Coastal Adventures: Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Envision, tropical days paddling through calm, warm waters, or lounging under palms on sandy beaches on a tropical island. Rise early for rainforest walks if you wish, or sleep in and join a late-morning snorkel over secluded coral gardens away from the crowds. Afternoons are spent drifting in a kayak, hiking coastal trails or discovering quiet corners rich in wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a tropical cocktail and a share plate featuring the region’s finest produce. Your escape brings together moments of stillness, sea, and salt, with space to roam, reset, reconnect and reveal the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights
• Snorkel and dive vibrant reefs at Geranium Passage, with opportunities to spot turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and colourful coral species.
• Swim, kayak or paddleboard in island waters, or relax on white-sand beaches with time for beachcombing and sunbathing.
• Enjoy guided and self-paced hikes through rainforest trails, coastal lookouts, and scenic beaches on Hinchinbrook and Dunk Islands.
• Watch for unique wildlife, including dugongs and dolphins, as well as the elusive southern cassowary and vibrant birdlife, such as the blue banksia, which can only be found on Hinchinbrook Island.
• Savour regional flavours with shared plate dining, sunset BBQ, and tastings of local seafood and tapas-style dining with ocean views.
Join us as our adventure starts in the early afternoon, when we set off for Sudbury Cay. Here we will have a peaceful start to our voyage with sunset drinks on a secluded sandbar.
Savour locally crafted tapas, enjoy the stunning view and meet your fellow passengers as the sun sets over the water. Afterwards, join in for some stargazing on the Skydeck.
We have the day to explore the diverse landscapes of Hinchinbrook Island, also known as Munamudanamy, where mangroves, beaches, and rainforest await. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and the endangered dugong while exploring the island’s trails and beaches. Join a guided hike to Shepherd Bay or enjoy a peaceful beachcombing session along Cape Richards.
Recommendation: Take a guided walk through Hinchinbrook’s diverse landscapes of eucalypt forests, mangroves, and melaleuca woodlands.
Geranium Passage boasts some of the most pristine reefs in the region, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. Explore the vibrant underwater world of Yamacutta Reef, thriving with leopard coral grouper, emperor red snapper, turtles, manta rays and occasionally reef sharks. Very few people get the opportunity to visit here, providing you with ample space to explore.
Recommendation: Opt for a guided snorkel tour to see the vibrant marine life up close, or relax on the Skydeck and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Today, enjoy flexibility as you explore Dunk Island and Mission Beach, with our Xplorer running to and from both locations throughout the day. On Dunk Island, you can take guided or unguided walks to Mt Koolatoo, Muggy Muggy Beach, or Coconut Beach, or simply relax with beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, or stand-up paddleboarding. For those seeking adventure, explore the village of Mission Beach or venture into Djiru National Park to spot the southern cassowary.
Recommendation: Slow the pace with ‘Island time’ on the beautiful Dunk Island, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Grab a picnic lunch from our purser and enjoy some peaceful moments on sandy shores.
Arrive back in Cairns in time for breakfast and final farewells. Disembarkation at 8:00am.
Recommendation: For those who’ve had a taste of the Great Barrier Reef and want to dive deeper, we offer a connecting 7-night expedition that explores the outer reefs and islands, revealing more of the region’s hidden gems. Discover more about our Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade B Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
|
Book now |
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade B Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
|
Book now |
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade B Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)
Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016
Coral Discoverer is a small expedition yacht purpose-built for navigating remote and rarely accessed regions of Australia, including Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley. Designed for adventure, she offers an intimate and immersive experience for just 72 guests, with all staterooms facing outwards and public areas showcasing sweeping ocean views. Thanks to her shallow draught, active stabilisers, and advanced navigation systems, Coral Discoverer can access destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with single-seating dining, showcasing small-batch Australian cuisine, and a sundeck bar ideal for sunset drinks. The vessel also features an Xplorer tender for all-passenger shore excursions, zodiacs, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a lecture lounge for expert presentations.
Accommodation includes five stateroom categories, from the spacious Bridge Deck Balcony rooms to cosy Main Deck options, all featuring ensuites and ocean views. Life onboard combines comfort with exploration: guests enjoy over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, a wraparound promenade, and access to the bridge. The atmosphere is informal yet refined, with no assigned seating, included drinks with meals, and a focus on Australian hospitality. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and facilities include a library, gift shop, and laundry service. With a dedicated Australian and New Zealand crew, Coral Discoverer delivers a truly local and enriching expedition experience.
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
• Snorkelling equipment – On selected voyages only where snorkelling is available
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights – Please note on some of our international voyages we do have charter flights as an option. This can be included in the cruise fare price, this information will be listed under each itinerary
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
• Premium Internet services
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is approximately $890 per person. Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers. Helicopter flights are booked once onboard, with a 24hr cancellation policy. – Please note this in on our Kimberley voyage only
• Scuba Diving – Optional extra on selected voyages only
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
