GBR Ribbon Reefs

Spoilsport · Australia · 6 Days / 5 Nights

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Dives

Up to 18 dives

About this route

Experience the prime dive sites of the northern Great Barrier Reef, located over 150 miles from Cairns. This itinerary explores the legendary Ribbon Reefs, featuring famous locations like the Cod Hole. Expect exceptional 40-meter visibility, healthy corals, and encounters with big fish, sharks, and diver-sized potato cod.

Day-by-day plan

Day 1: Embarkation & Scenic Flight
Lizard Island / Ribbon Reefs
The journey begins with a spectacular low-level flight over the Great Barrier Reef to Lizard Island. After boarding the vessel and settling into your cabin, the first dive takes place at the world-famous Cod Hole, known for its resident, friendly potato cod.
Dive sites: Cod Hole
Good to know: Scenic flight to Lizard Island | Board the vessel | Welcome briefing | Dive at the Cod Hole with large potato cod
Day 2: Diving the Ribbon Reefs
Ribbon Reefs
A full day of diving explores the Ribbon Reefs, known for healthy hard corals and plentiful fish life. The day's sites, which may include the legendary Steve's Bommie, offer encounters with turtles, barracuda, and a wide variety of macro life like nudibranchs and anemonefish.
Dive sites: Steve's Bommie
Good to know: Multiple dives on the Ribbon Reefs | Explore sites with healthy coral gardens | Search for bumphead parrotfish, groupers, and turtles
Day 3: Sharks, Drifts & Walls
Ribbon Reefs
Today's diving focuses on some of the area's thrilling big fish action. The itinerary may include a drift dive with reef sharks at North Horn or a shark attraction dive at a site like the 'Amphitheatre', set against a backdrop of deep walls and huge soft corals.
Dive sites: North Horn, The Amphitheatre
Good to know: Potential drift dive with sharks at North Horn | Experience an exhilarating shark attraction dive | Dive along walls with 1,000m drop-offs
Day 4: Coral Labyrinths & Island Exploration
Ribbon Reefs / Lizard Island
Explore more of the prime Ribbon Reef sites, which can include intricate coral labyrinths with excellent fish and coral biodiversity. The day may also offer an opportunity for an onshore exploration of Lizard Island itself.
Good to know: Dives among amazing coral labyrinths | Great fish and coral biodiversity | Onshore exploration of Lizard Island
Day 5: Final Dives & Barbecue
Great Barrier Reef
The morning is for final dives on the Great Barrier Reef before the vessel begins its cruise back towards the mainland. The day concludes with a celebratory grand finale barbecue on the upper deck as you cruise.
Good to know: Final morning dives on the reef | Commence cruise towards Cairns | Enjoy an upper deck barbecue dinner
Day 6: Disembarkation
Cairns
The vessel arrives in Cairns in the morning. After a final breakfast is served on board, guests will disembark, concluding the expedition.
Good to know: Breakfast on board | Disembarkation in Cairns