3 Night – Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef Adventure

Trip Overview

Embark on an Unforgettable Liveaboard Adventure

Step aboard the sleek and spacious Spirit of Freedom for an extraordinary 3-night liveaboard dive and snorkel expedition. Departing every Thursday from Cairns, this journey takes you through the pristine and rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, culminating 240 km north at the world-famous Cod Hole.

Throughout the expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to complete up to 11 dives, immersing yourself in a vibrant underwater world filled with thriving coral gardens, giant clams, anemones, clouds of tropical fish, and large schools of pelagic species. One of the highlights of the trip is an encounter with the resident giant potato cod, an experience unique to these remote reefs.

On Saturday, we set course for the secluded Lizard Island (Jiigurru), a remote paradise 90 km off the Queensland coast. Anchored in the tranquil Watson’s Bay, you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars with a BBQ dinner on the top deck.

The adventure continues on Sunday morning, when you’ll have time to explore Lizard Island’s beaches and walking trails before taking a scenic one-hour flight back to Cairns.

This all-inclusive experience features daily cabin service, chef-prepared gourmet meals, and complimentary Australian wine or soft drinks with dinner.

+

+

+

+

Trip Details:

• Departs: Cairns, 12:00 PM Thursday

• Returns: Cairns, 12:00 PM Sunday

• Total Dives: 11 dives, including one night dive

• Recommended Dive Level: Open Water to Experienced Divers (minimum 10 ocean dives, including 5 in the last 12 months)

See the full itinerary below for more details.

Special Expeditions: In June/July, this liveaboard dive trip regularly encounters Dwarf Minke Whales.

For longer duration trips, check out the 7-night liveaboard dive expedition, which adds an extra 4 days on the Coral Sea to this trip.

+

+

+

+

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure & First Dives

• Pickup from your Cairns hotel and transfer to Trinity Wharf, where you’ll board Spirit of Freedom and meet the crew.
• Depart for your 3-night liveaboard adventure with an orientation and lunch on board.
• Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight dive.
• Enjoy dinner as we set course for the Ribbon Reefs overnight.

Days 2 & 3: Exploring the Ribbon Reefs

• Spend two full days diving along Ribbon Reefs #3 to #10.
• Experience 4 to 5 dives per day, including a night dive on Friday.
• Visit world-class sites such as Cod Hole, home to massive and friendly Potato Cod.
• Explore other stunning locations like Wonder Wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and Snake Pit.
• If conditions allow, drift dive through Dynamite Pass, a well-known shark corridor.
• Saturday evening: Arrive at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Day 4: Farewell & Scenic Flight

• Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking Spirit of Freedom.
• Onshore at Lizard Island: Option to take a guided walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s Cottage, passing over Chinaman’s Ridge.
• Late Morning: Enjoy a picnic breakfast with a breakfast roll and drinks.
• Board a light aircraft for a scenic one-hour flight back to Cairns.
• Arrival in Cairns: Flight lands at Hinterland Aviation, Cairns General Aviation Airport between 11:15 – 11:45 AM.
• Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach transfers you back to your Cairns city hotel.

Pricing Table