Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the Great Barrier Reef right in your backyard?
Liveaboards offer the amazing opportunity to sleep onboard, maximize your time underwater, and scuba dive remote, pristine coral reefs. Australia is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world, and I decided that day trips are simply not enough for me. So, I took the plunge as a solo traveler and signed up for a four-day, three-night tour (11 total dives) with Spirit of Freedom to explore the outer reefs!
Between the amazing people I met, the incredible marine critters I encountered, and the unforgettable beauty of the reef, I can confidently say this was one of the best experiences of my life!
Without further ado, here is my guide to what you can expect on a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard adventure.
An image of me taking in the beauty of the outer ribbon reefs.
Day 1: Settling In
I’ll admit it: I was a little nervous when I signed up for my first liveaboard. I hoped there would be other divers in their twenties and I could find a dive buddy. My anxiety quickly dissolved during the transfer from my hotel to the marina, where I met young travelers from all over the world.
Once we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly crew and given a tour of the vessel. With so many common areas to spread out in, it never felt crowded onboard! While there are pricier options for accommodation, I chose the four-person bunk cabin to stick closer to my student budget. Though the room was tight, we got comfortable bedding, towels, a shared bathroom with a shower, and a closet. Bunkmates are grouped by age, and I really enjoyed getting to know mine!
This is the room that I shared with three other lovely divers. I had so much fun getting to know them and learning about their adventures!
The vessel was equipped with a kitchen and cook, and honestly, these few days yielded some of the best food that I’ve had in Australia. Our buffet-style lunch was laid out as an assortment of fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, tzatziki, and hummus to make Greek gyros.
Once we fueled up and listened to our routine dive briefing, we suited up on the back deck and headed out for our first dive. After about an hour on the surface and afternoon tea, we were back in the water for our second dive. For each dive, at least two crew members joined us to point out unique marine life that was easy to overlook!
While we slept through the night, we were transported to the outer ribbon reefs.
My favorite meal we had aboard: Buffet-style lunch of fruits, vegetables, pitas, meats, fresh hummus, and tzatziki!
Day 2: Dive Day
Our daily schedule began bright and early at 6:30 am, alternating between eating, briefing, and diving. We were offered breakfast, second breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and dessert. Needless to say, I was never left hungry. With such a variety, there was always something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.
We completed four of the most stunning daytime reef dives I’ve ever experienced. These sites are far from the usual tourist routes, leaving pristine, untouched reef systems and diverse marine life. In just one day, I spotted cuttlefish, lionfish, reef sharks, cone snails, giant clams, nudibranchs, and more!
When the sun set, we were offered the incredible opportunity to do a night dive. The reef dramatically transforms from a tropical paradise to a hunting ground. Giant trevallies, bass, and reef sharks have learned that divers’ flashlights will reveal fish hiding in the coral, so in a way, we decided who got eaten that night. The crew members jokingly described it as an opportunity to “play god,” and I was definitely more careful about where I pointed my light!
I thought I would be more nervous about the sharks, but they wanted nothing to do with us.
A cuttlefish that I spotted while diving the outer ribbon reefs. I had no idea that they could grow so big!
Day 3: another Dive Day
We were able to complete four more dives, with the last at Cormorant Caves being my favorite. This site featured beautiful coral arches perfect for scenic swim-throughs, along with sightings of flatworms, nudibranchs, cuttlefish, and an adorable squid that hovered near the mooring line.
It is worth mentioning that we got lucky with a break in the rough weather. The crew prioritizes safety, and a few sites we were originally scheduled for were swapped out at the last minute. I wasn’t discouraged, as some of my favorite dives were unplanned! Trust that the crew has your best interests at heart!
A cheeky bigfin reef squid that enjoyed hanging out with divers by the mooring line.
Day 4: Lizard Island
By day four, my body was exhausted. We wrapped up the trip with one final excursion to Lizard Island, a remote national park with crystal-clear water, rolling green hills, and mangroves with lurking crocodiles. Our guide showed us edible weaver ants that taste like lemon!
It wasn’t safe to dive here, but we hiked around the island before embarking on a low-level flight back to Cairns. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip, with one last chance to see the reefs that we explored from above!
The view of outer ribbon reefs from the scenic flight from Lizard Island.
Bonus Tips and Takeaways!
- Don’t be afraid to go solo! I met the kindest people with the same idea and hope to visit them in their home countries. The major demographic is couples, solo travelers, and friends!
- Chat with everyone! I have yet to meet a diver that I didn’t like, and they always have amazing stories. You will leave with new friends and a list of dive sites to add to your bucket list!
- Bring Dramamine! Even if you usually don’t get seasick, trying to sleep when the boat is swaying might change your mind. The crew has it for sale onboard, but I would bring your own to save a few dollars!
- Pack some Tums! Diving burns a ton of energy, so you will need to eat more than usual to keep up. With all that food and pressure changes, your stomach might need a little extra support to avoid indigestion.
- Pack light! You will likely rewear your clothes since most of your time will be spent in a swimsuit. I only needed two t-shirts, two pairs of shorts, three swimsuits, and a cover-up.
- Bring a cover-up! Changing ponchos are a great option for lounging between dives.
- Don’t let the price scare you! When you break it down – accommodation, multiple dives, all-you-can-eat meals, and a scenic flight over Lizard Island – it’s actually really good value. Daily reef charters add up fast, so this trip more than pays for itself after just a few dives.
- Get your Advanced Open Water Certification onboard! It is an excellent value as an add-on and significantly more affordable than any price I’ve seen in the United States. You’re already on the water, so why not take your diving to the next level?
- Be flexible! It’s always a drag when a dive site that you’re excited about gets blown out, but keeping a positive attitude is key. Sometimes the best experiences are born from unexpected changes!
- Avoid getting sick! This one seems obvious since scuba diving is a no-go with any congestion, but it’s especially important because the refund policy on most liveaboards is pretty stiff. It’s a good idea to invest in dive trip insurance to cover any unexpected illness. During the week before my trip, I loaded up on multivitamins and vitamin C and kept my distance from crowded areas.
It was such a unique and special experience to dive into many of the untouched sites on the Great Barrier Reef and share it with new friends.
If you have any doubts about booking your liveaboard, rest assured – it will be a trip of a lifetime!