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Coral Discoverer, Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef ex Brisbane to Cairns

10 Night Cruise Only


Cruise Itinerary
Date Port Arrive Depart
20 Mar 2025 Brisbane, QLD, Australia
21 Mar 2025 Lady Elliot Island, Queensland, Australia
22 Mar 2025 Heron Island, Queensland, Australia
23 Mar 2025 Middle Percy Island, QLD Australia
24 Mar 2025 Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia (Daydream Island)
25 Mar 2025 John Brewer Reef, Queensland, Australia
26 Mar 2025 Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
27 Mar 2025 Fitzroy Island, Qld, Australia
28 Mar 2025 At Sea    
29 Mar 2025 Ribbon Reef, Queensland, Australia
30 Mar 2025 Cairns, Qld, Australia
10 Night Cruise sailing from Brisbane to Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer.

Join Coral Expeditions as we undertake our 3rd unique citizen science themed expedition along the length of the Great Barrier Reef to learn about two iconic species – Turtles and Rays. With a maximum of 70 guests and with leading research experts onboard, our small expedition ship Coral Discoverer will call on remote reefs, islands, and significant wildlife habitats in the Coral Sea marine zone.

Along the way get hands on experience with marine conservation at the Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg and as you meet with resident researchers at work. Connect with the Project Manta team in the protected “green zone” sanctuary of Lady Elliot Island. Participate in species surveys on guided snorkelling sessions at the John Brewer and Ribbon Reefs. Travel with a community of conservation-minded explorers and gain access to far reaching atolls and reefs such as Orpheus, Middle Percy and Heron Islands. Contribute to conservation programs including biodiversity databases, wildlife rehabilitation and coral science throughout the voyage.

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 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.

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.


Ship Profile & Stats
  • Maiden voyage: 2005
  • Refurbished: 2016
  • Tonnage: 1,838 tonnes
  • Length: 63m
  • Beam: 13m
  • Draft: 3m
  • Speed: 12 Knots
  • Ship registration: Australia
  • Passenger capacity (dbl): 72
  • Crew nationality: Australian
  • Dining nationality: Australian
Ship Amenities
  • All Oceanview Cabins
  • Sitting Area
  • Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
  • Private Ensuite
  • i-Pod Dock
Ship Facilities
  • Laundry Facilities (Limited)
  • Gift Shop
  • Workout Area
  • Wireless internet available for laptops, PDAs and onboard computer
  • Xplorer, Zodiacs and Glass Bottom Boat
  • Phone and fax facilities
  • Lecture Lounge
  • Reference Library
  • Main Dining Room
  • Sun Deck
  • 3 Cocktail Bars
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!

Bridge Deck

Main Deck

Promenade Deck

Sun Deck

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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*All prices are per person twin share unless stated as solo, triple or quad share.
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