Brochures Brochures
1800 079 545 Australia +61 7 4040 9999
1800079545
Coral Expeditions Mobile menu
Close
Coastal-Adventures-Great-Barrier-Reef-Rainforest

Coastal Adventures: Great Barrier Reef

Cairns to Cairns4 NIGHTSAll InclusiveFrom $4,490.00* PP

Discover a serene escape among the Reef & Rainforest

 

Envision, tropical days paddling through calm, warm waters, or lounging under palms on sandy beaches on a tropical island. Rise early for rainforest walks if you wish, or sleep in and join a late-morning snorkel over secluded coral gardens away from the crowds. Afternoons are spent drifting in a kayak, hiking coastal trails or discovering quiet corners rich in wildlife. In the evening, enjoy a tropical cocktail and a share plate featuring the region’s finest produce. Your escape brings together moments of stillness, sea, and salt, with space to roam, reset, reconnect and reveal the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • 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.


Trip Highlights

Sudbury-Cay-Great-Barrier-Reef-Coastal-Adventures
Join us as our adventure starts in the early afternoon, when we set off for Sudbury Cay. Here we will have a peaceful start to our voyage with sunset drinks on a secluded sandbar.
Savour locally crafted tapas, enjoy the stunning view and meet your fellow passengers as the sun sets over the water. Afterwards, join in for some stargazing on the Skydeck.

We have the day to explore the diverse landscapes of Hinchinbrook Island, also known as Munamudanamy, where mangroves, beaches, and rainforest await. Keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, and the endangered dugong while exploring the island’s trails and beaches. Join a guided hike to Shepherd Bay or enjoy a peaceful beachcombing session along Cape Richards.

Recommendation: Take a guided walk through Hinchinbrook’s diverse landscapes of eucalypt forests, mangroves, and melaleuca woodlands.
Snorkelling-Great-Barrier-Reef-Coastal-Adventures
Geranium Passage boasts some of the most pristine reefs in the region, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. Explore the vibrant underwater world of Yamacutta Reef, thriving with leopard coral grouper, emperor red snapper, turtles, manta rays and occasionally reef sharks. Very few people get the opportunity to visit here, providing you with ample space to explore.

Recommendation:
Opt for a guided snorkel tour to see the vibrant marine life up close, or relax on the Skydeck and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Dunk-Island-Coastal-Adventures-credit-TTNQ
Today, enjoy flexibility as you explore Dunk Island and Mission Beach, with our Xplorer running to and from both locations throughout the day. On Dunk Island, you can take guided or unguided walks to Mt Koolatoo, Muggy Muggy Beach, or Coconut Beach, or simply relax with beachcombing, kayaking, swimming, or stand-up paddleboarding. For those seeking adventure, explore the village of Mission Beach or venture into Djiru National Park to spot the southern cassowary.

Recommendation:
Slow the pace with ‘Island time’ on the beautiful Dunk Island, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. Grab a picnic lunch from our purser and enjoy some peaceful moments on sandy shores.

Arrive back in Cairns in time for breakfast and final farewells. Disembarkation at 8:00am.

Recommendation: For those who’ve had a taste of the Great Barrier Reef and want to dive deeper, we offer a connecting 7-night expedition that explores the outer reefs and islands, revealing more of the region’s hidden gems. Discover more about our Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef.

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.


Fares & Availability

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Available

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Available

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Available

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program >


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs, kayaks, SUP boarding
  • Expert guides and crew
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Open bridge access
  • Selected beers, wines and house spirits (available throughout the day from 11am to 10pm) & selected juices, and soft drinks
  • 24-hour coffee and selection of teas
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities
  • Photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage

Not Included:

  • Pre-Post cruise transfers
  • Pre-and post-cruise flights
  • Pre-and post-cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional extras (in some destinations)

OTHER INFORMATION

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and manoeuvrable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations. Much loved by loyal Xplorers for its truly intimate onboard atmosphere, Coral Discoverer carries a maximum of 72 guests.  More about Coral Discoverer >

Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We highly recommend all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance with remote area evacuation coverage. Please refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist page for facts that should be considered and shared when speaking with Travel Insurance suppliers regarding travel insurance.

At Coral Expeditions, dining is a celebration of great food, good company, and extraordinary destinations. Guests enjoy a social and interactive dining atmosphere inspired by warm Australian hospitality. The culinary offerings highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients—particularly from Tasmania—delivering premium flavours with a focus on health and lifestyle. Each day brings vibrant, wholesome dishes such as fresh pastries, fruits, acai bowls, and plated-choice menus. Guests can also enjoy smoothies and juices, charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as engaging experiences like cocktail lessons and master wine classes. The overall experience is contemporary, clean, and refreshing—designed to nourish the body and enrich the journey.

We offer two wine selections that guests may purchase in addition to our new house selection of wines. These packages showcase contemporary choices of Australian wines and French Champagne. More About Cuisine & Wine >

  • A Taste of Australia Selection | 6 Bottles | $280.00
  • Connoisseur Selection | 6 Bottles | $400.00

Our Cruise Collection Merchandise including expedition gear is also available for purchase in our onboard gift shop. View our Cruise Collection here >

When it comes time for the exciting time of packing for your cruise, our packing lists are available to assist you. More specific information regarding weather conditions in your destination will be included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Find your Great Barrier Reef expedition packing list here.

There are walking and hiking opportunities, including both intermediate and challenging hikes, in Mt Koolatoo, Muggy Muggy Beach, Coconut Beach on Dunk Island and Cape Richards, North and Shepherd Bay on Hinchinbrook

An alternative excursion will always be offered in place of higher impact walks. The Expedition Team will guide walking conditions and requirements before each excursion. If you have any physical limitations or mobility issues, please notify our reservations team in advance of your departure.

Please advise Reservations if you have any mobility issues. We may need to plan to accommodate the restrictions you may face.

There will be multiple swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Hinchinbrook Island, Geranium Passage Reefs and Dunk Island (subject to weather conditions). These opportunities serve as a guide, and not all are guaranteed to be available.

Scuba diving is offered on this itinerary. For more information, view our Snorkel & Dive Information page.

We want to ensure that your journey with us is smooth and hassle-free. To help you prepare for your cruise, refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist for more detailed information on the milestones leading up to your voyage.

Coral Expeditions journeys to remote regions where the travel experience occurs on open seas and where shore excursions involve rugged terrain, small boat transfers, and limited infrastructure and facilities. Guests must have a moderate level of mobility and fitness to safely participate. This includes the ability to:

  • Embark and disembark tenders with minimal assistance.
  • Walk on uneven terrain such as rocky shorelines, nature tracks, and beaches.
  • Navigate stairs and decks on a moving vessel safely.

Guests with mobility or medical limitations should carefully consider travel and consult us before booking. For safety reasons, crew may deny boarding or restrict participation in certain activities at their sole discretion.

While we aim to accommodate guests, expedition cruising requires a level of physical capability to fully enjoy and safely undertake the experience. Your safety, and that of fellow guests and crew, is our top priority.

Subscribe to Be Among The First To Know

Sign up to join our community and be notified of new releases, special offers & behind the scenes articles.