Where to book
Diving on the Spirit of Freedom liveaboard
Divers can visit renowned Australian dive sites like Cod Hole and the Ribbon Reefs on 4-night liveaboard trips. Marine life includes sweetlips, scorpionfish, triggerfish, playful seahorses, as well as large pelagics.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 134 shark species, including common whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, with occasional sightings of gray reef sharks, leopard sharks, epaulet sharks, and wobbegongs.
On the 4-night Coral Sea trip or the 3-night Cod Hole adventure, divers can explore the world-famous Cod Hole and the turquoise waters of the Ribbon Reefs. Encounters with giant potato cod, tropical fish, turtles, and sea snakes are common.
The 7-night expedition includes two days at remote Osprey Reef, creating an ideal adventure for both experienced and novice divers. Guests can also enjoy unrestricted diving within responsible boundaries—no time, depth, or style limits.
Spirit of Freedom offers the rare chance to snorkel with dwarf minke whales (June and July) in the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelers are invited not only on the minke whale trip, but also the 3-day Cod Hole trip.
PADI dive courses on board offer scuba education, allowing divers to gain new skills and confidence.
Highlights:
- Rich marine diversity on the Great Barrier Reef
- Expedition variety for divers of all levels
- Opportunity to swim with dwarf minke whales
- Educational opportunities onboard
Onboard the Spirit of Freedom
Step aboard the Spirit of Freedom, a steel-hulled vessel navigating Australian waters since 1992. Refurbished in 2008, it caters to 26 travelers across 11 cabins, including standard and deluxe options. A quad room is available for family vacations.
Cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and ample storage. The English-speaking crew ensures a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere throughout the journey.
The cruise director organizes entertainment, and a 42-inch TV is available for dive slideshows, movies, and documentaries. Guests can also stay connected with free Wi-Fi.
The dining room offers plenty of space at mealtime, while the top and main decks provide a relaxing environment for guests to unwind. With a partially covered top deck and sun loungers on the sundeck, you can take your pick of sun or shade.
The Spirit of Freedom boasts a spacious dive deck, designed to comfortably accommodate 26 guests. Each diver will have use of an individual station, as well as hanging stands for wetsuits. Facilities include nitrox, rinse tanks, a small camera table, and freshwater showers.
The dedicated dive platform ensures easy access to the water, with tenders available as well.
Highlights:
- A maximum of 26 guests
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nitrox available for a surcharge
- Spacious dive platform and tenders
Dining on the Spirit of Freedom
This liveaboard caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Offering four meals daily, plus afternoon tea, guests won’t go hungry. As a nice bonus, a glass of Australian wine or a soft drink is included with dinner.
The menu encompasses local, Western, and vegan choices, all served buffet-style. Those with specific dietary requirements should make them known at booking to ensure their needs are met.
Highlights:
- Diverse culinary offerings
- Australian wine served with dinner
- Al fresco dining
Things we like:
- Well-executed itineraries
- Friendly, safety-conscious crew
- Good food
- Diverse marine life sightings and shark feeding experiences
- Comfortable accommodations
- Educational sessions about marine life
Things we don't like:
- Limited dive site variety
- Group size may be too large for some divers
- Only one nitrox analyzer
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1992 |
| Max Divers | 22 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes (free) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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