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Step aboard the Coral Discoverer and venture north on a 7-night expedition to the far reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, where nature writes its own rhythm and time slows with the tide. This is where the reef feels untouched—remote cays, vibrant coral gardens, and uninhabited islands invite exploration far from the usual paths. Each day offers the freedom to roam and the quiet beauty of wild places. Snorkel among the spectacular marine life of Osprey and Ribbon Reefs, where pelagic wonders glide through turquoise waters. Watch seabirds wheel overhead and pause to take it all in from the deck or beneath the surface. On land, walk in the footsteps of explorers and Traditional Owners at historic Cooktown, a place rich in story and significance. Challenge yourself with the trek up to Cooks Look, and be rewarded with sweeping views and a deeper sense of place. As the day ends, wade ashore to Sudbury Cay—a strip of sand in a sea of blue—for sundowners served with salt on your skin and the sun dipping into the horizon. Life onboard is laid-back and welcoming. With just 72 guests and a crew of passionate experts, including a Marine Biologist, you’ll be in good company. The small ship is built for adventure, with shallow draught, advanced navigation, and agile Xplorer tenders that take you where few can go. In between excursions, relax with a glass of local wine and enjoy seasonally inspired meals crafted from the best regional produce. Whether you’re sharing stories over dinner or spotting reef life from the deck, you’ll feel part of something special—connected to the sea, the landscapes, and the people around you.
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Day 1
Depart Cairns
Arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal (berth to be advised) at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks. *These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise your experience. These itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety or local community requirements. This itinerary is a selection of the key destinations we visit.
Meals: D
Day 2
Fitzroy Island
At Fitzroy Island enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or for the more adventurous, a walk to the de-commissioned lighthouse rewards hikers with panoramic views of Coral Sea, islands and mainland mountain ranges. Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and there may be an opportunity to lend a hand to the volunteers at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Sudbury Cay
Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from the bustle of civilisation, we slip off our shoes and feel the sand between our toes as the tropical waters of the Coral Sea lap gently against the shoreline. Enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon.
Day 4
Mackay Reef & Cay
Relax on picturesque Mackay Cay and enjoy snorkelling the pristine reef that surrounds it. Mackay Reef is a mid-shelf platform reef, with vibrant hard and soft corals abound. The northern side enjoys additional protection from the cay, making it the perfect playground for turtles. A giant clam garden also resides in the area, with some clams growing as big as 1.2m, all with their own unique colours and patterns. On a clear day, you can look back at the mainland to see tall mountains covered in UNESCO world heritage Daintree rainforest. You can see Cape Tribulation and Mount Sorrow as named by Captain Cook during his eventful sail through the Great Barrier Reef. The Kuku Yalangi are the traditional owners of this region and have lived in harmony with the environment for over 50,000 years. Dreamtime stories explain the unique shape of Mount Peter Bot.
Day 5
Cooktown (Gungardie)
Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit Cooktown Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artefacts are on display. Later, we cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.
Day 6
Lizard Island (Dyigurra)
We spend a whole day at Lizard Island (Dyigurra), where there is time to hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watson’s Bay, relax on the white-sand beach beneath shady she oak trees and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson.
Day 7
Osprey or Ribbons Reef
One of the world’s best dive sites, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain which rises from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, it draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls.Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough. The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover. Here we will spend time in the water exploring the 30m deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis. This reef is for certified divers only. The Ribbon Reefs are a narrow line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf and are renowned for their prolific marine life and extensive coral species. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive on the Ribbon Reefs which sit on the edge of the continental shelf. Due to their location far offshore from the Australian coast, the Ribbon Reefs offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities with a wide range of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral. Join a guided snorkel tour led by our expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for spotting iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks, and turtles.
Day 8
Trip Concludes in Cairns
Our Great Barrier Reef adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am. A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Coral Discoverer a smaller expedition yacht, is designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Her shallow draught and maneuverability 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.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, the six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 20sqm - Private Balcony - Twin or junior king beds
Promenade Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 18sqm - Picture Window - Twin or junior king beds
Promenade Deck (Category B) Stateroom - Sole Use Occupancy
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. These rooms are allocated for Sole Use occupancy.
Size: 15sqm - Picture Window - Twin or junior king beds
Main Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 18sqm - Twin Portholes - Twin or junior king beds
Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the three 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Per Person, Twin Share
Yes. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout and passengers are able to modify room temperature in their cabin. Please note, for safety reasons the windows and portholes do not open.
Voltage onboard Coral Discoverer is 220/250v, 50Hz AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug). A slanted 2-pin adapter plug will work while onboard, however, with the 3rd pin missing, the item will not be grounded. For our international guests, a limited number of adapters are available onboard but we recommend you bring your own if required. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs. Bathrooms onboard Coral Discoverer are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outlets for electric shavers only.
While travelling through remote areas, you may not have access to Internet/mobile reception through your own provider for extended periods of time. Our fleet is equipped with advanced satellite and 4G broadband connectivity providing reliable and high-speed service when exploring remote areas. Complimentary access to standard WiFi will be available to all guests as part of their fare inclusion, enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging. There is also the option to purchase a package upgrade enabling access to higher bandwidth. In addition, to help you keep in touch with news from home, we subscribe to a daily news service, and copies of this publication are made available to guests each day. Note: Internet access on the ship is contracted to an external industry service provider and is a satellite connection. While every effort is made to ensure uninterrupted service, from time to time there may be disrupted service due to lack of satellite coverage or other technical issues that are beyond our control. Internet access is best in public areas but not guaranteed in staterooms due to the steel structure of the ship.
Upon embarkation, we automatically open your personal onboard account. For your security, we ask that you sign for your orders from our bar, shop, or make any other onboard purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in AU$ cash; by Visa, MasterCard or American Express (we regret no Travellers Cheques).
Prevention is key – you should discuss appropriate measures with your doctor or pharmacist prior to travel. If you do become seasick, please advise the Purser so they can attend to your needs promptly and appropriately. A variety of seasickness preventions and treatments are available onboard.
Basic toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hand soap will be provided in your cabin. Shaving kits and dental kits are available on request. Hairdryers and separate towels for swimming and bathroom use are provided.
We recommend that you arrive to the embarkation port on the day prior to departure incase of any flight delays or issues. Ask our staff for flight and accommodation options.
No. There is no elevator or passenger lift aboard Coral Discoverer. There are approximately 12-13 steps on each flight of stairs.
The atmosphere onboard is casual and relaxed. There is no formal dress code, and ‘smart casual’ attire is suggested for dinner. A suggested packing list is included in your documents.
Limited laundering services are available onboard. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by Cruise Attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, ironing services are not provided. Mini ironing boards and irons are available from the Reception desk.
Yes. There is a resource library onboard with an excellent selection of books covering natural history, geology, local cultures, and flora & fauna, as well as fictional novels and games to enjoy.
No. There are no luggage restrictions on Coral Discoverer, and there is ample room to store luggage in your cabin under your bed or in the wardrobe. Please note any airline restrictions when packing if travelling by air to or from your cruise.
No. The laws governing our liquor license prohibit alcohol being brought onboard by guests.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
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