OVERVIEW

Be prepared for an amazing range of diving experiences on Spirit of Freedom's 7 day/ 7 night Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea adventure.

The first part of your dive expedition will be on The 'Ribbon Reefs' - a string of 10 coral reefs stretching over 100 miles to the north of Cairns . Awaiting you are picturesque coral gardens and isolated 'bommies' crowned in delicate corals, anemones, and colourful reef fish. The Cod Hole lies at the top of the Ribbon Reefs, and is home to a family of resident Potato Cod (Groper). These diver friendly fish will amaze you with their sheer size and seeming eagerness to pose for camera.

You will also venture out 120 miles offshore to Osprey Reef in the oceanic wilderness of Australia's Coral Sea. Here 3,000 ft walls emerge from the ocean depths and the water is so astoundingly clear that divers appear suspended in air. You will see massive red and yellow soft corals, reef sharks, whaler sharks, schooling hammerheads, mantas, plus schools of barracuda, big eye trevally, and mackeral.

 

- Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation
- Opportunity for up to 26 dives
- En-suite cabin with daily service
- Chef prepared meals
- Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals
- Time ashore at Lizard Island

Special note: The 7 day itinerary, Monday departure does not return to Cairns for the full 7 days. Flights are not included, and therefore there are no limitations on weight.

Equipment Hire
With full equipment hire and dive packages we need to know in advance. These options are displayed in the Extras section when you make an initial enquiry.

However if you are bringing of your own equipment but need to hire some additional items. These items can be hired per piece before your departure and advanced notice not required. Prices displayed below:

Per Piece Hire
- Regulator & Dive Computer:  $75.00 per trip
- Dive Computer Only:                $60.00 per trip
- Bouyancy Control Device:       $60.00 per trip
- Torch & Cyalume Sticks:         $60.00 per trip
- Wetsuit (3 - 5mm steamer):   $30.00 per trip
- Single Nitrox fills:                      $10.00  per fill

Monday: The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus will pick you up from your Cairns hotel around 11:00am to transfer you to Trinity Wharf, where you will board the vessel. You will be greeted by the Spirit of Freedom crew, who will give you an orientation of the vessel before a 12 noon departure. Enjoy lunch on board while we cruise to the outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight or night dive. After dinner we cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs.

Tuesday & Wednesday: These two days are spent diving at the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs. Dive sites and sequence may vary depending on the weather conditions, but will always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you encounter a family of massive and very friendly Potato Cod. Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, just to name a few. If the current is right, you may also take a drift dive at Dynamite Pass, well know as a channel for sharks to pass through. See the dive site page for site selection of some of our dive sites on the Ribbon Reefs. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on the Tuesday. On Wednesday evening we overnight at Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Thursday: This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to go ashore at Lizard Island. A good chance to stretch you legs on land at this half way point, you can take the guided walk from Watson's Beach to Mary Watson's cottage over Chinaman's Ridge and back to the beach. Around 11.00am we will cruise back to Ribbon Reef for two dives at a choice of sites including the Snake Pit, Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Wall, and Pixie Pinnacle. If the tide permits we may repeat a dive at the Cod Hole or visit new sites. We depart in the evening for a 10 hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Friday & Saturday: Two days will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia's Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with visibility ranging 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 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. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on the Friday. See the dive site page for site selection of some of our dive sites at Osprey Reef. On Saturday night we will depart Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.

Sunday: At Ribbon Reefs we will dive such sites as the sensational Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. A second option for this day, in special weather conditions, is to head south from Opsrey to Bougainville Reef, known for its unusual underwater landscape or caverns, and its partially submerged wreck. On Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns.

Monday: We arrive back into Cairns at 06:30am. Enjoy a light breakfast on board and a group photo opportunity before being dropped back to your Cairns hotel around 08.00am.

Options: Full gear rental and dive computer hire, Nitrox fills for Nitrox certified divers, PADI advanced course,PADI EANx Nitrox Course.

Please note: that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed.

The luxurious Spirit of Freedom includes eleven spacious air-conditioned cabins. All contain their own private bathroom and are serviced daily. A range of cabin types(including Qcean View Deluxe, Ocean View, Stateroom, Double or Twin, Double, Twin Share, Quad Share) is available and the three premium cabin types contain 26 inch flat screen TV & DVD player.

The Spirit carries 2 x 21 CFM Bauer compressors, a DNAx Nitrox system, and digital photo facilities.

Spirit of Freedom is equipped with electronic stabilisers for smooth cruising, and the latest navigation and satellite communications equipment.

The vessel also carries paddle skis, wave skis, a wind surfer, and fishing tenders.

Payment Terms:
- 20% deposit is required to secure your reservation
- Balance of payment is due 33 days prior to departure

CANCELLATION TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

1. CANCELLATION POLICY
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:
- 20% cancellation fee applies with 63-25 days notice
- 100% cancellation fee applies for 24 days or less notice

2. TERMS
SOF will endeavour to adhere to the scheduled itinerary, but reserve the right to alter the proposed itinerary or cancel the trip in the event of extreme weather conditions. Trip itineraries are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Master of the Vessel. In the event that a trip is delayed, or cut short due to weather or medical emergency, fees will not be refunded. SOF will not be held financially responsible for an alternative trip or accommodation, any inconvenience incurred, or for adverse weather conditions or illness as a result. Trip fees will not be refunded should you be unable to board in time for the scheduled departure or be unable to complete all available dives.

3. MEDICAL & TRAVEL INSURANCE
All SOF passengers are strongly advised to purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy that includes
(i) Trip Cancellation insurance
(ii) Lost/damaged personal belongings or equipment, due to any reason must be claimed on Travel Insurance.
(iii) Evacuation & Medical cover for Scuba Diving. Please be aware that Scuba Diving and in-water activities are not covered by all Travel Insurance companies. Please read the wording of your policy carefully.

NOTE: In a Medical Emergency any evacuation, vessel relocation or medical expenses are the financial responsibility of that diver.
Divers Alert Network (DAN) www.diversalertnetwork.org & Dive Assure www.diveassure.com offer comprehensive insurance packages specifically for Scuba Divers.

4a. ON BOARD FEES - MARINE PARK LEVY
A $20.00 pp per trip fee (Environment Management Charge) applies to all passengers entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and is payable on board

4b. ON BOARD FEES - FUEL LEVIES
Due to instability of the price of fuel a levy may be payable on board. As at August 2008, the below fuel levies apply
3 Day Tour: $30 per person
4 Day Tour: $40 per person
7 Day Tour: $70 per person
Spirit of Freedom reserve the right to increase this levy without notice, in line with world-wide fuel increases.

5. LUGGAGE/ WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Due to light aircraft flights, guests on the 3 and 4 day tours have a total luggage weight limit of 20 kilograms (45 lb) per person. Secure storage is available at the Spirit of Freedom office for excess luggage.

6. OTHER
Certified divers must present a valid Certification Card and be equipped with a safety sausage, whistle and alternate air source (included in Hire Equipment package).
Same gender cabin share is not guaranteed

DISCHARGE OF LIABILITY
It is a fundamental condition of this contract between ‘Spirit of Freedom Pty Ltd’, and its directors, employees, agents and independent contractors (collectively and severally referred to as “SOF” on the one part and on the other part, that to the extent permitted by law “SOF” is hereby discharged and indemnified by my/our executor(s), my/our administrator(s) and my/our dependent(s) from any liability for any damage, death or injury whatsoever arising out of, or incidental to, this diving trip and other services provided by “SOF”, whether or not such damage or personal injury is caused or contributed to by “SOF”.
I acknowledge that I will be participating in activities, which are undertaken for the purposes of recreation and involve a significant degree of physical exertion or physical risk.
I further acknowledge that I am aware of the risks of injury associated with my participation in this diving trip and agree to voluntarily assume such risk.

MEDICAL STATEMENT
I agree that:
1. I am medically & physically fit to dive and /or snorkel.
2. I have not suffered any illness or injury that may affect my ability to dive or snorkel safely.
3. I am not currently suffering or have ever suffered from illness or injury or condition relating to any heart or lung disorder, asthma, epilepsy or insulin-dependent diabetes or any other condition that is contraindicative to diving.
4. I am not currently suffering from any illness or injury or condition, or taking any prescription medication (other than contraception).If you are unsure about, or cannot agree to points 1-4 above, you must present a Dive Medical clearance upon boarding to enable you to dive.

ITINERARIES
All itineraries are weather dependent and are subject to change at the discretion of the Master of the Veseel.

Please note: Pets are not allowed onboard on any vessel. Smorking is not acceptable in th cabins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you depart from?
We depart from Trinity Wharf, Cairns at 12 noon on Mondays and 8.30am from Hinterland at the General Aviation Airport on Thursdays. Please reconfirm with us at 24 hours prior to boarding.

Are transfers included?
Yes, we provide complimentary transfers from hotels in the Cairns city area. Please note that we do not offer transfers from the airport, the beaches to the north of Cairns, or Port Douglas. A taxi from the airport to the wharf will cost around AU$15.

What are the luggage weight restrictions onboard the flight to Lizard Island ?
While we request that your total luggage be kept to 20 kilograms (45lb) per person, there is a good possibility that not all passengers will be bringing their own dive gear and will be under the 20 kg, allowing a little extra weight for those bringing gear. Please still try and keep you gear to a minimum and leave behind any weights or soft weight pouches.
You will be on board for only 3 or 4 nights so please keep your clothing and personal items to a minimum. Deck and cabin towels are provided on board, so towels are not necessary. Please ensure that all your dive and personal bags are soft sided, to allow for maximum stowage on the plane.

Do you have somewhere I can store excess luggage?
Secure storage is available at the Spirit of Freedom office for any excess luggage. We will collect this from you prior to boarding the boat/ plane. Please separate from your other bags and make sure this bag(s) is clearly labelled with your name.

What essential items should I bring on board?
Personal items and toiletries, swimwear, hat, sunscreen, casual clothing, and sweatshirt in the winter (May – Sept)

Will I need a power adaptor?
Australian domestic power standard is 240V @ 50htz, with 3 pronged power sockets. You may need to bring your own international power adaptor to use your electrical appliances or battery chargers.

What food and beverages are provided?
Lunch and dinner are provided on the day of departure, with 4 meals a day on ensuing days, and breakfast on the day of return to Cairns. The 4 meals include continental breakfast followed by a cooked breakfast after the first dive of the day. Special dietary requirements can be catered to with prior notice. Tea, coffee and fountain water are always available for self service. Australian wines and soft drinks are served complimentary with the evening meal. Outside of this time we operate a ships bar with beer, mixed drinks, wine selection. Drinks can be placed on a tab for payment at the end of your trip.

How can people reach me in an emergency?
The Spirit of Freedom carries CDMA phones and satellite communications. Should an EMERGENCY arise and you need to be contacted on board, please our office phone is + 61 7 4047 9150 or email info@spiritoffreedom.com.au to have a message relayed to you.

Do you accommodate for mobility impaired passengers?
Due to lack of accommodation on the main deck, steep stairwells, and hatch combings, the Spirit of Freedom is not a suitable vessel for people with mobility impairments.

We are two large people, what is the best cabin for us?
The Stateroom is the only cabin on board with a queen size bed. The Ocean View cabins have double bed only configuration. Many of the Double/Twin cabins have a double bed under with single bed over, if you wish to take your own beds.

We are bringing our teenage child with us. Is there an option for three of us to share a cabin?
Many of the Double/Twin cabins have a double bed under with single bed over, and although we usually only allocate two people to this cabin type, we can place three of you in on your request. The third person in the cabin will be charged at quad share rate.

I have my own digital camera. Do you have an option to download on board?
Yes, for a small charge. We have an EMAC computer with CD burner on board and card readers for most digital camera types. Alternatively bring your own USB connection

Do I need to bring my certification card?
Yes, you will need to present your certification card upon boarding, so don’t forget it!

Do I need a dive medical?
As a certified diver, generally a dive medical is not required. However, if you have a history of a medical condition contraindicative to diving (eg asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disorders) you are required to provide a diving medical certificate, stating that you are fit to scuba dive.
If you are participating in the Advanced or Nitrox course, you need to be medically fit to dive as indicated by completing the PADI Australia medical questionnaire. In some cases this may result in a medical being required. Please contact us if you require a copy of the medical questionnaire.

What equipment is provided?
Tanks and weight belts

What rental scuba gear is available?
By piece or by full equipment package the following scuba gear is available for rental: BCD, regulator with dive computer, wrist mount dive computer, wetsuits, torch and cylume sticks, and mask snorkel fins.

Is it required that I use a dive computer?
Yes , all divers must dive with their own dive computers., however you are welcome to also use your dive tables.

What is the recommended weight wetsuit?
Lycra skin to 3mm in the summer (Oct – Mar) and 5mm in the winter (Apr – Sept). Vests and hoods are recommended to bring for extra warmth if you are not sure. On board the rental suits are 5mm shorties, and 3mm steamers with short arms.

What size are the tanks?
10.5 litre and 12 litre (75 and 88 cubic feet) aluminium tanks .

What is the standard tank fitting?
US style K valve. DIN Valves are not available, and adaptors will be required.

How is the diving conducted?
The majority of our divers appreciate freedom and independence rather than being restrained in a larger group. As a guest on board Spirit of Freedom you may dive with your buddy to your pace and interests with no set limits on time, depth or style of diving outside of normal safe diving practices. An orientation dive is offered on the first dive, and a safety instructor will be in the water on most dives. Guided dives will be offered on one or two dives each day .

I’m a Nitrox diver, can I get fills on board?
Yes, nitrox fills are set at 32% at $10 per fill or package price for all dives on nitrox. Nitrox certification cards must be produced upon boarding and regulators need to be O2 approved by the manufacturer.

What is involved in the Nitrox course?
This course is comprised of Video, instructional theory, and 2 dives on nitrox. The theory element generally takes 3 to 4 hours over two days.

What is involved in the PADI Advanced course?
The Advanced course is comprised of 5 dives in different specialty areas such as deep, night, navigation, boat, underwater naturalist, multi-level computer diving, underwater photography or nitrox. This course consists of self study, theory lesson, and Instructor supervised dives

Will there be open water students on board?
No. We do not conduct learn to dive or referral courses on board. We only offer PADI Advanced courses and Nitrox courses.

My Partner is a non-diver, will they enjoy the trip?
The size and facilities of the Spirit of Freedom certainly offer the same level of comfort as a mini cruise ship. Non-divers can enjoy DVD movies, games, the resource library, and relaxing on sun lounges on the top deck. We recommend the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs itinerary for those who like to snorkel. There are many shallow coral gardens offering fantastic snorkelling.

Can I rent an underwater camera on the boat?
Yes, Olympus 720 SW 7.1 megapixel including camera housing and CD burn are available on board .

What will the weather be like?
Australian seasons are the reverse of the Northern hemisphere. Our summer is DEC – FEB and winter is JUN – AUG. However as Cairns is close to the equator and in a tropical zone, we experience relatively warm winters and high humidity in the summer months. Rain is not uncommon from January to April, but while this rain can fall on Cairns due to the surrounding mountains, it is often clear out to sea. Check out our “weather’ (LINK) page for details.

When is the best time of year for diving in Cairns ?
May to August being our winter and colder water can offer great visibility and beautiful clear days, but sometimes stronger winds. September thru December sees the water warm up a little, generally clear conditions and light winds, with many coral reef species breeding at this time. January through April is considered our wetter season with amazing feeding and marine action following the breeding season. Check out our ‘weather’ page for details.

I suffer seasickness, do you have any suggestions.
Spirit of Freedom weighs 250 tonnes and is equipped with electronic stabilisers, however there is no such thing as a boat that doesn’t move! Our first recommendation would be to take a cabin that is on the lower deck mid ships, and avoid the Ocean View cabins on the top deck where you will experience the most motion. We have natural ginger tablets on board, but if you require something stronger we recommend that you consult your pharmacist. Take your medication just prior to boarding; don’t wait until you feel ill. It’s also a good idea to try your tablets or patches before your trip to ensure you are not affected by side effects. Please note all motion sickness medication will cause dehydration and we recommend that you drink extra water. The good news is generally most people gain their sea legs after a day or two.

What happens if I am sick and can’t make the trip?
We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you against this eventuality, as our policies do not allow for refunds on late cancellations.

Do I need dive insurance?
When joining Spirit of Freedom we strongly recommend all passengers (divers and snorkellers) have evacuation and medical cover.Please be aware that Scuba Diving and in-water activities are not covered by all Travel Insurance Companies.

NOTE: In a Medical Emergency any evacuation, vessel relocation or medical expenses are the finacial responsibility of that diver.
Divers Alert Network (DAN) and Dive Assure offer comprehensive insurance packages specifically for Scuba Divers

What are your recommendations for flying after diving?

Spirit of Freedom recommends a minimum wait of 24 hours before flying after multiple dives. The last dive of the trip will generally be around 5:00pm the day before we return to Cairns. 24 hours is a guideline only and for maximum safety give yourself as long as possible. Please be aware that skydiving or a trip to Kuranda or the Atherton tablelands will include going to altitude.
Please Note - Individual airlines have their own policies (48 hour minimum), check with your air carrier.

Where is the nearest chamber?
The nearest recompression chamber is in Townsville, 450km to the south of Cairns. Spirit of Freedom requires all passengers to carry insurance to cover for a medivac from the reef. DAN Travel Assist will cover emergency evacuations and time in the chamber.

What about tipping?
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia , although becoming a more common practise. It is not governed by any percentage, and any cash tip for good service received, is always appreciated by Australian dive crews. Our practice is to divide tips received amongst all crew on board your trip.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

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In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.