Route Description - 4 Night Coral Sea & Ribbon Reef
Dive marvellous sites and encounter incredible pelagics on this awesome coral sea adventure!
Sunday
At approximately 7:00 a.m., the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will transfer guests from their Cairns hotel to Hinterland Aviation at Cairns General Aviation Airport. There, they will board a light aircraft for a scenic flight along the coast to Lizard Island, marking the beginning of their 4-night liveaboard dive trip.
Upon arrival, the Spirit of Freedom crew will greet guests and escort them via tender to the vessel. Following a vessel orientation, the journey continues toward Ribbon Reefs Number 9 and 10. That afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to complete two dives at a selection of sites, which may include Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens, and Pixie Pinnacle.
In the evening, the vessel will depart for a 10-hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. For more details, guests can refer to the Coral Sea dive site guide.
Monday & Tuesday
These two days are dedicated to diving at Osprey Reef, weather permitting. Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are celebrated for their exceptional water clarity, with visibility ranging from 30 to 100 metres. The underwater landscape is breathtaking, featuring dramatic sheer walls adorned with gorgonians, sea whips, and vibrant yellow soft corals, rising from depths of thousands of feet below.
One of the highlights is the dive site known as North Horn, located at the tip of Osprey Reef, where grey reef sharks, silvertips, and occasionally oceanic species gather. Here, guests will have the opportunity to experience a close encounter during the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive.
Each day offers four to five dives, including a night dive on Monday.
On Tuesday night, the vessel will depart Osprey Reef for an overnight journey back to the Ribbon Reefs.
Wednesday
At Ribbon Reef Number 3, guests will have the opportunity to dive several exceptional sites, including the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. Alternatively, if special weather conditions permit, the itinerary may shift south from Osprey Reef to Bougainville Reef, renowned for its unique underwater landscape, cavern systems, and a partially submerged wreck.
On Wednesday evening, the vessel will begin its overnight cruise back to Cairns.
Thursday
The vessel arrives back in Cairns at approximately 6:30 a.m. Guests will enjoy a light breakfast on board and have the opportunity to take a group photo before being transferred back to their Cairns hotel around 8:00 a.m.