*The exact details are still being finalized and will be shared once confirmed. More information with exact pricing will be available in June 2025. Due to the high demand for this trip, a full deposit will be required upon booking between now and then. However, we will offer a reduced cancellation fee when the final pricing is released.
The long-awaited REEF trip to the incredible reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. Join us on a two-week custom itinerary on the Spirit of Freedom starting in Cairns and up the Northwest coast traveling to the famous reefs of Osprey, Creech, Tijou, and weather permitting the far northern reefs of Ashmore.
Project Focus: The purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers
Accommodations: 14 nights of accommodation, all meals, and snacks, Rooming options are Ocean View Deluxe Cabin featuring a double bed, Ocean View Standard Cabin with a double bed on the upper deck, The Stateroom on the lower deck with a queen-sized bed, 7 Standard double or twin shared cabins, five which include a double bed with a single bed over the top, bunk bed style, one containing a double bed, and one containing two single beds, and lastly a quad shared cabin. The quad room is not gender specific. All cabins include private bathrooms, air conditioning, and a wardrobe. You can find more details on the rooms here.
Diving: The package includes 14 days of diving aboard the Spirit of Freedom. Diving is done directly from the boat and they do not offer full guided service. When available, dive staff may be in-water offering support with photography and critter spotting. The itinerary is still being put together and is based on two of their 7-night charters which include 26 dives, please see below for a general idea of the dive plan. *This is subject to change
Tentative Weather Pending Itinerary:
- Day 1 12PM departure. Diving Norman Reef, and then overnight travel to Holmes Reef.
- Day 2 Diving Holmes Reef, and then overnight travel to Bougainville Reef.
- Day 3 Diving Bougainville Reef, and then overnight travel to Osprey Reef.
- Day 4 Diving Osprey Reef, and then overnight travel to the Creech Reef area.
- Day 5 Diving Creech Reef. Remain anchored at Creech Reef overnight.
- Day 6 Diving Creech Reef then overnight to Tijou Reef North
- Day 7 Diving Tijou Reef. Remain anchored at Tijou Reef North overnight.
- Day 8 – Day 12 Diving Far North Region, TBC whether we can get to Ashmore
- Day 13 Heading back Southbound to Tijou Reef South, overnight steam Southbound.
- Day 14 Diving Ribbon Reef 5 & 3, possible Steves Bommie. Overnight travel to Cairns.
- Day 15 Disembark in Cairns after breakfast.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| *2024 Pricing | |
| Oceanview Deluxe | $14,700 |
| Oceanview Standard | $14,700 |
| The Stateroom | $13,100 |
| Standard Staterooms | $11,700 |
| Quad | $9,900 |
*Please Note this is 2024 pricing and will change when exact rates are released later in 2025.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 14 nights of accommodations, diving, and all meals
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $400 per diver will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials.
Additional Fees - Not Included: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF. All flights, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, optional rental equipment, and Nitrox. Gratuities for the crew are not included in the cost of the package and are at each individual's discretion.
Adjustments to REEF Field Survey Trips Policies: Due to the higher prices and high demand for this trip there will be alterations to our standard policies and payment schedule. Please see below:
Deposit and Payment structure: $1000 deposit upon booking, 50% of Balance due 12 months prior to departure, final Balance remaining and REEF Fee 180 days prior to departure.
Cancelation policy
- More than 12 months before departure date: Full refund minus $300 per person processing fee.
- Between 12 months and 180 days prior to departure date: 75% of the total amount on hand with REEF at the date of cancellation is NON-refundable,
- Less than 180 days prior to departure date: No refunds available
*Subject to change until final pricing is received (estimate June 2025)
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1,000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Australia Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Cairns Airport, (CNS), arriving on Thursday, November 4, and departing on Thursday, November 8.
Transfers: Participants will need to get themselves to the Trinity Wharf where the boat is located. Taxis and coaches are readily available. The boat offers courtesy return transfers from all Cairns city hotels and the airport.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors to Australia must hold a valid ticket for the return journey to their country of origin and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in Australia. Visitors will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority Visa. Please consult the appropriate consulate for specific travel regulations.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.