TheSpirit in Diving

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 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 GBR, 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.

It is to these destinations that the live aboard "Spirit of Freedom" will take you to discover what diving dreams are made of. With 3, 4 and 7 days itineraries and twice-weekly departures from Cairns, you can enjoy some of the worlds best diving almost from your arrival at Cairns International airport.

At 120 feet, the Spirit of Freedom is Australia's largest live-aboard dive vessel. She features three decks of spacious comfort including sun deck, lounge and bar, dining saloon, and huge dive deck. Equipped with electronic stabilisers, silent generators, and fully air-conditioned throughout, the Spirit offers smooth and comfortable cruising.

Be prepared for an amazing range of diving experiences on your 4 day /4 night adventure to Australia's Coral Sea. Your first day will include a couple of orientation dives on the outer reefs of the GBR before travelling out to the oceanic wilderness of the Coral Sea. To the south east, east and north east of Cairns and at least 100km offshore from the Great Barrier Reef, lie Australia's Coral Sea Reefs. Spirit of Freedom will travel to two Coral Sea Reef systems for 3 days of diving which can include South Flinders, Flinders, Dart, East Holmes, West Holmes, Flora, Bouganville, Shark, and Osprey Reefs. Destinations will vary and be selected according to the prevailing weather in order to provide you the best diving, most comfortable conditions and maximum dive time. A couple of exploratory dives will always be included in this itinerary. Sites will vary from 3,000 ft walls to magical coral gardens to lone seamounts emerging from the ocean depths. The water is astoundingly clear and the fish life will include whaler sharks, barracuda, big eye trevally and rays as well as the exotic cuttlefish, sea hares and starry morays.

The 3 day/ 3 night dive adventure on board Spirit of Freedom will take you to the famous Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs of the GBR. The 'Ribbons' are a string of 10 coral reefs stretching over 100 miles to the north of Cairns. Awaiting you are picturesque coral gardens and isolated 'bommies' crowned in delicate corals, anemones, and colourful reef fish. The Cod Hole lies at the top of the Ribbon Reefs, and is home to a family of resident Potato Cod (Groper). These diver friendly fish will amaze you with their sheer size and seeming eagerness to pose for camera.

For those with a little more time, the 7 day itinerary offers a fabulous combination of the two trips - the best of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

While the diving may be out of this world, the facilities and service on board Spirit will enhance your liveaboard experience. Roomy double or twin share cabins, all with private en-suite and individual temperature control, make a comfortable retreat at the end of your day's scuba diving. Delicious chef prepared meals can be enjoyed throughout the day and complimentary Australian wines are offered with dinner. There is also a comprehensive marine library, VCR/DVD movies, and a fully stocked bar for relaxation after diving. Nitrox fills, camera hire, and CD downloading are also available on board.

A multi-talented and professional crew will look after your in and out of water needs on board Spirit of Freedom. The dive team are experienced locals who are only too happy to share their extensive reef knowledge as well as a little 'Aussie' good humour.

Spirit of Freedom is owned by Cairns based operators Tusa Dive, who have provided superior day and live-aboard diving experiences since 1986. Experience world class diving to the Coral Sea and Cod Hole on board this world class dive vessel.