True North: Cabins, Diving & West Coast Cruise Prices (2026)

Photos: True North / LiveAboard.com.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA · LUXURY ADVENTURE CRUISING

True North: diving as part of a wider Australian adventure

The 50-metre True North is not your usual diving cruise: the appeal is a comfortable small ship, fine food and a choice of water and land activities. Choose a diving itinerary if time underwater is your priority. A Kimberley sightseeing cruise and a reef-focused West Coast Explorer do not offer the same holiday.

This review concerns True North, the 36-guest ship commissioned in 2005. True North II is a different vessel with its own cabins, departures and prices. That distinction is especially important for Rowley Shoals departures.

Cabins: four categories, all with private bathrooms

True North has 18 cabins across three decks, a 10-metre beam and six adventure boats for small-group excursions. The operator lists 22 crew. Its saloon, forward observation lounge, sundeck and outdoor bar give you several places to relax between outings.

Cabins are air-conditioned. The standard published tariff assumes two occupants, so a solo traveller’s total depends on whether the booking is shared or for sole occupancy. The original 2005 commissioning date is documented by the shipbuilder. A recent refurbishment date has not been established here.

Food and life on board

The panoramic dining room is a lovely part of the boat’s appeal. Modern Australian meals draw on the places visited, while the lounge and observation areas give non-divers somewhere comfortable to settle between excursions. Advise dietary requirements before departure.

The fare includes dining, non-alcoholic refreshments, tea and café-style coffee. Alcohol, scenic helicopter flights, visitor pass fees and onboard purchases are additional. The helicopter is not carried on every programme, so avoid budgeting on the assumption that all flights are included or always available.

Who should choose True North?

True North makes particular sense for a couple or group with mixed interests. Snorkelling, fishing and adventure-boat outings can share the day with diving on suitable routes. A non-diver is buying the wider expedition; do not assume there is a diver-versus-snorkeller discount.

If your goal is several dives every day at the lowest cost per dive, compare a dedicated dive boat instead. True North’s daily activities depend on the route, tides, weather and local conditions, and its price reflects the whole adventure experience.

Diving equipment and preparation

On diving itineraries, cylinders and weight belts are supplied. Bring certification evidence and well-fitting personal equipment; the operator has only limited rental equipment, arranged in advance. A surface marker buoy is required, and a primary light is required for night diving when offered. Take your own computer; do not plan to share one. Nitrox availability and any minimum experience threshold need confirmation for your particular voyage.

Snorkelling equipment is supplied, but bring an exposure suit appropriate to the route. Tell the operator about experience, medical considerations and equipment needs before paying. Insurance should cover your actual diving activities and remote evacuation.

West Coast Explorer: a verified True North departure

The ten-night voyage from Fremantle to Dampier combines the Abrolhos, Shark Bay, Ningaloo and the Montebello Islands. The sample itinerary includes several days around the Abrolhos and Montebellos, with opportunities such as the Batavia wreck region, Steep Point and Ningaloo. These are conditional opportunities, not a guaranteed dive count.

True North prices: compare the correct vessel

These are published reference fares checked on 9 October 2026, subject to availability. The cheaper 10–20 March 2027 departure is listed for True North II, not this 50-metre ship. Add applicable visitor passes, optional helicopter flights, alcohol, equipment rental, flights, hotels and insurance to your personal budget. The operator’s FAQ says the accepted fare is guaranteed after the deposit, without subsequent tax or fuel supplements; obtain the exact inclusions and cancellation terms in writing.

For West Coast Explorer, make your own way to the Fremantle embarkation point. After disembarking in Dampier, the operator describes a transfer to Karratha accommodation or airport, arriving around 09:00. Allow for changes before committing to an onward connection.

Rowley Shoals, Kimberley and other programmes

The fleet also offers Kimberley adventures and itineraries farther afield. Check both the destination and the assigned ship. The five-night Rowley Shoals departures currently displayed for September–October 2027 are assigned to True North II; their fares should not be used to advertise this ship.

Coast and Coral combines Kimberley exploration with Rowley Shoals reef time, but obtain the dated itinerary and vessel assignment before booking. A general fleet programme page does not establish which ship you will board. For a dedicated Rowley Shoals diving alternative, see Odyssey.

What guests loved — and what could be better

The available examples concern older True North voyages. They help illustrate the appeal of its cabins and mixed activity programme, while leaving the present crew, service and departure-specific inclusions to be assessed separately.

True North FAQ

See True North dates and availability

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Editorial details checked 9 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a new firsthand inspection aboard.