Bluewater Scuba Opt 2 [CD944-B]

Summary

14 Days / 12 Nights - Australia: The Great Barrier Reef, Liveaboard Diving Expedition and Sydney

Australia's north eastern town of tropical Cairns is the gateway for two of the world's greatest diving icons, the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. The Great Barrier Reef is a broad chain of 2,900 individual reefs and is the Earth's largest structure built by living organisms, being clearly visible from space. It is an ecosystem of unsurpassed marine diversity and presents the diver with a vision of exquisite natural beauty. Beyond the continental shelf that harbours the Great Barrier Reef, lie the isolated reef systems and crystal clear waters of Australia's Coral Sea. This is home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish and sharks in an undersea world of mountains, pinnacles and sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans and rising from thousands of feet below. The liveaboard dive vessel 7 Day Trip departs Cairns Monday and returns the following Monday.

End your trip in Sydney, Australia's oldest city and the economic powerhouse of the nation and the country's capital in everything but name. It's blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and friendly folk. Choose from the many optional tours that are available.

Features

Accommodation - Cairns (1 Night), Liveaboard (7 Nights), Cairns (1 Night), Sydney (3 Nights)
International Flights - Dallas to Brisbane, Sydney to Dallas
US Domestic Flights - Nashville to Dallas (Return)
Australian Domestic Flights - Brisbane to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney
Day Tours - Sydney: Opera House Tour
Shuttle Transfers - Cairns Airport to Accommodation (Return), Cairns Accommodation to Liveaboard Terminal (Return), Sydney Airport to Accommodation (Return)
All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
Visa only required for some South Pacific countries; $15 visa fee per person where applicable.
F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Other Common Inclusions for Dive Packages:
Live-Aboard Diving Expedition includes: Transfers to/ from Cairns city accommodation, Low level reef flight Lizard Island to Cairns, Opportunity for 14 to 16 dives, En-suite cabin with daily service, Chef prepared meals, Australian wine & soft drinks with evening meals.

Detailed Itinerary

22nd Feb 2013 (Day 1) - US Domestic Flight, Nashville to Dallas

Your Home City flight to Dallas, Texas will be selected to suit the International Departure Flight to Australia

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of your US domestic flight and departure of your International flight.

22nd Feb (Day 1) - International Flight, Dallas to Brisbane

Today travel with Qantas from Dallas Texas to Brisbane, Australia for your vacation.

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

22nd Feb (Day 1) - Australian Domestic Flight, Brisbane to Cairns

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Brisbane to Cairns.

24th Feb (Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Cairns Airport to your vacation accommodation in Cairns, Australia.

Need to Know
Luggage Restrictions: 1 checked bag and 1 hand luggage is free of charge per person in the shuttle. Additional luggage is 10$ each. Strollers are free. Bikes need to be in a bike bag. Fishing rods need to be broken down and in a container.

24th - 25th Feb (Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 5-Star Cairns City accommodation.

Experience the genuine warmth of Australian hospitality at your luxury Cairns accommodation. Situated right on the marina, this hotel offers the perfect gateway to the reef, tours, and attractions, providing guests with an unforgettable Cairns getaway.

The hotel private pool offers a refreshing swim, surrounded by the soothing sound of waves. Take in breathtaking views of the marina and mountains while enjoying the contemporary Australian delights at The Backyard Restaurant & Bar. This upscale accommodation in the heart of Cairns is guaranteed to tantalize all your senses.

With its prime location next to the Reef Fleet Terminal and esplanade, just a 5-minute stroll to the city center and a 10-minute walk to the Cairns Convention Centre, you can easily explore all the hot spots. And if you're flying to or from Cairns, the domestic and international airports are only a quick 10-minute drive away.

Hotel Amenities
Free Wifi, Swimming Pool / Hot Tub, Gym, Day Spa, 24-hr Reception, Luggage Storage, Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Paid Parking, Laundry Service

Preferred Room
Deluxe Room (City/Garden View) - 1 King OR 2 Queen OR 2 Singles - Room Features: Coffee & Tea Station, Private Balcony, Air Conditioning, Shower Amenities, 800 thread count Egyptian Cotton sheets, Hairdryer, Safe, Garden or City View, Flat screen TV, Walk-in shower.

Room Upgrades
- Executive Marina View - 1 King OR 2 Queen OR 2 Singles - Room Features: Coffee & Tea Station ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities, 800 thread count Egyptian Cotton sheets ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Marina View ; Flat screen TV ; Walk-in shower or bathtub.
- One Bedroom Suite - 1 King OR 2 Queen - Room Features: Kitchenette (Mini Fridge & Microwave) ; Private Balcony ; Air Conditioning ; Shower Amenities, 1000 thread count Egyptian Cotton sheets ; Hairdryer ; Safe ; Mountain or City Views ; Flat screen TV ; Shower & bath.

Need to know
Hotel subject to availability. If this hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be substituted. Room booked will be preferred unless otherwise listed on your quote.

25th Feb - 4th Mar (Days 3 to 10) - 7 Nights - Live Aboard Diving Expedition

For diving enthusiasts this liveaboard dive trip represents the ultimate dive vacation. Dives include Osprey Reef, on the Coral Sea with other sites such as Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, North Horn, Bougainville Reef, Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom and Flare Point. With Gourmet Meals and the Outstanding Level of Service you will feel like you are aboard your own private yacht.

Special Expeditions: In June/July this trip offers the chance to swim with Minke Whales as they congregate in the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 1: Depart Cairns & Dive

The Spirit of Freedom courtesy bus will pick you up from your Cairns hotel around 11:00 am to transfer you to Trinity Wharf. There you will be greeted by the Spirit of Freedom crew, who will give you an orientation of the vessel before you depart on your 7-night liveaboard dive trip at 12:00 noon.

Enjoy lunch on board while you cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an afternoon check-out dive and a twilight or night dive.

After dinner, cruise north to the Ribbon Reefs.

Days 2 & 3: Diving Ribbon Reefs

These two days are spent diving at the most northern of the Ribbon Reefs, Number 9 & 10 Ribbon Reefs.

Dive sites and sequence may vary depending on the weather conditions, but will always include at least one dive at the Cod Hole, where you encounter a family of massive and very friendly Potato Cod. Other sites may include Wonder-wall, Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay, Two Towers, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, just to name a few.

If the current is right, you may also take a drift dive at Dynamite Pass, well known as a channel for sharks to pass through. 4 to 5 dives will be available each day, including a night dive on Friday. On Saturday evening overnight at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island, and enjoy a sunset BBQ dinner on the top deck.

Day 4: Mountain Walk & More Diving

This morning after breakfast you will have the opportunity to go ashore at Lizard Island. This is a good chance to stretch your legs on land at the halfway point of your trip! We recommend taking the guided walk from Watson’s Beach to Mary Watson’s cottage, over Chinaman’s Ridge, and back to the beach.

Around 11.00 am you will cruise back to Ribbon Reef Number 10 for two dives at a choice of sites including the Snake Pit, Cod Hole, Challenger Bay, Lighthouse Bommie, and Pixie Wall, and Pixie Pinnacle.

If the tide permits you may repeat a dive at the Cod Hole or visit new sites. Depart in the evening for a 10-hour crossing to Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea.

Days 5 & 6: Dive Osprey Reef

Two days will be spent diving Osprey Reef (weather permitting). Australia’s Coral Sea reefs are renowned for their crystal clear water, with visibility ranging from 30 to 100 metres. The landscape is amazing, with sheer walls laced with gorgonian fans, sea whips, and bright yellow soft corals, rising from the ocean floor thousands of feet below.

‘North Horn’ is a dive site at the tip of Osprey where grey reef sharks, silvertips, and the occasional oceanic congregate, and you can experience a close encounter with the Spirit of Freedom shark attraction dive. Four to five dives will be available each day, including a night dive on Monday.

On Tuesday night depart Osprey Reef for overnight travel to the Ribbon Reefs.

Day 7: Dive Bougainville Reef or in the Ribbon Reefs

After overnight travel back to the Great Barrier Reef arrive at Ribbon Reefs Number 3 where you will dive such sites as the sensational Steve's Bommie, Temple of Doom, and Flare Point. A second option for this day, in special weather conditions, is to head south from Opsrey to Bougainville Reef, known for its unusual underwater landscape and caverns, and its partially submerged wreck. This evening you will cruise overnight back to Cairns.

Day 8: Arrive in Cairns

Arrive Cairns approximately 06:30am. Breakfast will be served on board and hotel transfer will be arranged for approx 8:00am.

Operates
Departs Cairns every Thursday at 12:00pm & returns to Cairns every Thursday at 8:00am

Includes

Chef-prepared drinks meals & snacks, wine and soft drinks are included with the evening meal.

Tanks, air fills, Nautilus Lifeline and weight belt. Full equiptment rental available for fee.

Daily cabin service.

Cairns hotel or Airport transfers.

GST and all reef levies and fees.

Need to Know
Please note that above itinerary is a sample only and sites may vary, or the sequence may change. Access to the Cod Hole and the Coral Sea is weather conditional and while every attempt will be made to keep to the advertised itinerary, the Coral Sea and specific sites on the Great Barrier Reef are not guaranteed.

Diver experience recommendation: Advanced Diver certification with minimum 20 ocean dives including 5 dives in the last 12 months.

Diver Health: If you have a medical condition or are currently taking prescription medication, you will need a medical clearance. For further details refer to our Diver Information form or contact our Reservations team.

Luggage Restrictions: Due to light aircraft restrictions, your total weight of your luggage is limited to 20 kilograms/ 45 lb per person, including your dive gear and carry-on luggage.

Snorkelers: Only the Ribbon Reefs portion of this trip is suitable for snorkelers.The (at times) deeper reefs tops and swift currents of the Coral Sea, make the Coral Sea reefs only suitable for very experienced snorkelers and strong swimmers with a high level of fitness. You may not be able to snorkel at every site. Please note that while you may be safe under the watchful eye of the 'look-out' crew, a snorkel buddy may not always be available and you may be required to snorkel alone and to wear floatation equipment.

Room Types Available are:
Ocean View Deluxe
Located on the top deck with internal stairwell access to the main deck, as well as external access to the top deck and dive deck, the Ocean View Deluxe Cabin boats a 10.5m² area with 3 large windows overlooking the starboard side of the vessel.

A comfy double bed will ensure you are well rest for a full day of diving. The room features bedside tables, wardrobe and 26" flat screen TV.

The cabin is fully air-conditioned and has its own private bathroom.

Double or Sole occupancy only.

Ocean View Standard
Ocean View cabin is located on the top deck with internal stairwell access to the main deck, as well as external access to the top deck and dive deck.

As the name suggests, you will enjoy stunning views from this air conditioned 7.2m² cabin, which contains a double bed, private bathroom, a wardrobe and 26” flat screen TV.

Double or Sole Occupancy only.

Stateroom

The largest of all cabins onboard the vessel, The Stateroom cabin is located in a private area on the lower deck, close to the dive deck and dining saloon.

Fully air-conditioned, this spacious 12m² cabin contains a queen size bed, a private bathroom, extra shelving, wardrobe, bedside tables and 26" flat screen TV.

Double or Sole Occupancy only: no twin share option available.

Standard Double/Twin
Spirit of Freedom has seven standard double or twin share cabins. Five of these cabins contain a double bed with a single bed over the top, bunk style. One cabin contains just a double bed and one cabin has two single beds.

These cabins are all located on the lower deck, with easy access to the main deck and have an average area of 10m² square metres in area.

Fully air-conditioned, the cabins have an ensuite bathroom and also contain a wardrobe, personal reading light and a bedside table.

Please advise your preference for double or twin share when placing your booking. Sole occupancy also available.

Quad Share
Located midships on the lower deck, the quad share cabin containing four single beds, bunk style and is a great options for groups or families as you explore the Great Barrier Reef on your epic dive adventure.

This 9m² cabin has easy access to the main deck and includes a private ensuite bathroom and personal reading lights for each bed.

The cabin is fully air-conditioned and also contains a wardrobe, as well as storage under the bottom two bunks.

4th - 5th Mar (Days 10 to 11) - 1 Night Accommodation in Cairns

Enjoy 1 night at your 5-Star Cairns City accommodation.

5th Mar (Day 11) - Shuttle Transfer, Cairns Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your Cairns vacation accommodation to the Airport in Cairns, Australia.

5th Mar (Day 11) - Australian Domestic Flight, Cairns to Sydney

Travel within Australia by domestic air from Cairns to Sydney.

5th Mar (Day 11) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

Travel via shuttle to your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia.

5th - 8th Mar (Days 11 to 14) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Sydney

Your five star accommodation in Sydney for 3 Nights will offer you the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.

A modern high rise tower with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour. Your Accommodation is located at the fringe of historic Rocks area, near Opera House and the Central Business District, close to the Harbour Bridge, across from Bridgeclimb. Guest rooms are some of the most spacious and luxurious in Sydney and offer spectacular harbour views.

6th Mar (Day 12) - Day Tour, Sydney Opera House Tour (1 Hr)

On your vacation, participate in an inspiring tour of the Sydney Opera House.

This one hour tour outlines the intricate and controversial history of the Sydney Opera House along with details of the unique design of this architectural masterpiece. You will visit a number of the six performance venues, including the magnificent wood paneled Concert Hall and the Opera Theater as well as the new Utzon room. You will also visit the glass enclosed northern foyer areas which boast spectacular views of Sydney Harbour - a perfect photo opportunity.

Operates
Daily, Hourly 9am to 5pm
Does not operate Good Friday, Christmas, New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day 2024

Includes
One hour guided experience.

Need to Know
This tour has 300+ stairs - Low Impact. It is strongly encouraged that you leave bags at your hotel and avoid bringing any large items to the Opera House (anything larger than an 8x10" sheet of paper). No luggage or large bags accepted. Videoing is not allowed. There are plenty of photo opportunities — your tour guide will advise you if photos are not to be taken at any point.

Upgrades
-Add a lunch, dinner or performance to your tour.
-Upgrade your experience with a private, backstage, or architectural tour.

7th Mar (Day 13) - Free Day to Explore Sydney

With Sydney at your fingertips, take the chance to explore the Darling Harbour area at your leisure, which is a modern collection of Shopping Malls, Parkland, Restaurants and Harbour Front activities.

Walk to Circular Quay and catch a ferry to our wonderful harbor-side Taronga Park Zoo or take the 30 minute ferry ride to Manly Beach, Sydney's premier beach resort. Here you can enjoy the laid back beach culture as well as many festivals and events. If you prefer to stay closer to downtown Sydney, Bondi Beach is approximately a 10-minute train ride and is one of Australia's most famous and iconic beaches. Save some time to take a beach walk from Bondi Beach to Bronte Beach, it's known to be a true highlight. If visiting on a weekend then go to the Rocks Market and shop for local Arts, Crafts & unique Australian Souvenirs.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Bridgeclimb - ½ Day

Reach new heights and climb the famous Harbour Bridge in Sydney!

Achieve exhilaration and personal satisfaction as you climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For approximately 3.5 hours you and 11 other eager climbers will join a climb guide and weave through catwalks, climb up ladders and then arrive at the most spectacular point of all - the upper arch climb. The steady incline to the upper arch leaves you free to focus your attention on your Sydney experience, with opportunities for 360 degree views of Sydney, including east to the ocean, west to the mountains and the harbor city surrounds.

It is at this point that you not only have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and the city, but have the exhilarating and rewarding experience of reaching the top of the iconic Harbour Bridge.

When you reach the top you will have a sense of achievement you'll remember forever - you've conquered an Australian icon recognized the world over! No other Sydney tourist attraction can give you this feeling of standing at the top of the world, with the harbor spread before you.

All climbers will be issued a complimentary photograph of your climb group.

Operates:
Daily, in all weather conditions (except in cases of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or high winds).

Need to Know:
- Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes and comfortable clothing;
- Secure lockers will be provided to store your personal belongings;
- No cameras, phones, GoPros or other video and mobile devices are allowed on the climb;
- Children ages 8 - 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 8 are not permitted on the climb;
- Maximum of 14 people per group.

Times:
The climb lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), day, twilight or night.

Inclusions:
BridgeClimb cap;
Certificate of Achievement;
A complimentary Climb Group photo.

Photo Credit: BridgeClimb Sydney.

8th Mar (Day 14) - Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Blue Mountains and Australia Wildlife Tour

On your vacation, discover the spectacular Blue Mountains and see native wildlife Explore World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, located outside of Sydney, Australia.

Discover the spectacular World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and see native wildlife. Stretching for over one million hectares, the Blue Mountains is an inspiring mix of rainforest, canyons, tall forests and heathlands, truly one of Australia's natural one wonders.

Your first stop is at Echo Point where you can view the famous Three Sisters rock formation and hear the ancient Aboriginal legends of this impressive rock formation.

Visit the Waradah Aboriginal Centre and expreience Aboriginal song, dance, didgeridoo and culture.

Next, arrive at Scenic World where you will have free time to join the optional rides or grab some morning tea and enjoy the amazing views (own expense).

Discover Leura village, a delightful blend of groomed gardens and quaint shops. Enjoy free time to wander the streets of Leura and enjoy a delicious two course cafe style lunch at the Loaves and Dishes.

Next, experience an afternoon encounter at Featherdale Wildlife Park and have your photo taken with a cuddly koala, see kangaroos, wombats, dingoes and cute little penguins. Full Day Tour.

Depart approximately 8:00 AM, return at approximately 5:45 PM.

Upgrade to small group touring available - please inquire

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Sydney Harbour Cruise Express Pass

On your vacation explore Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia with this unlimited full day pass, or take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

Hop On and Hop Off at up to seven famous harbour attractions with this unlimited full day pass, or simply take the 1 1/2 hour round trip cruise and see all the main harbour sights with commentary.

The Harbour Express stops at:
Fort Denison: The historic island and cafe in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Taronga Zoo: Discover Australia's amazing wildlife including koalas, platypus and kangaroos.
Shark Island: This island national park is the perfect destination for a BYO picnic lunch, complete with a small beach area for swimming.
Watson's Bay: Home of Doyle's famous seafood restaurant and only a short walk to beautiful harbour swimming beaches, HMAS Watson and headland parks.
Luna Park: Sydney's famous fun park with rides and games, or walk across the Harbour Bridge from Milsons Point station.
Darling Harbour: Aquarium & Wildlife World, Australian Maritime Museum, shops, restaurants and only a short stroll or Monorail to Sydney Tower, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum and China Town.
Circular Quay: The Rocks historic precinct, weekend markets, Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge pylon.

(Additional Fees apply for Park Entry to Fort Denison, Shark Island & Taronga Zoo).

8th Mar (Day 14) - Shuttle Transfer, Sydney Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Sydney, Australia, to the Airport.

8th Mar (Day 14) - International Flight, Sydney to Dallas

Today departure from Sydney to Dallas, Texas.

8th Mar (Day 14) - US Domestic Flight, Dallas, Texas to Nashville

The connection flight to your Home City from Dallas will be selected to suit the International Arrival flight from Australia.

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of International flight before departure of your US domestic flight.