Trip Stats
- Dates: 12th to 19th Feb 2026
- Air Temp: 29°C
- Water Temp: 29°C Wind: 10 to 20 kn NE
- Visibility: 7 to 15m
- Itinerary: Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
This expedition delivered a dynamic week across the northern Ribbon Reefs, defined by strong marine life encounters and a flexible itinerary.
The trip opened at Saxon Reef with four turtles gathered at a cleaning station, surgeonfish spawning, and a barramundi cod cruising the reef. Ribbon Reef 9 and 10 showcased classic biodiversity, from boxfish and nudibranchs to grey reef sharks and barracuda, while night dives at Challenger Bay revealed moray eels, blue spotted lagoon rays, and hunting sharks.
At the Cod Hole, resident potato cod and a lingering leopard shark provided memorable close encounters, joined by a tawny nurse shark and schooling trevally nearby. Masayuki and Rina completed Nitrox certifications with Taku, with Rina also earning her Advanced certification.
As northerly winds shaped the second half, the focus shifted to exploratory wild side dives along the Ribbons. Highlights included schooling bumphead parrotfish, white tip sharks, harlequin filefish, pygmy devil rays, eagle rays, and epaulette sharks on night dives. The voyage concluded at Ribbon Reef 3 with wobbegong sharks, stonefish, and giant clams, while honeymooners Ines and Pablo celebrated on board, closing out a diverse and memorable expedition.
Why Travel with Spirit of Freedom
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with Australia’s premier liveaboard diving operator.
Highly regarded Operator
Long term experience and established reputation for exceptional diving expeditions
Small Group Expeditions
Expeditions with around 20 to 26 guests for personalised experience
Expert Crew
Experienced team with deep reef knowledge and commit to your safety
Premier Dive Sites
Access to remote uncrowded dive locations.
Purpose Built Vessel
Comfortable, modern Liveaboard designed specifically for diving expeditions.
Safety & Marine Park Compliance
Full Marine Park compliance and exceptional safety standards on every expedition.