GOOD DIVE SPOTS IN CAIRNS BOOKS OUT 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE

CONNECTING YOU THE BEST LIVEABORD EXPERIENCES IN CAIRNS

Cairns is the ultimate gateway to the great barrier Reef. Unfortunately Quality Dive Spots can book out months or even years in advance.

After years of seeing divers leave booking liveaboards too late. We launched Cairns Dive with the aim of connecting passionate divers to the best remaining Liveaboard spots each season.

Simpy send us a message of when you're looking to visit Cairns and we'll help you find an available spot that finds your diving level!

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  • We curate exclusive itineraries that showcase the best diving sites in Cairns and beyond, ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures in remote and pristine locations.

  • We differentiate ourselves by offering unparalleled luxury onboard our meticulously selected diving vessels, featuring spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities.

  • Our dedicated team of experienced professionals provides personalized service to cater to the unique preferences and needs of each guest, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience from start to finish.

WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE LARGEST INDEPENDANT DIVING NETWORK ON THE EAST COAST

WHY SHOULD I BOOK WITH BOOST?

Our Network of independant liveaboards is the largest in Australia. That means while other suppliers may sell out, if it's available we have access to it! Often at better rates than are avaliable online!

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AUSTRALIAN DIVING SELLS OUT. DON'T WAIT TO REACH OUT.

HOW DO I BOOK?

We don't offer online bookings because most 2024 trips are already sold out. If you're going to spend a lot of money for a liveaboard dive tirp don't settle for anything less than the best!

We'll work with you to find a trip that's still available and matches your dive level.

That's important because we have access to so many different liveaboards, we are your best chance of finding the perfect experience.

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WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND THE BEST FIND FOR YOUR DIVING LEVEL

WHAT TYPE OF LIVEABOARD SHOULD I BOOK?

A lot of the experience comes down to your diving experience and what you hope to get out of trip. Wanting to dive with Whales? See Stingrays or focus on Reef Sharks? We'll chat with the crews in the area to get local knowledge customised for your unique goals.

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WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND CUSTOM DIVES SUITED TO YOUR GOALS

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO DIVE IN CAIRNS?

Our personal favourites are Cod Hole and the Coral Sea. But the Great Barrier Reef is massive and local knowledge is the best way to experience it! We can organise custom dives, or even private trips. Simply send us a message below and we can work with you to find the perfect experience!

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  • "The staff were second to none. Knowledgeable, very helpful, kind, funny, and very, very professional.I have been on other liveaboard trips but none come even close to the quality of this company. I cannot rate them highly enough."

    ROBIN

  • "Unbelievable – Amazing – Superb CrewBest diving ever!Drift diving, cave diving, shark feeding, and more. So many memories.You’d be bonkers not to go."

    MANY

  • "The diving was varied with pinnacles, sloping walls and plenty to see from sharks and rays down to the macro goodies! Conditions were mostly kind to us for the time of year and currents fairly manageable and briefed responsibly. We had some incredibly encounters with manta rays, cuttlefish, and loads of grey reef sharks"

    ELLIE

FAQ'S

Do you have age limits?

There is no maximum age on board For guests over the age of 65, a current dive medical is requested for your own safety and for our duty of care.

Our minimum age on board are 16 years. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Some suppliers may not provide equipment that is suitable for minors so in some instances we may charge an extra fee to organise custom trips for minors. Though this does depend on seasonality and your own goals. Just be aware there's a few more hoops to jump through when it comes to duty of care. So don't leave it till the last minute to book!

My Partner is a non Diver. Can they still come?

In short...absolutely! Though it will depend on which trip you book. We'll work with you to find one suitable. Personally we recommend Cod Hole for Snorkling. But there's lots of options avaliable.

Do you offer equipment hire?

We can work with you and our liveaboard team to organise equipment hire. In many cases it's included either as part of the cost of the trip or as an add on.

Do you offer beginner courses?

Absolutely! Though many Liveaboards are not suitable for those who are beginners. We also recommend refresher courses for anyone who hasn't completed several dives in the last twelve months. We can work with you to find a diving option that fits your level. All we ask if honestly when it comes to your ability! That helps us find a package that's right for you!

Do I need travel and Dive insurance?

Yes, Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

In the event a trip is cancelled due to weather some companies do not offer refunds. Comprehensive Travel Insurance is a must and we do not take liability for passengers who have not gotten both Travel and appropriate medical insurance.

We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover you against any unforeseen eventuality, as our policies do not allow for refunds on cancellations within 60 days.

Also, should you experience any flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage, etc which may result in you missing the vessel departure, Travel Insurance should cover these issues.

We strongly recommend all passengers (divers and snorkellers) have evacuation and medical cover for scuba diving. Please be aware that scuba diving and in-water activities are not covered by all Travel Insurance Companies, and it is advisable to check with your insurance agent regarding your cover for scuba diving. It is important to note that in a medical emergency the costs involved for an evacuation, vessel relocation or medical expenses are the responsibility of that diver.

I'm mobility impaired. Can I come?

Due to steep stairwells, hatch combings, and a lack of accommodation on the main deck, our vessls are not a suitable vessel for people with mobility impairments.

What sort of people do you cater for?

We offer custom packages for everyone! From beginners right through to experienced divers. Don't hesitate to reach out to learn more.

Do you offer luxury or praivte packages?

Yes we do. But please be aware luxury and private vessels are at a premium and we encourage booking early if you want to secure a custom package.

I'd like to book this as part of a larger holiday. Is that possible?

We do offer some larger holiday packages too particularly for adventure events across Australia and New Zealand. Please have a chat with our team to learn more.

Diving

What level of dive experience do I need?

Diving experience does vary. However generally speaking :

For the Ribbon Reef itinerary the minimum level is Open Water Diver, with a minimum of 10 ocean dives including 5 dives in the last 12 months. (Scuba Diver is not accepted).

For the Coral Sea the minimum certification level is Advanced Open Water Diver, with 20 ocean dives including 5 dives within the last 12 months and a good level of physical fitness.

For your safety, your diving may be limited if your experience, physical fitness, or skills do not match our dive site conditions. All our itineraries are in isolated, remote areas and include diving in open water exposed to wind, swell, and currents. Sheltered calm water suitable for ‘easy’ diving is not available.

For all diving, if you are inexperienced or have not dived within the last 12 months, we recommend you take a refresher course with your local dive centre or here in Cairns prior to the trip.

We do offer custom packages for divers with different levels of experience. So please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more info!

What is the best season for diving?

Diving year round is incredible in Cairns. The summer months do offer a few more options such as whales, however they often also are more stormy. Let's talk through your goals and we'll find a season that fits for you.

Do you offer night diving?

Yes many Liveaboards do. Just let us know you're after one and we'll see what we can organise.

Do I have to use a dive computer?

Many Liveaboards have mandatory in house dive computers and Personal locator Beacons.

What wetsuit should I use?

We recommend Lycra skin of 3mm in the summer (October – March) and 5mm in the winter (April – September). Vests and hoods are recommended to bring for extra warmth if you are not sure. Depending on the season, the rental suits on board are 5mm full-length suits.

Do I need a Dive Medical?

For guests over the age of 65, a dive medical is requested for your own safety and our duty of care. There is no maximum age on board Spirit of Freedom, and if you are fit and healthy to dive, we would love to have you join us.

As a certified diver, generally a dive medical is not required. However, if you have a history of a medical condition that contraindicates diving (eg asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disorders), or you are taking prescription medication, you are required to provide a medical certificate, stating you are ‘fit to scuba dive’ in consideration of the medical condition or medications.

It is helpful if the doctor can name the condition and list any recommendations regarding medication or management of the condition, should the condition deteriorate whilst in a remote location (i.e. on a live-aboard boat 200km from shore). We do recommend that the physician or doctor have an understanding of or training in Hyperbaric Medicine. Please check with our office well in advance if you are unsure.

The Dive Supervisor may limit the number of dives you participate in if the conditions are considered unsuitable for your medical and/or physical health. If you require assistance with your equipment on entry or exit, if the swell is more than 0.5m, risk of injury is considerably increased.

Our itinerary includes diving in open water exposed to wind, swell and currents and can be physically challenging. Due to the remote area, medical assistance is 3 to 12 hours away.

Can I fly before and after diving?

Our suppliers recommend a minimum surface interval of 24 hours before flying after multiple dives over multiple days. The last dive of the trip will generally be completed around 5:00pm the day before you leave the vessel. 24 hours is a guideline only and for maximum safety give yourself as long as possible.

Please be aware that skydiving or a trip to Kuranda or the Atherton Tablelands will include going to altitude.

Please note individual airlines have their own policies (24 to 48 hour minimum), and you should check with your air carrier. If you have any existing medical issues you should also seek qualified medical advice.

Where is the nearest Hyperbaric chamber?

The nearest hyperbaric oxygen facility with a recompression chamber is located at the Townsville University Hospital, 450km to the south of Cairns. Spirit of Freedom operates in remote and isolated locations north and east of Cairns.

Our suppliers recommend that all passengers carry insurance to cover a medivac from the reef.