Great Barrier Reef Expedition Cruise - Lizard Island, Fitzroy Island, the Daintree, Cooktown and more!

• Embark: Check in at 2:00pm at the Pullman International, before boarding at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.
• Disembark: Arrive in Cairns at 7:30am and disembark at 8:00am

Day 1: Depart Cairns

Arrive at Cairns Pullman International Hotel at 2:00 pm for  SailSAFE Check-in. A transfer from here to the ship is provided. Board at 4:00pm where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captains Welcome Drinks.

Fitzroy Island

At Fitzroy Island enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or for the more adventurous, a walk to the de-commissioned lighthouse rewards hikers with panoramic views of Coral Sea, islands and mainland mountain ranges.

Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and there may be an opportunity tolend a hand to the volunteers at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.

Sudbury Cay

Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from the bustle of civilisation, we slip off our shoes and feel the sand between our toes as the tropical waters of the Coral Sea lap gently against the shoreline. Surrounded by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, we enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon.

*Sudbury Cay only accessible on Coral Discoverer departures.

Mackay Reef & Cay

Relax on picturesque Mackay Cay and enjoy snorkelling the pristine reef that surrounds it. Mackay Reef is a mid-shelf platform reef, with vibrant hard and soft corals abound. The northern side enjoys additional protection from the cay, making it the perfect playground for turtles. A giant clam garden also resides in the area, with some clams growing as big as 1.2m, all with their own unique colours and patterns.

On a clear day, from the cay you can look back at the mainland to see tall mountains covered in UNESCO world heritage Daintree rainforest. You can see Cape Tribulation and Mount Sorrow as named by Captain Cook during his eventful sail through the Great Barrier Reef. The Kuku Yalangi tribe are the traditional owners of this region and have lived in harmony with the environment for over 50,000 years. Dream time stories explain the unique shape of Mount Peter Bot.

*Mackay Reef & Cay only accessible on Coral Discoverer departures.

Cooktown

Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artefacts are on display.

Later, we cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.

Lizard Island

We spend a whole day at Lizard Island where there is time to hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watson’s Bay, relax on the white-sand beach beneath shady she oak trees and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson.

There may be an opportunity to visit Lizard Island Research Station, operated by the Australian Museum to facilitate coral reef research and education on the Great Barrier Reef.

Stanley Island

Go ashore at Stanley Island and walk to an aboriginal rock art gallery. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location, and shows unique examples of contact period rock art. Later depending on tides, we will go ashore at Cape Melville, a remote national park characterised by the massive, tumbled boulders of the Melville range. This area is known as Othawa to the aboriginal traditional owners.

*Stanley Island only available on Coral Geographer departures.

Osprey Reef

One of the world’s best dive sites, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain which rises from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, it draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls.Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough.  The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover.  Here we will spend time in the water exploring the 30m deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis.

Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and our visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

Ribbon Reefs

The Ribbon Reefs are a narrow line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf and are renowned for their prolific marine life and extensive coral species. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive on the Ribbon Reefs which sit on the edge of the continental shelf.

Due to their location far offshore from the Australian coast, the Ribbon Reefs offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities with Ribbon Reef #9 a favourite for its wide variety of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral. Join a guided snorkel tour led by our expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for spotting iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks and turtles.

Visit Ribbon Reefs #9 & #10 onboard Coral Discoverer, and #3 & #5 on Coral Geographer.

Day 8: Arrive Cairns

Our Great Barrier Reef adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.

Note: *Tours of the Lizard Island Research Station are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed due to operational considerations.

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.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• 2 November 2022
• 9 November 2022
• 16 November 2022
• 23 November 2022

• Main Deck (Category B) from $4,890 per person twin share only
• Main Deck (Category A) from $5,380 per person twin share only
• Promenade Deck (Category B) from $8,805 sole use only
• Promenade Deck (Category A) from $6,360 per person twin share only
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom from $6,850 per person twin share

• 7 November 2023
• 14 November 2023
• 21 November 2023
• 28 November 2023

• Main Deck (Category B) from $5,240 per person twin share only
• Main Deck (Category A) from $5,700 per person twin share only
• Promenade Deck (Category B) from $8,880 sole use only
• Promenade Deck (Category A) from $6,610 per person twin share only
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom from $8,210 per person twin share

• 11 November 2024
• 18 November 2024
• 25 November 2024

• Main Deck (Category B) from $5,340 per person twin share only
• Main Deck (Category A) from $5,810 per person twin share only
• Promenade Deck (Category B) from $9,060 sole use only
• Promenade Deck (Category A) from $6,740 per person twin share only
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom from $8,370 per person twin share

Call our Brisbane-based travel team on 1300 414 198 (for the cost of a local call anywhere within Australia) to secure your preferred departure date.

Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere.

The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer took cruising with Coral Expeditions to a new level. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities.

Before you sail, you will also receive detailed pre-departure documents providing a range of information on your packing, your destination, and your ship.

What level of fitness is required?

A cruise with Coral Expeditions is suitable for guests of all fitness levels, however a reasonable level of mobility is required to travel and enjoy all your cruise itinerary has to offer. All guests should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. Hikes and walks do vary in intensity and where possible groups will be split to suit easy and moderate walkers. For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required.

You will need to climb into and out of zodiacs and other excursion tenders for excursions ashore: there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Although the Coral Adventurer features a lift, it is still essential that all guests have reasonable agility to use the steep stairways between decks. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

Getting on and off the ship for shore excursions?

Your small ship is equipped with a fleet of excursion tenders to make travelling ashore as simple and comfortable as possible. The unique excursion tender ‘Xplorer’ ensure that even the least intrepid adventurer can explore ashore with ease. Our excursion boats board directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, avoiding the need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.

The unique Xplorer tenders, comfortably appointed with shading and onboard toilet facilities, enable penetration inland, with explorations up shallow rivers and streams, to waterfalls and other amazing landscapes. Our inflatable Zodiacs and kayaks enable guests an up-close-and-personal view of reefs, islands and atolls and allow peaceful explorations to out of the way places.

Tipping not required:

Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On this vessel, your crew has no other agenda than your delight.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?

While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

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 onboard 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.

Can I get my laundry done during my trip?

Laundry services are available onboard the Coral Adventurer, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, please ask the hospitality staff if you require an iron and ironing board.

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.