This immersive small-ship cruise sails from Cairns to the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, uncovering remote reefs, vibrant marine life and secluded islands, far from the crowds.
This 7-night expedition offers a different perspective on the Great Barrier Reef, travelling far beyond the busy inner reef to its remote northern reaches and open waters of the Coral Sea. Aboard the Coral Discoverer, explore fascinating coral systems, uninhabited sand cays and isolated atolls, where you have time to appreciate the scale and stillness of this vast marine wilderness.
Daily excursions by Zodiac or tender allow for flexible exploration; you could be snorkelling over vibrant coral gardens, stepping ashore on secluded islands, or discovering remote outposts such as Osprey Reef, a dramatic seamount rising from deep ocean waters. Each day unfolds according to weather conditions, guided by expert naturalists who bring the reef’s ecology and interconnected systems to life.
Wildlife is central throughout. Beneath the surface, an extraordinary diversity of marine life thrives, including reef fish, rays, reef shark and grazing green and hawksbill turtle, while giant clams anchor the coral gardens below. Above the waterline, remote islands host breeding colonies of terns and frigatebirds, and depending on the season, migrating humpback whale (Jun – Nov) or dwarf minke whale (Mar – Oct) may pass through these nutrient-rich waters.
With a maximum of just 72 guests, your yacht-like vessel allows access to shallow reefs and secluded anchorages beyond the reach of other vessels, while a high guide-to-guest ratio ensures a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Transfer to the marina and set sail for the Northern Reef, the beginning of your adventure.
Accommodation: Coral Discoverer, 7-nights
As with any expedition, flexibility is key, and plans will evolve according to weather, tides and wildlife opportunities. Some of your likely stops include:
Fitzroy Island - rainforest-cloaked and fringed by coral reef, Fitzroy Island offers scenic walks, panoramic viewpoints and easy snorkelling among reef fish, rays and turtles, with a chance to visit a turtle rehabilitation centre.
Sudbury Cay - a tiny, remote sand cay surrounded by turquoise water, perfect for relaxed beach time, swimming and snorkelling over vibrant coral, with seabirds overhead and a memorable beach sunset location.
Mackay Reef and Cay - a vibrant reef and sand cay offering excellent snorkelling among colourful corals, giant clam and turtles, with sweeping views of rainforest-clad peaks and insights into Indigenous connections to the region.
Cooktown - a culturally rich coastal town where reef, river and rainforest converge, offering birdlife, rugged scenery and insights into both Indigenous heritage and James Cook’s historic landing in 1770.
Lizard Island - a spectacular island combining scenic hikes, including Cook’s Lookout, with exceptional snorkelling among coral gardens and giant clams, plus sheltered beaches for relaxing between swims.
Osprey Reef & Ribbon Reefs - remote, pristine reefs offering excellent snorkelling—from Osprey’s dramatic drop-offs with sharks and pelagic fish, to the Ribbon Reefs’ rich coral formations, turtles and abundant marine life.
Cairns is the perfect location to experience Australia’s wonderful biodiversity. From the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and its marine wonders, to the tropical rainforest of Daintree National Park, or the dry, remote outback, everything is just a short distance away. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The world's largest coral reef system of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres. The biggest single structure made by living organisms is composed of, and built by, billions of tiny coral polyps and is easily discernable from space. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Cooktown is a small town at the mouth of the Endeavour River, on Cape York Peninsula in the far north of Queensland, where James Cook beached his ship, the Endeavour, in 1770. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity and is home to many rare or unusual plants and animals. Find Out More about {acc:title}
LUXURY VESSEL
Coral Discoverer offers the ultimate in small ship expedition cruising around the coastal waters of Australia. Her shallow draught means access to areas larger vessels cannot reach, perfect for exploring the wild coasts of Tasmania and The Kimberley, and a superb choice for wildlife cruising. Find Out More about Coral Discoverer
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
