where we will depart for the reef.

4 Day Coral Sea Spirit Of Freedom

This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives before departing in the late evening for Osprey Reef, in the Coral Sea. The dives may be at sites such as the Cod Hole and Dynamite Pass.

Friday & Saturday: Osprey Reef. Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with an average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at Osprey Reef, including North Horn, well known for its shark action. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics are common. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals rising from thousands of feet below.

Sunday:

Option 1: Today we return to the Ribbon Reefs # 3 to 5 to dive the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, Flare Point, and other sites. In the months of June & July there is the great opportunity for further interaction with Minke Whales. After dinner on Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns

Option 2: Weather depending we will dive Bougainville Reef, a second Coral Sea Reef.

Monday: Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am. Breakfast will be served on board and hotel transfer will be arranged for approx 07:30am.

RATES  per person $AU 4 Day Trip

 CabinType

1 JULY 2009 to
30 JUNE 2010

 

 

 Ocean View Deluxe

$2,350.00

 

 Ocean View Standard

$2,150.00

 

 State Room

$2,150.00

 

 Double/ Twin

$1,925.00

 

 Quad Share

$1,625.00

 

Choose Your Tour:    

 

Number Of Passengers:

Enter Multiple Tour options individually into the booking cart with your Date.

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RIBBON REEFS, COD HOLE, & CORAL SEA 7 DAY/ 7 NIGHT ITINERARY - MONDAY DEPARTURE
Departing:   Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning:   Cairns 07:00 am Monday

Trip Includes

 Special note: The 7 day itinerary, Monday departure does not return to Cairns for the full 7 days. Flights are not included, and therefore there are no limitations on weight.

 7 DAY/ 7 NIGHT COD HOLE & CORAL SEA

Sample Itinerary
Monday: Board 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 for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.

Tuesday: Today we may dive the amazing Steve’s Bommie, Clam gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall and other sites on middle Ribbon Reefs.

Wednesday: This morning we will dive theCod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it’s resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). We may also dive Dynamite Pass, Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay, and Pixie Wall. This evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island.

Thursday: This morning some of our guests will depart at Lizard Island and some new guests will join us. There will be time for a morning walk on the island. This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites such as the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle and Challenger Bay before departing in the evening for the Coral Sea.

Friday & Saturday: Osprey Reef. Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at Osprey Reef, including North Horn, well known for its shark action. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from thousands of feet below.

Sunday:
Option 1: Today we return to the Ribbon Reefs # 3 to 5 to dive sites such as the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. On Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns

Option 2: Weather depending we will dive Bougainville Reef, a second coral sea reef

Monday: Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am. Breakfast will be served on board and hotel transfer will be arranged for approx 07:30am.

RATES  per person $AU 7 Day Trip

 CabinType

1 JULY 2009 to
30 JUNE 2010

 

 

 Ocean View Deluxe

$4,150.00

 

 Ocean View Standard

$3,750.00

 

 State Room

$3,750.00

 

 Double/ Twin

$3,2705.00

 

 Quad Share

$2,675.00

 

Choose Your Tour:    

 

Number Of Passengers:

Enter Multiple Tour options individually into the booking cart with your Date.

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CORAL SEA, COD HOLE & RIBBON REEFS 7 DAY ITINERARY, THURSDAY DEPARTURE
Departing:   Cairns 08:30am Thursday
Returning:   Cairns 11:30am Thursday

Trip Includes

 Special note:

 7 DAY/ 7 NIGHT COD HOLE & CORAL SEA

Sample Itinerary

Thursday: Courtesy coach transfer from Cairns city hotels to Cairns airport will commence at 07:30am . Your twin-engine light aircraft will depart at 08:30am for your scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island , where you board Spirit of Freedom . This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites such as the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle and Challenger Bay before departing in the evening for the Coral Sea .

Friday & Saturday: Osprey Reef. Australia ’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with an average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at Osprey Reef, including North Horn, well known for its shark action. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals rising from thousands of feet below.

Sunday:
Option 1: Today we return to the Ribbon Reefs # 3 to 5 to dive sites such as the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom , and Flare Point. Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns .

Option 2: Weather depending we will dive Bougainville Reef, a second Coral Sea Reef.

Monday: Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am . Enjoy breakfast on board, followed by around 4 hours at your leisure in Cairns . Reboard Spirit of Freedom at Trinity Wharf for a 12 noon departure. This afternoon we dive the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns .

Tuesday: Today we may dive the amazing Steve’s Bommie, Clam gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall and other sites on the middle Ribbon Reefs.

 Wednesday: This morning we will dive theCod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for resident family of large Potato Cod. We may also dive Dynamite Pass , Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay , and Pixie Wall . This evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island .

Thursday: This morning 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 transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.

RATES  per person $AU 3 Day Trip

 CabinType

1 JULY 2009 to
30 JUNE 2010

 

 

 Ocean View Deluxe

$4,400.00

 

 Ocean View Standard

$4000.00

 

 State Room

$4000.00

 

 Double/ Twin

$3525.00

 

 Quad Share

$2925.00

 

Choose Your Tour:    

 

Number Of Passengers:

Enter Multiple Tour options individually into the booking cart with your Date.

Click the Continue Shopping button will return you to enter another tour option and date.

 

Travel Date:

Double Check Your Date of Travel?

Coments Box:(Diet Special Needs)

No Of Upgrading
 

Diver Information Form

Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed.