Diving with all amenities

Spirit of Freedom is probably the most beautiful and luxurious dive boat in the Cairns region. She is a very elegant vessel with spacious cabins, huge dive deck and a comfortable bar. Even with a full boat (26 guests) everyone can find their own private space. The itinerary is fantastic, offering the opportunity to dive the Ribbon Reefs and some of the fantastic Coral Sea dive sites. The Thursday flight to/from Lizard Island cuts the cruising time by approximately 12 hours, so 2 extra dives could be added to the itinerary!

Another plus: is available on board.

Please look here for more information about Spirit of Freedom's dive regions. They offer 2 different trips:

Coral Sea Excursion: This trips can be a combination of Osprey Reef and combine this with dives at the Ribbon Reefs

Ribbon Reef Excursion: The Code Hole and many other dives sites at the Ribbon Reefs are on the schedule for this trip.

About Spirit of Freedom

She is the perfect vessel for divers who love live aboard trips in great comfort. The spacious saloon resembles a luxury cruise ship. The saloon is equipped with TV, Video Recorder and Stereo system.
Spirit of Freedom (air-conditioned throughout) is huge, about 37 metres long.
The partially covered sundeck is a good place to relax between dives.
On the very spacious dive deck is enough room for all your dive gear and you gearing up comfortably. The crew looks after you, full tanks and fresh towels. The only thing you have to do yourself is to dive!

With two compressors on board they make sure there are always enough full tanks. The diving is mostly done from the dive deck, but there are two dive tenders which can be used to dive from as well.
Spirit of Freedom also has electronic stabilisers, which makes her very comfortable also in high seas.

Itinerary and Prices

01 July 2009 - 30 June 2010

1 July 2010 - 30 June 2011

Accommodation

The Spirit Of Freedom has 12 luxury cabins. All cabins feature ensuite bathrooms and they are all huge.
The prettiest cabin on board is the Ocean View Deluxe (Queen Bed )on upper deck. Ideal for honey mooners! There is also the Ocean View Cabin (Queen Bed)which is a little smaller.
All other cabins are below deck. The Stateroom (cabin 1 -Queen Bed) is huge for live-aboard standards. There is one twin share (cabin 2) and one double bed cabin (cabin 4). All other cabins (cabins number 3 and 7 - 10) can be used as double or twins. Those cabins have a single bed over the double bed. Cabins number 5 and 6 are quad share cabin, located at the centre of the vessel.

Cabins:
on upper deck: OV 1 Ocean View Deluxe OV 2 Ocean View (smaller)
below deck: 1 Stateroom 2 Twin share 3, 4, 7-10 Double/Twin share
                    5, 6 Quad Share

Itineraries
Designed to dive and cruise the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, Spirit of Freedom operates 2 scheduled departures from Cairns each week. Combine the two itineraries to make a unique 7 day/ 7 night dive adventure!

Coral Sea Excursion 4 day/ 4 nights:
Destination Coral Sea, Osprey Reef & Ribbon Reefs
You get up to 16 dives
departing Cairns 8:30 AM Thursday
returning Cairns 7:00 AM Monday
Thursday
Your aircraft will depart at 8:30 am for your scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island.
This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives, perhaps Cod Hole and Dynamite Pass. Late evening cruising overnight to 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.
Sunday
Option 1: Still in the Coral Sea, weather depending we will dive Bougainville Reef.
Option 2: Return to the Ribbon Reefs #3 to #5 to dive the sensational Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and other sites. Sunday evening, cruise overnight back to Cairns.
For detailed itinerary please download the pdf file

Ribbon Reefs & Cod Hole Excursion 3 day/ 3 night:
Destination Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs
You get up to 11 dives
departing Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
returning Cairns approx 12.00 noon Thursday
Monday:
Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15 am for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef. You get an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.
Tuesday:
Today we dive sensational Steve's Bommie on Ribbon Reef # 3. Other dives might be at Clam Gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall.
Wednesday:
Dive the Cod Hole, enjoy the resident family of large Potato Cods. More possible dive sites are Dynamite Pass, Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay and perhaps Pixie Wall. This evening we cruise into Watson's Bay on Lizard Island and stay there overnight.
Thursday:
After breakfast, go ashore on Lizard Island, board the aircraft for your low level flight over the reef back to Cairns. Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately 11:00 am, bus transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.
For detailed itinerary please download the pdf file

Special note for both itineraries
Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to 20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person. All bags must be soft sided.
Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change in accordance to the weather and the accessibility.

7 nights combine both trips: Ribbon Reefs/Cod Hole & Coral Sea
The combination of the 2 trips is ideal, as you get to dive both areas.

Monday to Monday no flights = no weight restrictions! No return to Cairns, instead time to explore Lizard Island and Watsons Bay on Thursday morning.
For detailed itinerary please download the pdf file

Dive & Photo Services

• fills for Nitrox certified divers (packages see prices list)
• Analogue Camera and strobe (Sea & Sea MX10) underwater cameras are available for hire, costs AU$ 55.- per day / AU$ 130.- per trip (to be paid on board)
• A Digital camera with u/w housing plus CD-burning service for your results are available: AU$ 65.00/dive or AU$ 105.00 for a whole day.
• If you bring you own digital camera, you can use the ship's computer system for downloading and burning of your images (AU$ 35.00/CD).
• PADI Instructor on board, PADI advanced courses are offered on request for an extra charge
• PADI NITROX EANx certification course offered
• Non-divers / Snorkellers are welcome on board (AU$ 100 discount per trip)
  

Itinerary and Prices

01 July 2009 - 30 June 2010

1 July 2010 - 30 June 2011