Coral Sea Dreaming operates overnight dive n sail cruises to the Cairns Outer Barrier Reef 3 times per week. With a maximum of just 12 guests per trip, this is the liveaboard with the smallest groups in the whole Cairns region and is the perfect choice for those seeking a boutique, private experience.
The liveaboard is a sturdy, 15.85 metre (52 ft) steel hull sailing boat with a beautiful wooden interior. She has a tidy design with a variety of comfortable and cosy accommodations that provide a combination of shared and private cabins to suit couples, singles, or groups. There is air-conditioning and fans fitted throughout the vessel to ease the heat during the warmer months. Freshly prepared meals, local fruit, cheese platter and daily snacks are included.
You'll be treated to an incredible array of marine life at 25 exclusive dive sites on 9 different reefs, including Milln, Thetford, Flynn, Hastings, Norman, Moore, Upolu, Michaelmas Cay, Oyster Reef, and Breaking Patches, where you will be the only divers and snorkelers in the water at any given location. These are the top locations out of Cairns and divers will be blown away by the extraordinary sites. All are suitable for both divers (both certified and first timers) and snorkellers. What's more, all dives are guided by experienced dive instructors, to point out the marine life and to guarantee you will get the most out of your dives and always stay safe. All diving is conducted direct from the boat's dive platform that has a ladder for easy exit from the sea.
In addition to the underwater action, you may like to join in and help sail the boat, set the sails, or simply relax and enjoy a good book in a hammock. There are several charge points onboard where guests can recharge their camera batteries. Since the boat takes a maximum of just 12 guests and 3 crew, you will receive personalised attention, which is especially good for first-time divers or experienced divers looking for un-crowded, exclusive dive sites. The friendly crew will make sure your stay onboard is an unforgettable experience you'll cherish forever.
Coupled with the captain and crew's local knowledge, your vacation will be a personal adventure to remember. So sail the path less travelled to Cairns outer reefs with the Coral Sea Dreaming liveaboard, where you can watch the sun set over the reef, sleep under the stars and wake up to a Coral Sea sunrise.
Coral Sea Dreaming has 3 private double bed cabins, a 4 person bunk cabin, and a twin bunk bed area. There is a communal hot shower and 2 toilets.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning and fan
- Porthole
- Toiletries and towels
- Reading lights
- Daily housekeeping
- Bedside cabinet, mirror
- 24 hour electricity (3 pin 240 volt)
- Bedding
- Fire warning system
- Life jackets and fire extinguishers
No. of bathrooms / showers - 2 / 1 - hot water
Cairns Barrier Reef (2 Days / 1 Nights - 5 Dives)
Trip highlights: turtles, great macro life/ marine diversity
Diving environment: advanced divers, beginner divers, cage diving, caverns, drift diving, healthy reefs, off the beaten track, very popular, wall diving, wreck diving
Dive sites and activities: Cairns Outer Barrier Reef: Flynn Reef, Milln Reef, Thetford Reef. 25 moorings to choose from.
Day 1
Meet the other guests and crew of your diving safari in the morning and then you will board the liveaboard in Cairns, ready to leave port bound for the outermost reefs. Along the way the dive staff conduct introductory and certified dive briefings, as well as a marine naturalist brief. There is plenty of time for guests to mingle, relax and get to know each other, before arriving at the reef around noon. The 1st dive will then take place, often at Flynn or Milln Reef. These sites have fabulous visibility and diverse marine life. Depths range from 1 to 30 metres, giving both snorkelers and divers a wide range of options, depending on their experience. There are extensive coral gardens with a huge amount of marine life. Expect to encounter turtles, reef sharks and schools of pelagic fish.
Lunch awaits once you are back onboard. Then the vessel moves to a new location for the 2nd dive, where large
coral bommies sit alongside a reef wall, making diving and snorkelling truly spectacular. Dive to 18 metres or
snorkel the shallow reef flats. Then a cheese platter is served while the guests rest from their in-water activities. Time for some relaxation and mingling with other guests if desired.
Meanwhile, the crew freshly prepares a simple but delicious dinner. Example dishes include curries, stir-fry, gnocchi, Mexican-style burritos, etc. After dinner, the divers are briefed for the night dive, which typically starts around 7 pm (after sunset). Once the night dive is over, it’s time for more relaxing, and perhaps a tea, hot chocolate or a glass of wine or beer from the on-board bar, along with some tall tales from the sea.
Day 2
Awake at dawn and watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea. Throw yourself into the warm tropical water if you need to wake yourself up! This is the perfect time to dive or snorkel as early morning is a fantastic time to see reef sharks, turtles, and cruising pelagic fish. Then breakfast is served (freshly brewed coffee and tea, selection of cereals served with milk or yogurt, toast with spreads (butter, jams, peanut butter and Nutella)) as the boat departs to its next location, often The Whale - a large coral bommie which stands in 24 metres of water with excellent surrounding coral gardens, perfect for diving and snorkelling. It is also a great dive to see more reef sharks. Then morning tea is served. After mid-morning, the boat travels to the final dive location, perhaps Thetford Reef. Coral-draped walls rise from 18 metres in a circular lagoon to ensure great diving and snorkelling. Lunch is served before departure from the reef. This might include a cold meat platter, bean and legume salad, leafy green salad with capsicum, tomato and olive oil, bread, etc.
Upon leaving anchorage the sails will be hoisted. It is common to have dolphins surf the bow wave and, during
the winter months, see humpback whales breaching. On the journey home, it's time to relax and enjoy the company of your new friends. Finally, as you leave behind the wonders of the reef, guests are treated to a spectacular view as the boat approaches one of Australia’s most scenic harbours - mountains on the left and right rising high above the beautiful Cairns tropical city skyline.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].