This December, be one of only 60 Citizen Researchers on our limited-edition voyage — Coral Futures: A Citizen Science Expedition. This is a rare chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef in the company of some of Australia’s most respected scientific minds.
In partnership with Australian Geographic, this seven-day journey blends adventure, discovery, and purpose. It’s a hands-on mission to understand, protect, and preserve one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
From snorkelling vibrant coral gardens to cruising remote mangrove channels, guests will take part in meaningful conservation work that supports real-world initiatives like the Forever Reef Project, Coral Watch, and Tangaroa Blue Clean up. You’ll survey coral colonies, learn about reef health, help document biodiversity, and witness firsthand the science behind reef restoration and preservation—all while soaking in the beauty and magic of the Reef. This voyage is designed for those who want to contribute to reef conservation and offers an accessible entry point into the important and often complex work of protecting the world’s largest reef system, all being guided by experts and supported by hands-on activities.
- The opportunity to witness and learn about the spectacular annual coral spawning during the full moon.
- Swim, snorkel, and dive and witness vibrant marine life and explore giant clam gardens with marine experts.
- Take part in Citizen Science monitoring programs like Mangrove and Coral Watch.
- Help Marine Scientists with surveys and rapid coral health assessments.
- Hike Lizard Island and spot nesting turtles along the beaches.
- Learn about the ocean’s seafloor with bathymetrist Dr Robin Beaman.
- Enjoy sundowners on a remote sand cay or uninhabited island.
- Visit Port Douglas’ coral biobank with founder, Dean Miller – The world’s first living coral library.
- Become a Coral Expeditions Citizen Researcher and receive an exclusive limited-edition commemorative jacket.
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.
Welcome aboard the Coral Discoverer. Step aboard at 4:00pm, ready to depart at 1700hrs, as your much-anticipated adventure begins. Meet your Australian Geographic hosts and join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks to toast the journey ahead.
Lizard Island is a tropical haven with fringing reefs and a turquoise lagoon. Hike to Cook’s Look, snorkel over giant clam gardens, relax on the beach, or try a shore dive. Join guided walks, explore by Glass Bottom Boat, and support the Tangaroa Blue Project—helping collect and catalogue marine debris, to stop litter at its source through smarter systems and behavior change.
Tonight, join nature photographer Brett as he shares practical tips and techniques for capturing the perfect wildlife and landscape shot.
– Lead by Brett Lobwein
Visit Stanley Island to view rare Endaen Aboriginal rock art showing the first sailing ships to Queensland. Back on board, learn about mangrove ecology and join Mangrove Watch surveys from Xplorers and zodiacs, led by expert Aus Geo hosts and our expedition team.
– Mangroves lecture lead by Murray Hunt
Dive or snorkel the vibrant Ribbon Reefs, known for stunning coral and marine life. With warm waters and excellent visibility, conditions are ideal. Our expert team tailors sites to suit all levels, while guests help collect Citizen Science data for a truly immersive reef experience.
– Citizen Science lecture lead by Andrew Ryan
Explore the vibrant waters of Moore Reef with a snorkel or dive among dazzling coral gardens and marine life. Later, unwind at remote Sudbury Cay —shoes off, toes in the sand, drink in hand—as the sun sets over the Coral Sea with fellow adventurers.
At Fitzroy Island, stroll through the Secret Garden rainforest or hike to the old lighthouse for stunning views. Snorkel the fringing reef, relax on the beach, and visit the Cairns Turtle Rehab Centre to meet volunteers helping rescue and release injured turtles.
Discover a region rich in gold rush history, sugar industry heritage, and natural beauty, nestled between reef and rainforest. Learn about the Forever Reef Project, preserving coral biodiversity for future generations, then in the afternoon, we welcome Dean’s expert team onboard where they will host hands-on coral activities. Enjoy some free time in Port Douglas, with laid-back village vibe before a special farewell dinner onboard.
Lead by The Forever Reef Project Founder Dean Miller
We’ll arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal with disembarkation at 8:30am. Post-cruise transfers to Cairns CBD and the airport are included. If you’re heading to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas, transfers can be arranged onboard with the Purser (at passenger cost), if not already booked before embarkation.
This 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.
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)
