Every winter, dwarf minke whales migrate through the Ribbon Reefs, offering one of the world’s only natural, in-water encounters with these curious and gentle creatures. Unlike other whale experiences, minkes often choose to approach swimmers—circling, gliding past, and returning again—creating an unforgettable, low-impact wildlife interaction found nowhere else on Earth.
Highlights
Dive Level: The Cairns Minke Whale trip is suitable for snorkellers. No dive experience or certification is required.
Departs: Cairns 7 am Sunday Pick up from Cairns Accommodation to fly to Lizard Island
Returns: Cairns 6:30am with an 8am drop off at the hotel
Certified Divers: Up to 15 dives, with focus on in-water swim time with Minke Whales when located.
At approximately 7 am, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will transfer you from your Cairns hotel to Hinterland Aviation at Cairns General Aviation Airport. Here you will board a light aircraft for your scenic flight up the coast to Lizard Island and the start of your 4-night liveaboard dive trip.
The Spirit of Freedom crew will greet you on arrival and escort you via tender to the vessel. After an orientation of the vessel, we depart for Ribbon Reef Number 9 & 10. This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites including Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Gardens, and Pixie Pinnacle.
Its Minke Monday! The number of dives is dependent on how much in-water swim time the whales allow. Dive sites and sequences may vary depending on the weather conditions, but we will maximise opportunities to have in-water time with whales.
One day will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renowned for crystal clear water with visibility ranging from 30 to 100 metres. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below. ‘North Horn’ is a dive site at the tip of Osprey is a site where grey reef sharks, silvertips, and the occasional oceanic congregate, and you can experience a close encounter with the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. Four to five dives will be available.
On Tuesday night you will depart Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.
Arrive back in Cairns at 6:30 am. Enjoy a light breakfast onboard and a group photo opportunity, before being dropped back at your Cairns hotel around 8:00 am.
In the event you cancel your booking with us, the following charges will apply: More than 60 days before departure: no charge (full refund applies). Between 60 days and 30 days before departure: 20% of your tour cost. Within 30 days of departure: 100% of your tour cost (no refund applies).
If you are participating in scuba diving on any of our tours, you are required to complete a Medical Statement at least 30 days prior to your departure date. The Medical Statement is included within the Diver Information Form. A link with instructions will be sent to you or your Agent at the time of your booking. All divers over the age of 65 must supply a valid dive medical certificate.
As a guest, you are free to enjoy your own diving style, within the boundaries of safe and responsible diving. As such we set no limits on time, depth or style of diving outside of normal safe diving practices. You and your buddy are in charge, planning your own dive and diving your own plan. Buddy teams may follow one of our inexperienced groups, led by a Safety Diver, and come and go as you please. Every dive begins with a detailed dive briefing. The dive staff are on deck providing surface support including a safety lookout. When available, dive staff may be in-water offering support with photography and critter spotting. Spirit of Freedom does not offer a full guided dive service. Our Safety Divers are assigned to those divers who are at risk or to assist students.
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