This 5-day South Pacific cruise includes a full day to discover two different sections of the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, considered to be the most colorful and pristine reefs found anywhere along the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the wonderful fringing reefs off Lizard Island and Two Isles. Land in Cooktown and walk to the botanic gardens where you may see kangaroos and wallabies, and enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming in the most pristine and crystal-clear waters.
Highlights
Snorkel with some of the 1,500 species of fish at the Great Barrier Reef
Visit Lizard Island and swim from the beach over giant clam gardens
Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs on a glass bottom boat tour
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the Coral Expeditions II small ship for an afternoon departure from Cairns. While departing Cairns and cruising Trinity Bay, there is time to settle in and discover “home” for the next five days. In the evening, join the crew and traveling companions on the top deck to enjoy a glass of champagne while cruising northward, passing Double Island and the pretty beach-side village of Palm Cove. Admire a spectacular sunset over the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Macalister Range. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Seafood Buffet.
Take the morning to discover historical Cooktown, which is steeped in history with buildings dating back to the 1870s. It was here that the famous explorer Captain James Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery after claiming Australia as a British colony in 1770. Visit Cooktown’s fascinating historical museum, featuring original artifacts from Cook’s ship – Endeavour. See the original anchor and cannon, jettisoned overboard after Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Perhaps visit the Botanic Gardens, and catch a glimpse of some native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies.
Visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Join a marine biologist for a glass bottom boat tour over the colorful coral gardens and discover some of the 1500 species of tropical fish that call the reef home. Perhaps go snorkeling or scuba diving for an up-close view of the hundreds of varieties of coral growing on this section of reef. The experienced crew is on hand to provide assistance, advice, and guided snorkeling tours for less-experienced swimmers.
Awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join guides on a walk to “Cook’s Look” on the island’s peak (hiking shoes or boots are recommended). It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent.
Lizard Island’s fringing reef, in the shallow waters just meters off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkeling opportunities. Discover giant clams and a profusion of fish. Simply relax on the beach, join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany the Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive.
Cruise to Ribbon Reef No 9, a spectacular and seldom-visited part of the reef where activities include more snorkeling opportunities and glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist.
The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one continuous reef, but a series of thousands of individual coral cays stretching over 1800 miles between the town of Bundaberg and the tip of Australia at Cape York. Visit two of the most spectacular sections of the reef, Ribbon Reef No. 3 and Rachel Carson Reef. Explore the coral gardens and marine life with guided snorkeling and glass bottom boat tours. A Marine Biologist explains the natural history and evolution of the reef and the local wildlife, which includes sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds. Experience the reef through scuba diving, allowing the dive instructor to guide an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Enjoy a final memorable night cruising the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 5: Disembark in Cairns
1 Breakfast
Farewell the Captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 8:00am.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Cabin
Five cabins, located on Deck C. 10.5-14 sqm, bunk beds or twin beds.
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Stateroom
Four staterooms, located on Deck C. 14 sqm, twin or double beds.
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Upper Deck Stateroom
Nine Upper Deck staterooms located on Deck B. 14 sqm, with twin or double beds.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Four Deluxe staterooms located on Deck B. 15 sqm, with twin or double beds.
Notes
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
They have very comprehensive options for the place we want to go to
Lian Choo L.C. Toh
1 day ago
Adventure Life does a great job of finding a booking excellent hotels, excursions and support for all your travel needs. The excursions were outstanding. We were able to see all of the places we dreamed about with great guides to enhance the visits.
Keith Hobson
2 days ago
Prompt response with clarified information to questions.
Joyce Spencer
2 days ago
Betty was extremely helpful and friendly! I have never traveled by long boat and was nervous about the options and the experience. Betty listened carefully to my wants and needs and presented exactly what my sister and I hoped for! I couldn’t have asked a more pleasant experience - I am so excited about our trip!!
Jan Struck
3 days ago
Tilly knowledgeable , quick to respond , and friendly
Raymond
3 days ago
They have very comprehensive options for the place we want to go to
Lian Choo L.C. Toh
1 day ago
Adventure Life does a great job of finding a booking excellent hotels, excursions and support for all your travel needs. The excursions were outstanding. We were able to see all of the places we dreamed about with great guides to enhance the visits.
Keith Hobson
2 days ago
Prompt response with clarified information to questions.
Joyce Spencer
2 days ago
Betty was extremely helpful and friendly! I have never traveled by long boat and was nervous about the options and the experience. Betty listened carefully to my wants and needs and presented exactly what my sister and I hoped for! I couldn’t have asked a more pleasant experience - I am so excited about our trip!!
Jan Struck
3 days ago
Tilly knowledgeable , quick to respond , and friendly
Raymond
3 days ago
They have very comprehensive options for the place we want to go to
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