ocean-cruise
Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef
From $10,490 per person
10 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
From $10,490 per person
10 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
Depart Brisbane
Arrive at Brisbane’s International Cruise Terminal at 10:00am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our departure. Today you will meet your guest lecturers, Expedition Team and receive an overview of the scientific survey activities ahead. 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.
Lady Elliot Island
Join your Expedition Team and guest lecturers for an introduction to citizen science and species identification. Then, spend the next day and a half exploring the vibrant biodiversity of Lady Elliot Island—a renowned marine sanctuary home to over 1,200 marine species. Enjoy opportunities to snorkel, dive, and take part in research initiatives such as Project Manta, a leading manta ray research program. Learn how scientists identify and track these gentle giants by their unique markings, then head into the water to snorkel or dive alongside them while contributing to ongoing marine surveys.
Mon Repos
Visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre to learn about the endangered loggerhead turtles’ life cycle on a ranger-guided excursion. Then, at Monsoon Aquatics, dive into coral conservation, exploring innovative restoration techniques that protect reef ecosystems for future generations.
Wistari Reef
Snorkel and dive Wistari Reef, a biodiversity hotspot in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Join expert-led discussions on reef resilience, climate change, and marine conservation. If conditions allow, explore the reef from a glass-bottom boat for a unique underwater perspective.
Scawfell Island
Enjoy a day at Scawfell Island’s secluded cove. Beachcomb along pristine shores, kayak its coastline, or take a glass-bottom boat tour. Weather permitting, gather for beach drinks and a BBQ under the stars, soaking in the island’s natural beauty and abundant marine life.
Cid Harbour / Langford Island
Choose between two scenic hikes: the Dugong-Sawmill track, offering insights into the island’s ecology, or the Whitsunday Peak trail, leading to breathtaking panoramic views. If conditions limit hiking, your Expedition Team will offer alternative activities.
In the afternoon, snorkel or dive in some of the Whitsundays’ best reef sites, selected based on conditions. Visit Langford Island for a guided walk to its lookout, where keen botanists may spot the rare Whitsunday Bottle Tree amid the island’s rich flora.
Museum of Underwater Art / John Brewer Reef
Dive or snorkel John Brewer Reef, home to the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). Explore Jason deCaires Taylor’s iconic underwater sculptures and learn how they aid reef restoration. Continue marine surveys while spotting turtles and rays in the surrounding lagoon.
Yamacutta Reef
Explore the thriving coral ecosystem of Yamacutta Reef, a haven for marine life. On a previous voyage, guests identified a new resident manta ray—will we spot it again? Continue marine monitoring efforts to contribute valuable data to citizen science programs.
Fitzroy Island
Hike through Fitzroy Island’s lush rainforest, climb to the lighthouse for panoramic Coral Sea views, or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Snorkel fringing reefs, relax on white-sand beaches, or explore the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat.
Sudbury Cay
In the afternoon, arrive at a remote sand cay where the Coral Sea gently meets soft, powder-white shores. Snorkel, dive, or explore the vibrant reef from a glass-bottom boat. As the sun begins to set, share twilight drinks with fellow travellers, then gather for a final evening of good food, great company, and lasting memories.
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Coral Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition vessel offering an intimate, immersive experience in some of the world’s most remote and pristine coastal regions. Designed for exploration, comfort, and community, this 72-passenger ship provides a relaxed, Australian style of cruising with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and authentic engagement with nature and culture. With her shallow draught and maneuverable design, Coral Discoverer can access destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach, making her an ideal platform for expeditionary travel.
Launched in 2005 and extensively refurbished in 2016, Coral Discoverer combines robust expedition capabilities with understated elegance. The ship is equipped with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs and a unique Xplorer tender—a custom-built excursion vessel that launches directly from the ship’s stern. These assets allow for seamless shore landings and up-close encounters with hard-to-reach coastlines, coral reefs, and river systems.
Accommodations aboard Coral Discoverer are spacious and comfortable, with all 36 staterooms above deck and featuring ocean views. Categories include Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms, Promenade Deck Staterooms, and Main Deck Staterooms, each outfitted with modern furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities. The ship fosters a relaxed onboard atmosphere, with a single-seating dining room, open bridge policy, and informal dress code encouraging genuine connection among guests and crew.
The onboard culinary program highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional Australian wines, served in the open-plan dining room or on the sundeck during special alfresco meals. The ship’s communal spaces, including the lecture lounge, bar, library, and outdoor sun deck with a hot tub, create a warm, sociable environment that is a hallmark of Coral Expeditions.
Expedition experiences aboard Coral Discoverer are guided by a knowledgeable team of naturalists, marine biologists, and historians who lead excursions and deliver engaging onboard lectures. Whether exploring the Kimberley’s rugged gorges, Papua New Guinea’s cultural villages, or Tasmania’s wild coastlines, guests enjoy authentic encounters that deepen understanding and connection to the region.
With a focus on sustainability, Coral Discoverer is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems and adheres to strict environmental protocols, ensuring a minimal footprint in fragile ecosystems. The small group size and expert-led programming allow for a more personal and enriching voyage, far removed from the crowds of mainstream cruising.
Coral Discoverer offers a classic expedition cruise experience that blends the comfort of a small ship with the spirit of adventure. Her itineraries span Australia’s remote Kimberley region, the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific islands, and beyond—delivering meaningful travel in places of rare beauty and significance.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
