Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10 percent of the world’s coral reef ecosystems and stretches over 14 degrees of latitude; from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters many miles from shore. Roughly the size of Italy, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best known and most complex natural systems on Earth. The warm, clear waters of north Queensland teem with marine life and are home to the world’s largest coral reef, making this a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Some 1,500 types of fish, 4,000 types of mollusks, 350 types of echinoderms, and over 600 types of coral, attract divers and snorkelers from around the world each year.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Take in the vast marine biodiversity of the world’s largest reef system as you dive or snorkel through the clear blue waters of the South Pacific’s Coral Sea.
Explore the Ribbon Reefs in the true spirit of adventure, which lie on the edge of the continental shelf and form the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef.
Watch the sun set from the top deck of the Spirit of Freedom overlooking Lizard Island before enjoying a freshly prepared barbeque onboard.
Featured
Day 1
Cairns, Australia
Arrive in Cairns and transfer to our hotel, The Shangri La The Marina, with the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, gather with fellow travelers and your expedition team for a briefing, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Cairns / Embark Spirit of Freedom
Spend a relaxing morning at the hotel before transferring to the Spirit of Freedom, your home for 10 nights. After a chance to settle in, enjoy lunch as the ship cruises toward the Outer Great Barrier Reef for our first opportunity to look beneath the water’s surface.
Day 3
Rachel Carson Reef / Ribbon Reef #3
We begin our underwater explorations at the well-protected Rachel Carson Reef, (named after the famous American conservationist). At Ribbon Reef #3 we will explore such sites as the sensational Temple of Doom and Flare Point.
Day 4
Steve’s Bommie / Ribbon Reef #5 / Lizard Island
Drop in for a sunrise at Steve’s Bommie, an isolated pinnacle which offers a wealth of macro life. After lunch, explore Ribbon Reef #5 to discover a variety of healthy corals. This evening, cruise to Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island for a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.
Day 5
Lizard Island / Eagle Islet
After breakfast, dive or snorkel among legions of colorful tropical fish and check out the giant clam gardens near the beach. Other activities include walking along Lizard Island’s powdery white sand beaches, or hiking up to Chinaman’s Ridge to search for wildlife. This afternoon, step ashore on Eagle Islet to observe seabirds.
Day 6
Stanley Island / Davies Cay
Take a short walk to view several spectacular Aboriginal rock art sites on Stanley Island. Spend the afternoon at a nearby reef.
Day 7 & 8
Ribbon Reef #10 / Cod Hole
Spend two full days exploring the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs. While dive and snorkel sites depend on weather and sea conditions, we hope to come face-to-face with massive potato cod, which often swim right up to inspect those in the water with child-like curiosity. If the current is right, we may also visit Dynamite Pass, a well-known as a channel for sharks to pass through.
Day 9 & 10
Osprey Reef
Conditions permitting, venture to remote Osprey Reef, a large, submerged atoll with a shallow central lagoon. The most northerly and isolated of all the reefs in the Coral Sea, the almost vertical reef walls rise from a depth of over 3,000 feet and offer some of the best diving in the region.
Day 11
Ribbon Reefs / Sand Cay
Continue to explore some of the sensational sites along the Ribbon Reefs. Weather permitting, we’ll head south to Bougainville Reef, known for its unusual underwater landscape or caverns, and its partially submerged wreck. This evening, enjoy sunset cocktails and a farewell dinner on the beach of Sand Cay.
Day 12
Cairns / Disembark
Disembark this morning and journey overland to the Atherton Tablelands, a fertile plateau with several stands of protected rainforest. On nature walks, search for a variety of wildlife among the giant trees and gorges. Then visit the Kuranda Koala Gardens. Check in to the Shangri-La The Marina for dinner and overnight.
Day 13
Cairns / Depart
Board your independent flight to the USA, arriving the same day.
This trip will be led in the true spirit of adventure and exploration. Our plans are subject to change, depending on current weather and tide conditions to maximize our sightings and experiences on each day of the program.
trip dates
July 31 – August 12, 2024
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Cairns, Australia
“When asked what his favourite place in the world was, Sir David Attenborough replied, ‘My favourite place is North Queensland. It has for a naturalist everything. It has an amazing rainforest which is quite unlike any other rainforest in the world. Not only does it have that but down the coast it has the Great Barrier Reef.’
I echo the sentiments from my hero and on this journey, you will experience the amazing wonders that the reef and islands of North Queensland have to offer. Join us as we make our way into remote areas that are only accessible on expeditions such as this. This trip is a visual and visceral feast for those yearning to explore remote, unchanged lands and seas.”
— BRAD CLIMPSON
The Spirit of Freedom was custom-built in 1992 and is specifically designed for cruising the Coral Sea region. All 11 guest cabins are air-conditioned and include en suite facilities. Public areas include the dining room, forward lounge, and bar. The top deck is a great place to relax between dives, with undercover and open areas containing timber tables, chairs, comfortable lounge seating, and sun loungers. The dive deck contains individual stations for all guests, with dry storage above and a storage box under. For photographers, there is a camera washtub, a small camera table, and an air gun. Freshwater showers are located aft of the dive deck, and deck towels are provided after each dive.
More Detail
PRICING
Ocean View Deluxe
Per Person: $14,990
Ocean View Standard
Per Person: $13,790
The Stateroom
Per Person: $12,690
Standard Double
Per Person: $11,490
Dive package: $450 per diver
Excluding gear rental and Nitrox
What’s Included
2 nights at The Shangri-La The Marina in Cairns
10 nights on board the Spirit of Freedom
All meals plus non-alcoholic beverages with lunch and dinner
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees, taxes, and permits
Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers
Due to limited capacity, single rates are not available for this trip. Please inquire for more details.
Group Size
20 travelers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
July 31 – August 12, 2024
