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Liveaboard scuba diving & snorkelling
Welcome, please note we are currently operating reduced opening hours. Tourism activities are returning to normal and it's still a great time to visit the region. For information and bookings, please contact us on (07) 4047 9123 between 10am - 2pm daily. Alternately, you can email us at shields@cairnstouristinformation.com.au
We look forward to hearing from you.
There is so much to see on the Great Barrier Reef that you may want to stay at the reef overnight instead of just one day. Imagine watching the sun set and sun rise over the Great Barrier Reef, an experience of a lifetime.
Spending 1 or 2 nights on a Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard trip will allow you to dive, snorkel and explore a variety of local Cairns outer reef sites. Most of Cairns' overnight reef tours use a daily transfer boat to take guests between Cairns and the liveaboard boat (which is permanently based at the reef). This allows them to offer flexible itineraries from overnight trips to multi-night trips. For a more personal option, ProDive offers a 3 days/2 night tour where all guests board the liveaboard vessel from Cairns and stay together for the duration of the dive and snorkel tour.
There is also two different overnight sailing trips. These tours are great for travelers who have a love of sailing, want to sleep at the reef, and prefer a small intimate group size of 12-16 passengers.
The best diving our region has to offer is on the Northern Ribbon Reefs, the famous Cod Cole and the Coral Sea. To visit these reef sites you need to travel on an extended liveaboard tour for 3-7 nights. Luxury dive vessels such as Spirit of Freedom include a one way scenic flight transfer between Cairns and Lizard Island, the most amazing diving opportunities in a remote location with pristine reef, and even offer the experience of shark diving at Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.
With so many live aboard dive and snorkel trips operating out of Cairns, it can be hard to decide. Please enquire if you want honest local advice in helping you to choose the most suitable overnight or extended live aboard reef trip.
*2020 Spirit of Freedom - 7 Night Luxury Dive Trip - Far Eastern Reefs Exploratory
Rates from: $4375
*2020 Spirit of Freedom 7 Night Luxury Dive Trip - Far Eastern Reefs Exploratory
Departs 23rd November 2020 (returns 30th November 2020) - LIMITED SPACES LEFT
Join our luxury vessel for a rare opportunity to explore beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, and scuba dive the isolated reef systems of Australia's Coral Sea.
Covering over 1 million square kilometres and three times the size of the Great Barrier Reef, the region is scattered with spectacular corals reefs and is an undersea world of ancient mountains, rising thousands of metres from the ocean floor.
This exploratory itinerary is a first for Spirit of Freedom, as we travel 400km off-shore to the spectacular and pristine coral reef systems of Flinders and Lihou. With only one departure in 2020, book now to secure your spot on this amazing trip of a lifetime with an opportunity to do up to 27 dives! Departing from Cairns Australia on 23 November 2020.
*2020 Spirit of Freedom 7d/6n Luxury Yongala Dive Expedition
Rates from: $4045
*2020 Spirit of Freedom 7d/6n Luxury Yongala Dive Expedition
Departs 3rd November 2020 (returns 9th November 2020) - LIMITED SPACES LEFT
Join our luxury vessel for a rare opportunity to scuba dive the Coral Sea and Australia's largest shipwreck, the SS Yongala. The SS Yongala is one of the most exhilarating wreck dives and voted in the Top 10 Wreck Dives in the World. This site is renowned for its incredible diversity and abundance of marine life.
A first for Spirit of Freedom, this Dive Expedition is suitable for experienced divers as we visit some of the lesser dived sites amongst the most Easterly parts of the Coral Sea and the world famous SS Yongala. With only one departure in 2020, book now to secure your spot to explore the pristine coral reef systems of Flinders and Holmes on this exploratory voyage with the opportunity to do up to 25 dives!
*Please note this trip starts in Townsville and ends in Cairns. Contact us for pre and post accommodation.
2020 Minke Whale Season - Ocean Quest
Rates from: $1790
2020 Departure Dates: 19th June, 26th June, 3rd July & 10th July
Explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef onboard this comfortable liveaboard vessel. Dive and snorkel the best of the Ribbon Reefs at our most exciting time of year, Minke Whale Season! The trip will include up to 15 dives, double or twin cabin accommodation and all meals whilst onboard. Dwarf Minke Whale Expeditions only operate during the months of June and July, so book early to avoid missing out!
Offering a 4 day and 4 night round trip leaving on Friday and returning Tuesday.
Coral Expeditions - 3 Nights Cairns - Pelorus Islands - Cairns
Rates from: $1557.5
Suspending Operations From 23rd March Until Further Notice
This is local quality cruising at its best. Designed for those wanting to see and access into locations that other commercial vessels do not go, for example Pelorus Island and Nathan Reef, and if the weather is permitting this is also the only commercial vessel that can go through the Hinchinbrook Channel. This 3 night expedition with a maximum of 44 guests is sure to delight.
Coral Expeditions - 4 Nights Cairns-Lizard Island-Cairns
Rates from: $2014.5
Suspending Operations From 23rd March Until Further Notice
This is local quality cruising at its best. Designed for those wanting to see and access the infamous northern Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns and Port Douglas as well as the exclusive reef off Lizard Island. This 4 night expedition with a maximum of 44 guests is sure to delight those wanting more emphasis on snorkelling, relaxation and luxury. Diving is available although the trip is not focussed on diving.
Coral Expeditions - 7 Nights Cairns-Pelorus Is-Lizard Is-Cairns
Rates from: $3229.5
Suspending Operations From 23rd March Until Further Notice
This is local quality cruising at its best. the southern itinerary is designed for those wanting to see and access into locations that other commercial vessels do not go, for example Pelorus Island and Nathan Reef, and if the weather is permitting this is also the only commercial vessel that can go through the Hinchinbrook Channel. The northern itinerary is designed for those wanting to see and access the infamous northern Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns and Port Douglas as well as the exclusive reef off Lizard Island. This 7 night expedition with a maximum of 44 guests is sure to delight those wanting more emphasis on snorkelling, relaxation and luxury.
Coral Sea Dreaming - 2 Days/1 Night Dive and Snorkel Sailing Boat
Rates from: $480
72 Hour Standby Snorkel Special - $300pp (single bunk) + $40pp levy = $340pp (extra $20pp for private double cabin and standard extra costs for diving)
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ONGOING IN ADVANCE SPECIAL SPECIALS:
BLOCK OUT DATES APPLY:
4th April to 19th April 2020
27th June to 31st August 2020
19th September to 5th October 2020
Snorkel Only Special: Shared Cabin - $330pp + 40pp levy = $370pp / Private Double Cabin - $350pp + $40pp levy = $390pp
Intro Dive Speical (includes 3 x intro day dives): Shared Cabin - $440pp + $40pp levy = $480pp / Private Double Cabin - $460pp + $40pp levy = $500pp
Cert Dive Special (includes 4 x cert day dives): Shared Cabin - $440pp + $40pp levy = $480pp / Private Double Cabin - $460pp + $40pp levy = $500pp
Dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef without the crowds when you embark on this overnight Cairns sailing adventure, experiencing the best of the Outer Barrier Reef. With a maximum of only 12 guests, this yacht offers a fun and intimate holiday visiting spectacular reefs on the very edge of the Continental Shelf.
Divers Den - Ocean Quest - Liveaboard Dive and Snorkel Trip
Rates from: $535
MARCH SPECIAL - BOOK A 3 DAY/2 NIGHT TRIP AND GET $100 OFF PER PERSON
*Valid for travel until the 31st March 2020
Are you looking for an overnight Great Barrier Reef trip? Want to watch the sunet and sunrise over the coral reef and enjoy a few days snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the amazing underwater world? This is exactly what you will experience when staying 1, 2 or more nights on our premier liveaboard vessel. With daily departures via our modern and comfortable transfer boat, we can offer flexible itineraries from a single night stay to multiple nights for up to 48 guests. The Outer Barrier Reef locations we visit include Norman Reef, Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef which are all suitable for both snorkelers and divers and provide a diverse range of corals and marine life. Across the 3 locations we have access to over 18 unique reef moorings.
Having recently undergone a a renovation in 2020, Ocean Quest is the perfect choice for your next liveaboard reef experience. There are Twin Cabins (two single beds) and Double Cabins (double bed), as well as one Quad Cabin (4 single beds) which is great for groups or families of four persons. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathroom facilities.
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions - 3 Night Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
Rates from: $2053.5
Contact us to enquire if any STANDBY Rates are available
Join this dive expedition company to dive the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs. The vessel is a custom built 30 metre twin hulled vessell and provides superb dive and guest facilities.
This tour suits novice to advanced divers and guests can partake in up to 12 dives. This 3 Night Fly/Dive Cod Hole expedition begins with an incredible 250 kilometre low level reef flight. You glide over your dive sites along the outer Great Barrier Reef to Lizard Island. Soon you are swimming with diver size fish at the Cod Hole before exploring the exquisite Ribbon Reef sites north of Cooktown. Enjoy comfortable cruising within sheltered waters where space, comfort and stability are unmatched.
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions - 4 Night Cod Hole & Coral Sea
Rates from: $2327.5
Contact us to enquire if any STANDBY Rates are available
Join this dive expedition to dive the Ribbon Reef, Cod Hole and the Coral Sea. The vessel is a custom built 30 metre twin hulled vessell and provides superb dive and guest facilities.
This tour suits experienced and advanced divers and guests can partake in up to 14 dives.
During this 4 Night Dive/Fly Cod Hole and Coral Sea Trip you will explore the exquisite Ribbon Reefs, swim with diver sized fish at The Cod Hole, experience shark diving, 1000m coral walls and 40 metre visibility at the Coral Sea. You will then depart Lizard Island on your low-level scenic flight transfer back to Cairns.
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions - 7 Night Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole & Coral Sea
Rates from: $4046.5
Contact us to enquire if any STANDBY Rates are available
Join this dive expedition to dive the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and the Coral Sea. The vessel is a custom built 30 metre twin hulled vessell and provides superb dive and guest facilities. This tour suits novice to advanced divers and guests can partake in up to 26 dives.
During this 7 Night Trip you will visit the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and Coral Sea where you will explore exquisite coral formations, swim with diver sized fish at The Cod Hole, experience shark diving, 1000m coral walls and 40 metre visibility at the Coral Sea. You will experience amazing marine biodiversity throughout this 450 mile diving expedition.
ProDive - 3 Day/2 Night Diving & Snorkel Tour
Rates from: $780
Contact us to enquire if any STANDBY Rates are available
Our 3 premium, purpose built, multi million dollar dive vessels provide the ideal way to stay out and experience what the reef has to offer. These vessels are 25 metres (80 feet) in length and feature 14 twin share and 2 double cabins with private amenities for every 2 cabins. The vessels are centrally air-conditioned, light and airy. There are 2 large decks, one for gear and one strictly for sun tanning and relaxing.
ProDive - PADI Ocean Referral Course
Rates from: $990
ProDive Cairns offer a 3 Day & 2 Night PADI Ocean Referral Course. The PADI referral system allows you to split your "Learn to Dive" course so you can complete pool and theory work elsewhere and then finish your open water training dives and certification on our 3 day/2 night liveaboard dive trip. This includes 9 dives (4 training dives and 5 recreational dives including a guided night dive). We have a variety of Outer Reef locations at 16 exclusive dive sites. Course commences every day except Tuesday.
RE VIP TOP DECK CLUB - Liveaboard Dive and Snorkel Trip
Rates from: $835
This is a 35 metre catamaran with 21 cabins and accommodates up to 42 guests. With daily departures via our transfer boat, we can offer flexible itineraries from a single night to multinight trips. This trip is suitable for snorkellers and divers alike, with access to 15 reef locations ensuring you will visit an array of Outer Reef sites during your liveaboard trip. The VIP TOP DECK CLUB will provide you with the ultimate personalised service during your Great Barrier Reef live aboard trip.
Reef Encounter - Liveaboard Dive and Snorkel Trip
Rates from: $410
This is a 35 metre catamaran with 21 cabins and accommodates up to 42 guests. With daily departures via our transfer boat, we can offer flexible itineraries from a single night to multinight trips. The boat is suitable for snorkellers and divers alike, with access to 15 reef locations ensuring you will visit an array of Outer Reef sites during your liveaboard trip.
Rum Runner - Cairns - 2 Day/1 Night Dive and Snorkel Sailing Boat
Rates from: $320
SPECIAL
Snorkel Only (no dives)- $320pp including levies
Snorkel + 2 intro dives - $440pp including levies
Certified Diver - Up to 6 Cert Dives - $440pp including levies
**Medical conditions apply for diving. Valid for a limited time - please enquire.
This 20 metre motor sailing schooner is specifically setup for live aboard dive and snorkel trips. The crew will show you the exotic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, they provide a totally relaxed and informal atmosphere with their friendly personalised service. Carrying a maximum of 16 passengers ensures a great experieince without the crowds whilst you snorkel and dive some amazing locations at the Outer Barrier Reef.
Spirit of Freedom: 3 Day/3 Night Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
Rates from: $1900
Contact us for any Standby Rates
If wanting a short trip to dive the world famous Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs this is the single best company to choose. Whilst on board this elegant 37m motor cruiser you will enjoy gourmet meals, spacious cabins with private bathrooms, and three decks of comfortable living areas. The journey includes 240km of rarely visited reefs as this is only one of two companies who can access this amazing part of the Great Barrier Reef. You will not go where standard tourist boats go. Mentioning only a few of the benefits - are the rare opportunity to swim with a family of giant potato cods, float in the midst of colourful tropical fish and glide over pristine coral gardens. The trip ends with a low level scenic reef flight from Lizard Island back to Cairns to see your underwater wonderland from above. What a way to end a tour!
Spirit of Freedom: 4 Day/4 Night Coral Sea
Rates from: $2300
Contact us for any Standby Rates
Join this award winning company to dive Australia’s Cod Hole, Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea. On board this elegant 37m motor cruiser (with a maximum of only 26 guests) you will experience gourmet meals, spacious cabins with private bathrooms, and three decks of comfortable living areas. A must do trip for the adventurous diver, this tour travels 230km off the coast to dive the remote Osprey Reef. Here you will dive sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans, experience 30 to 100 metres of underwater visibility, and encounter schools of barracuda, sharks, manta rays and much more. All on Australian's famous Great Barrier Reef - but the BEST sections of the reef (where standard tourist can not get to).
Spirit of Freedom: 7 Day/7 Night Cod Hole & Coral Sea
Rates from: $3925
Contact us for any Standby Rates
This luxury vessel takes only 26 special visitors to visit Australia's premier dive locations. On board this elegant 37m motor cruiser you will enjoy gourmet meals, spacious cabins with private bathrooms, and three decks of comfortable living areas. This incredible snorkel and dive cruise will visit the Ribbon Reefs, the Cod Hole, Osprey reef in the Coral Sea, and a stopover at Lizard Island. All on Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef - but the BEST sections of the reef (where standard tourist can not get to). You will enjoy a huge variety of diving from magical coral gardens, to 1000m walls, to the famous shark dive at 'North Horn'.
Sunlover By Starlight - Overnight on Pontoon
Rates from: $599
NOT OPERATING UNTIL 1ST MAY 2020
Cairns only sleep on-board a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef! Experience a totally unique overnight stay on the reef without the risk of getting seasick...how perfect. Your stay is at the Moore Reef platform/pontoon which is located 26 nautical miles off the coast of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Day trips to the platform operate 7 days a week, but for a lucky few, you can book to stay and "camp" on the platform. One of the very few companies who allow guest to sleep under the stars. An intimate, personalised experience catering to no more than 18 overnight guests.
Enjoy 2 full days on the Outer Barrier Reef with all the exciting "day trip" inclusions. However, from 3.30pm on day one until 11am the next day, your small group will experience the reef exclusively to yourselves. You have the freedom to choose from purely relaxing on the pontoon or extend your snorkelling time in the water. During the late afternoon you will feel completely spoilt when eating your evening dinner and watching the glorious sunset with a select few people. As darkness decends the stars sparkles and all night you can gaze upon them from your swag tent. Morning welcomes a glorious sunrise over the Great Barrier Reef with a sumptuous breakfast served. Before the day visitors arrive, you can join your reef hosts for a private and exclusive snorkel tour, as well as a glass bottom boat tour.
