Trip Stats
- Dates: 19th to 26th Feb 2026
- Air Temp: 34°C | Water Temp: 29°C
- Wind: 10 to 20 kn NE | Vis: 20 to 50m
- Itinerary: Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs
This late February voyage aboard Spirit of Freedom enjoyed hot, calm conditions and a full Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea itinerary, with light winds and exceptional offshore visibility reaching up to 50 metres.
The trip began at Norman Reef with green sea turtles and marble rays before the northern Ribbons delivered strong biodiversity. Pixie Pinnacle revealed leaf scorpionfish and lionfish, while Google Gardens and Challenger Bay produced Queensland groupers, chevron barracuda, moray eels, and grey reef sharks. At Ribbon Reef 10 and the Cod Hole, guests experienced classic potato cod encounters, bumphead parrotfish, marble rays, and hawksbill turtles. Eleonore and Ryan completed their Advanced Open Water certification during this leg.
Changeover dives featured a rare melanistic manta at Pixie Wall alongside Spanish mackerel and barracuda. With calm seas holding, the expedition pushed wide to Shark Reef, Osprey, and Bougainville. Silvertip sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, chevron barracuda, and potato cod were seen across the Coral Sea sites, with a hammerhead shark sighted at Middle Earth. Alexandra and Eleonore completed Nitrox certifications, while Hoi Ting finished her Advanced course.
The voyage concluded at Ribbon Reef 3 with dolphins at Flair Point, devil rays and cuttlefish at Joanies Joy, and wobbegong sharks at Steve’s Bommie. A diverse species list, rare pelagic sightings, and glass out conditions offshore made this a standout Coral Sea 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.