Coral Expeditions - Queensland, QLD

Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.

Join them as you embark on an immersive seven-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. They explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient Indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay.

Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides, including a Marine Biologist, and their purpose-designed small ships are custom-built for expedition cruising. With refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble explorer tenders they will bring you closer to remote sites and natural habitats. With an intimate atmosphere and renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.

Join Coral Expeditions on a small ship adventure to explore the mystical Torres Strait Islands and the remote coastlines to the tip of Cape York. Share an intimate expedition onboard Coral Discoverer with a maximum of 72 guests that takes in small islands and reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cape York coastal walks and the magic and mystery of our rarely seen Torres Strait Islands.

With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture. An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions, visiting uninhabited sand cays, remote islands and pristine reef systems. Their expert guides will share their knowledge both above and below the water. With decades of experience and deep respect for the communities of the region, Coral Expeditions will facilitate an enriching journey accompanied and hosted by local elders who will share the customs and stories of this ancient country.

Commencing in Darwin, voyage to the Tiwi Islands, and experience unique cultural performances and learn the history of the islands. A visit to Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia, reveals the rich artistic heritage in stunning carvings, paintings, and fabric printing. At Maningrida, visit the Arts Centre, the Djomi Museum, and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Be welcomed to remote townships on Elcho Island, and visit the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku. Each stop is another opportunity to experience the creative expression of one of the world’s oldest cultures and hear their stories. We continue on to the Torres Strait Islands. Here you will witness the traditional and contemporary blend of Torres Strait art forms. At the very tip of Australia, enjoy champagne as you look south toward the Great Barrier Reef. As you approach the end of your expedition, see rock art from the contact period at rugged Stanley Island, and have an opportunity to snorkel at vibrant reefs. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.

Join Coral Expeditions as they undertake their 3rd unique citizen science themed expedition along the length of the Great Barrier Reef. With a maximum of 70 guests and leading research experts onboard, the 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. Travel with a community of conservation-minded explorers and gain access to far reaching atolls and reefs. Contribute to conservation programs including biodiversity databases, wildlife rehabilitation and coral science throughout the voyage.

Join them on a unique and pioneering expedition to discover the legend of Terra Australis Incognita, the great island continent, on a rare circumnavigation voyage around the remote shorelines of Australia.

Be one of only 112 guests to undertake this epic adventure of a lifetime as we connect with remote natural places, significant historical sites, amazing natural encounters, and small cultural communities of Australia. Their all-Australian crew and special guest experts will provide local knowledge and insights as they proudly showcase the people, places and tastes that are Australian legend.

Following on from the success of their sold-out inaugural Australian Circumnavigation in 2022, this voyage will feature 48 excursion days, visit 4 major coastal ports and include 3 significant events including a cultural feast in the Torres Strait, a Winemaker’s Lunch in Margaret River and a charter flight to enjoy a day in the Outback at Longreach.

Join the Australian Geographic Society and Great Barrier Reef Legacy on a unique and immersive citizen science expedition on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Travel and live aboard the yacht-like vessel Coral Discoverer on this 7-day adventure that explores the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. You will be one of a small community of only 64 like-minded explorers, and every moment of the voyage will contribute to coral conservation. This will be a rare opportunity to combine personal exploration with meaningful action to preserve the ocean’s biodiversity.

The expedition will be led and hosted by Dr Dean Miller and will support the award-winning “Forever Reef Project” which has collected a majority of the 415 varied coral species to be found on the reef and has created a living biobank in its purpose-built premises in Port Douglas. Proceeds of the voyage will go towards this and other worthy conservation projects supported by the Australian Geographic Awards for Nature. Learn as you explore, and enjoy activities including snorkel and dive, coastal hikes and birdwatching. Settle back at the end of each day to enjoy sunset and drinks with new friends.

Snorkel and dive vibrant reefs at Geranium Passage, with opportunities to spot turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and colourful coral species.

Swim, kayak or paddleboard in island waters, or relax on white-sand beaches with time for beachcombing and sunbathing.

Enjoy guided and self-paced hikes through rainforest trails, coastal lookouts, and scenic beaches on Hinchinbrook and Dunk Islands.

Watch for unique wildlife, including dugongs and dolphins, as well as the elusive southern cassowary and vibrant birdlife, such as the blue banksia, which can only be found on Hinchinbrook Island.

Savour regional flavours with shared plate dining, sunset BBQ, and tastings of local seafood and tapas-style dining with ocean views.