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.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
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.
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.
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.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Coral Discoverer
| Length | 63 metres |
|---|---|
| Launched/refurbished | 2005/2018 |
| Max capacity | 72 Passengers |
Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Papua New Guinea, the islands of the South Pacific, Vanuatu, New Zealand, West Papua, and the Spice Islands. She led explorations into remote areas, focusing on destinations that were largely inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A full refurbishment in 2018 saw the addition of private balconies, the much-loved Xplorer sundeck bar, and all new furnishings throughout the ship.
Comfortable, reliable, and intimately scaled, Coral Discoverer now conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.
Onboard Accommodation
Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Onboard Facilities
What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Large sundeck
- Spa Pool
- Guest computer
- Comprehensive reference library
- Phone and fax facilities
- Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
- Limited laundry facilities
- Two fully stocked cocktail bars
- Boutique and dive shop
- Air-conditioned public areas
Coral Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore. See photo below (right)
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
