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.

★ 4.8 · 139 Google reviews of Spirit of Freedom

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

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

Day 1: Cairns to the outer Great Barrier Reef

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

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

Day 2: Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole

Two days are spent diving along the Ribbon Reefs, from Number 3 to Number 10. Dive sites and order vary with the weather, but always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you meet a family of massive, very friendly potato cod. Other sites may include Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie and the Snake Pit.

Along the Ribbons, encounter clouds of colourful tropical fish, healthy corals, giant clams, anemones and huge schools of pelagic fish. If the current is right, you may also drift dive Dynamite Pass, a known channel for sharks. Four to five dives are available each day, including a night dive on Friday.

Day 3: Ribbon Reefs to Lizard Island

A second day diving the Ribbon Reefs. On Saturday evening, anchor overnight at Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, with a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Day 4: Lizard Island and Ribbon Reef Number 10

After breakfast, go ashore at Lizard Island and stretch your legs at the halfway point of the trip. The recommended guided walk runs from Watson's Beach to Mary Watson's cottage, over Chinaman's Ridge and back to the beach.

At around 11am, cruise back to Ribbon Reef Number 10 for two dives at a choice of sites including the Snake Pit, Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Wall and Pixie Pinnacle; if the tide permits, you may repeat the Cod Hole. In the evening, set off on the 10 hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Day 5: Osprey Reef

Two days are spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia's Coral Sea reefs are renowned for crystal clear water, with visibility from 30 to 100 metres, and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans, sea whips and bright yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below.

North Horn, at the tip of Osprey, is where grey reef sharks, silvertips and the occasional oceanic gather, for a close encounter on the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. Four to five dives are available each day, including a night dive on Monday.

Day 6: Osprey Reef

A second full day at Osprey Reef. On Tuesday night, leave Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 7: Ribbon Reef Number 3

At Ribbon Reef Number 3, dive sites such as Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. In special weather conditions, the day may instead head south from Osprey to Bougainville Reef, known for its unusual underwater landscape of caverns and its partly submerged wreck.

On Wednesday evening, cruise overnight back to Cairns. An Australian-style BBQ is served on the last night.

Day 8: Back in Cairns

Arrive back in Cairns at 6:30am. Enjoy a light breakfast on board and a group photo, before drop-off at your Cairns accommodation at around 8am.

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.