Citizen Science of The Great Barrier Reef - 11 Day Cruise

Arrive at Brisbane Cruise Terminal, Hamilton at 8:00am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. There will be a light breakfast available upon boarding. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard and mingle with fellow guests and crew before Captain’s Welcome Drinks this evening.

Located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay which serves as a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life. Situated in the ‘green zone’ the island is protected and hosts Project Manta – the research program run by the University of Queensland. Since 2007, Project Manta has been closely monitoring the biology and ecology of the manta rays here. Each manta ray has unique ventral markings, similar to a human fingerprint, and photo-identification of these markings are a primary method of observing the population. On our visit here, learn about Lady Elliot Island’s pivotal role in Project Manta and enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, diving and citizen science activities.

Visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre, the only ranger-guided turtle encounter opportunity on the east-coast and key researcher in turtle conservation, specifically the endangered Loggerhead turtles that frequent the Mon Repos beach. Explore the conservation park and learn all about the wildlife conservation activities that take place here. On a ranger guided excursion, you can witness an ancient life cycle of the animal kingdom as majestic sea turtles make their journey to the shore to lay their eggs and then delight at the sight of their young, hatching weeks later, and making their perilous journey to the sea.

On this day of the expedition, guests will participate in a Citizen Science monitoring program focused on developing a deeper understanding of coral reef systems. Through snorkeling and diving at Wistari reef, you’ll explore the impacts of climate change and human activity on the resilience of these delicate ecosystems. If conditions are favorable, there will be guided tours of the reef from our glass bottom boats. There will be opportunities to continue monitoring and logging sightings both in the marine and shoreside environments.

After a morning at sea, guests will enjoy a variety of engaging activities in the stunning, sheltered cove of the protected Scawfell Island. Start your day by beachcombing along the pristine shoreline. Take advantage of kayaking and a tour on a glass-bottom boat, where you can explore the island’s coastline and learn about its natural wonders. Weather permitting, we’ll gather for beach drinks and a BBQ on either the beach or the Vista Deck, surrounded by the island’s tranquil beauty. Water activities are easily accessible from the beach, offering opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. Keep an eye out for turtles, with the possibility of spotting their tracks on the beach, and the graceful stingrays that glide through the shallow waters.

At Cid Harbour, guests will have the option to choose between two scenic walking routes, each offering a unique experience of this beautiful location. For a leisurely pace, take the easy trail along the coastline, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and learn about the local environment from our Expedition Team. For those seeking more of a challenge, the uphill trail leads to a stunning viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the harbor and surrounding islands. Please note that due to the presence of sharks in the area, there will be no swimming, snorkeling, or diving at this location. Instead, we recommend a glass-bottom boat tour, where you can safely observe the abundant marine life, including the many sea turtles that frequent these waters. Throughout your visit, our Expedition Team will provide local interpretation, enriching your understanding of the area’s natural and cultural significance. Back on board, guests will work with Guest Lecturer and Expedition on identifying, verifying and submitting collected data to the various monitoring programs.

Also known as the ‘coral greenhouse’, John Brewer Reef is in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The reef is notably home to the largest Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) installation with the first underwater building created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. The display aims to aid in the education of reef restoration and allow for a unique learning opportunity through snorkelling or diving the installation. Divers will have the opportunity to explore the display, while snorkellers will enjoy time at the lagoon and reef where turtles and rays are commonly present. Here we will continue our monitoring and survey activities.

On this day at Hedley Reef, guests will have the unique opportunity to contribute to the Australian Institute of Marine Science Reef Coral Monitoring program. Last surveyed in 2020, this program plays a crucial role in tracking the health and changes in coral reef ecosystems. Your participation will aid in providing valuable data for ongoing research and conservation efforts. In addition to your contribution, you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour, offering a fascinating view of the reef’s underwater world without getting wet. For those who wish to dive deeper, snorkeling and diving opportunities will allow you to explore the vibrant coral formations and marine life up close. This immersive experience combines hands-on science with the natural beauty of Hedley Reef, enhancing both your understanding and appreciation of these vital marine environments.

At Fitzroy Island, enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest, or for the more adventurous, a walk to the de-commissioned lighthouse will reward hikers with panoramic views of Coral Sea, islands and mainland mountain ranges. Visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, a passionate non-profit organization dedicated to the care of sick and injured turtles. Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach or enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat if conditions are favorable.

Sudbury Cay is a small sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea and is far removed from the bustle of civilisation. Here 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. We have an opportunity to enjoy snorkelling, diving and a glass bottom boat tour. Weather permitting, surrounded by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, we enjoy sunset drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon.

Arrive in Cairns at 8:00am this morning. Say a fond farewell to fellow guests and crew as our expedition comes to an end with enhanced knowledge and new memories to treasure from this rare expedition experience.

Post-cruise transfers to Cairns CBD and airport are available while transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser prior to disembarkation.

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. 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.