Special Expeditions
Far Northern Expeditions
Each year the Spirit of Freedom embarks on some far northern expeditions of discovery, diving and exploring remote and rarely visited reefs. Where do we go? The Far Northern Reefs, which are known as the isolated reefs north of Lizard Island, extending to the east the tip of Cape York peninsula, around 500 nautical miles north of Cairns.
This is one of the last totally pristine areas of the Great Barrier Reef. These reefs are seldom visited by any boats, and many of the hundreds of reefs in the region, are yet to be fully explored. The Far Northern reefs are famous for their fantastic wall dives, pinnacles alive with fish, massive coral heads and reef fish and invertebrates of incredible variety and colour. The nesting season for the green sea turtle runs from October through February, and November and December sees thousands upon thousands of turtles descending on the many small coral cays in the region.
Spring is also the best weather season to dive the outer walls, offering a great chance of encounters with sharks, manta rays and massive schools of pelagics. The diving in this region can be challenging, and these tours are only recommended for the experienced diver.
2019 Far Northern Expeditions dates:
- 21 – 28 OCT (Northbound itinerary Rates & information)
- 28 OCT – 4 NOV (Southbound itinerary Rates & information)
Special 4 day Coral Sea: Bougainville & Holmes Reefs
13 – 17 DECEMBER 2018
Join Spirit of Freedom to explore the offshore Coral Sea Reefs of Holmes and/or Bougainville Reef as well as the some of the best locations on the Ribbon Reefs, Great Barrier Reef. We will travel 240km east of Cairns to explore the rarely visited Holmes Reef, where you will find the sheer walls, gin clear water, and schools of pelagics typical of the Coral Sea reefs.
Depending on the weather we will spend a second day of diving at Holmes Reef or head north to Bougainville Reef, another Coral Sea reef known for its amazing caves and swim-throughs. The last day will be spent diving the Ribbon Reefs, at sites such as Steve’s Bommie, a coral reef pinnacle overloaded with marine diversity.
This trip will depart & return from Cairns Trinity Wharf. As there is no flight included, you can save $200 off our regular 4 day Coral Sea trip prices. Click here for further information and prices.
