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No Single Supplement!
CAIRNS - SUDBURY CAYBoard at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 10:00am Return Cruise
Trip Details
- Embarks
- CAIRNS - SUDBURY CAYBoard at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 10:00am
- Ship
- Coral Expeditions II
- Operator
- Coral Expeditions
This immersive itinerary has been designed to provide ample time to explore the Reef through snorkelling, Scuba diving and glass bottom boat tours. Enjoy sunset drinks on private Sudbury Cay, and sumptuous seafood buffet. Cruise through the Hinchinbrook Channel by glass bottom boat and wander along the Haven track, surrounded by mangroves. Spend time exploring the underwater worlds of Coates and Nathan Reefs, and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island – you may even be able to swim with a sea turtle just off the beach!
Enjoy presentations by the Marine Biologist, including interactive “touch and feel” presentations, where you can see the Reef’s endemic species and learn about the area’s unique eco-system and marine biodiversity.
- The complete Great Barrier Reef experience. Snorkel over colourful coral gardens, stroll golden sandy beaches and wander rainforest trails
- Secluded gourmet beach BBQ
- Experience the World Heritage-listed reef from our private moorings away from the tourist crowds
- Snorkel or dive at Nathan Reef or Coates Reef
- Be guided by an expert Marine Biologist on glass bottom boat and snorkelling tours
- Informative presentations and educational documentaries
- History and cultures of the region and early explorers
- See Indigenous middens as you walk the Haven Track
- Join an optional resort or certified SCUBA dive on the outer reef
Itinerary
Great Barrier Reef – 3 night expedition cruise in the beautiful Australian tropics
- Embark: Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 10:00am for 11:00am departure.
- Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 1:30pm.
DAY 1: CAIRNS - SUDBURY CAY
Board at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 10:00am, and cruise Trinity Bay. Visit Sudbury Reef, and enjoy snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours and optional Scuba diving. Finish the day with sunset drinks ashore on the deserted sandy cay.
DAY 2: HINCHINBROOK CHANNEL AND DUNK ISLAND
Cruise the majestic Hinchinbrook Channel whilst enjoying a top deck breakfast in the sunshine. Look for wildlife during a mangrove tour. Stretch your legs on Dunk Island, with a hike up Mt Kootaloo or a beach walk. With the aid of your guides, you may spot the electric blue Ulysses butterfly.
DAY 3: NATHAN REEF AND COATES REEF
Discover Nathan Reef on a guided snorkel: this reef is teeming with abundant fish life, including clown fish and Maori Wrasse. Later, visit colourful Coates Reef – see plate corals and parrot fish during an optional SCUBA dive, or stay dry and view marine life from the comfort of the Glass Bottom Boat, with expert interpretation by your on-board marine biologist.
DAY 4: FITZROY ISLAND AND CAIRNS
Enjoy a rainforest walk or a hike to the lighthouse. Snorkel over fringing reef and swim with Green Sea Turtles, before learning all about them during a visit to the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Return to Cairns to disembark at 1:30pm.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
3 nights not long enough? Check out the 7 night itinerary on offer!
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- All excursions and sightseeing
- Use of Glass Bottom Boat and inflatable tender vessels
- Daily lectures and briefings
- Small-batch meals prepared by our chef
- Snorkelling and introductory scuba skills session, with equipment
- Post-cruise transfers to the Airport or CBD
- All coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports*
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT!
On the Great Barrier Reef voyages, genuine single travellers can travel at the twin-share rate in a room for their sole use with no single supplement. Limited sole use occupancy available.
3 nights not long enough? Check out the 7 night itinerary on offer!
Accommodation
CORAL EXPEDITIONS II
Purpose-built for the reef!
At just 35 metres in length and hosting 42 guests, Coral Expeditions II is the ideal small ship for discovering the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Small enough to allow snorkelling directly from the ship, yet equipped with the facilities of a much larger vessel, your cruise aboard Coral Expeditions II will be truly memorable.
Refurbished in 2015, Coral Expeditions II is fully equipped for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef cruising experience and is the ideal size to access the very best parts of the Great Barrier Reef. The 22 onboard rooms feature traditional maritime styling with wood-panelled walls. You can choose between double and twin bedded rooms, each equipped with a private en-suite, air conditioning and ample storage space. All rooms feature large picture windows, allowing you to always have a view of the spectacular scenery.
The ship’s spacious lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink from the cocktail bar. It also features a reference library and plasma screens. The large Sun Deck is another popular place to relax or sunbathe, with comfortable deck chairs and teak furnishings. You will enjoy the opportunity to dine al fresco under the stars on the Great Barrier Reef.
Coral Expeditions II operates an open bridge policy, allowing you to spend time with the Captain and his maritime crew as we cruise. Follow our progression on the ship’s charts and chat with the Captain, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Coral Expeditions II is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment.
Common questions about this voyage
Whats not included?
What about the Environmental Management Charge on itineraries that include the Great Barrier Reef?
Since the 1st April 1998, the Australian Government has levied an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) on Tourist Operators for all visitors over 4 years of age travelling to the Great Barrier Reef and its environs.
The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $19.50 per person will be automatically added to your onboard account by for settlement prior to disembarkation. Please note the EMC charge is subject to change annually.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has the responsibility for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef. Funds raised by the EMC are being used to ensure the continued sustainability of the “Reef” and its environs for future generations.
What should I pack?
We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.
Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?
Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
****Guests travelling together who elect to travel in single rooms will be required to pay a 25% surcharge.
