Destination Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs & Coral Sea
Duration 7 Day Itinerary, up to 27 Dives
Departing Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning Cairns 07:00am Monday
Trip Includes
Special note: The new 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.
Sample Itinerary
Monday: Board Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board whilst you cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.
Tuesday: Today you will dive the amazing Steve’s Bommie, Clam gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall and other sites on middle Ribbon Reefs.
Wednesday: This morning you’ll dive the world famous Cod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it’s resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). You may also dive Dynamite Pass, Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay, and Pixie Wall. In the evening you’ll overnight at Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island.
Thursday: This morning some of the guests will depart at Lizard Island and some new guests will join the tour. There will be time for a morning walk on the island. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites such as the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle and Challenger Bay before departing in the evening for the Coral Sea.
Friday & Saturday: Osprey Reef. Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at Osprey Reef, including North Horn, well known for its shark action. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from thousands of feet below.
Sunday:
Option 1: Still in the Coral Sea, weather depending you’ll dive the Bougainville Reef system.
Option 2: Today you return to the Ribbon Reefs # 3 to 5 to dive sites such as the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. On Sunday evening you’ll cruise overnight back into Cairns.
Monday: Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am. Breakfast will be served on board and hotel transfer will be arranged for approx 07:30am.
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.
Rates (01st of July 2008 through to 30th of June 2009)
Rates (01st of July 2008 through to 30th of June 2010)
Cabins
Please note that all cabins onboard have private ensuites.
Additional Charges:
(Valid to 30 June)
On Board Fees – Marine Park and Fuel Levies:
Notes:
Medical & Travel Insurance
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy that includes
(i) Trip Cancellation insurance, and
(ii) 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.