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Dive Great Barrier Reef & Cairns [ST-DiveSOF4]

11 Days / 9 Nights

Great Barrier Reef & Live-Aboard Diving Expedition on Spirit of Freedom


This itinerary departs from the USA on Friday evening with arrival into Australia on Sunday.

Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next morning (Monday). After disembarking from the dive vessel stay in Cairns for one more night. Your arrival day back into the USA will be on Tuesday morning.

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. It is also the base for the awesome Spirit of Freedom 120ft liveaboard dive boat

The dive vessel departs Cairns 12:00 noon Monday and returns 07:00 am the following Monday. You will be transferred to and from your accommodation.

Cairns the colourful, sophisticated capital of the tropical north is alive with life and charm. Experience the majesty of this underwater playground which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and is known as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, warm northern hospitality and enthusiasm are the order of the day. With many unique attractions and activities such as a cruise to the reef or islands, a 4WD safari to the outback, trek into the rainforest or see it from the rainforest cableway above its green canopy on your way to or from Kuranda. These year round natural attractions are truly memorable and inspiring.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live-Aboard Dive Vessel (7 Nights), Cairns (1 Night)
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns: Airport to Accommodation (Return)
• Live-Aboard Shuttle Transfers: Cairns: Accommodation to Live-Aboard
• Live-Aboard Dive Expedition includes: Opportunity for 24 to 26 dives on the Great Barrier Reef, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meal
• International & Australian Domestic Flights - Los Angeles to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Brisbane, Brisbane to Los Angeles
• US Domestic Flights (Not Included) Please enquire for flight pricing to be included.
• Visa Issuance - Provides entry into Australia (USD$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel) - i.e. Not an Organized Group Tour
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and Not Included (Is an additional cost)

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Fri (Day 1) - International Flight from Los Angeles to Cairns (via Brisbane)

Travel to Australia to start your vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just rest. You will be given breakfast before landing in Cairns, Australia. (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you'll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA) This flight has a connection in Sydney or Brisbane.

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to Australia can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Sun (Day 2)- Shuttle Transfer from the Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Pickups are conducted with a maximum waiting time of 20 minutes after collection of baggage from flight. If you are unable to meet within this time frame you will be required to wait for the next available shuttle.

Sun-Mon (Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).

Insiders Tip: Visit The Esplanade in Cairns

Experience the leisure atmosphere at the playground for locals and tourists alike at The Esplanade!

With so many activities available The Esplanade has always been a focal point for this city. This is a place that literally has everything! Take a stroll and do some bird watching on the boardwalk but as you enjoy the views don't forget to stop off at Foreshore Promenade for a bite to eat at the many available restaurants. Access to The Lagoon is easy here which is set overlooking the Barrier Reef and Trinity inlet and features all year free swimming where you can take a dip in this filtered saltwater lagoon. Let the kids can play in the sandy edges and in the shallow waters while you lounge on the semi-shaded timber decks. For the kids, don't miss out on the Trinity Bay foreshore playground "Muddy" with equipment for all ages. For the older kids, stop off at the Skate Park to see some skaters and BMXers in action! Whether you decide to take a morning jog, fly a kite or just relax in the large grassy areas for some lunch you will surely enjoy the tropical lifestyle!

If you happen to be in Cairns on a Saturday be sure to check out the Weekend Markets which feature only locally made arts and crafts, clothing and much more. While you're there listen out for the live music and fun street characters. The market gets into full swing on the promenade (just by the lagoon) every Saturday between 8am - 4pm.

Lagoon Hours:
Closed: Wednesdays til 12pm for maintenance
October to March - 6:00am - 10:00pm
April to September - 7:00am - 9:00pm

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Cairns Night Zoo (Evening Event)

Enjoy a great Australian night out at the Cairns Night Zoo!

Enjoy a sumptuous Australian barbeque dinner including steak, sausages, chicken, and seafood with salads and delicious desserts then perhaps enjoy a drink from the licensed bar (not included). After your savory dinner, explore the creatures of the night by torchlight as you journey into the darkness. Learn how owls hunt, touch a possum, pat a koala and see the glowing eyes of the crocodiles in your torchlight as you enter their lair. If you have a clear night, look up towards the skies and star gaze to see the Southern Cross, the Big Dipper and other well known constellations. Cross paths with a "Swaggie" (an original Australian bushman), and join them for billy tea and damper with him by the campfire. Their friends, the kangaroos, will come down and maybe even share a bite to eat! After complimentary cold beer or wine, join in the fun as you learn some famous Aussie Bush Dances. Make the night a memorable one, so dance and sing along!

Includes: Transfers to/from accommodation, Aussie Barbeque Dinner (Vegetarian option available), Guided Night Tour, Billy Tea, Bush Dances
Operation Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday
Estimated Times: 7.00pm and 10.00pm

Mon-Mon (Days 3 to 10) - 7 Night Liveaboard Dive Expedition Great Barrier Reef

For Live-Aboard diving enthusiasts this live aboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

Departing: Cairns 12:00 noon Monday
Returning: Cairns 07:00 am Monday

Trip Includes :
Transfers to/from Cairns city accommodation
Opportunity for up to 26 dives
En-suite cabin with daily service
Chef prepared meals
Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals
Time ashore at Lizard Island

Not-included (payable on board): Fuel & Marine Park Levies

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Board Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon orientation dive and a twilight or night dive.

Day 2: Today we may dive the amazing Steve’s Bommie, Clam gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall and other sites on middle Ribbon Reefs.

Day 3: This morning we will dive the Cod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for it’s resident family of large Potato Cod, (Groper). We may also dive Dynamite Pass, Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay, and Pixie Wall. This evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island.

Day 4: This morning some of our guests will depart at Lizard Island and some new guests will join us. There will be time for a morning walk on the island. This afternoon we will have the opportunity for two dives at a choice of sites such as the Cod Hole, Pixie Pinnacle and Challenger Bay before departing in the evening for the Coral Sea.

Days 5&6: Osprey Reef. Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with average visibility in excess of 100 feet. Two days can be spent diving at Osprey Reef, including North Horn, well known for its shark action. You can expect to see grey whalers, silvertips, reef sharks, occasional hammerheads, schooling barracuda, trevally, and other pelagics. The landscape is amazing with sheer walls laced with gorgonians, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from thousands of feet below.

Day 7:
Option 1: Still in the Coral Sea, weather depending we will dive Bougainville Reef.
Option 2: Today we return to the Ribbon Reefs # 3 to 5 to dive sites such as the sensational Steve’s Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. On Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns

Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am. Breakfast will be served on board and hotel transfer will be arranged for approx 07:30am.

Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed. Cabin types available: Quad, Double/Twin, Ocean View Standard, Ocean View Deluxe & Stateroom.

Mon-Tues (Days 10 to 11) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Travel to your accommodation Cairns, Australia, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 star accommodation, combines fresh contemporary decor with relaxing North Queensland style. This bright and spacious 314 room hotel is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands. Other nearby highlights include: Cairns Casino, Marlin Jetty, the Esplanade and the Night Markets. Unwind with a cocktail by the lagoon pool or kick back with live music in the Bar followed by a sumptuous buffet or a la carte meal in the restaurant.

All rooms and suites have individual balconies, individually controlled air conditioning, refrigerator with mini bar, colour television, in-house movies, telephone, iron and ironing board, along with tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities include: a swimming pool with sandy beach, swim up bar, walk in bar, restaurant, 24 hour reception and porter, room service, valet laundry, dry cleaning, coin laundry, gymnasium, undercover parking, conference facilities, facsimile service, internet, tour desk, lobby shop, foreign exchange, babysitting (on request).

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - White Water Rafting (Half Day, Afternoon)

Discover a fun and exciting way to discover the pristine rainforest, with a half day of rafting on the Barron River!

Located just 20 minutes outside of Cairns, the half day raft is perfectly suited for the first time adventurer! No previous experience is necessary to raft these exhilarating grade 1 to 3 rapids through the majestic scenery of Barron Gorge National Park. You don't even need to know how to swim as you will be fitted with a helmet and lifejacket and have your experienced river guide at your side. Here you can feel the rush of rafting within the awesome wilderness of Australia's tropical rainforests with operations all year round, tropical water temperatures and breath-taking scenery and rapids. So take a ride through our planet's oldest continuously growing tropical rainforests on rivers that still run totally wild. Take home the memories and be sure to smile as professional photographers take your pictures which are available for purchase at the end of the day! Last stop is at the cafe where you can take a break and have some drinks before returning to your accommodation.

Includes: Transfers to/from Cairns accommodations, 2 hours of rafting, equipment: life jacket, helmet, spray jacket and experienced river guide, light refreshments

Operation Days: Daily
Age Restrictions: 13 years or older
Estimated Times: Departs: 2:15pm Return: 5:00pm
Payable on Board: AUD$25.00 Environmental Levy

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Full Day Tully River (Grades 3-4)

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sunset Cruise

On your vacation, enjoy a sunset cruise in Cairns.

Explore Trinity Inlet with a sunset cruise aboard a modern, air-conditioned 14 metre catamaran providing the ultimate in cruising comfort. Departing every Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday nights, this one and a half hour sunset cruise has you back by 7pm at the wharf. Just in time to carry on to your favourite restaurant or explore the exciting nightlife in Cairns.

Tues (Day 11)- Shuttle Transfer from Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

Luggage restrictions apply as per standard economy Australian domestic flights of 2 standard bags under 30kg (66 lbs) per passenger. Excess baggage is AUD$5.00 per bag payable on board. If traveling with excess baggage please advise the shuttle company upon reservation confirmation so appropriate trailer size is available.

Tues (Day 11) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Brisbane

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Brisbane.

Tues (Day 11) - International Flight Brisbane to Los Angeles

Mid-day Departure from Brisbane, In-flight Dinner and Movie with arrival in the USA. Note: You will be traveling back across the International Date line so you will gain a day. You actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Australia.

Your flight home will give you the opportunity to reflect on your Australian vacation. Please tell your friends if you have enjoyed the experience and direct them to "ABOUT AUSTRALIA " for information via our website at www.aboutaustralia.com