Spirit of Freedom

Location: Australia

Rating: 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

About Spirit of Freedom

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Spirit of Freedom, a premier liveaboard exploring the vibrant underwater world of Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea offer a diver's paradise, a kaleidoscope of marine life and breathtaking coral formations. From the iconic Cod Hole, home to giant potato cod, to the dramatic drop-offs of the Coral Sea, this region boasts unparalleled biodiversity. The Spirit of Freedom is your gateway to explore these pristine waters, offering exclusive access to remote dive sites and the chance to witness migrating dwarf minke whales in season. Diving from the Spirit of Freedom is an experience crafted for comfort and convenience. The vessel features a spacious dive deck, ensuring ample room for gear setup and preparation. Divers benefit from individual dry storage, dedicated rinse tanks for equipment and cameras, and freshwater showers. Nitrox is readily available for extended bottom times, and the crew provides a unique 'Finderella Service' to assist with gear. With tenders for swift access to dive sites, and comprehensive briefings, every dive is meticulously planned to maximize your underwater adventure, including thrilling night dives. Life aboard the Spirit of Freedom balances adventure with relaxation. Guests can choose from 11 comfortable cabins, each featuring a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and ample storage. Beyond your cabin, unwind on the expansive top deck, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying a refreshing drink as the sun sets. The forward lounge provides a cozy retreat with comfortable seating, while the dining salon offers a convivial atmosphere for sharing stories of the day's discoveries. Culinary delights are a highlight of any Spirit of Freedom voyage. Guests enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious meals served buffet-style in the spacious dining salon, with dinner presented as a set menu. The onboard chefs cater to a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan options, provided advance notice is given. Complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee, and wine and beer with dinner ensure you stay refreshed throughout your trip, complementing the Western and local cuisine. Built in 1992 and meticulously renovated in 2023, the 37-meter Spirit of Freedom is a purpose-built diving vessel. She boasts a generous 7.1-meter beam, providing ample space for up to 24 guests across her 11 cabins. Powered by two Rolls Royce C8M 410 249.8kw diesel engines, she cruises comfortably at 8 knots with a top speed of 12 knots. With a substantial water capacity of 22,000 liters and a freshwater maker producing 9,000 liters per day, along with 30,000 liters of fuel capacity, the vessel is well-equipped for extended journeys to remote reefs. Embarkation for all itineraries is from Cairns, Australia, with hotel transfers included to ensure a smooth start to your adventure. The best time to visit for minke whale encounters is typically June and July. The vessel caters to experienced divers, with a minimum age of 16 for diving activities, and welcomes snorkelers on specific trips, offering a diverse range of experiences for ocean enthusiasts.

Vessel Specifications

Length: 37m
Guest capacity: 24
Year built: 1992
Nitrox: Available
WiFi: Available

Cabins

Ocean View Standard Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — This inviting cabin is situated on the top deck, offering convenient internal stairwell access to the main deck, along with external access to both the top deck and the dive deck. Spanning 5.2 square
Standard Twin Cabin (sleeps 2) — Twin — This inviting cabin, situated on the lower deck, offers convenient access to the main deck. It features two comfortable single beds, perfect for friends or individual travelers. Spanning an average of
Ocean View Deluxe Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — Perched on the top deck, this cabin offers convenient internal stairwell access to the main deck, alongside external entry to both the top deck and the dive deck. Spanning a generous 8.5 square meters
Standard Double/Twin Share Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double or Twin — Discover the Spirit of Freedom's five standard double or twin share cabins, thoughtfully designed with a bunk-style arrangement featuring a double bed complemented by a single bed positioned above. Th
Quad Share (sleeps 4) — Bunk Beds — Discover the Quad Share cabin, a perfect choice for solo adventurers or small groups, featuring four comfortable single beds arranged in a bunk style. This well-appointed cabin is situated midships on
Stateroom (sleeps 2) — Queen — Discover the Stateroom, a private sanctuary nestled on the lower deck, conveniently close to both the dive deck and the dining saloon. This spacious cabin spans 9.2 square meters, not including an add
Standard Double Cabin (sleeps 2) — Double — This double cabin is situated on the lower deck, offering convenient access to the main deck. Spanning an average of 7.2 square meters, excluding the bathroom, with an additional 1.8 square meters for

Itineraries

Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef Trip (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns, Australia

This short expedition departs from Cairns and travels north along the seldom-visited Ribbon Reefs, concluding at the world-renowned Cod Hole. The trip includes up to 11 dives, offering encounters with vibrant corals, giant clams, schools of pelagic fish, and the famous resident potato cod. The journey finishes with an overnight stay at Lizard Island and a scenic one-hour flight back to Cairns. Max guests on this trip: 24.

Cod Hole Coral Sea Trip (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns, Australia

This eight-day expedition combines diving at the Ribbon Reefs with an exploration of the remote Coral Sea. The journey begins in Cairns and travels north to the famous Cod Hole and other Ribbon Reef sites. After a stop at Lizard Island, the trip continues to the advanced diving environment of Osprey Reef, known for its sheer walls, excellent visibility, and shark encounters. The final day of diving is spent back on the Ribbon Reefs before the vessel returns to Cairns. Max guests on this trip: 2

Coral Sea & Ribbon Reef Trip (Cairns - Cairns)

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Embarkation: Cairns

Embark on a four-night aquatic adventure, commencing with a breathtaking aerial transfer from Cairns, soaring above the Great Barrier Reef en route to Lizard Island, where the liveaboard awaits. Initial underwater explorations unfold in the northern sectors of the Ribbon Reefs. Following this, the ship undertakes a nocturnal transit to the remote Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. Over two full days, divers immerse themselves in Osprey's celebrated drop-offs, exceptional visibility, and abundant shar