Spirit of Freedom Cod Hole & Coral Sea 7 Night Adventure

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For the diver who wants to see it all: a 7 night liveaboard dive trip that leaves Cairns every Thursday and combines the 3 night Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef trip with the 4 night Coral Sea trip.

Days

8 days, 7 nights

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns
Cairns accommodation, around 8am on day 8

Return

Cairns accommodation, around 8am on day 8

Accommodation

Cabin with private bathroom on board the Spirit of Freedom, from quad share to stateroom

Transport

Hotel bus transfer to Trinity Wharf, then the liveaboard dive vessel

Meals

Lunch and dinner on day 1, 4 meals a day after that, breakfast on the last morning; wine and soft drinks with dinner

Route

Map of Spirit of Freedom Cod Hole & Coral Sea 7 Night Adventure

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Included experiences

Cod Hole — dive with giant potato cod
Ribbon Reefs — up to 11 dives
Dynamite Pass — drift dive, current permitting
Lizard Island — guided walk to Mary Watson's cottage
Osprey Reef — two days of Coral Sea wall diving
North Horn — shark attraction dive
Ribbon Reef Number 3 — Steve's Bommie and Temple of Doom

Spirit of Freedom Cod Hole & Coral Sea 7 Night Adventure

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: CAIRNS TO THE OUTER REEF

The courtesy bus collects you from your Cairns hotel late in the morning and takes you to Trinity Wharf, where the crew show you around Spirit of Freedom before she sails at noon. Lunch is served as you cross to the outer Great Barrier Reef, some 2,900 separate reefs stretching about 2,300 km along the Queensland coast. In the afternoon there's a check-out dive to settle your weights and gear, then a twilight dive as the day fish hide and the night hunters come out. After dinner the boat cruises north through the night towards the Ribbons.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, cruising north to the Ribbon Reefs

DAY 2: THE RIBBON REEFS AND THE COD HOLE

You wake on the Ribbon Reefs, a chain of ten long, narrow reefs on the edge of the continental shelf, where the sea floor drops away into the Coral Sea. Dive sites and their order depend on the weather, but you'll always dive the Cod Hole on Ribbon Reef No. 10, where a family of potato cod, fish that grow to around two metres, cruise right up to divers. Other sites may include Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie and the Snake Pit. There are four to five dives today, finishing with a night dive.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, Ribbon Reefs

DAY 3: RIBBON REEFS TO LIZARD ISLAND

Another day along the Ribbons, among clouds of reef fish, giant clams, anemones and schools of big pelagic fish. If the current is right, you may drift through Dynamite Pass, a channel between the reefs that sharks use to pass through on the tide. In the evening the boat anchors in Watson's Bay at Jiigurru (Lizard Island), and dinner is a sunset barbecue on the top deck.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, Watson's Bay, Lizard Island

DAY 4: LIZARD ISLAND AND BACK TO THE RIBBONS

Halfway through the trip, it's time to stretch your legs on land. After breakfast you can go ashore for the guided walk from Watson's Beach over Chinaman's Ridge to the ruins of Mary Watson's cottage. In 1881 she fled the island in an iron boiling tank with her baby son and a worker, Ah Sam, and all three died of thirst on an island to the north. Late in the morning the boat returns to Ribbon Reef No. 10 for two dives at sites such as the Snake Pit, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Wall and Pixie Pinnacle, or a second visit to the Cod Hole if the tide allows. In the evening you set off on the ten-hour crossing to the Coral Sea.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, crossing to Osprey Reef

DAY 5: OSPREY REEF AND NORTH HORN

Morning finds you at Osprey Reef, a lone reef far out in the Coral Sea, rising from water well over a kilometre deep. With no rivers or mainland nearby, visibility runs from 30 to 100 metres. At North Horn, the reef's northern tip, grey reef sharks, silvertips and the odd oceanic whitetip gather, and here you'll see them up close on the shark attraction dive. There are four to five dives today, and diving at Osprey depends on the weather.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, Osprey Reef

DAY 6: THE WALLS OF OSPREY

A second day on Osprey Reef. Its sheer walls fall away beneath you, laced with gorgonian sea fans, sea whips and bright yellow soft corals that feed on the clean ocean current, rising from a sea floor thousands of metres down. Keep looking out into the blue as well as at the wall. There's a night dive too. In the evening the boat leaves Osprey and travels overnight back towards the Great Barrier Reef.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, cruising to the Ribbon Reefs

DAY 7: RIBBON REEF NO. 3

Today you dive Ribbon Reef No. 3, at sites such as Steve's Bommie, a single coral pinnacle crowded with life from the sand to near the surface, the Temple of Doom and Flare Point. In special weather conditions you may instead head south from Osprey to Bougainville Reef, named after the French navigator Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, who met the outer reef in 1768 and turned away; it has caverns and a partly submerged wreck. The last night brings an Australian-style barbecue as the boat cruises back to Cairns.

Overnight: On board Spirit of Freedom, cruising to Cairns

DAY 8: BACK IN CAIRNS

The boat ties up in Cairns early in the morning. There's a light breakfast and a group photo, then drop-off at your Cairns accommodation.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Courtesy bus pick-up from your Cairns hotel at around 11am on Thursday, for a 12 noon departure from Trinity Wharf.
Finishes: Back in Cairns at 6:30am, with drop-off at your accommodation at around 8am.
Fitness: Recommended for Open Water to experienced divers, or divers with at least 10 ocean dives including 5 in the last 12 months. Guests over 65, with a medical condition or on prescription medication need medical clearance before the trip.
Dietary needs: Special requests and dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Accommodation note: Cabins all have a private bathroom: Ocean View Deluxe and Standard cabins (upper deck, double bed, large windows), Stateroom (lower deck, queen bed), Double/Twin share (double with a single bunk above) and Quad share (4 bunk beds).

What to bring

Personal items and toiletries (soap is provided)
Swimwear
Sun hat
Warm clothing, especially from May to September
Quick-dry towel or chamois for the dive deck

What is included

Cairns hotel or airport transfers
Chef-prepared meals and snacks, with wine and soft drinks at the evening meal
Tanks, air fills, Nautilus Lifeline GPS locator and weight belt
Daily cabin service
GST and all reef levies and fees

Not included

Full or individual dive gear hire, available on board at extra charge
Drinks from the ship's bar
Nitrox fills and PADI Advanced or Nitrox courses

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 10 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

AI summary of 10 reviews

Travellers consistently praise the crew's professionalism, expertise and attentiveness to safety, with guides frequently noted as skilled at finding marine life and pointing out highlights underwater. The quality and variety of food stands out most prominently across reviews, with travellers repeatedly expressing enthusiasm for meals that never repeated throughout the week. The diving itself, which can include up to five dives per day at sites such as Crack-a-Jack, Google Gardens and Osprey Reef, regularly delivers encounters with sharks, turtles, mantas, trevally and coral formations. The most common caveat is that adverse weather can prevent access to planned diving locations such as Ribbon Reefs or the Coral Sea, though travellers note the crew adapts by offering alternative sites and maintaining the diving schedule.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

One of the best trips of my life on the 7-day liveaboard. Instructor David found sights I'd never have found and took great photos, Fernanda, Zara and Lily brought energy and knowledge, Leo ran things smoothly, and chef Murray fed us a feast five times a day.

Lennaert van 't Loo Verified· Travelled 7th July 2026

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(5/5)

We did the 7-day trip in minke whale season and it beat our sky-high expectations. Weather kept us from the Coral Sea, but the crew had great backup plans with no repeated sites. As newer divers we felt very supported, and chef Murray's meals were out of this world.

Matthew Coelho Verified· Travelled 22nd June 2026

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(5/5)

The 7-day Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea trip was my best week in Australia. Friendly, professional crew, fantastic food and incredible diving, including five minke whales at once. I also completed my advanced course on board.

Charlotte Verified· Travelled 18th June 2026

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(5/5)

My second time on board didn't disappoint. Favourite dives were Crack-a-Jack and Google Gardens, full of big trevally, sweetlip and sharks, and the night dives were always busy. Sean and his crew kept us informed and safe, and helped my partner time his proposal at sunset at Lizard Island. A special week at sea.

Jessica Stroud Verified· Travelled 4th April 2024

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(5/5)

Our first liveaboard, on the 7 night option in an ocean view cabin. Chef Andre never repeated a meal, Leo sorted buddies and checked new pairs worked, and Captain Tony gave me a fun tour of the bridge. The trip of a lifetime.

Ron Mele (ScubaNut2014) Verified· Travelled 16th February 2024

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(5/5)

A 7 day trip including Osprey and Bougainville reefs. A highly qualified, friendly crew, thorough briefings, and crew always in the water pointing out highlights. Up to five dives a day is tiring, so the delicious food was welcome.

Gerald S Verified· Travelled 28th October 2023

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