Wake up on the Great Barrier Reef with this two-day and one-night liveaboard from Cairns.
from $730
Ocean Quest 2-Day Liveaboard: Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Embark on a thrilling two-day and one-night liveaboard excursion from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Quest. This adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity for scuba diving enthusiasts to explore the wonders of the world’s most extensive coral reef system.
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Departing from Cairns, Queensland, Ocean Quest provides access to the Great Barrier Reef’s extraordinary marine biodiversity and vibrant coral formations. Prepare for an immersive journey into this iconic natural wonder.
Dive into Adventure
Certified divers can enjoy up to four dives per day, exploring a variety of dive sites that showcase the reef’s diverse ecosystems. Each dive promises encounters with spectacular marine life, from colourful fish to majestic sea turtles.
Comfort and Convenience
Relax and recharge between dives aboard OceanQuest’s liveaboard vessel. Indulge in delicious meals, unwind in comfortable accommodations, and soak up the sun on the spacious diving deck.
Beyond Diving
In addition to diving, guests can partake in snorkelling sessions, sunbathing, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Watch for dolphins, turtles, and whales that may grace the waters during your voyage.
Extend Your Adventure
Ocean Quest offers three-day and two-night tour options for those seeking a more extended stay on the Great Barrier Reef. Dive deeper into the wonders of the reef and create unforgettable memories on this extended expedition.
Book Your Ocean Quest Adventure Today
Don’t miss your chance to dive into the extraordinary beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Quest. Reserve your spot on the two-day liveaboard excursion and embark on an unforgettable underwater journey. Join us as we explore the depths of the reef and discover its breathtaking marine treasures.
Instead of travelling from Cairns and returning on the same afternoon, you remain on the reef overnight. This provides additional opportunities to snorkel or dive and allows you to enjoy quieter moments after the day vessels have departed.
A Liveaboard for Snorkellers and Divers
OceanQuest is not exclusively for scuba divers.
Snorkellers can explore shallow reef areas from the surface while certified divers discover deeper coral formations and underwater landscapes. Mixed groups remain together throughout the journey and visit the same reef locations.
Comfortable Floating Accommodation
OceanQuest is a purpose-built, three-deck liveaboard catamaran. It has spacious outdoor decks, air-conditioned interior areas, a lounge, bar and dining area.
After your final water session, you can enjoy dinner, relax with other travellers or settle into your private ensuite cabin.
Wake Up on the Great Barrier Reef
There is something remarkable about waking up at sea.
After breakfast, the reef is waiting. The morning water sessions often feel very different from those of the previous afternoon, with changing light, marine activity and visibility creating a new experience.
Sample Itinerary
Times are approximate and may change because of weather, sea conditions or operational requirements.
Day One: Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
7:30–8:00 am — Check-in and Transfers
Check in at the Divers Den Dive Centre at 319 Draper Street, Cairns.
A pickup from selected Cairns city accommodation may be available when arranged in advance. After check-in, guests transfer to Cairns Marina.
Excess luggage can be stored at the Draper Street dive centre while you are at the reef.
8:30 am — Depart Cairns
Board SeaQuest for the approximately 90-minute journey to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
During the journey, the crew will organise equipment and provide the required safety and activity briefings.
10:00 am — First Reef Session
Arrive at the reef for your first scheduled snorkel or certified dive session.
12:00 pm — Lunch
Enjoy lunch as the vessel relocates to another reef site.
12:30 pm — Second Reef Session
Return to the water for another snorkel or dive opportunity.
2:30 pm — Transfer to OceanQuest
SeaQuest meets OceanQuest at the outer reef.
Transfer onboard, meet the liveaboard crew and settle into your cabin.
3:30 pm — Afternoon Reef Session
Enjoy your third scheduled snorkel or dive session of the day.
6:00 pm — Dinner
Relax and enjoy a freshly prepared evening meal.
Certified divers may have an evening or night-diving opportunity depending on their experience, selected package and operating conditions.
Snorkellers can relax on deck or in the lounge and enjoy the atmosphere of spending the night on the reef.
8:00 pm — Dessert
Finish the day with dessert and time to unwind.
10:00 pm — Bar Closes
Retire to your cabin and rest before another morning on the reef.
Day Two: Wake Up on the Reef
7:30 am — Breakfast
Begin the day with a full cooked breakfast.
8:30 am — Morning Reef Session
Enter the water for the first snorkel or dive session of the morning.
10:30 am — Final Reef Session
Enjoy one more opportunity to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef.
12:00 pm — Cabin Checkout
Pack your overnight belongings and check out of your cabin.
12:30 pm — Lunch
Enjoy a final lunch onboard.
2:30 pm — Transfer Vessel Arrives
Transfer from OceanQuest to the returning day vessel.
3:00 pm — Depart the Outer Reef
Begin the journey back to Cairns.
Approximately 5:00 pm — Return
Return to Cairns and transfer to selected city accommodation where applicable.
What’s Included
Included for All Guests
Two-day, one-night outer Great Barrier Reef experience
Overnight accommodation onboard OceanQuest
Private ensuite bathroom
All scheduled meals onboard
Chilled drinking water
Tea and coffee
Snorkelling equipment
Equipment tuition and safety briefings
Prescription masks, subject to availability
Transfers from selected Cairns city accommodation when arranged
Transfer to and from OceanQuest aboard a day vessel
BeddingCabin bath towel
Environmental and applicable operating levies when incorporated into the booked rate
Additional Inclusions for Certified Divers
Standard scuba equipment
Dive computer
Air fills
Tanks and weights
Scheduled certified dives
Buddy-diving option
Dive briefings
Optional Extras
Optional extras may include:
Professional guided dives
Fluoro night-diving experience
Nitrox air fills
PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course
PADI Advanced Open Water course
Digital underwater camera hire
Professional photographs where available
Soft drinks
Alcoholic beverages
Additional snacks
Souvenirs
Sole cabin occupancy
Optional activities and courses should be booked in advance where possible. Availability, eligibility and additional charges apply.
What to Bring
Pack lightly in a soft overnight bag.
We recommend bringing:
Swimwear
Reef towel
Hat
Sunglasses
Reef-conscious sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Comfortable casual clothing
Warm clothing or a light jacket for the evening
Socks for wearing inside the vessel
Toiletries
Personal medications
Seasickness medication
Phone and camera chargers
Underwater camera or GoPro
Certification card for certified divers
Dive logbook, if you use one
Personal scuba equipment, if preferred
Bedding and a cabin bath towel are supplied. Bring a separate towel for use after snorkelling or diving.
How to Get There
Check-in Location
Check-in is at:
Divers Den Dive Centre 319 Draper Street Cairns, Queensland
This is the primary meeting point rather than the marina.
Guests are then transferred to Cairns Marina to board SeaQuest for the journey to the outer reef.
Cairns Accommodation Transfers
Transfers from selected Cairns city accommodation are included when booked in advance.
Confirm your pickup location and time before departure. Guests staying outside the available transfer area may need to make their own way to the Draper Street dive centre.
Getting There from Cairns Airport
Cairns Airport is a short drive from the city centre. Taxi and rideshare services are available.
Do not arrange a flight arriving on the morning of departure. We recommend staying in Cairns the night before your liveaboard so delays do not cause you to miss check-in.
Parking
Visitors driving to the check-in point should confirm current parking arrangements before travel. Allow additional time to park, unload luggage and complete check-in.
Important Information Before You Book
Certified Diver Requirements
The Spirit of Freedom 3 Day Expedition is designed for certified scuba divers.
All divers must present proof of an internationally recognised scuba certification before departure. Your certification level determines the types of dives you can participate in.
If you have not dived recently, please let our team know before booking so we can help determine whether a refresher dive is recommended.
Medical Requirements
For your safety, all divers must complete a scuba diving medical questionnaire before travelling.
Certain medical conditions, medications or previous injuries may require medical clearance from a doctor experienced in dive medicine before you can dive.
If you have asthma, heart conditions, epilepsy, diabetes, lung conditions, recent surgery or any other medical concern, please contact us before booking so we can discuss your individual circumstances.
Flying After Diving
For your safety, you should not fly for at least 24 hours after your final scuba dive.
If you are planning onward travel by aircraft, we strongly recommend staying overnight in Cairns after returning from your expedition.
This recommendation also applies to travel to high-altitude destinations after diving.
Weather and Itinerary
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural environment, and conditions can change quickly.
Your Captain continuously monitors weather forecasts, sea conditions and visibility to provide the safest and best possible experience.
Dive sites and itineraries may change without notice if required for safety or environmental reasons.
The flexibility to choose the best available dive sites is one of the advantages of travelling on a liveaboard.
Sea Conditions
Ocean conditions vary throughout the year.
Although Spirit of Freedom is a large, purpose-built liveaboard designed for offshore cruising, some movement should be expected.
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend speaking with your pharmacist or doctor before travelling and taking preventative medication before boarding.
Dive Experience
Some dive sites may experience stronger currents than others.
The crew will always provide a detailed briefing before each dive and advise whether a particular site is suitable for your experience level.
If conditions are not suitable, alternative dive sites will be selected.
Your safety always comes first.
Night Diving
Night diving offers an exciting opportunity to experience the reef after dark.
Different marine life becomes active, including hunting reef fish, crustaceans and sleeping turtles.
Night dives are only conducted when conditions are suitable and following a comprehensive dive briefing.
Divers should feel comfortable with their buoyancy and general diving skills before participating.
Underwater Photography
Spirit of Freedom is a favourite among underwater photographers.
Exceptional visibility, healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life create outstanding photographic opportunities.
Bring your own underwater camera or enquire about equipment hire before departure.
Always secure your equipment to avoid accidental damage to the reef.
Environmental Responsibility
Spirit of Freedom operates within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is committed to responsible tourism.
Please help protect this World Heritage-listed environment by:
Never touching coral.
Avoiding contact with marine life.
Maintaining good buoyancy.
Using reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible.
Taking all rubbish back onboard.
Following all crew instructions.
Together, we can help preserve the reef for future generations.
Accessibility
Spirit of Freedom is a working liveaboard vessel.
Guests should be comfortable using stairs, boarding from the marina and moving around a vessel at sea.
If you have limited mobility or require additional assistance, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether this expedition is suitable for your needs.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
Trip cancellation
Medical expenses
Emergency evacuation
Lost or delayed luggage
Scuba diving activities
Travel insurance provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for extended dive holidays.
What if I Don’t Want to Dive Every Session?
That’s perfectly fine.
Many guests choose to skip a dive and simply relax on deck, enjoy the ocean views or watch the sunset.
A liveaboard is as much about enjoying the Great Barrier Reef as it is about the diving itself.
Our Commitment to Your Experience
Our goal is to make your Spirit of Freedom expedition as enjoyable, safe and memorable as possible.
If you have questions before you travel, please ask.
Whether you need advice about certification, equipment, medical requirements or simply want help deciding if this is the right expedition for you, our team will be happy to assist.
A minimum of 48 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (8 am to 5 pm, closed on Public Holidays), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day. Please be aware that cancellation attempts made through online chat or phone will not be processed.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 48 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 48 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
• No alcohol may be consumed prior to in-water activities
• Please remember you need to allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
• Passengers intending to dive but restricted due to a medical condition will not be offered a refund.
• We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries, all of which are subject to change without notice. The tour operator will endeavour to adhere to the advertised itinerary, but reserve the right to alter the itinerary or cut short the tour in the event of medical emergency, inclement weather conditions, or for reasons involving passenger, crew or vessel safety, at the sole discretion of the Master of the Vessel.
• Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
• A severe storm or named cyclone in the region may delay our departure or require the trip to be cut short or cancelled. If travelling in the cyclone season (December to April) we advise the purchase of (well prior the due Travel Date), insurance that covers force majeure events (being events outside the control of the parties, such as natural disasters).
• All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
• Please inform us of any special requirements before your date of travel, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team
Medical Information:
All scuba participants must meet medical questionnaire requirements, and some conditions or medications may prevent them from diving.
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