June 2005, Liveaboard Spirit of Freedom (northbound 1st trip) Fun dives & Nitrox (21 dives in 6 days)
Dive Center: Spirit of Freedom, Cairns, QLD, Australia
Website:
http://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/Dive Sites (trip starts from Cairns)
Saxon Reef: Twin Peaks (Night Dive)
Ribbon Reef #10: Challenge Bay (Night & Current Dives),
Cod Hole (Cod Play)
Ribbon Reef #5: Clam Beds (soft coral gardens), Andy´s Postcard
Ribbon Reef #3:
Steve´s Bommie (known as Australia´s best Bommie; very strong current), Flat Point
Osprey Reef: Around the Bend, Admiralty,
North Horn (Deep & Drift Dives, Shark Feed, seen Tiger Sharks), Castles
All dive sites at the Osprey Reef have a drop off and are usually also drift dives. At some places its possible to dive into the reef by using natural caves & caverns. Watch out sleeping sharks!
July 2005, Liveaboard Spirit of Freedom (southbound 2nd trip) Fun dives (10 dives in 2 days)
Dive Sites (trip starts from Lizard Island which is worth own trip)
No Name Reef: Dynamite Pass
Ribbon Reef #10:
Cod Hole (Cod Play)
Ribbon Reef #9: Monolith (Night Dive),
Pixie Wall (seen Minky Whales), Pixie Pinnakle, Pixie Gardens (Night Dive)
If I could I would stay on the Spirit of Freedom for months. Its an
outstanding adventure! Its also one of the most comfortable liveaboard dive vessel I have ever seen (lots of space, plenty of fresh water, friendly crew, good Australian food). Must see:
Osprey Reef, Steve´s Bommie, Cod HoleWhale season: June - August
According to the season different trip variations can be possible. You may think that trip is expensive - its not (21 dives in 6 days at the best dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef). If you have time watch out for last minute offers in Cairns (up to 50% discount).