---
okf_version: "0.2"
type: "Article"
title: "Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef"
description: "The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's top scuba dive sites. Cruising the Reef on a liveaboard such as the Spirit of Freedom is an especially relaxing and comfortable experience."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/australia/queensland/scuba-diving-great-barrier-reef"
language: en
translation: { lang: de, resource: "https://reisememo.ch/australien/queensland/tauchen-great-barrier-reef" }
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 4
tags: ["Animals", "Cruise", "Diving", "Nature", "Queensland"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/queensland"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/australia"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/wildlife-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/scuba-diving"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-27T19:56:42+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2010-12-02T02:48:27+00:00 }
timestamp: 2026-07-27T19:56:42+00:00
---

# Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef

> Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's premier scuba diving destinations, offering extraordinary biodiversity including soft corals, manta rays, whales, and exotic marine life. A live-aboard cruise such as the Spirit of Freedom runs three-day itineraries from Cairns to Lizard Island with multiple daily dives at iconic sites.

## Destination
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia — cruising from Cairns to Lizard Island.

## What to see
- **Soft Corals and Marine Life** — Dramatic soft corals, exotic aquatic species, whales, and manta rays throughout the reef.
- **Cod Hole** — Known for its healthy cod population; guests can hand-feed the 'gentle giants' on the second dive.
- **Pixie Pinnacle** — Features spectacular pinnacles and is suitable for both diving and snorkeling.
- **Light House Bommie** — A picture-perfect dive site visited on the final day of the cruise.

## What to do
- **Live-Aboard Diving Cruise** — Multi-day dive expeditions on vessels like the Spirit of Freedom offer up to five dives per day.
- **Introductory Check Dive at Turtle Bommie** — First dive of the trip, serving as an orientation dive for guests.
- **Twin Peaks Dive** — Second dive on day one of the Spirit of Freedom itinerary.
- **Scorpio Rising Dive** — A featured dive site visited on the second day of the cruise.
- **Challenger Bay** — Afternoon and evening dives exploring underwater corridors on day two.
- **Snake Pit** — Final dive site of the trip, with two dives to close out the cruise.
- **Snorkeling at Pixie Pinnacle** — The site is noted as ideal for snorkelers as well as divers.

## Good to know
The Spirit of Freedom is highlighted as a comfortable live-aboard option. Cod feeding dives at Cod Hole are a signature experience. The itinerary includes an evening dive at Challenger Bay.