Spirit Of Freedom

21/04/2025

The Spirit of Freedom offers more than just extraordinary diving—it provides a world-class liveaboard experience, combining thrilling underwater exploration with unparalleled comfort and service. Our vessel embarks on epic journeys through the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, visiting some of the most iconic dive sites in the world.

Onboard, the Spirit of Freedom is designed for relaxation and comfort. After a day of diving, retreat to your private cabin or unwind in the spacious air-conditioned lounge. Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by our onboard chef, or take in the scenic views from the sundeck while soaking up the tropical atmosphere. The entire experience is designed to offer divers a relaxing retreat between exploring the wonders of the reef.

With access to some of the world’s most diverse dive sites, such as the Ribbon Reefs, Osprey Reef, Bougainville Reef and Holmes Reef, divers will experience a range of underwater environments, from vibrant coral gardens to dramatic walls and deep-water drop-offs. The Spirit of Freedom provides a seamless combination of adventure and comfort, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea.

📸 Photo by crew member Takuma (.takuma)
🌊 Book your dive trip https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

16/04/2025

🌟 Special One-Night Event: An Evening with Dr. Richard Harris aboard Spirit of Cairns

📅 Saturday, 24 May 2025
🛥️ Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise – A Finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns
🎟️ Book now: spiritofcairns.com.au/dinner-cruise

Before heading out to sea for an epic Coral Sea liveaboard expedition, world-renowned cave diver and joint 2019 Australian of the Year Dr. Richard “Harry” Harris will be joining us for an exclusive one-night-only appearance on Spirit of Cairns.

🍽️ Enjoy a relaxing evening cruising Trinity Inlet with a gourmet buffet dinner, harbour cruise, and a chance to hear directly from one of the most extraordinary figures in modern diving. Dr. Harris will give a short address and be available for book signings, chats, and mingling throughout the evening.

🎤 About Dr. Richard Harris
Known globally for his central role in the daring 2018 Thai Cave Rescue, Dr. Harris is an internationally recognised cave diver, anaesthetist, and diving safety advocate with over 30 years of extreme diving experience. He has explored some of the world’s most dangerous underwater cave systems and is a leading voice on diving physiology, rescue techniques, and the human side of exploration.

This rare appearance offers a unique opportunity to connect with the man whose bravery and expertise captured the world.

🌊 The very next day, Dr. Harris boards Spirit of Freedom for a 4-night Coral Sea expedition (25–29 May) — joined by Scubapro Australia’s Brett Blackwell — for a diving adventure like no other. Guests will experience Osprey Reef, one of the most remote and spectacular dive locations on Earth, while enjoying presentations, Q&As, and gear showcases from two of the best in the industry.

📅 Event Details
Saturday 24 May – Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise with Dr. Richard Harris
🛥️ Book now: spiritofcairns.com.au/dinner-cruise

💬 Sunday 25 – Thursday 29 May – Dive the Coral Sea aboard Spirit of Freedom with Richard Harris & Brett Blackwell
🌐 Trip info: spiritoffreedom.com.au

Spaces for both events are limited. Whether you’re a passionate diver, explorer at heart, or simply love a great story — this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.

16/04/2025

Trip Report 3 - 10 April, 2025 ⚓

14/04/2025

The Great Barrier Reef is a vibrant ecosystem, with hard coral plates playing a pivotal role in its health and biodiversity. These corals, such as table corals, form expansive, flat structures that provide essential habitats and shelter for numerous marine species.

Diving at our Ribbon Reefs sites, such as Two Towers, Flare Point, The Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Steve's Bommie, and Coral Princess (among others), offers divers the opportunity to observe these intricate coral formations up close. The Ribbon Reefs are renowned for their rich biodiversity, featuring a variety of hard corals that create complex structures supporting diverse marine life.

Hard corals are the architects of the reef, constructing the three-dimensional structures that support fish and other marine life. Their calcium carbonate skeletons form the reef's framework, providing habitats for countless fish species, invertebrates, and other marine organisms. This structural complexity is vital for maintaining the reef's biodiversity and ecological balance.

The health of the Great Barrier Reef is vital to the world's oceans and the planet's overall well-being. As one of the most diverse ecosystems globally, it plays a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. The reef's complex structures, formed by hard corals, are essential for sustaining the myriad of life forms that depend on it.

Exploring these hard coral ecosystems provides valuable insights into the intricate relationships that sustain the reef's health and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to preserve this natural wonder.

📸 Photo by crew member Takuma (.takuma)
🌊 Book your dive trip: https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

11/04/2025

10/04/2025

Dive into the 50 Great Dives Challenge with Spirit of Freedom and you could be the lucky winner of an incredible 3-night Cod Hole Liveaboard! Explore Australia’s most extraordinary dive sites and earn your chance to win amazing prizes. Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to dive, log, and win!

How to Enter:
1️⃣ Sign Up for the Challenge – Join the 50 Great Dives Snorkel & Scuba Challenge for just $25, with $5 donated to the Australian Marine Conservation Society. (Sign up here)
2️⃣ Dive with Spirit of Freedom – Dive at any of our qualifying dive sites during your trip.
3️⃣ Log Your Dive – After your dive, log it as a Challenge Dive to collect entries for the prize draw.

What’s Up for Grabs?
🎉 3-Night Cod Hole Liveaboard with Spirit of Freedom – Every dive completed between 1 Oct 2024 – 31 Aug 2025 will get you two entries into the prize draw!
🎉 Over $30,000 worth of prizes, including dive gear and vouchers!
🎉 Plus, your favorite dive business could win at least $1,000 in the DAN World Dive Business Prize Draw!

Qualifying Dive Sites with Spirit of Freedom:
🌊 Cod Hole – Meet the famous potato cod at the Ribbon Reefs, an unforgettable dive!
🌊 Ribbon Reefs & Minke Whale Encounters – Dive with dwarf minke whales (seasonal, June-July) in the crystal-clear waters.
🌊 Osprey Reef – Explore the steep walls and thrilling shark dives at North Horn.
🌊 Flinders Reef – Dive one of the most untouched and pristine reefs in the Coral Sea, teeming with marine life.
🌊 Yongala Wreck – Dive into one of the world’s most famous wreck sites, full of schools of fish, turtles, and sharks.
🌊 Raine Island – A must-visit for divers, with breathtaking drop-offs and abundant marine life, plus a large green turtle nesting area.

Why Take Part in the Challenge?
✔ Support Marine Conservation – Part of your entry fee goes towards protecting Australia’s marine life with the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
✔ Discover Australia’s Best Dive Locations – Dive into the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, where biodiversity meets beauty!
✔ Increase Your Chances of Winning – The more dives you log, the better your chances to win the ultimate Cod Hole Liveaboard!

Ready for Your Next Dive Adventure?
📍 Sign up for the Challenge now!
📍 Book your Spirit of Freedom trip and start logging your dives to enter!

Hurry, spots are limited! Don’t miss your chance to win unforgettable prizes while exploring the best dive sites Australia has to offer!

50great dives: https://50greatdives.com/
Spirit of Freedom Site: https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

09/04/2025

09/04/2025

🌊 Exciting News from Divers Den and Spirit Of Freedom! 🌊

We were thrilled to be part of the recent PADI Global Media Trip — a 10-day adventure celebrating the very best of Tropical North Queensland’s dive and adventure experiences! This unforgettable famil was hosted by Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), PADI Global, and Entrada Travel Group — and as part of the Entrada family, Divers Den and Spirit of Freedom were proud to help showcase the incredible diving Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.

Writers from Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand joined PADI Global PR Manager Samantha Pearson and Regional Manager Australia Annie Halloran for a packed itinerary of immersive experiences, including:

📍 Learning to Dive with Divers Den: Introducing the magic of the underwater world with our passionate crew.

📍 Exploring the Ribbon Reefs aboard Spirit Of Freedom: A breathtaking liveaboard journey to one of the reef’s most spectacular regions.

📍 Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours: A powerful and enriching connection to Country and culture.

The group stayed at the Pacific Hotel Cairns and the iconic Lizard Island, and enjoyed delicious dining experiences at Dundees on the Waterfront and Mexicairns.

A huge thank you to TTNQ, PADI and Entrada Travel Group for making this trip happen. The media group left feeling truly inspired by the people, places, and marine life they encountered. All of them said the same thing — the Great Barrier Reef is alive and thriving, and diving is more important than ever for its protection. Mission accomplished. ✅

We can’t wait to see the stories that come from this incredible journey roll out over the coming months — and we’re already dreaming of the next adventure.

09/04/2025

Trip Report 27 March - 3 April, 2025 ⚓

07/04/2025

The Great Barrier Reef is a hidden world of macro life, where divers can encounter fascinating creatures like nudibranchs, colorful sea slugs with intricate patterns and textures. These small, vibrant critters are just a glimpse into the rich diversity of marine life found in the reef's complex ecosystems.

Alongside nudibranchs, the reef is home to a variety of macro species such as shrimp, crabs, and tiny fish, often tucked in the reef’s crevices. These creatures provide endless opportunities for divers to practice their photography skills and discover the unseen beauty of the underwater world.

For those who appreciate the little things, the Great Barrier Reef is a macro photographer's paradise.

📸 Photo by crew member Michael ()
🌊 Book your dive trip: https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

04/04/2025

Swim with Minke Whales – 3-Night & 7-Night Liveaboard Expeditions 🐋

Step into the deep blue and experience the thrill of swimming with Minke Whales in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef! Join us for June and July expeditions that take you to the Ribbon Reefs, with the option for a 3-night or 7-night adventure, filled with unforgettable dives.

Expedition Details:
📅 3-Night Expedition: Departs Thursdays, 10:00 AM (June & July), returns Sundays between 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM (via scenic flight)
🌊 Up to 12 dives (weather permitting)

📅 7-Night Expedition: Departs Thursdays, 10:00 AM, returns Thursdays between 11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
🌊 Up to 28 dives (weather permitting)

Your Journey Includes:
Thursday – Begin with a check-out dive and set sail for the Ribbon Reefs, followed by a night dive to start the adventure.
Friday & Saturday – Explore iconic dive sites like Cod Hole, Lighthouse Bommie, Steve’s Bommie, Challenger Bay, Pixie Pinnacle, Coral Princess, and more. Dive into the vibrant underwater world during the day and enjoy a night dive on Friday.
Saturday Evening – Unwind with a sunset BBQ at Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island.
Sunday – Discover the scenic trails of Lizard Island before boarding your scenic flight back to Cairns.

For those on the 7-night expedition, get the best of both worlds: Ribbon Reefs and the Coral Sea, with legendary dive sites like Osprey Reef, Bougainville Reef, and Holmes Reef.

Why Choose Our Expeditions?
🐋 Minke Whale Encounters – Experience the rare opportunity to swim with Minke Whales in their natural habitat.
🌊 Diverse Dive Sites – Enjoy world-class dives at Cod Hole, Lighthouse Bommie, and the hidden treasures of the Coral Sea.
🍽️ Gourmet Dining – Delight in delicious meals, including wine and soft drinks with dinner.
🛥️ All-Inclusive Comfort – Enjoy spacious cabins, onboard amenities, and seamless transfers from Cairns.

Don’t miss out—book your June or July Minke Whale adventure now!
https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/dive-liveaboards/swimming-with-minke-whales/

04/04/2025

TTNQ supported PADI Global and Entrada Travel Group to host a 10-day media famil showcasing TNQ dive and adventure experiences. Writers from Canada, the US, UK and New Zealand explored the region alongside PADI Global PR Manager Samantha Pearson and Regional Manager, Australia Annie Halloran. The itinerary included immersive experiences such as Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours, learning to dive with Divers Den, and exploring the Ribbon Reefs of The Great Barrier Reef aboard Spirit Of Freedom. The group stayed at the Pacific Hotel Cairns and Lizard Island, with dining experiences at Dundees on the Waterfront and Mexicairns.

02/04/2025

Trip Report 27-27th March, 2025 ⚓

31/03/2025

The Coral Sea is known for its pristine visibility and vibrant soft coral gardens. With clear waters often reaching up to 50 meters, divers can easily navigate over colorful soft corals, which are home to diverse marine species. These vibrant coral formations thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the Coral Sea, offering divers a unique look at the reef’s biodiversity.

The Coral Sea’s dramatic drop-offs and thriving coral ecosystems provide excellent conditions for underwater exploration, especially at sites like Osprey Reef, Holmes Reef, and Bougainville Reef. These locations boast diverse marine life, from reef fish to pelagic species, all within easy reach of the surface.

📸 Photo by crew member Anton ()
🌊 Book your dive trip https://www.spiritoffreedom.com.au/

28/03/2025

Diving is the art of exploring the world's most profound mysteries firsthand.
📸

26/03/2025

Trip Report 13-20th March, 2025 ⚓

25/03/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Rare Pacific Sailfish Spotted on Spirit of Freedom!

Yesterday, divers aboard Spirit of Freedom experienced an exceptionally rare sighting yesterday at False Entrance—a Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) in full view. These open-ocean predators are seldom seen by divers, making this an extraordinary encounter at Osprey Reef.

The Pacific Sailfish is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of 110 km/h (68 mph). Recognisable by its large, sail-like dorsal fin and elongated bill, this species typically hunts in deep, open water, using bursts of speed and rapid color changes to confuse and corral schools of fish. Sightings near reefs are highly unusual, adding to the significance of this moment.

The Coral Sea’s deep, nutrient-rich waters support some of the most diverse marine life on the planet, and False Entrance is a magnet for high-energy marine action. With its sheer drop-offs, ripping currents, and an influx of ocean giants, it’s no wonder this dive site continues to deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments! However, a sailfish encounter at a dive site is exceptionally uncommon, making this a standout sighting in an already world-class dive location.

This event serves as a reminder of the remarkable biodiversity found in the Coral Sea and the unpredictable nature of diving in such a dynamic environment. Have you ever seen a sailfish while diving? Let us know in the comments! 👇

📸 Photo Credit: Joe Snover