Whales and Trails of Western Australia - Small Ship Cruise
Long-awaited return to the remarkable Melanesian Islands through Papua New Guinea, the hidden Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu's ancient customs and traditions.
Highlights
• Daily lectures and briefings from experts of the region
• Locally sourced produce & beverage package
• Excursions designed by our product developers
• Voyage diary with curated photo and video highlights
Arrive at Fremantle Berth C for boarding at 4:00pm, with time to settle into your stateroom. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. As dusk falls join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Meet the Whadjuk Noongar people, who have been on this land for over 30,000 years and join a guided walk to learn about seasonal life, culture, and welcome ceremony. Join a guided walk on the Wadjemup Bidi trails. Whale-watching hotspots on this stop include Cape Vlamingh and West End (conditions permitting).
Enjoy flexible exploration of Eagle Bay with two full days to walk Cape-to-Cape trail, with several opportunities to walk short, medium and long trails. In the afternoon, relax with sunset drinks as we cruise past Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.
Optional Extra: Whale-watching charter from Dunsborough (additional cost) offers closer and additional encounters.
Unwind after busy days ashore with time to relax on deck or in your stateroom. Join guest lectures from regional experts, enjoy a hosted wine tasting, and watch for whales from the ship as we cruise along the coast. Evenings bring good company, fine food, and the chance to slow down.
Discover Western Australia’s oldest colonial town, rich with Minang Noongar heritage and maritime history. Learn how whaling shaped Albany’s past, then in free time explore bicentenary exhibitions, galleries, and cultural events. Stroll through wildflower displays and uncover stories linking land, sea, and community.
Walk the Point Ann Heritage Trail, or hike Mamang Trail and watch for whales from ashore and Xplorer tenders. Southern right whales are known to frequent in the area due to the sheltered bay. Enjoy snorkelling or kayak if conditions allow.
Cheynes Beach is another hub for southern right whales, as well as various other marine species from early winter to late spring. Here, learn about groundbreaking whale migration research and the Mirnong Maat tagging project. On land, search for rare birdlife like the elusive noisy scrub-bird and join a coastal walk into the Arpenteur Nature Reserve.
Wander beneath towering karri trees, the third tallest in the world on a guided loop walk through the Boranup Forest. During Kambarang, the ‘season of rebirth’, the forest bursts to life with wildflowers.
As one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements, Busselton is a hub for food, wines and spirits. Ride the small train or walk the iconic 1.8km jetty, explore heritage trails, art, and markets, or enjoy local produce at a cafe. With free time to wander, discover a vibrant coastal hub rich in culture and history.
This morning we arrive into the Port of Fremantle, C Berth, at 7:00am before disembarking at 8:00am. Post-cruise transfers will be provided to Perth Airport and CBD hotels in Fremantle and Perth.
Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
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Book now |
Coral Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Vessel Type: Expedition
Passenger Capacity: 120
Built: 2020
Coral Geographer is the newest and most advanced vessel in the Coral Expeditions fleet, launched in 2021 and designed to reach some of the world’s most remote and untouched destinations. Purpose-built for expedition cruising, she carries a maximum of 120 guests and offers a refined yet relaxed onboard atmosphere. With a shallow draught and cutting-edge navigation systems, Coral Geographer can access secluded bays, island shores, and small coastal villages in destinations such as Australia’s Kimberley, South and West Coasts, as well as international voyages to New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, and beyond. Her twin Xplorer tenders and fleet of zodiacs enable seamless shore excursions, while open deck spaces and Indigenous Australian artwork throughout the ship enhance the connection to land and culture.
All staterooms are outward-facing with private ensuites, and most include balconies, including six spacious Bridge Deck Suites with outside-facing bathrooms and horizon baths. Life onboard centres around exploration, comfort, and connection — from single-seating dining with fresh small-batch meals, to lectures and briefings in the lounge, to sunset drinks at the Explorer Bar. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a gym, library, lift access between decks, and welcoming Australian hospitality. Coral Geographer is a modern expedition ship that combines world-class capabilities with the personal touch of small-ship cruising.
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
Expedition
Our Associates Include
