Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef

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.