Coral Futures Expedition Presented by The Australian Geographic Society
This December, be one of only 60 Citizen Researchers on our limited-edition voyage — Coral Futures: A Citizen Science Expedition. This is a rare chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef in the company of some of Australia’s most respected scientific minds.
In partnership with Australian Geographic, this seven-day journey blends adventure, discovery, and purpose. It’s a hands-on mission to understand, protect, and preserve one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
From snorkelling vibrant coral gardens to cruising remote mangrove channels, guests will take part in meaningful conservation work that supports real-world initiatives like the Forever Reef Project, Coral Watch, and Tangaroa Blue Clean up. You’ll survey coral colonies, learn about reef health, help document biodiversity, and witness firsthand the science behind reef restoration and preservation—all while soaking in the beauty and magic of the Reef. This voyage is designed for those who want to contribute to reef conservation and offers an accessible entry point into the important and often complex work of protecting the world’s largest reef system, all being guided by experts and supported by hands-on activities.
Highlights
• The opportunity to witness and learn about the spectacular annual coral spawning during the full moon.
• Swim, snorkel, and dive and witness vibrant marine life and explore giant clam gardens with marine experts.
• Take part in Citizen Science monitoring programs like Mangrove and Coral Watch.
• Help Marine Scientists with surveys and rapid coral health assessments.
• Hike Lizard Island and spot nesting turtles along the beaches.
• Learn about the ocean’s seafloor with bathymetrist Dr Robin Beaman.
• Enjoy sundowners on a remote sand cay or uninhabited island.
• Visit Port Douglas’ coral biobank with founder, Dean Miller – The world’s first living coral library.
• Become a Coral Expeditions Citizen Researcher and receive an exclusive limited-edition commemorative jacket.
Welcome aboard the Coral Discoverer. Step aboard at 4:00pm, ready to depart at 1700hrs, as your much-anticipated adventure begins. Meet your Australian Geographic hosts and join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks to toast the journey ahead.
Lizard Island is a tropical haven with fringing reefs and a turquoise lagoon. Hike to Cook’s Look, snorkel over giant clam gardens, relax on the beach, or try a shore dive. Join guided walks, explore by Glass Bottom Boat, and support the Tangaroa Blue Project—helping collect and catalogue marine debris, to stop litter at its source through smarter systems and behavior change.
Tonight, join nature photographer Brett as he shares practical tips and techniques for capturing the perfect wildlife and landscape shot.
– Lead by Brett Lobwein
Visit Stanley Island to view rare Endaen Aboriginal rock art showing the first sailing ships to Queensland. Back on board, learn about mangrove ecology and join Mangrove Watch surveys from Xplorers and zodiacs, led by expert Aus Geo hosts and our expedition team.
– Mangroves lecture lead by Murray Hunt
Dive or snorkel the vibrant Ribbon Reefs, known for stunning coral and marine life. With warm waters and excellent visibility, conditions are ideal. Our expert team tailors sites to suit all levels, while guests help collect Citizen Science data for a truly immersive reef experience.
– Citizen Science lecture lead by Andrew Ryan
Explore the vibrant waters of Moore Reef with a snorkel or dive among dazzling coral gardens and marine life. Later, unwind at remote Sudbury Cay —shoes off, toes in the sand, drink in hand—as the sun sets over the Coral Sea with fellow adventurers.
At Fitzroy Island, stroll through the Secret Garden rainforest or hike to the old lighthouse for stunning views. Snorkel the fringing reef, relax on the beach, and visit the Cairns Turtle Rehab Centre to meet volunteers helping rescue and release injured turtles.
Discover a region rich in gold rush history, sugar industry heritage, and natural beauty, nestled between reef and rainforest. Learn about the Forever Reef Project, preserving coral biodiversity for future generations, then in the afternoon, we welcome Dean’s expert team onboard where they will host hands-on coral activities. Enjoy some free time in Port Douglas, with laid-back village vibe before a special farewell dinner onboard.
Lead by The Forever Reef Project Founder Dean Miller
We’ll arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal with disembarkation at 8:30am. Post-cruise transfers to Cairns CBD and the airport are included. If you’re heading to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas, transfers can be arranged onboard with the Purser (at passenger cost), if not already booked before embarkation.
This 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. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
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Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade B 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
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• This Voyage includes one Pre-cruise night stay at the Pullman International (Cairns) on 3rd December 2025 and transfers to port on the day of the voyage.
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
