Swim with Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef Swim with Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef

Swim with Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef

3 Night Minke Whale and Ribbon Reef Trip (June/July) from Cairns

Trip Overview

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the Great Barrier Reef during June and July, when dwarf minke whales migrate through the warm waters of the Ribbon Reefs. This rare and breathtaking encounter offers divers and snorkelers the chance to swim alongside these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Aboard Spirit of Freedom, you’ll enjoy a world-class liveaboard experience, featuring exceptional dive sites, top-tier service, and an expert dive crew. This trip combines the thrill of minke whale interactions with spectacular diving on the Ribbon Reefs, known for stunning coral formations, crystal-clear visibility, and diverse marine life, and can be experienced by divers and snorkellers alike.

Trip Highlights

  • In-water interactions with minke whales
  • Deep dives up to 30 metres
  • Incredible visibility, coral formations & marine life
  • Up to 11 dives, including Ribbon Reef’s best sites
  • Luxury liveaboard experience with en suite cabins
  • Chef-prepared gourmet meals and Australian wines
Ribbon Reefs - Steve's Bommie
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Spirit of freedom vessel
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Spirit of freedom sweetlips
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Spirit of freedom scuba
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Itinerary

Day 1: Departure & First Dives

  • 10:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up: The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus will collect you from your Cairns hotel and transfer you to Trinity Wharf.

  • 11:30 AM – Departure: After a warm welcome and vessel orientation from the crew, we set sail for the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

  • Lunch Onboard: Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch as we cruise to our first dive site.

  • Afternoon & Evening Dives:

    • Check-out dive on the Outer Reef

    • Twilight or night dive to explore the reef after dark

  • Evening – Cruise to Ribbon Reefs: After dinner, we begin our journey north toward the Ribbon Reefs, marking the official start of your Minke Whale dive adventure!

Day 2 & 3: Diving the Northern Ribbon Reefs

Spend two incredible days diving Ribbon Reefs 9 & 10, home to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most famous dive sites.

  • Dive Highlights:

    • Cod Hole – Get up close with the massive and friendly Potato Cod.

    • Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie & Snake Pit – Rich in marine life and stunning coral formations.

    • Wonder-wall & Two Towers – Breathtaking underwater landscapes.

    • Dynamite Pass (conditions permitting) – A thrilling drift dive where sharks often pass through.

  • Daily Schedule:

    • 4 to 5 dives per day

    • Friday night dive to experience the reef after dark

  • Saturday Evening:

    • Anchor at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island

    • Sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck, the perfect way to end an incredible day of diving.

Day 4: Lizard Island & Return to Cairns

  • Morning – Disembarkation: After breakfast, say farewell to the Spirit of Freedom crew and step ashore at Lizard Island.

  • Guided Walk: Stretch your legs with a scenic walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s Cottage, over Chinaman’s Ridge, and back to the airstrip.

  • Scenic Flight to Cairns: Board a light aircraft for a breathtaking one-hour flight along the coast, arriving at Hinterland Aviation, Cairns General Aviation Airport between 11:15 – 11:45 AM.

  • Hotel Transfer: The Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable dive adventure.

Inclusions

  • Transfers to/from your Cairns city hotel
  • Scenic flight from Lizard Island to Cairns
  • En suite cabin with daily service
  • All meals prepared by an onboard chef
  • Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals

Optional Extras

  • Full Equipment Rental (3 days) – $150

  • Nitrox Package (all 15 dives) – $129

  • PADI Advanced Course – $405

  • PADI Nitrox Course – $315

  • PADI Nitrox Course + all dives on Nitrox – $295

  • Snorkeler Discount – $200 off cabin price

Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with incredible marine encounters, world-class diving, and the adventure of a lifetime!

Trip Details:

  • Departs: Cairns, 11:30 AM Thursday

  • Returns: Cairns, 12:00 PM Sunday

  • Total Dives: 11 dives, including one night dive

  • Recommended Dive Level: The Cairns Minke Whale trip is suitable for snorkellers. No dive experience or certification is required.

Ribbon Reefs - Steve's Bommie
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Spirit of freedom vessel
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Spirit of freedom sweetlips
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Spirit of freedom scuba
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Pricing Table

Swim with Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef (June to July Expeditions)
Option Cost
Ocean View Cabin $3,479
Stateroom Cabin $3,379
Double/Twin Cabin $2,679
Quad Share Cabin $2,355
Rates valid for 2025 Seasonal Trips – Rates per person
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