Science & Conservation on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Expeditions

Cruise Itinerary

Join Coral Expeditions on board Coral Discoverer for an extraordinary expedition spanning over 700 nautical miles of the Great Barrier Reef that blends remarkable wildlife encounters, access to remote islands, cays and meaningful connections with custodians and guardians of the reef.

Your journey begins in Bundaberg with an inspiring experience at the Mon Repos Turtle Conservation Centre. From there, we set sail to pristine Lady Elliot Island to meet researchers from the renowned Project Manta, learn about species conservation and monitoring, and snorkel or dive in its exceptional marine environment. Explore the remote, secluded beaches of the Cumberland Group, including Scawfell and Brampton Islands, with opportunities for coastal walks, wildlife encounters and time in the water. On Magnetic Island, share a special cultural experience with the Wulgurukaba Elders, gaining insights into ancient traditions and the enduring connection between people, sea and Country.

Over the final days, we cruise north to the idyllic tropical haven of Dunk Island for swimming, snorkelling, nature hikes and a sunset event on the sand, before continuing to Port Douglas to witness conservation in action with tours of the Forever Reef Coral Biobank precinct.

Step beyond the ordinary and experience the Great Barrier Reef through an educational and immersive expedition designed for curious explorers. Travel alongside reef experts as you snorkel vibrant coral gardens, encounter incredible marine wildlife, and visit remote island destinations while participating in real conservation and research activities. Designed for inquisitive adventurers, this unique voyage offers the chance to learn, discover, and make a meaningful contribution while experiencing the Reef from a perspective few travellers ever see.

Day 1: Bundaberg | Turtle Sands Resort
Meet your Expedition team at Bundaberg Airport at 4:00pm for a group transfer to Turtle Sands. Independent arrivals may make their own way to Turtle Sands to check in from 2:00pm onwards.

Settle in and enjoy a two-night, all-inclusive pre-cruise stay, enhanced by an exclusive cultural immersion. Be welcomed by Taribelang Bunda Elders in a special Welcome to Country ceremony, offering a rare insight into their enduring connection to Country and cultural heritage. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner among fellow guests and celebrate the start of an unforgettable adventure.

Your stay includes daily breakfast, lunches and dinners.

Day 2: Bundaberg | Mon Repos
Enjoy a breakfast featuring locally sourced regional produce ahead of a day of education and conservation. This morning, meet with local rangers at Mon Repos Turtle Centre, which supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. Learn about the challenges and successes faced in protecting these critically engaged species.

After a hearty lunch, we head to Monsoon Aquatics, for a behind-the-scenes experience of coral propagation that goes towards restoring the reef.

Lady Elliot Island
Transfer to Coral Discoverer for an 8:30am embarkation, followed by the program orientation. Your expedition team will introduce the voyage’s citizen science activities and distribute the required equipment.

After lunch, arrive at Lady Elliot Island with time to explore its remarkable reef environment and discover the monitoring projects that will shape the days ahead.

Lady Elliot Island
Today we go behind the scenes of Project Manta and meet the researchers at the forefront of manta ray research and conservation. Gain insight into manta behaviours and identification strategies which will be put into practice later today.

After lunch, we snorkel and dive the biodiverse waters surrounding Lady Elliot, including the renowned manta cleaning stations. This will be our first opportunity to deploy monitoring tools and refine our techniques in the field.

Wistari Reef
Set within the remote Capricorn Bunker Group, Wistari Reef offers a more adventurous and immersive reef experience. Located offshore from the Gladstone region, this reef is known for its expansive coral bommies & thriving hard coral species.

Guests enter the water directly from the vessel, creating a more dynamic, open-water snorkeling experience best suited to confident swimmers.

With a focus here on maximising time in the water, the experience is all about exploration and discovery. For those wanting to go further, optional scuba diving offers the opportunity to experience Wistari Reef from an even deeper perspective.

Cumberland Island Group
Today we arrive at the Cumberland Island Group, located off the coast of Mackay. Your onboard team will choose the location of the day’s activities according to local weather and tide conditions from a selection of islands including Scawfell and Brampton.

These volcanic islands have a remarkable range of flora and fauna, where reefs and seagrass meadows meet eucalypt woodland and lush rainforest. Here guests can enjoy kayaking sheltered waters, snorkel off a secluded beach and enjoy gentle guided beachcombs and walks documenting any unique wildlife and marine mammals we may encounter. Weather permitting, enjoy a glass bottom boat tour from the surface.

Langford Island & The Northern Whitsundays
Visit Langford Island, where the castaway-style setting provides calm waters, creating ideal conditions for snorkelling Black Island Reef, Blue Pearl Bay and Langford-Bird Reef (pending conditions on the day). Participate in coral monitoring initiatives with Eye on the Reef to support coral health through surveys. Langford Island is also home to the rare Whitsunday Bottle Tree which we will spend some time identifying and surveying.

For those seeking land-based activities, sign-up for a moderate 1.5km hike up to Langford Island Lookout for stunning views across the Whitsundays.

Magnetic Island
Known traditionally as Yunbenun, Magnetic Island lies within the land and sea Country of the Wulgurukaba People, whose name means “canoe people”. During this exclusive visit, developed with Canoe Projects Inc, Wulgurukaba Elders and local conservation groups, guests will take part in a meaningful Welcome to Country and hands-on citizen science. Activities will focus on protecting the surrounding reef, reducing human impacts and supporting the island’s fragile marine environment.

John Brewer Reef
Located offshore from Magnetic Island, John Brewer Reef opens into the central Great Barrier Reef, offering a more exposed, open-ocean setting. Here, visit the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) via snorkel or dive. Experience a unique underwater gallery where sculptures are designed to evolve into living reef. Later today join your onboard experts to discuss and analyse results obtained during the Eye on the Reef and Coral Watch monitoring programs

Yamacutta Reef
Yamacutta Reef is a remote outer-shelf reef system where steady currents support a unique diversity when compared to inshore locations; creating ideal conditions for our continued monitoring programs. On previous visits, guests identified a new manta ray individual in the area. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of ‘Discoveray’ during snorkels and dives. Due to the exposed location, glass bottom boat tours are subject to conditions.

Dunk Island
Just offshore from Mission Beach, Dunk Island is part of the traditional Country of the Bandjin and Djiru peoples. Fringed by seagrass meadows that support sea turtles and dugongs, the island rises into lush, national park-protected rainforest. Spend time swimming in calm tropical waters, walking shaded forest trails or relaxing along quiet beaches. With refreshments served ashore, this is an easygoing day shaped by nature, stillness and the beauty of the Cassowary Coast.

Port Douglas
Today we hang up our snorkels and flippers and head ashore to visit the Forever Reef Project, the world’s first living coral biobank. Established by Dr Dean Miller and Great Barrier Reef Legacy, the project is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of Great Barrier Reef corals and safeguarding them for future research, restoration and conservation. Discover the science behind coral biobanking and view remarkable coral specimens collected from across the Great Barrier Reef, including corals gathered during previous Coral Expeditions voyages. Later today we wrap up our findings and observations on the monitoring programs and discuss impacts, challenges and where our data will be deployed to.

Day 12: Arrive Cairns
Arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 8:00 am. Disembark and say farewell to your fellow guests and crew. Enjoy complimentary transfers to Cairns CBD or airport; transfers to Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged onboard prior to disembarkment.

Note: 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 Discoverer is our smaller expedition yacht, designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Her shallow draught and manoeuverability make her highly versatile. She boasts ocean views from all public spaces, all outside-facing staterooms (some with balconies), and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. Her Xplorer bar and adjacent sundeck lounge with 360-degree views are much-loved features. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate.

Coral Discoverer conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.

Started in 1983, our company’s original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.

While our range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, we have maintained our home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

There are many reasons why our guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.

A TRUE EXPEDITION ETHOS At Coral Expeditions, we pride ourselves on getting our guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. We have deep respect and a strong connection with the places we visit. We maintain flexibility in our planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present. Our expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions we visit.

OUR HOME TURF When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, we have steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Our crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with us in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.

OUR SMALL SHIPS At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are our purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, our ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that we can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. We have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape we explore.

OUR CREW Our crew live and breathe our destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. We are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and we are proud to share our knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On our ships, we have no ‘back office’ roles. From our chefs to our engineers, our crew are here because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join our engine room tours, view our chefs in our galley or chat with our officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.

OUR RESPECT FOR COMMUNITIES We have always made a determined effort to support the communities we visit. Our guests join in enthusiastically. We visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. We initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of our expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for us all.

THE FUTURE As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, we remain true to our pioneering foundations. We have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. We have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening our footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, our purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in our uniquely Australian style!

Select the Deck to view detail.

Coral Discoverer - Main Deck

Coral Discoverer - Promenade Deck

Coral Discoverer - Bridge Deck

Coral Discoverer - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Main Deck Category B Stateroom

Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Main Deck Category A Stateroom

Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Promenade Deck Category B Stateroom

Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.

Promenade Deck Category A Stateroom

Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Available now, and brand new, Bridge Deck Staterooms offer guests private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living.