4 Days/
3 Nights to the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs
Monday Departure
 The
Cod Hole is located 200 km to the north of Cairns and has become
famous for it¹s family of resident Potato Cod (Groper). Each
of these huge fish can weigh up to 100 kg and are well accustomed
to posing for diver¹s cameras. The Ribbon Reefs are a string
of 10 coral ramparts of the GREAT BARRIER REEF stretching southward
from the Cod Hole. Coral formations vary from beds of huge plate
corals to isolated pinnacles sustaining an amazing display of fish
life, to walls and channels for the perfect drift dives as well
as caves, canyons and shallow coral gardens. Divers can expect to
encounter the enormous giant clams, golden gorgonian fans, and clouds
of colourful tropical fish, as well as cruising pelagics, moray
eels, green turtles, reef sharks and the giant Napoleon Wrasse.
click
here to view a map of the reefs visited
Sample
Itinerary
- Monday.
Boarding Spirit of Freedom at 11:15am at Trinity Wharf (complimentary
transfers from Cairns city hotels are available) for a 12 noon
departure. Lunch will be served on board while we cruise to the
Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cairns, for an afternoon orientation
dive and a twilight or night dive
- Tuesday.
Today we dive Steve’s Bommie, on Ribbon Reef # 3. This
is an isolated pinnacle that rises from 100 feet at its base to
around 15 feet from the surface. Colourful antheas and a vast
array of fish cover this bommie, while big eye trevally and barracuda
hang out in the blue. Look for nudibranch and stonefish. Today
we may also dive the Clam Gardens, where giant clams up to three
feet across will amaze you. Some of our other favourite sites
in this area of the Ribbons include Flare Point and the beautiful
Gorgonia Wall.
-
Wednesday.
This morning we will dive the Cod Hole. This is a popular dive
site famous for it’s resident family of large Potato Cod,
(Groper). Good opportunity for photographers. We may also dive
Dynamite Pass, possibly as a drift dive, well known as a channel
for sharks cruising from the Coral Sea to the Barrier Reef.
This afternoon we may dive Lighthouse Bommie, where Golden sea
snakes are frequently sighted. In the spring months this site
is also a Manta Ray cleaning station. Other sites we may visit
today include Challenger Bay and Pixie Wall. This evening we
cruise into Watson’s Bay on Lizard Island where we will
overnight in the lea of the island.
-
 Thursday.
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, you have the opportunity
to go ashore and explore Lizard Island. At 10:30am you will
board a twin-engine light aircraft at Lizard Island for your
low level flight over the reef
back to Cairns. Arriving back at Cairns airport at approximately
12:00 noon, the Spirit of Freedom courtesy coach will meet you
for your transfer back to your Cairns city hotel.
-
Please
note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary
or the sequence may change in accordance to the weather and
the accessibility.
 The
Diving
Dives
on the outer Great Barrier Reef
Dives
at the world famous 'Cod Hole' - home to a family of giant potato
cod
Dives
on the remarkable chain of 'Ribbon Reefs' with varied topography
featuring coves with expansive beds of plate corals to isolated
pinnacles - home to clouds of colourful tropical fish.
Experience
wonderful coral gardens displaying an abundance of both hard
& soft corals supporting a wealth of fish & invertebrate
life.
The
'Ribbons' are a photographers dream.
Average
depth of dive sites is 25m-30m (80'-120')
Most
dive sites have coral to within 2m (6') of the surface making
it ideal for snorkelling as well as scuba diving.
Average
visibility on this section of the GBR is 15m-20m (45'-70')
The
waters are generally sheltered; although some current may be
experienced at dive sites situated close to the narrow 'passes'
between reefs on certain tides.
|
Spirit
of Freedom, 4Day/3 Night Trip |
| Cabin
Type |
1 July 2007 - 30 June 2008 |
| Quad
Share |
$1190 |
| Double
or Twin |
$1450 |
| Ocean
View or Stateroom |
$1675 |
| Ocean
View Deluxe |
$1850 |
|
Extras
available on board |
| Full
Scuba Hire (incl. Computer) |
$100
per trip |
| Dive
Computer only |
$25
per trip |
| Torch
& Cylume |
$25
per trip |
| Digital
Camera(Sony DSC-P9 cybershot) |
$65
per dive/
$105 per day |
| PADI
Nitrox Course |
$190 |
| PADI
Advanced Course |
$190 |
| Scuba
& Evacuation Insurance |
N/A |
| Nitrox
Package (All Dives) |
$75 |
|
Prices
are per person in AUD |
|
Departs
Mondays |
Note: Reef
and Port Authority charge
not included, see Terms & Conditions for details, payable at check in.
click
here for currency converter
Click here
for floor plan.
click
here for photo gallery
Also
available:
Bookings:
20%
Payment in FULL is required 35 days (5 weeks) prior to departure.
Payment in FULL is required for reservations made within 35 days
of departure.
Cancellations:
20%
cancellation fee applies with less than 60 days notice.
100% cancellation fee applies with 21 days or less notice.
|
