Spirit of Freedom Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef 3 Night Liveaboard

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A 3-night liveaboard dive trip from Cairns along the Ribbon Reefs, with up to 11 dives including the Cod Hole and its family of giant potato cod, and a flight back from Lizard Island.

★ 4.8 · 139 Google reviews of Spirit of Freedom

Days

4 days, 3 nights

Group size

Max 10

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns
Cairns hotel, late morning on day 4

Return

Cairns hotel, late morning on day 4

Accommodation

3 nights in a cabin with private bathroom on the Spirit of Freedom

Transport

Liveaboard dive boat, light aircraft back from Lizard Island, Cairns hotel transfers

Meals

All meals on board, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 4; wine and soft drinks with dinner

Included experiences

Ribbon Reefs — up to 11 dives
Cod Hole — diving with giant potato cod
Dynamite Pass — drift dive, current permitting
Night dive on the reef
Lizard Island — sunset BBQ and guided walk to Mary Watson's cottage
Light aircraft flight back to Cairns

Spirit of Freedom Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef 3 Night Liveaboard

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef

The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus picks you up from your Cairns hotel around 11am and takes you to Trinity Wharf. The crew gives you an orientation of the vessel before you depart at 12 noon.

Enjoy lunch on board while we cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight dive. After dinner we cruise north to dive the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 2: The Ribbon Reefs

These two days are spent diving along the Ribbon Reefs, from Number 3 to Number 10 Ribbon Reefs. Dive sites and sequence may vary with the weather, but always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you meet a family of massive and very friendly potato cod.

Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie and the Snake Pit. If the current is right, you may also take a drift dive at Dynamite Pass, well known as a channel for sharks to pass through. Four to five dives are available each day, including a night dive.

Day 3: Ribbon Reefs to Lizard Island

More diving along the Ribbons. In the evening we overnight at Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Day 4: Lizard Island to Cairns

After breakfast you disembark and say farewell to Spirit of Freedom. On shore at Lizard Island you can take the guided walk from Watson's Beach to Mary Watson's cottage over Chinaman's Ridge and back to the airstrip.

Following a picnic of a breakfast roll and drinks, you board a light aircraft for the one-hour flight back to Cairns, arriving at Cairns General Aviation Airport around 11:15 to 11:45am. The courtesy coach meets you for the transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from your Cairns hotel around 11am.
Finishes: Cairns General Aviation Airport around 11:15 to 11:45am on the last day, then transfer to your Cairns city hotel.
Suits: Open Water to experienced divers, or divers with at least 10 ocean dives, including 5 in the last 12 months.
Dietary needs: Special requests and dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice.
Accommodation note: Cabin choices: Ocean View Deluxe (upper deck, double bed, 10 sq m), Ocean View Standard (upper deck, double bed, 7 sq m), Stateroom (lower deck, queen bed, 12 sq m), Double/Twin share (lower deck, double bed with single bunk above, 9 sq m) and Quad share (lower deck, 4 single bunks, 9 sq m). All have a private bathroom.
Please note: If you are over 65, have a medical condition or take prescription medication, you need medical clearance before the trip. 32% Nitrox fills, PADI Advanced and Nitrox courses, and a camera station are available on board.

What to bring

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

What is included

Chef-prepared meals and snacks; wine and soft drinks with the evening meal
Tanks, air fills, Nautilus Lifeline and weight belt
Daily cabin service
Cairns hotel and airport transfers (airport drop-off only)
Flight from Lizard Island to Cairns
GST and all reef levies and fees

Not included

Full gear hire and individual gear hire items, available on board at extra charge

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.