• Seeing some of the most amazing coral reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef
• The whole purpose and highlight is Scuba diving with a gam of predatory sharks

Choose from 3 day 3 night expeditions to the world famous Holmes Reef to experience our famous Shark Dives, lying around 166 kilometres outside the Great Barrier Reef or the 3 Day 2 night Ribbon Reefs exploration.

What to Expect

Cairns Liveaboard scuba diving expeditions to the northern and outer reaches of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are the legendary places you read about and hear about, and these are places only a few thousand scuba divers and snorkellers have the chance to see each year to scuba dive with sharks.

Sir David Attenborough says the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most biodiverse and magnificent places he has ever visited and his most favourite place in the world, and that we all need to contribute to preserve it for humanity and for the survival of all of our children’s future.

Choose from a selection of exclusive liveaboard scuba diving expeditions departing from Cairns, designed for those seeking unparalleled dive experiences on the Great Barrier Reef. Options include a 3-day, 3-night expedition to Holmes Reef, famous for thrilling shark dives, or a 3.5-day, 3-night journey through the Ribbon Reefs. For a shorter dive getaway, the 2-day, 1-night Thetford or Moore Reefs trip provides an exceptional dive experience (without shark dives). Each tour offers something unique, from drift dives along incredible wall formations to encounters with diverse marine life, including sharks and large pelagic fish.

These private charter expeditions cater to scuba clubs, families, and groups of dive enthusiasts, providing the freedom to create a personalised itinerary. Sites such as the renowned Cod Hole, where divers can meet large resident cod, are also available upon request. With visibility often exceeding 30 meters and reaching up to 50 meters, diving in these outer reef systems is unmatched. This trip is ideal for those seeking adventure in some of the most pristine and secluded areas of the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Incredible Dive Destinations

• Holmes Reef (3 Days, 3 Nights): Known for its exciting shark dives, this location lies around 166 km outside the Great Barrier Reef and is a must-see for shark enthusiasts.
• Ribbon Reefs (3.5 Days, 3 Nights): Explore these biodiverse reefs, where sightings include an array of fish species and vibrant coral gardens.
• Thetford and Moore Reefs (2 Days, 1 Night): Shorter reef exploration with breathtaking dive sites; ideal for those seeking a quick, rewarding reef experience without shark dives.

Exclusive and Customisable Itineraries

• Private Charters: Enjoy flexibility with your private charter itinerary, perfect for scuba clubs or groups of friends. Dive sites like the Cod Hole near Lizard Island, known for its friendly giant cod, can be included upon request.
• Small Group Comfort: With a capacity for up to 16 divers in bunk-style twin and quad-share cabins, the vessel is suited to adventurous divers looking to maximise their dive time.

Charter Boat Information

• 66-Foot Motor Sailing Schooner: Built in 1984 with a durable fiberglass hull, this vessel combines classic design with a focus on safety and functionality for extended dive trips.
• Functional Cabins: Accommodations are set up bunk-style with twin and 4-share cabins, providing a comfortable place to rest and sleep.
• Communal Areas: Enjoy shared spaces like a dining area and covered and open decks for relaxation between dives.
• Onboard Amenities: Equipped with USB and 240V AC outlets for charging cameras, and male and female shower and toilet cubicles with hot water.

Dive Features

• World-Class Visibility: Dive sites offer visibility of 30 to 50 meters, perfect for observing the stunning underwater topography and marine life.
• Shark and Drift Diving: Experience adrenaline-filled dives with reef and pelagic sharks, plus wall and drift diving at remote outer reef locations.
• Supportive Dive Crew: With experienced dive crew on board, your group will receive attentive, professional guidance throughout your dive adventure.

Sample Itinerary Options

3-Day, 3-Night Holmes Reef Expedition

• Day 1: Depart Cairns, cruise to Holmes Reef, and dive in for your first encounters with reef and pelagic sharks.
• Day 2: Explore Holmes Reef’s best dive sites, with shark encounters and wall dives.
• Day 3: Final dives at Holmes Reef, return to Cairns.

3.5-Day, 3-Night Ribbon Reefs Journey

• Day 1: Depart Cairns, heading north to the Ribbon Reefs.
• Days 2-3: Dive along the Ribbon Reefs, exploring coral gardens, swim-throughs, and possibly the famous Cod Hole.
• Day 4: Morning dive before returning to Cairns.

2-Day, 1-Night Thetford/Moore Reefs (No Shark Diving)

• Day 1: Depart Cairns, dive at Thetford Reef, continue to Moore Reef.
• Day 2: Morning dives at Moore Reef, return to Cairns by evening.

Why Choose This Liveaboard Charter?

• Expertly Curated Dive Locations: Dive at some of the most biodiverse and less-visited reefs, far from the crowds and rich with marine life.
• Flexible and Customizable: Ideal for dive clubs, families, or groups of friends, with the ability to tailor your trip’s schedule and sites.
• Experienced Dive Crew: Led by seasoned dive professionals, ensuring a safe, thrilling, and educational diving experience.
• Perfect for Dive Enthusiasts: Designed for those seeking an adventurous, immersive dive experience on the Great Barrier Reef with options for both diving and snorkelling.

For further information on liveaboard dive charters, or to book a Cairns private reef expedition, contact our charter specialists to discuss the best options for your group.

See all Cairns and Port Douglas charter boats.

For luxury yacht charters speak to the crew at YOTSPACE.

Read The Tour Specialists Blog for all the things you need to know before you go. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Coral Sea & Ribbon Reefs

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

2 Day 1 Night, 3 Day 2 Night or longer

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Full Gear Hire - $120 per person
• Snorkellers Introductory Diving Deal (Min age 12) - Buy 1 Get 1 FREE

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

All personal items in a soft storage bag. Hat, sunscreen, swimmers, underwater camera, dive ticket

• Children that are able to snorkel and dive are accepted on our Cairns liveaboard dive boat under the parental supervision at all times and subject to dive regulations of Australia
• Certified Divers - min age 10
• Introductory Divers - min age 12