Experience the world’s largest living structure from a perspective few ever will. Aboard True North II, you’ll explore remote reefs, tropical islands, and ancient rainforests – with the freedom to discover each day by adventure boat, snorkel, dive, or helicopter. This is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended: intimate, immersive, and full of wonder.
This is a sample itinerary only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually.
- High-variation reef access across Great Detached, Osprey, Ribbon, Escape, and John Brewer—broadest range of coral structures, visibility conditions, and marine species in a single itinerary.
- Multi-day helicopter integration enabling aerial mapping of Cape Melville, Hinchinbrook, and the rainforest–reef interface for spatial context rarely available to guests.
- Cross-biome progression from outer-shelf dive walls to Daintree mangroves and Hinchinbrook waterfalls, giving the trip a full reef–rainforest–island systems arc.
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.
Your adventure begins at the far northern reaches of the reef. The Great Detached Reef is a kaleidoscope of colour and marine life - a place where divers and snorkellers alike are spoilt for choice. Later, join our pilots for a heli flight in search of whale sharks around Wishbone Reef - these gentle giants occasionally cruise the deep blue just beyond the reef’s edge. Return to True North II for sunset drinks and a welcome dinner beneath the stars.
The day begins at Flinders Island, where coral shelves drop into electric-blue water. Snorkel, dive, or cast a line for coral trout, then relax on deck as we lift off for a helicopter flight over Cape Melville National Park - a wild landscape of granite headlands, ancient rainforest, and turquoise lagoons. The evening brings a relaxed dinner onboard as the reef hums quietly below.
Two days of pure reef exploration. Step ashore at Lizard Island, climb to Cook’s Look, and swim in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful lagoons. Enjoy a scenic heli flight over Lizard Island and the Ribbon Reefs, and don’t miss a dive at the world-famous Cod Hole, where giant potato cod await.
A day dedicated to one of the Coral Sea’s most legendary dive sites - Osprey Reef. Thirty nautical miles beyond the edge of the continental shelf, Osprey is famous for its gin-clear visibility, dramatic walls, and abundant marine life. Dive or snorkel among schools of trevally and swirling barracuda, and don’t miss the exhilarating shark feed, where reef sharks circle gracefully in the blue. For many guests, this is a highlight of the voyage.
Enjoy exceptional diving and snorkelling - coral gardens, vibrant walls, and sightings of reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays. For the photographers aboard, the reef’s visibility and colour will test the limits of your lens. After another day of discovery, unwind on deck as the sun dips below the Coral Sea.
Awaken to the sight of the Daintree Rainforest meeting the sea. Join a river expedition through mangrove-lined waterways alive with kingfishers and saltwater crocodiles. Later, take to the skies for a helicopter flight over the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, where reef and rainforest collide in spectacular harmony. True North II anchors quietly nearby - a perfect base to experience two World Heritage sites in one day.
This morning’s heli flight over Hinchinbrook Island reveals dramatic peaks and hidden waterfalls. Hike to Zoe Falls and follow a rainforest trail to the base of the cascade - a breathtaking freshwater swim in complete isolation. Return to True North II for lunch on deck and a relaxed afternoon cruising through the Hinchinbrook Channel.
Begin at Palm Island, where coral reefs fringe white sand beaches - perfect for diving, snorkelling, or fishing. Continue south to Magnetic Island, where a colony of wild koalas rests in the gum trees. Join a shore excursion, explore quiet bays, or enjoy sunset drinks on the beach. For those keen to fly, another heli adventure over the island chain offers a dazzling perspective on the Coral Sea.
Spend your final full day at John Brewer Reef, home to Australia's first Museum of Underwater Art. Dive or snorkel among coral-encrusted sculptures that blend art, science, and conservation. As dusk falls, gather on deck for a farewell celebration - fine wine, great company, and one last evening surrounded by the reef’s endless horizon.
Cruise back toward Cairns, sharing highlights and laughter with new friends. Bid farewell to the crew of True North II - a small ship with a big spirit, and your gateway to the wild heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Itineraries are subject to change.
True North
| Built: | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Length | 50 metres |
The TRUE NORTH allows discerning adventurers to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. Guests are able to take advantage of a number of lavish vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet café enables convenient communication with the outside world.
A popular venue on any North Star cruise, the lower deck dining room offers the ultimate in comfort and uninterrupted vista – large panoramic windows ensure that guests never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the ‘finest in fine dining’. All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds.
Multiple expedition boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter!The purpose built TRUE NORTH is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
