45. Spirit of Freedom – 4 night Coral Sea & Ribbons


The Spirit of Freedom 4 Night Liveaboard Dive Trip is an advanced and exhilarating expedition that takes experienced divers beyond the Great Barrier Reef into the remote and dramatic waters of the Coral Sea. This extended liveaboard journey builds on the classic Ribbon Reefs experience by venturing further offshore to sites that are rarely visited and renowned for their sheer walls, pelagic encounters, and thrilling dive conditions.

Designed for confident and experienced divers, this trip offers a deeper level of adventure, combining high-energy diving with the comfort of a premium liveaboard vessel. With up to 15 dives available across the itinerary, guests experience a wide range of environments—from coral-rich reef systems to open-ocean drop-offs where sharks and large pelagic species are frequently encountered.

A key highlight of the journey is the inclusion of the Coral Sea’s Osprey Reef, a remote atoll known for its dramatic underwater topography and iconic shark dives. Combined with the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole, this itinerary delivers one of the most comprehensive and diverse diving experiences available from Cairns.

This liveaboard explores some of the most remote and spectacular dive locations in Tropical North Queensland, combining three distinct regions into one seamless itinerary.

The journey begins at the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef’s Ribbon Reefs, a chain of pristine reef systems known for their vibrant coral gardens, bommies, and diverse marine life. These reefs offer excellent visibility and are home to turtles, reef sharks, and large schools of tropical fish.

From here, the vessel travels approximately 100 kilometres offshore into the Coral Sea, reaching the legendary Osprey Reef. This isolated reef rises dramatically from the ocean floor, creating sheer walls that drop into deep blue water. It is one of Australia’s premier dive destinations, famous for its shark populations and adrenaline-filled drift dives.

One of the standout experiences at Osprey Reef is the North Horn shark dive, where divers can witness multiple shark species in their natural environment—a truly unforgettable encounter.

If the weather isn’t suitable for Osprey Reef the itinerary may also include the world-famous Cod Hole, where giant potato cod interact closely with divers, as well as additional sites along the Ribbon Reefs that showcase the incredible diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

The 4 Night Liveaboard operates on a weekly schedule.

Typical timings include:

  • Departure: Sunday morning (including scenic flight to Lizard Island)
  • Return: Thursday morning back in Cairns

Transfers are generally included, ensuring a smooth and convenient start and finish to the experience.

The journey takes place aboard the Spirit of Freedom, a 37-metre liveaboard vessel purpose-built for long-range diving expeditions.

Key features include:

  • Air-conditioned cabins with private ensuite bathrooms
  • Spacious indoor lounge and dining areas
  • Large sun deck for relaxation
  • Dedicated dive deck with individual gear stations
  • Camera facilities and rinse tanks
  • Twin tenders for easy access to dive sites
  • Advanced stabilisation systems for comfort in open ocean conditions

The vessel accommodates up to 24 guests, with a professional crew providing attentive service throughout the journey.

You will also experience a low level flight between Lizard Island and Cairns.

How long is the 4 Night Liveaboard trip?
The experience runs for 4 nights and 5 days. It typically begins with a scenic flight from Cairns to Lizard Island and concludes back in Cairns after several days of diving and cruising.

What time does the tour start and finish?
The trip generally departs on Sunday morning with an early flight to Lizard Island and returns to Cairns on Thursday morning. Transfers are usually arranged to ensure a smooth start and finish.

How many dives are included?
Guests can complete up to 15 dives during the trip, including multiple dives per day and at least one night dive. The final number depends on weather and conditions.

How many dives are done each day?
Most days include 3 to 5 dives, allowing for a mix of morning, afternoon, and occasional night dives. The schedule is designed to maximise underwater time while allowing for rest between dives.

What dive locations are visited?
The itinerary includes the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole, and Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. Exact dive sites vary depending on conditions, but all are chosen for their exceptional visibility and marine life.

What is Osprey Reef known for?
Osprey Reef is famous for its dramatic walls, deep drop-offs, and large pelagic marine life. It is especially well known for shark encounters and high-energy drift dives.

What level of experience is required?
This trip is designed for experienced divers. Participants are typically required to hold an Advanced Open Water certification and have at least 20 logged dives, with recent diving experience.

Is the trip suitable for beginner divers?
No, this itinerary is not suitable for beginners. The remote locations, stronger currents, and deeper dive profiles require confidence and experience in open water diving.

Can non-divers or snorkellers join?
This trip is primarily designed for scuba divers. Snorkelling opportunities are very limited, particularly in the Coral Sea where conditions can be challenging.

What is included in the trip?
The tour includes accommodation onboard, all meals, tanks, weights, air fills, and a scenic flight. Transfers and daily cabin service are also included, with optional extras available for equipment hire and Nitrox.

Are meals provided onboard?
Yes, all meals are freshly prepared and served onboard. Guests typically enjoy multiple meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with dietary requirements catered for when advised in advance.

What type of accommodation is available?
Guests stay in air-conditioned cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. A range of cabin types is available, including shared and private options.

What facilities are available on the vessel?
The vessel features a spacious dive deck, indoor lounge and dining areas, sun deck, camera stations, and freshwater showers. It is designed for comfort during extended offshore trips.

Do I need to bring my own dive equipment?
Basic equipment such as tanks and weights is included. You can bring your own gear or hire additional equipment onboard, including wetsuits, regulators, and dive computers.

Is Nitrox available?
Yes, Nitrox is available as an optional upgrade for certified divers. It can be purchased per fill or as a package for the duration of the trip.

Do I need a dive computer?
Yes, all divers are required to use a dive computer. You may bring your own or hire one onboard.

What should I bring with me?
Recommended items include swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, personal toiletries, a soft bag, and your dive certification cards. A lightweight towel for the dive deck is also advised.

Is there a luggage limit?
Yes, due to the scenic flight component, luggage is typically limited to around 20 kg per person, including carry-on. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.

Is the trip physically demanding?
Yes, this is a physically active experience involving multiple dives per day, boat movement, and open water conditions. A good level of fitness and comfort in the water is required.

What happens if the weather conditions change?
The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather, tides, and sea conditions to ensure safety and optimise the diving experience.

Is there mobile reception or Wi-Fi onboard?
Due to the remote locations, mobile reception is generally unavailable and Wi-Fi is limited or not provided. This allows for a fully immersive experience at sea.

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The minimum age is typically 16 years. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I need travel or dive insurance?
Yes, comprehensive travel and dive insurance is strongly recommended due to the remote nature of the trip and the potential need for medical evacuation.

What makes this liveaboard unique?
This experience combines the Great Barrier Reef with the remote Coral Sea, offering access to world-class dive sites such as Osprey Reef. With high dive frequency, shark encounters, and dramatic underwater landscapes, it is one of the most advanced and rewarding dive trips available in Australia.

  • Highlights :
  • Pickup Notes :
  • Dropoff Notes :
  • Special Notes :
  • Group Size :
  • Tour Duration :
  • Min Age :
  • Operating Days :
  • Operating Schedule :

Some Suggestions Especially For You!

10. Aquaquest – Divers Den
mins
13. Oceanquest Liveaboard – Divers Den
mins
44. Spirit of Freedom – 3 night Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
mins
36. Coral Sea Dreaming – overnight sailing
mins

Frequently Asked Questions

Bookings can be made directly from any of the tour or attractions individual pages - or simply give us a call on +61 07 40574312.

All payments are securely processed by the NAB (National Australia Bank) No credit card information is held by us. In fact we never even see your credit card details.

We are an online only agency operating out of offices in Trinity Beach, a suburb on Cairns' Northern Beaches (about a 25 minute drive from the city).

I've got no idea right now, but will write this here as a placeholder