Expedition Cruises on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Coral Expeditions pioneered expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef four decades ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise. These expedition voyages take you to explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way, find freedom and solitude amid this iconic seascape. The Great Barrier Reef is in our DNA and we ensure the most immersive and educational experience possible. Our expert guides share their knowledge with you above and below the water, bringing you close to the natural wonders and wildlife, and giving you a deep understanding of this precious destination.
Explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about Indigenous culture and Australian heritage at Cooktown, hike to the summit of “Cooks Look” Lizard Island, and enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes.
Departs November 2023 & 2024
This voyage explores the 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. Join local elders who will share the customs and stories of this ancient country.
Departs October 2024
In partnership with Australian Geographic, learn about marine conservation and research facilities in the company of guest lecturers, scientists and like-minded fellow travellers. Contribute to species surveys, wildlife rehabilitation and coral science while enjoying snorkelling and diving in the pristine outer reefs and atolls of the Coral Sea.
Departs 23 October 2023
In partnership with Australian Geographic, join us 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.
Departs 19 March 2024
Great Barrier Reef Voyage Logs
Discover the Great Barrier Reef onboard Coral Discoverer
Our purpose-designed small ship Coral Discoverer is built for expedition cruising, with refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble Xplorer tenders. Onboard, enjoy fresh seasonal cuisine and boutique Australian wines and brews. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home on your Great Barrier Reef expedition.
Exploring Remote Reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
Covering an area of over 2600km and encompassing more than 900 islands, The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and home to an abundant and thriving array of marine and birdlife species. It holds pride-of-place as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Discoverer
Voyage Log: Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Geographer
Creating A Legacy on The Great Barrier Reef
Posts from our Great Barrier Reef voyages
We pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time. Aboard our expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, join us as we embark on an adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. We 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 our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising.
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🎥 Expedition Leader Karla Pound
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
Dec 2
"After lunch, we cruised over to Mackay Cay. Here we snorkelled at our leisure and Chrissy took some introductory divers for a taste of life underwater. We had an absolute ball this afternoon. The conditions were spectacular! There was little to no current, the sun came back out, the visibility was incredible and we were lucky enough to spot 2 turtles, 2 black tip reef sharks, a white tip reef shark, mauri wrasses, a stingray, and giant clams."
- Expedition Leader Karla Pound, 25 Nov 2022
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
Nov 28
"The conditions at Ribbon Reef were stunning for our last day, setting out for our morning snorkel and dive at Ribbon #10. We had a great time in the water and saw many harmless sharks cruising around. With such spectacular conditions we also had the opportunity go for a trip on the glass bottom boat to learn about all things coral. After lunch conditions improved even further at Ribbon #9 giving an even clearer view of the coral."
- Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson, 22 Nov 2022
Discover The Voyage: https://bit.ly/Outerknown_adevntures_On_The_Great_Barrier...
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #RibbonReef10 #RibbonReef9
Nov 23
"At North Horn, the top end of Osprey Reef we enjoyed our time in the water tremendously, we saw large fish including sharks, coral trout, Maori Wrasse and other species too numerous to mention."
- Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson, 4 Nov 2022
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel
Nov 7
Sunset beach drinks 🥂
What a way to end the day!!
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Nov 6
Some photos from our day at Lizard Island!
#LizardIsland #seeaustralia #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer
Nov 1
"Today the conditions were fantastic at Osprey Reef, the visibility was incredible. There were lots of pelagic fish hanging around the drop-off and plenty of different reef fish as well. It was some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever seen. We departed for another mooring at Osprey in the afternoon. It was just as good as the morning with an abundance of marine life to marvel at".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 29 Oct 2022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer
Oct 31
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite.
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #thetip #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Oct 28
"It was a lovely calm day at Forbes Island and the water was very refreshing. While snorkeling we saw a reef system that has been battered in the past but is recovering well with lots of small fish as well as giant clams and new coral. Our next stop was Farmer Island, where we walked around talking about the abundance of birds we saw as well as all the marine critters we found on the exposed reef flats".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 27 Oct 20022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #thetip
Oct 28
"Upon arrival at Turtlehead Island we met Rusty and Bron who own and operate Torres Pearls. We gathered in the shade and Bron introduced us to the coulourful history of the island. Then Rusty started talking about the pearling industry and their farm. Our visit to Turtlehead Island is always a good one. Rusty and Bron are always happy to see us, and Rusty’s yarns could keep us laughing and engaged all day. Next we headed up the Escape river for a mangrove cruise. We saw many different bird species and talked about the biodiversity of FNQ. Arriving at the tip some of us were eager for more exploring but for those that were happy to stay on the boat enjoyed a glass of bubbles as they watched the sunset and a beautiful one it was".
- Alistair Kent, 26 Oct 2022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ
Oct 27
"Our Circumnavigation of Australia guests awoke to a stunning morning at the mouth of the Escape River. The famous Rusty and his beautiful wife Bronwyn were there to welcome us with open arms as we landed the Xplorer on Torres Pearl Farm. Our guests were able to explore this remote Pearl Farm and the layers of history on its grounds. Rusty then welcomed us all into his outdoor display centre and gave our guests an amazing insight into the growing, seeding, harvesting and production of his beautiful saltwater pearls. After many yarns and a few sneaky pearl purchases it was time to wave goodbye to our old friends. We then went for a cruise up the Escape River in amongst the mangroves systems. Whimbrels were scattering from their mangrove perches letting out their distinct high pitch calls. A Torresian Kingfisher was perched high in tree top looking on intently for its next meal. Ian explained the intricacies of the mangrove habitats and its inhabitants. Back onboard, Goyma gave a presentation on "Bush Foods of Northern Australia". Afterwards it was time for afternoon tea and the Reef Pilot had organised us a special transit through Albany passage, so while we were transiting through this narrow gap between the historical settlement of Sommerset and Albany Island, Ian gave some interesting interpretation from the Bridge Deck Aft. This evening we had made it to the Northern most Tip of Australia. We landed the Xplorers just next to the sign and we were able to enjoy a champagne on the shore and celebrate this milestone on our epic lap around Australia."
- Expedition Leader Cara Cavanagh, 23 Oct 2022.
#CircumnavigationOfAustralia #AustraliaCircumnavigation #CoralAdventurer #ExpeditionCruise #Cruise #SeeAustralia #TheTip #ExploreTNQ #CapeYork #AdventureTravel
Oct 24
Coral Expeditions announces the next edition of the ‘Citizen Science’ series as we undertake an immersive scientific expedition exploring the outer reefs and unique marine ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef, in partnership with Australian Geographic . Departing Cairns with only 66 guests and researchers, our small expedition ship Coral Discoverer will visit remote reefs and wildlife habitats in the Coral Sea.
Learn More: https://bit.ly/CitizenScienceGBR
#ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #ThisIsQueensland #GreatBarrierReef #AustralianGeographic
Oct 23
