Spirit of Freedom, Australia

Name: Coral Sea & Ribbon Reef Trip (Cairns - Cairns)
Start: 2026-12-20
End: 2026-12-24
Location: Australia

9.3 Superb

Nitrox available
Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers

from $ 367 / day Check dates

“Amazing experience, the Reef was mind blowing and the team always made us feel safe and secure.”
Ashley M, United States

Highlights

Voted Best Australian Liveaboard
Diving cruises to Great Barrier Reef

M/V Spirit of Freedom is a 37m, state-of-the-art liveaboard, voted Best Australian Liveaboard by readers of Australasia Dive Log in 2015 & 2017. Spirit of Freedom offers year-round, 3, 4, and 7-day diving cruises to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea reefs, and special Far Northern expeditions to dive into the truly pristine and remote reefs. Diving amenities onboard MV Spirit of Freedom include a spacious dive deck, individual dry storage, Nitrox, rinse tanks, a small camera table, and freshwater showers. A camera workstation with power boards and converters for 110 volts is also onboard.

Topside, the Spirit of Freedom offers guests 11 cabins with a style and budget for everyone. All cabins have a private bathroom, wardrobe, ample storage, air conditioning, and housekeeping services. Guests will enjoy relaxing on the top deck between dives or in the evening, where it is a great place to unwind with a drink at the end of a day of fantastic diving. The forward lounge is perfect for chilling out and relaxing and has comfortable seating and beanbags. The dining salon has ample seating for all guests and is where a variety of quality healthy meals are available. Dinner is a set menu, and soft drinks, wine, and beer are included with dinner. The Spirit of Freedom must be notified of any special dietary requirements at least 30 days before travel.

The minimum age to travel on the Spirit of Freedom is 16, as the type of dives practiced requires experience. Snorkelers are welcome aboard the Minke Whale Trip (June and July) and the 3-Day Cod Hole trip. Please note that snorkeling can be restricted due to weather, tides, currents, and other environmental conditions, and snorkeling is only permitted on sites deemed safe. Passengers over 65 are required to supply a doctor’s medical statement confirming they are fit to dive.

Book online to reserve your Spirit of Freedom Australia liveaboard diving holiday.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

12 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,718

FULL

12 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,264

FULL

15 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,199

FULL

19 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,718

FULL

19 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,264

FULL

22 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,199

FULL

26 Nov

4 Days / 3 Nights

Valid for a limited time only.

~~$ 1,718~~ $ 1,546 Save 10% -10%

Select Cabin available

26 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

Valid for a limited time only.

~~$ 3,264~~ $ 2,938 Save 10% -10%

FULL

29 Nov

5 Days / 4 Nights

Valid for a limited time only.

~~$ 2,199~~ $ 1,979 Save 10% -10%

FULL

03 Dec

4 Days / 3 Nights

$ 1,718

FULL

03 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 3,264

FULL

06 Dec

5 Days / 4 Nights

$ 2,199

FULL

Included: VAT, Environment Tax, National Park Fees, Hotel Transfer, Local Flights, Alcoholic Drinks at Dinner, Drinking Water, Tea & Coffee, Wine with Dinner, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Snorkel Gear, Cabin Towels, Complimentary Toiletries, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: Fuel Surcharge (AUD10 / day).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft drinks, Nitrox (AUD120-289), Nitrox Course (AUD295-325), Private Dive Guide (AUD650-750), Rental Gear (AUD135-345), Scuba Diving Courses (AUD375-405).

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

Pay by bank transfer or online with

Best Price Guaranteed

Boat features

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Non-Smoking Rooms
Camera room
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Library
Outdoor Dining
Audio & video entertainment
Observation Deck
BBQ Area
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Snorkeling Equipment
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Outside Showers
Leisure Deck
Daily housekeeping
Bar

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Al Fresco Dining
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Full-board Option
Fine Wines Selection
Buffet style
Western Food
Local Food

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Sidemount Diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 1992

Year renovated: 2023

Length: 37 Metres

Deck area: Expansive

Beam: 7.1 Metres

Top speed: 12 Knots

Cruising speed: 8 Knots

Engines: 2 x Rolls Royce C8M 410 249.8kw diesel

Max guests: 24

Number of cabins: 11

Number of bathrooms: 11 + 2 toilets on the dive deck

Tenders: 2 x Naiad RIB tender boats

Water capacity: 22000 Litres

Fuel capacity: 30000 Litres

Freshwater maker: 9000 litres per day

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Fishfinder
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

Spirit of Freedom Reviews

9.3 Superb

Vessel

8.8
Crew

9.5
Food

9.7
Diving

9.3
Value

8.9

9.2 Superb
Sandra R
Germany

Fantastic dive sites and great crew
Amazing trip, amazing dives, learned a lot, amazing crew, great guests and unforgettable days
Recommended for
Learned a lot from Jamie and his presentations. Great dive guides, do explaining and guiding. Amazing dive sites like Steve's Bommie.
28 Sep, 2026

10 Exceptional
Theresa D
United States

Exceptional crew and boat
The crew and boat are exceptional! Friendly, professional, and safety focused. I liked the ability to explore independently with my buddy, while the crew safety divers were available for those that wanted a guide. The boat itself was comfortable and clean, and the food was excellent.
Recommended for
Exceptional crew - friendly, professional, safe. Very comfortable cabins, including a good shower and bed. Good food, personalized based on dietary requirements.
12 Oct, 2026

10 Exceptional
Alicia R
Spain

Recommended
Highly recommended. Value for money a 10. Everything very well organized, everything dynamic and without any worries but to enjoy
Recommended for
Diving. Crew. Food.
04 Jun, 2026

Translated from Spanish

8.0 Very good
Ioana H
Romania

good choice
canins were comfy and food was great. chef took great care with my dietary needs
Recommended for
Interesting divesites. Only cruise going put even with cyclone. biggest coral ever.
26 Jul, 2026

10 Exceptional
Joshua N
Australia

Highly recommend
Weather was too rough to head out to osprey reef but the staff went above and beyond to make dives enjoyable. Food was excellent in general and the stay was very comfortable.
Recommended for
Friendly staff. Great food. Comfortable accomodation.
12 Jul, 2024

10 Exceptional
Jenny L
United States

Excellent experience and wonderful staff
We really enjoyed the beautiful reefs and the wonderful staff who helped provided us with a lovely experience.
Recommended for
Food, staff and dive sites.
31 Oct, 2022

10 Exceptional
Brittany G
United States

Best Part of Our Trip
We loved everything about this trip - the crew was amazing (Michelle the Director was hilarious), the food was great and there was tons of variety (we probably gained 5 lbs), we loved all the other passengers on the boat, our room was very comfortable (we were in a 4 bed shared) and the dive sites were gorgeous.
Recommended for
Diving, Crew & Bonding with the other passengers
05 Dec, 2019

10 Exceptional
Alice T
United Kingdom

Had a fantastic time on Spirit of Freedom!
Great
Recommended for
The food, the organisation of the crew, the variations of types of dives
27 Oct, 2015

10 Exceptional
Kelsey P
United States

Amazing dives and crew
This was our first liveaboard experience and it was amazing. The dive sites were wonderful and the crew did a great job at making everyone feel comfortable. The food (especially with dietary restrictions) was delicious and the chef always helped me know what to eat. It was an amazing trip and can't wait to do it again!
Recommended for
Dive sites, crew, and food
04 Nov, 2023

10 Exceptional
Henrik S
Denmark

High quality and excellent servvice
it was one long highligt from welcome to leaving. All the elements on the way was excelllent - and the safety focus gave a great comfort feeling.
Recommended for
Dive sites - Crew - accomendation
11 Mar, 2024

335 reviews

9.3 Superb
335 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

9.6 Exceptional
sonya J
United States

Great Barrier Reef did not disappoint
We booked the 7-day dive trip and it was a fantastic trip. The crew did everything right to ensure a positive and relaxing dive experience. I specifically appreciated the care and concern they showed for the Reef itself and the guests on board. We had the adventure of sailing and diving during a King tide event and the crew made great strides to ensure a SAFE and successful dive experience. The GBR itself did not disappoint: varied coral, sea life, fish, turtles, sharks, and more. I can't wait to return!
Recommended for
The Crew. The knowledge and helpfulness of the staff. the great barrier reef itselt.
28 Sep, 2026

10 Exceptional
Phillip W
United States

Arizonan on the Great barrier reef
Incredibly professional and helpful crew. From top to bottom. The food was amazing, Andreas is incredible cook. The dives were well organized, changes were made as needed due to weather etc to keep us in the water and seeing cool things. The ship was well organized and the concern for safety both on board and well diving was impressive. Incredibly fun group of divers and crew.
Recommended for
professional dive crew. amazing food. well run dives.
26 Jul, 2024

10 Exceptional
Jewel W
United States

Don't hesitate, pull the trigger and book. This is a great boat and well put together crew.
I was completely relaxed the entire time. The Stars at night were better than anything I have seen in my life, and the diving was better.
Recommended for
The location is fantastic and life goal level.. The staff was top-notch and beyond professional.. The food was great, plentiful, and varied..
28 Jun, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Nicholas W
United States

Amazing diving on a comfortable boat with a great crew!
The dives were even better than I expected and the boat was nice. Efficient dive process, great crew who were friendly and fun. Thanks!
Recommended for
1) Dive sites chosen 2) Crew was great/friendly 3) Food was delicious
06 Dec, 2022

10 Exceptional
Doug M
United States

A wonderful trip. I would highly recommend The Spirit of Freedom.
Fantastic.
Recommended for
The crew were fantastic.. The food was wonderful.. The other divers on the boat made for a wonderful experience..
29 Jul, 2024

9.2 Superb
Stephen B
United Kingdom

Trip exceeded my expectations, absolutely fantastic
Fantastic diving, exceeded my expectations in terms of number of species seen, quality and beauty of coral etc. Staff onboard were very hard working and attentive to passengers needs and food onboard was excellent, plentiful and very tasty.
Recommended for
Underwater life and visibility underwater. Food. Overall ambience onboard.
07 Oct, 2025

10 Exceptional
Joshua E
Australia

Absolutely awesome Live aboard
My wife and I had a trip on the Spirit of Freedom. Quite simply it was amazing. We went across two crews- both were brilliant teams who very clearly do a great job. Despite the bad weather the crew found great dive sites and made the trip unforgettable. Very clearly safety was a top priority. Food was absolutely delicious and they accommodated my wife's food requests. Accommodation was comfy. A little noisy down below (it's a running boat) but we always got a decent sleep. The diving on the ribbon reefs was amazing- so much coral and fish life. The night dive was out of this world. Non-diving highlights include the trivia night, engine room tour and the nighttime talks. Really good operation. Hope to come back in the future. Big thank you to the crews.
Recommended for
Diving- great sites and always safe. Food was unbelievable. Staff onboard- Absolutely great people.
15 Apr, 2026

10 Exceptional
Roger V
Netherlands

Exceeded expectations!
Great experience, great crew, great program. It's nice to see that the crew is just as enthusiastic as the guests. Gear was of good quality and safety was taken very seriously. Will definitely return one day. Roger
Recommended for
The trip, the enthusiasm of the crew, the food
21 Aug, 2015

9.6 Exceptional
Andreas S
Switzerland

Top Experience
Fantastic time at The Barrier Reef and in the Coral See including Osprey and Bougainville Reefs
Recommended for
Comfort. Crew. Service.
17 Oct, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Auguste H
France

A wonderful trip
The diving spots at the Osprey reef and the Bougainville reef were particularly awesome. Underwater landscape were magic with a beautiful fauna, huge walls, colorful corals, tunnels in the reefs to explore and the deep blue of the ocean with a long range visibility that I never experienced before.
Recommended for
Diving spots, the crew and the food
12 Sep, 2018

10 Exceptional
Sarah S
United States

An amazing trip on the great barrier reef!
Spirit of Freedom is an amazing great barrier reef diving experience!! Diving was amazing, gear was all super well maintained, the crew was phenomenal, and the food was all so good. It was such a cool experience to be diving with so many amazing divers. The crew allows every buddy team to dive alone and self navigate which gives everyone the opportunity to make it their own experience! The chef was amazing and provided spreads at every meal so there's always something for everybody. Highly highly highly recommend this trip if you're looking for a northern great barrier reef live aboard!
Recommended for
Diving, gear and food!
28 Oct, 2022

10 Exceptional
Christian H
Canada

Neptune wouldn't ask for more
Sharing experience and conviviality.
Recommended for
Professionalism, meals, customer service
04 Apr, 2023

Translated from French

10 Exceptional
Matthew R
United Kingdom

You won’t be disappointed, it’s incredible
Probably the best thing I’ve ever done, the diving was so much fun, the crew and other guests were all on the same level having great conversations over food and between dives. The trip was so good I’m going back on the boat a week after I got off it!
Recommended for
The diving was unbelievable. The crew and hospitality was perfect. The food was incredible and so much of it!.
03 Apr, 2025

10 Exceptional
Kirk S
United States

Amazing! Would Recommend!
amazing diving in the reef with freedom to do your own dive vs guided the whole time; amazing food for before/after each dive!; friendly and well equipped crew who took poor visibility and were able to find different sites and make it our best dives ever
Recommended for
best dives, food, good crew
07 Jan, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Ida M
United States

AEPIC TRIP!!
EVERYTHING! The DIVE was phenomenal The CREW and captain outstanding The BOAT FOOD fantastic (gained weight...upss) The ENTIRE EXPERIENCE, unforgettable and a MUST to repeat!!
Recommended for
The DIVE, the CREW, the FOOD
22 Apr, 2023

10 Exceptional
Caroline W
United States

Exceeded My Expectations!
The Cod Hole dive was extremely cool, as those fish are big, dopey, and gentle. Sola is an amazing guide, pointing out tiny creatures that most divers would miss. Simon whipped up one amazing meal after another. Angus kept our safety first, but also snuck in a generous helping of humor and fun.
Recommended for
Safety-conscious crew, excellent food, tons of diving
27 Mar, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
Michelle G
United States

Excellent food, staff and dive crew.food, staff,
Beautiful dive locations in the Great Barrier Reef.
Recommended for
The staff, dive masters, food
21 Aug, 2016

10 Exceptional
Robert B
Canada

overall amazing experience
The atmosphere of the overall boat was amazing and the wow factors of the Great Barrier Reef!
Recommended for
COD hole, Coral Sea and the Food!
04 Nov, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
Marisa S
United States

Spirit of freedom
The highlight was being able to see the Minke whales. That was such an incredible experience
Recommended for
The diving. The people. The experience.
28 Jun, 2025

10 Exceptional
Alex T
United States

Fantastic time with great crew
seeing incredible diversity of life in the Coral Sea, eating like a king, hanging out with the crew between dives and having them point stuff out during dives. having freedom to explore with buddy during dives.
Recommended for
crew, dive sites, food
28 Mar, 2019