Dive Review of Spirit of Freedom in
Australia/Outter Banks South of Cairns

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Spirit of Freedom: "A Memorable Expedition to the Great Barrier Reef", Oct, 2024, by Richard Thomas, TX, US ( 2 reports with 3 Helpful votes). Report 13139 has 2 Helpful votes.
Photos Submitted with this Report Click on an image to see an enlarged version and captions
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	Introduction: Our journey began late one night at DFW, with 24 divers of all experience levels ready for adventure. After 17 hours of travel, including a stop in Sydney, we finally arrived at our hotel in Townsville, buzzing with anticipation. Flying Qantas: A Comfort Upgrade Flying with Qantas set the tone for our trip. Half of our group splurged on Premium Economy, and it was well worth it. The service rivaled that of Emirates, and the generous luggage allowance (two 70-pound bags each!) was a lifesaver for our three-week adventure. For those who didn’t upgrade, packing was a challenge! A Unique Itinerary: Citizen Science and Diving Adventures Our expedition was unique from the start. The Great Barrier Reef Authority invited us to arrive early for citizen science training, where we learned about coral and fish monitoring. This knowledge proved invaluable during our dives, helping us appreciate the vibrant marine life and understand the importance of reef conservation. Check out the Eye on the Reef app for more information! Setting Sail: The Spirit of Freedom Departing just after high tide, we set sail on the Spirit of Freedom. The crew’s efficiency was impressive, from briefings to dive deck setups, ensuring everyone felt comfortable. The “Cinderella treatment” as we entered the water was a nice touch, with staff ready to assist with fins. Diving Highlights: The Yongala Wreck and Beyond Our first two dives served as checkouts, with strong currents challenging us to showcase our skills. But once we hit the Yongala wreck, it was pure magic. Surrounded by a plethora of sea life—loggerhead turtles, schools of batfish, and even a sailfish—these dives became some of the best I’ve ever experienced. The outer reefs surprised us with their pristine beauty, featuring branching corals and colorful giant clams. We were thrilled when a crew member spotted two pygmy seahorses, a testament to the crew's dedication and expertise. Safety First: A Professional Crew The safety protocols impressed us, with crew members actively monitoring dives and ensuring our wellbeing at all times. Their teamwork made each dive seamless and enjoyable, leaving us feeling secure throughout our adventures. Culinary Delights: Chef Andreas’s Masterpieces Food played a significant role in our experience. Chef Andreas crafted incredible meals—everything from fresh sashimi to hearty Italian dishes, all tailored to dietary needs. Many of us lamented leaving behind his delicious cooking! A Word of Caution: Uluru Experience While our diving adventures were unforgettable, I must caution others about a side trip to Uluru. The experience felt commercialized and exploitative, overshadowing the rich cultural significance of the area. Researching afterward, I found critiques that resonated with my feelings during the visit. I recommend exploring Alice Springs for a more authentic outback experience instead. Exploring Cairns: Scenic Views and Local Wildlife Our trip continued with the Kuranda Scenic Railway and a visit to an animal park. The chance to interact with iconic Australian animals was delightful. The sky tram ride back down offered stunning views of the lush rainforest. Conclusion: Sydney and Beyond Don’t miss out on Sydney! We enjoyed tours of the Opera House and a boat ride around the harbor—perfect ways to conclude our Australian adventure. Overall, our trip to the Great Barrier Reef exceeded expectations, and I can’t recommend the Spirit of Freedom enough. Until next time, mates!
Websites	Spirit of Freedom
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	Over 1000 dives
Where else diving	Bonaire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Caymans, Belize, Mexico, Malaysia, Fiji, Philipines, Bahamas
Closest Airport	Townsville	Getting There	Qantas DFW- Sydney-Townsville
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny, dry	Seas	calm, currents
Water Temp	74-76°F / 23-24°C	Wetsuit Thickness	3
Water Visibility	30-200 Ft/ 9-61 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	113', must have a buddy
Liveaboard?	yes	Nitrox Available?	yes
What I Saw
Sharks	Lots	Mantas	1 or 2
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	> 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter		Boat Facilities
Overall rating for UWP's		Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	Outdoor table and dedicated rinse tank for cameras. A bit crowded but servicable. Inside forward lounge was a camera table with plenty of charging.

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Dive Review of Spirit of Freedom in Australia/Outter Banks South of Cairns

Spirit of Freedom: "A Memorable Expedition to the Great Barrier Reef", Oct, 2024,

Photos Submitted with this Report

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Dive Review of Spirit of Freedom in
Australia/Outter Banks South of Cairns