From $10,450 per person
7 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
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<h2 style="text-align: center;" data-start="121" data-end="387"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-55951 aligncenter" src="https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-300x26.png" alt="" width="439" height="38" srcset="https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-300x26.png 300w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-1024x87.png 1024w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-150x13.png 150w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-768x65.png 768w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-1536x131.png 1536w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./AGS_LOGO_LIN_SC_BLACK_RGB-2048x174.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 439px) 100vw, 439px"></h2>
<p data-start="121" data-end="387">This December, be one of only 60 Citizen Researchers on our limited-edition voyage — <em data-start="212" data-end="257">Coral Futures: A Citizen Science Expedition</em>. This is a rare chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef in the company of some of Australia’s most respected scientific minds.
<p class="" data-start="389" data-end="614">In partnership with <em data-start="409" data-end="432">Australian Geographic</em>, 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.
<p class="" data-start="616" data-end="1050">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 <em data-start="793" data-end="815">Forever Reef Project</em>, <em data-start="817" data-end="830">Coral Watch</em>, and <em>Tangaroa Blue Clean up.</em> 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.
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<p style="text-align: center;" data-start="616" data-end="1050"><span style="color: #00234b;"><strong>Part of Your Fare Supports Reef Preservation Through the Forever Reef Project</strong></span>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Highlights</h2>
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<li>The opportunity to witness and learn about the spectacular annual coral spawning during the full moon.</li>
<li class="" data-start="144" data-end="227">Swim, snorkel, and dive and witness vibrant marine life and explore giant clam gardens with marine experts.</li>
<li class="" data-start="228" data-end="304">Take part in Citizen Science monitoring programs like Mangrove and Coral Watch.</li>
<li class="" data-start="305" data-end="385">Help Marine Scientists with surveys and rapid coral health assessments.</li>
<li class="" data-start="386" data-end="452">Hike Lizard Island and spot nesting turtles along the beaches.</li>
<li class="" data-start="453" data-end="523">Learn about the ocean’s seafloor with bathymetrist Dr Robin Beaman.</li>
<li class="" data-start="524" data-end="589">Enjoy sundowners on a remote sand cay or uninhabited island.</li>
<li class="" data-start="590" data-end="668">Visit Port Douglas’ coral biobank with founder, Dean Miller – The world’s first living coral library.</li>
<li class="" data-start="669" data-end="743">Become a Coral Expeditions Citizen Researcher and receive an exclusive limited-edition commemorative jacket.</li>
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<blockquote><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-56827 size-full" src="https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/Future_Reef_Aus_Geo.png" alt="" width="1024" height="400" srcset="https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/Future_Reef_Aus_Geo.png 1024w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./Future_Reef_Aus_Geo-300x117.png 300w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./Future_Reef_Aus_Geo-150x59.png 150w, https://media.coralexpeditions.com/media/./Future_Reef_Aus_Geo-768x300.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></blockquote>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">Your expert hosts—renowned scientists, educators, naturalists, and photographers</h2>
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Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
Depart Cairns
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 (Dyiigurra) for the Tangaroa Blue Project
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
Stanley Island (Yindayin)
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
Ribbon Reef #9
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
Sudbury Cay & Moore Reef
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.
Fitzroy Island
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.
Port Douglas
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
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