Review of the Spirit of freedom
In reality, there are numerous dive sites along the Great Barrier Reef that does not require a live-aboard. However, to really experience the magic of the Reef, cruising between the reefs and islands is really the best way to appreciate it.
There are essentially two live-aboard boats that cruise to the north part of the Reef, Mike Ball Dive and Spirit of Freedom. Ultimately, we went with the boat that fit our schedule best. In looking at the reviews, including from divers who have gone with both, they are both pretty similar.
the boat
The Divemasters
In most dives, the ratio of divers to dive masters was 4-6:1. They were pretty good about rotating between the crew, so it was nice experiencing the dive with different dive masters. We opted to get our advanced diving certification so we were assigned to one dive master. It made a pretty awesome experience because it would feel like we had our own guide.
the dives
In general, all the dives were pretty easy. There is not that much current and visibility was ok. We were surprised the visibility wasn't better. It probably averaged 50-100ft. Coral peeping was one of the best we have ever seen (similar to Fiji). We didn't see much in terms of big fish. We were hoping to see manta rays in the cleaning stations. We saw reef sharks here and there. We did see several sea snakes, which are apparently the most poisonous animal. Fortunately, their mouths are so small they would not be able to bite a human.
The highlight of the diving trip was the Cod Hole dive. These giant fish were so awesome to swim with. Although they may be fat, they were quick under water!
We were also fortunate enough to see a curious junior whale shark. There was a group who did not do a particular dive and they were able to swim with the whale shark! But by the time we got back to the surface, despite our attempts to swim out to where the whale shark was, he was gone. He came back as we were ready to leave. By that time, we had already pulled in our anchor and the wind was blowing the boat towards the reef. By law, we were not supposed to jump out of the boat. In hindsight, we should have done it because these opportunities come far and few between.
the food
The food was really amazing. What was so incredible is the ability to serve fresh and delicious food all the time! Plus, we were served not one but two "breckies"! The Aussies really know how to do brecky like no other (minus the Vegemite, yuck!).
In summary
It was a top notch experience and we would do all over again.. this time longer and towards the Ospry Reef!