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Spirit of Freedom Thur 2 [DiveSFO1]

11 Days/9 Nights

Great Barrier Reef & Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Cairns, Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

Stay in Cairns for one night before you board the diving vessel the next morning (Thursday).

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. The Great Barrier Reef is a broad chain of 2,900 individual reefs and is the Earth's largest structure built by living organisms, being clearly visible from space. It is an ecosystem of unsurpassed marine diversity and presents the diver with a vision of exquisite natural beauty. Beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems and crystal clear waters of Australia's Coral Sea. This is home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish and sharks in an undersea world of mountains, pinnacles and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans and rising from thousands of feet below.

Departing: Cairns 08:30am Thursday
Returning: Cairns 11:00am Thursday

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Live-Aboard Diving Vessel (7 Nights), Cairns (1 Night)
• Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (return)
• International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns(return)
• Live-Aboard Diving Expedition includes: Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation, Low level reef flight Lizard Island to Cairns, Opportunity for 24 to 27 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meal
• F.I.T (Free and Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an organised Group Tour)
• Electronic Travel Authorization (VISA) is an additional US$15 per person

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (Mon) - International Flight - Los Angeles to Cairns

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and 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.

Day 2 (Wed) - Shuttle Transfer 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.

Days 2-4 (Wed - Thur) - 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).

Days 3-10 (Thur - Thur) - 8 Days Live-Aboard Diving Expedition

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.

Trip Includes:

Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation
Opportunity for 24 to 27 dives
En-suite cabin with daily service
Chef prepared meals
Australian wines & soft drinks with evening meals
Payable on Board: Fuel & Marine Park Levies

The new itinerary for the 7 Day tour, Thursday departure returns to Cairns for approximately 5 hours on the Monday morning.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Courtesy coach transfer from Cairns city hotels to Cairns airport will commence at 07:30am. Your twin-engine light aircraft will depart at 08:30am for your scenic flight over the reef to Lizard Island , where you board Spirit of Freedom . 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 2&3: Osprey Reef. Australia ’s Coral Sea reefs are renown for crystal clear water with an 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 4:
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. Sunday evening we will cruise overnight back to Cairns .

Day 5: Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am . Enjoy breakfast on board, followed by around 4 hours at your leisure in Cairns . Reboard Spirit of Freedom at Trinity Wharf for a 12 noon departure. This afternoon we dive the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns .

Day 6: Today we may dive the amazing Steve’s Bommie, Clam gardens, Flare Point and the beautiful Gorgonia Wall and other sites on the middle Ribbon Reefs.

Day 7: This morning we will dive theCod Hole. This is a popular dive site famous for resident family of large Potato Cod. We may also dive Dynamite Pass , Lighthouse Bommie, Challenger Bay , and Pixie Wall . This evening we overnight at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island .

This morning you have the opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island . At 10:00am you will board a twin-engine light aircraft at Lizard Island for your low level flight over the reef back to Cairns . Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately 11:00am , the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.

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.

Insiders Tip: Visit The Esplanade

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 our 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

Day 11 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer 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.

Day 11 cont (Fri) - International Flight - Cairns to Los Angeles

This afternoon depart Cairns and fly back to Auckland