True North dive boat review
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.
| Category | Bed and space | Choosing your cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer Class | About 18 m²; king bed convertible to twins; upper deck. | Large windows and a bathroom with two basins. |
| River Class | About 18 m²; king bed convertible to twins; main deck. | Windowed accommodation near the main onboard spaces. |
| Ocean Premium | About 14 m²; lower deck. | Some cabins have convertible king/twin beds; others have a fixed oversized queen. Specify the arrangement. |
| Ocean Class | About 12 m²; twin beds on main or lower deck. | Confirm deck and window/porthole position for the specific cabin. |
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 itinerary map
West Coast Explorer is shown as an indicative sequence of regional references. Straight connections are not sailing tracks. Local sites and activity order can change.
- Join in Fremantle.
- Explore the Houtman Abrolhos.
- Continue to Steep Point and the Shark Bay area, including Cape Inscription in the sample programme.
- Visit Ningaloo from the Coral Bay region.
- Explore the Montebello Islands.
- Disembark in Dampier and transfer to Karratha.
Principal dive-site references
- Houtman Abrolhos: Island-group reference. The sample trip spends several days exploring the Abrolhos.
- Steep Point · Shark Bay: Headland reference, not a dive-entry coordinate.
- Coral Bay · Ningaloo: Town reference for the Ningaloo section; actual reef sites depend on conditions.
- Montebello Islands: Archipelago reference for the final exploration days.
Map references checked 9 October 2026: Abrolhos reference · Steep Point · Coral Bay · Montebello Islands · Dampier · Operator route. Positions are for trip planning, not navigation.
True North prices: compare the correct vessel
| West Coast Explorer · 3–13 March 2027 | AUD per person | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Class | 25,995 | 10 nights, shared cabin |
| Ocean Premium | 28,995 | 10 nights, shared cabin |
| River Class | 31,995 | 10 nights, shared cabin |
| Explorer Class | 34,995 | 10 nights, shared cabin |
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.
What guests loved
In a Cruise Critic review of a July 2018 sailing, SusieDavison described a quiet, spacious middle-deck cabin, helpful crew and enjoyable activities. Her account is useful for understanding why cabin comfort can be a central part of choosing this type of expedition.
Another reviewer, bootja, described a November 2021 Coast and Coral trip positively, including the helicopter experience. That was a highlight of the reviewed voyage; scenic flights may be optional extras, and a helicopter is not carried on every programme.
What could be better
The available sample did not establish a specific recurring criticism. These older accounts are insufficient to assess current service or every departure.
When another boat might suit you better
A dedicated dive liveaboard may suit you better if your priority is several dives every day or the lowest cost per dive. True North’s tariff buys a wider adventure programme, with some activities charged separately. For Rowley Shoals, the ship assignment is especially important: the displayed five-night 2027 departures belong to True North II, while this guide covers the 50-metre True North.
True North adventure-cruise destinations
Official True North film presenting the operator’s adventure programme; not a promise of every activity on your departure. Watch on YouTube
True North FAQ
Is True North the same boat as True North II?
No. This page covers the 50-metre, 36-guest True North. True North II has separate specifications and departure pricing.
Does every True North cruise include scuba diving?
No. Choose a programme that explicitly includes diving, such as West Coast Explorer, and verify the actual departure. A sightseeing itinerary is not a substitute.
Are helicopter flights included?
Normally scenic flights are additional. The aircraft is not carried on every programme, and flights depend on conditions.
Can a non-diver enjoy the trip?
Yes, the wider adventure programme is a central attraction. Check snorkelling, fishing and shore activities for your route rather than expecting a separate daily programme everywhere.
Which cabin suits friends who want separate beds?
Explorer and River categories have convertible king/twin arrangements. Ocean Class has twins, while Ocean Premium layouts vary. Have the precise bed setup confirmed.
Is scuba equipment included?
Cylinders and weight belts are supplied on dive itineraries. Personal equipment should be brought or limited rental arranged ahead; do not assume a complete rental set or Nitrox is included.
Where does the ten-night West Coast Explorer finish?
Dampier, with an onward transfer to Karratha described by the operator. It does not finish in Broome.
Can I use the five-night Rowley Shoals fare for this boat?
Not without checking the vessel. The displayed 2027 five-night departures are assigned to True North II.
What should I confirm before paying?
Vessel, exact cabin, itinerary, diving suitability, visitor fees, optional flights, rental equipment, payment and cancellation conditions, and remote-activity insurance.
See True North dates and availability
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Been aboard? Share your experience
Your travel date, cabin and route help other divers put a review in context. Tell us what you enjoyed and what could have been better.
Editorial details checked 9 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a new firsthand inspection aboard.
Where does this liveaboard dive boat go?
Check out the fabulous places where this dive boat travels to.
Note: some destinations may not be listed below, please enquire for more details.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is one of the anchors of the Coral Triangle. Its remote location, low industrialization and mainly self sufficient population gives divers pristine conditions.
Townsville
Townsville combines Great Barrier Reef day trips, the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef and access to the SS Yongala wreck. Magnetic Island adds a nearby island stay. Choose the reef/art trip for a mixed party; choose Yongala only after checking the operator’s experience requirements.
destination of the monthKomodo Island
Diving in Komodo Islands is all about action! It is BIG fishes land! With wonderful coral, it is just incredible diving all year round.
Wakatobi
Wakatobi has some of the finest coral in the world, amazing biodiversity and one of the best places in the world for macro photography! On the right day, the visibility can be outstanding!
Raja Ampat
Richest Reef in the World, Amazing Biodiversity, Wonderful Coral, perfect place for underwater photography.
Gili Islands, Lombok
Diving in Gili islands is great for swimming with Turtles! It can also be a great spot to take your next diving course as the dives here are relatively cheap.
Lembeh Strait
Best Muck Diving in the World! One of the Best spot in the World for Macro Underwater Photography. Amazing Biodiversity!
Bunaken, Manado
Diving in Bunaken is just fantastic for wall Diving, Coral gardens, endless visibility, incredible biodiversity. Also staying on an isolated island is something really special to experience!
Tulamben
One of the best Wreck Dives in the World!!! And the most easy for sure, 30m from the Shore and starts at 4m deep! Fantastic Marine life and great Coral!
Pemutaran, Lovina
No current, Good visibility, unusual Marine Life and one of the BEST Diving sites around Bali for Muck Diving: Puri Jati (P.J.).
Padang Bai
Night Diving, Underwater Macro Photography, Resident Whitetip Reef Sharks, Huge green Turtles, and crystal clear water! Also a great Snorkelling spot!
Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island is famous worldwide for Wall diving with small caverns to explore. The reef and Coral are also great. A very nice wooden wreck from the 19th century: Anker Wreck.
Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan
One of the best spots in the world to see the rare Mola Mola and the graceful Manta Rays! Big fishes and action with lots of sharks. Very good Visibility and stunning Coral.
Candidasa
It is all about action! Big pelagic fishes, hunting action in the current, and many Sharks! Regular seeing of Hammerhead Sharks and Mola Mola!
Bali
Diving in Bali is simply amazing as you will see both an incredible array of marine life and plenty of wrecks. Indeed, Bali's underwater world will expose you to meet interesting critters, fishes of all sizes and mantas rays among others! Plus, scuba diving in Bali means being all in for stunning underwater visibility and great opportunities for drift diving. !
Indonesia
From Bali's volcanic shores to Raja Ampat's coral gardens, discover Indonesia's wrecks, walls, manta encounters and remarkable macro life. Choose your region around the season, your experience and the diving you love.
Amed
Magnificent coral, no current, relaxed and easy diving, possibilities for night diving, good place for underwater macro photography, and a great snorkelling spot.
Cairns
Cairns is a practical base for Great Barrier Reef day boats, learn-to-dive courses and liveaboards. Depending on your time, your budget, and your diving certification you can dive in many places around Cairns. Choose nearby outer reefs for a short visit, or a northern Ribbon Reefs/Coral Sea itinerar
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a long reef system off Queensland, not a single dive site. Choose Cairns for the largest range of reef boats and northern liveaboards, Port Douglas for Agincourt day trips, Townsville for MOUA and Yongala access, or the Whitsundays for island holidays and Hardy Reef.
Ningaloo Reef
The Ningaloo Reef is located on the stunning West Coast of Australia. Choose Exmouth for the North West Cape and Coral Bay for a compact reef holiday farther south. This is a fringing-reef destination with shore snorkelling, boat dives and seasonal wildlife trips; it is not part of the Great Barrier
Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a small, beautiful coastal town of North Queensland famous for its beach and reef life. Its main diving choice is a day boat to the Agincourt reef system, with the Daintree area close enough for a separate land day. Do not confuse this with a liveaboard expedition to Cod Hole or Ospr
Australia
From the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo to southern wrecks and seadragons, Australia rewards choosing a region and season that suit the diving you love.
Whitsunday Islands
When diving in the Whitsunday Islands you have two possibilities: the local spots or going further out on the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach is the mainland base, while Hamilton Island offers a resort-and-airport alternative. Decide whether you want island sailing with some snorkelling or a trip d
- If you have been diving on board this liveaboard dive boat in Australia & Indonesia & Papua New Guinea, please share your review and let us know what you thought. Please post your comments in the review section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next diving trip
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