Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef | Cairns - Cairns | 7 Nights

ALL NEW EXPEDITIONS, ALL NEW VESSEL

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

7 Nights | Departing & returning Cairns | June to October 2021

Journey beyond the known and to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to discover abundant marine life, ancient cultures, seabirds and solitude.

Covering an area of over 2600 km and encompassing over 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the worlds 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 worlds wonders of the world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage area.

Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef 34 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time.

In 2021, a new era of reef exploration will begin with the introduction of the yacht-like expedition vessel Coral Discoverer to the reef commencing immersive 7-day adventures to the remote and untouched Northern reef precinct. Operating from June to December annually, we will take a maximum of 72 guests to explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape.

Meet charismatic marine species including the sea turtles surfing the ocean currents, find Nemo nestled amongst the coral gardens and marvel at the magnificent humpback whale migration in the deep blue of the Coral Sea. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey, Escape and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Visit a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and 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 and our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising. With refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble explorer tenders we will bring you closer to remote sites and natural habitats. You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.

Australian Geographic Society partnership expedition departure: 21 July 2021. 

View Brochure       Snorkelling & Scuba Diving Information

Expedition Highlights

• Immerse yourself in one of the world’s great seascapes with the Great Barrier Reef experts
• Make a connection with indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown
• Swim, snorkel, dive or simply view the iconic marine species of the Great Barrier Reef
• Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef
• Enjoy solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets
• Sip sundowners and feel the sand beneath your feet on isolated sand cays and uninhabited islands
• Visit a turtle rehabilitation centre and participate in efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef

Fares

Your Expedition Highlights

Make a connection with indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown

Come ashore in historic Cooktown and experience a traditional welcome to country ceremony. Share a spiritual connection through storytelling and the traditional smoking ceremony with 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 collections of flora of the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective with artifacts are on display.

Meet the iconic marine species of the Great Barrier Reef

Over 7 days, swim, snorkel, dive or view the iconic and charismatic marine species. Wildlife surrounds us on the Great Barrier Reef and along the way will see turtles gliding through the shallows, find nemo nestled amongst the coral reef and marvel at the magnificent humpback whales on their winter migration.  With a true expedition spirit, we will have the flexibility to change course to enjoy these rare moments in nature without the constraints of time.

Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef

Far from the Australian mainland and away from the reach of the day touring operators, we will enjoy the rare opportunity to swim, snorkel and dive on offshore and remote coral reefs such as Escape and Ribbon Reefs, exploring an extraordinary marine wonderland that few are privileged to experience in their lifetime. Enjoy amazing underwater visibility at Osprey Reef, which Sir David Attenborough called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds,’ where a 2,000m underwater mountain rises near-vertical from the seabed beyond the continental shelf.

Enjoy the solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets

Settle in and enjoy the soul enriching rhythm of the Coral Sea. Surrounded by open space and disconnected from the modern world, our trails are guided by the sun, the stars, the winds and the tides. Onboard Coral Discoverer an endless mosaic of blues and greens brushes by, interrupted only by soaring seabirds and flying fish that skitter across the surface. Let the feeling of freedom wash over you and relax in this rare natural habitat.

Sip Sundowners feel the sand beneath your feet on uninhabited islands and sand cays

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. Surrounded by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, we enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sinks below the horizon.

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s great seascapes with the Great Barrier Reef experts

With 35 years of experience as pioneers of expedition voyages on the Great Barrier Reef, our team of expert guides will share their knowledge and deepen yours throughout the voyage. Guest lecturers specializing in marine biology, culture and reef science travel with us and are on hand to provide insight and answer any questions. The creation stories and modern issues facing the reef are both fascinating and complex and we will demystify the ever changing and evolving environment of the world’s largest living wonder.

Visit a turtle rehabilitation centre and participate in efforts to preserve the reef

Gain valuable knowledge and contribute to long-term conservation of the Great Barrier Reef as we take part in citizen science along the journey. Complete underwater surveys as you snorkel and participate in the Eye on the Reef program by recording interesting sightings. Be joined by Master Reef Guides who are recognized as the world’s leading reef interpreters and storytellers. Lend a hand to the volunteers at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and meet the marine park managers in action.