Ribbon Reefs, Coral Sea
“One of the best dive trips we’ve ever done – outstanding crew, incredible sites, and unforgettable night dives and marine encounters.”
Embark on an unforgettable diving adventure with Spirit of Freedom, renowned for its expert dive crew, outstanding service, and breathtaking dive locations. Exclusive trips include the Great Barrier Reef’s – Ribbon Reefs Cod Hole, Coral Sea and a number of special dive expeditions to remote and largely unexplored dive sites that go beyond the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Minke Whale Expeditions are available during the months of June and July each year.
Experience one of Australia’s premier liveaboard dive adventures aboard Spirit of Freedom, combining world-class diving with the comfort of a luxury expedition vessel.
Explore the very best of the Great Barrier Reef’s Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, and the remote Coral Sea—regions known for exceptional visibility, dramatic walls, and abundant marine life. These itineraries access rarely visited and largely unexplored dive sites, well beyond the reach of day boats.
From giant potato cod and schooling barracuda to reef sharks and pristine coral systems, every dive delivers something memorable. Between June and July, selected expeditions offer the rare opportunity to swim with dwarf minke whales. This is one of the most unique wildlife encounters on the reef year after year.
Onboard, enjoy spacious cabins with private ensuites, a large dive deck with Nitrox, and generous relaxation areas including sun deck, lounge and bar. This makes extended dive travel both comfortable and seamless.
With expert crew, small group numbers, and access to some of Australia’s most iconic and remote dive locations, this is a bucket-list liveaboard experience designed for certified divers and snorkellers seeking more than the ordinary reef trip.
Enjoy unmatched comfort and luxury aboard the Spirit of Freedom, one of Australia’s largest liveaboard dive vessels.
Cabin Details: All cabins have ensuites – (Ocean View Cabin – Double Bed) – (Stateroom – Queen Bed)
What to bring:
Dive Certification Card (Minimum Open Water Level – Hat & Sunscreen – Warm clothing for evenings – Money for bar and other on-board purchases – Soft luggage
Courses Available:
Special Note:
Due to light aircraft weight restrictions, your total luggage weight is limited to 20kg/45lb per person. All bags must be soft sided.
Prices are per person and include all applicable fees, taxes and levies.
The 3-Night Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs expedition departs every Thursday from Cairns, and travels along the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, finishing 240 km to the north at the world-famous Cod Hole. Over two and a half days, you’ll have the opportunity for up to 11 dives and encounter clouds of colourful tropical fish, an incredible variety of vibrant corals, giant clams, anemones, huge schools of cruising pelagic fish, and a family of giant potato cod. Your last night is spent on board the ‘Spirit’ in the bay at Lizard Island. Enjoy time ashore at Lizard Island the next morning, before boarding a one-hour scenic flight back to Cairns.
DIVE LEVEL: Open Water to Experienced divers, or divers with a minimum of 10 ocean dives, including 5 dives in the last 12 months. All divers 65 or over must bring a current dive medical. Guests must be 16 years of age or over on the date of departure. Also suitable for snorkellers with a good level of physical fitness.
The 4-Night Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea expedition starts every Sunday morning in Cairns with a scenic flight to Lizard Island, where you will dive the top of the Ribbon Reefs, before an overnight voyage to the isolated Osprey Reef and some of the world’s best diving. Here you will spend two days diving a variety of Osprey’s spectacular sites, renowned for spectacular 1,000 metre walls, massive soft corals, amazing shark action and exceptional visibility. Your final day is spent at Ribbon Reef Number 3, or occasionally, if the weather permits, Bougainville Reef, to the south of Osprey Reef. Overnight travel on the last night returns you to Cairns early on Thursday morning.
DIVE LEVEL: Advanced divers, or divers with a minimum of 20 ocean dives, including 5 dives in the last 12 months. All divers 65 or over must bring a current dive medical. Guests must be 16 years of age or over on the date of departure.
Departing Thursday from Cairns, this epic 8-day / 7-night dive adventure will give you the opportunity for up to 26 incredible dives. Through the Ribbon Reefs and into the Coral Sea, you will have the opportunity to encounter clouds of colourful tropical fish, an incredible variety of vibrant healthy corals, giant clams, anemones, huge schools of cruising pelagic fish, a family of giant potato cod and our world famous shark dive at the remote Osprey Reef.
DIVE LEVEL: Advanced divers, or divers with a minimum of 20 ocean dives, including 5 dives in the last 12 months. All divers 65 or over must bring a current dive medical. Guests must be 16 years of age or over on the date of departure.
The 3-Night Minke Whale and Ribbon Reef Adventures departs every Thursday from Cairns between 3rd June and 29th July 2027, and travels along the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs. Over two and a half days, you’ll have the opportunity for up to 11 dives. The number of dives is dependent on how much in-water swim time is allowed with Minke Whales, as the whales allow. Your last night is spent on board the Spirit of Freedom in the bay at Lizard Island. Enjoy time ashore at Lizard Island the next morning, before boarding your return flight to Cairns. The one-hour flight back will bring you back to Cairns around noon on Sunday.
4 Night Minke Whale and Ribbon Reef/Coral Sea Adventure, available between 6th June and 25th July 2027, starts in Cairns with a scenic flight to Lizard Island, where, after your arrival, you will have 3 dives at Ribbon Reefs #9 and #10, including one night dive. On Monday, you’ll have the chance to dive with Minke Whales on the Ribbon Reefs. The number of dives is dependent on the amount of in-water swim time allowed with Minke Whales, as permitted by the whales. Tuesday will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting), and Wednesday is spent on either Ribbon Reef #3 or Bougainville Reef. Overnight travel on the last night returns you to Cairns early on Thursday morning.
7 Night Combo (3 and 4 Night Trip Itineraries combined) combines both the 3 Night Ribbon Reef Trip and the 4 Night Coral Sea Expedition. Trips departs every Thursday from Cairns between 4th June and 30th July 2026, and travels along the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs. Over 8 days, you’ll have the opportunity for up to 26 dives. The number of dives is dependent on how much in-water swim time is allowed with Minke Whales, as the whales allow. Tuesday will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting), and Wednesday is spent on either Ribbon Reef #3 or Bougainville reef. Overnight travel on the last night returns you to Cairns early on Thursday morning.
Departing Thursday from Cairns, this epic 8-day / 7-night dive adventure will give you the opportunity for up to 26 incredible dives. Through the Ribbon Reefs and into the Coral Sea, you will have the opportunity to encounter clouds of colourful tropical fish, an incredible variety of vibrant healthy corals, giant clams, anemones, huge schools of cruising pelagic fish, a family of giant potato cod and our world famous shark dive at the remote Osprey Reef.
DIVE LEVEL: Open Water to Experienced divers, or divers with a minimum of 10 ocean dives, including 5 dives in the last 12 months. All divers 65 or over must bring a current dive medical. Guests must be 16 years of age or over on the date of departure. Also suitable for snorkellers with a good level of physical fitness. The Coral Sea section is best suited for Advanced Open Water certified divers due to the depth exceeding 20 metres. It is possible to complete your PADI Advanced Open Water certification on these trips. Please ask us for more information on your options to complete your Advanced Open Water.
Tour Dates – Thursday departures
3rd June 2027
10th June 2027
17th June 2027
Tour Dates – Thursday departures
1st July 2027
8th July 2027
15th July 2027
22nd July 2027
29th July 2027
Spend five days diving the oceanic wilderness of the Far Northern Reefs as well as one day diving selected sites on the world-famous Ribbon Reefs. You will travel over 600 nautical miles, (1000+ km), and have the opportunity for 24 – 26 dives at around 20 unique sites.
This tour concludes at Horn Island, a tropical island in the Torres Straights above Australia. Please note that the flight from Horn Island is not included in the tour price, and you will need to make additional travel arrangements to return to Cairns.
Spend five days diving the oceanic wilderness of the Far Northern Reefs as well as one day diving selected sites on the world-famous Ribbon Reefs. You will travel over 600 nautical miles, (1000+ km), and have the opportunity for 24 – 26 dives at around 20 unique sites.
This tour commences from Horn Island, a tropical island in the Torres Straights above Australia. Please note that the flight to Horn Island is not included in the tour price, and you will need to make additional travel arrangements to get to Horn Island.
Join us for an incredible 7-night trip to the rarely visited Lihou Reefs, located some 600km east of Cairns.
DIVE LEVEL: We recommend this Great Barrier Reef liveaboard dive trip for Advanced Open Water and highly competent divers. Minimum 100 dives with a high level of fitness and experience in strong currents and remote reef dives.
Dive Courses and Nitrox fills available
Pricing varies based on trip chosen. Above pricing are based on the 3 Night Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef Trip and are all per person.
Onboard Purchases (Wine, Beer, Merchandise etc)
Planning your Australian dive holiday and feeling unsure where to begin? Reach out to us! Our knowledge and services encompass a wide array of Australia’s most sought-after scuba diving destinations and marine encounters. Whether you’re interested in dive courses, liveaboard expeditions, or day tours, we’ve got you covered. We’re your go-to experts for personalised dive travel in Australia!
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