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Australia Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wonders of Australia with our 10 diverse small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant heritage of the Land Down Under. From the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the remote Kimberley Coast, each tour offers unique activities like wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and archaeological site visits, providing an opportunity to delve into the captivating nature, history, and culture of Australia. Whether you're exploring the pristine Ribbon Reefs, learning about ancient Aboriginal cultures, or snorkeling across Lizard Island, each moment promises an unforgettable adventure. Prices start at $4,160 to $186,640, so begin your Australian exploration today and contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Waterfall in the Australian outback
$8,690
EXPLORE

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Cairns - Darwin - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Experience the unique Arnhem Land
  • Explore the Cobourg Peninsula
  • Witness the Tiwi people's culture
  • Snorkel across Lizard Island
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Darwin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
This magnificent 12-day voyage takes you across the top of Northern Australia and experience cultures unchanged for centuries, world-renowned Indigenous art centres, and some of the continent’s most remote islands. Visit remote Bathurst and Melville Islands and learn of traditional Tiwi …
Cruise Details
0
Wineglass Bay in Tasmania
$5,920
EXPLORE

Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Hike to Wineglass Bay
  • Learn about Maria Island’s history
  • Visit Port Arthur
  • Admire the Tasman Peninsula
  • Observe unique wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Hobart
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Australia’s island state poised at the edge of the world where the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans collide. Tasmania’s pristine World Heritage wilderness and national parks teem with native wildlife, where rugged mountain ranges meet the sea with soaring coastal cliffs and …
Cruise Details
0
Travelers learning how to scuba dive.
$4,540
EXPLORE

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns to Cairns - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Swim and snorkel Lizard Island
  • Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs
  • Learn about Cook’s landing
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Cairns
Activities:
Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
This 8-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 …
Cruise Details
0
Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin, Australia
$8,565
Savings
EXPLORE

The Kimberley

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Experience the tidal phenomenon
  • Visit Lacepede Island Nature Reserv
  • Witness Montgomery Reef
  • Marvel at the King George Falls
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
The Coral Adventurer hosts this 11-day the wonders of Kimberley voyage. View the mysterious Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art and learn about the ancient cultures of the Indigenous people. See crocodiles, humpback whales, rock wallabies, sea turtles, and birdlife as you cruise along the …
Cruise Details
0
$7,140
EXPLORE

Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Discover Abrolhos Islands
  • Explore Shark Bay
  • Enjoy cultural sites
  • Visit Ningaloo Reef
Starts / Ends:
Fremantle / Broome
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
This 13-day expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history – from the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of …
Cruise Details
0
Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly
$6,995
Savings
EXPLORE

Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast

11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit King George River
  • Explore four Australian Bays
  • Experience birdwatching in Lacepede
  • Enjoy diverse wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Enjoy a wonderful 11-day voyage along Australia's rugged and isolated coastline and explore the magnificent King George Falls. Talbot Bay and the world's only horizontal falls, considered "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world," await you as you continue your journey. …
Cruise Details
0
Colorful boats in Hobart Harbor, Tasmania
$9,460
EXPLORE

Circumnavigation of Tasmania

17 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Cruise Tamar River to Launceston
  • Encounter iconic wildlife
  • Kayak and hike Tasmania’s coast
  • See the coast of Tasmania
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Hobart
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Variable
Join Coral Discoverer on a full circumnavigation voyage around Tasmania, showcasing the best of the remote parks, islands, and harbors of this pristine island at the edge of the world. This 16-night voyage includes multiple stops at some of the most beautiful spots along Tasmania’s coastline. …
Cruise Details
0
Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly
$7,930
Savings
EXPLORE

Best of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Experience the Horizontal Waterfall
  • Marvel at the King George Falls
  • Learn about ancient rock art
  • Witness Montgomery Reef
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
This 11-day sailing experience on Coral Discoverer brings you to the wonders of the Kimberley coast. Wonder at the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls, marvel at the 80 meter high King George Falls, and watch for abundant wildlife as you travel and reach Broome. The Kimberley …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the wonder of coral reefs
$6,670
EXPLORE

Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef

Brisbane - Cairns - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Visit Lady Elliot marine sanctuary
  • Visit Mon Repos turtle conservation
  • Contribute to coral health studies
  • Dive into an underwater art museum
Starts / Ends:
Brisbane / Cairns
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark from Brisbane on an 11-day cruise exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef aboard the Coral Discoverer. Visit Lady Elliot Island, a sanctuary for marine life and Project Manta research site, and learn about turtle conservation at Mon Repos Turtle Centre. At Wistari Reef, engage in …
Cruise Details
0
Wineglass Bay in Tasmania
$4,160
EXPLORE

Coastal Treks of Tasmania

Hobart to Hobart - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Join a Port Davey wilderness hike
  • Visit Maria Island Painted Cliffs
  • Enjoy challenging hike to Cape Hauy
  • Visit Freycinet’s Wineglass Bay
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Hobart
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Discover Tasmania’s wild landscapes on this 8-day cruise with Coral Discoverer, beginning and ending in Hobart. Travel through remote areas like Port Davey, known for its rugged mountains and tannin-stained rivers, and enjoy Bruny Island’s dramatic Fluted Cape, famous for its towering …
Cruise Details
0
Sandy Cay
$35,890
EXPLORE

Australia’s Top End: Cape York & the Great Barrier Reef

Darwin - Cairns - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Discover Cobourg Peninsula
  • Experience Wessel Island
  • Marvel at Yirrkala
  • Discover Thursday Island
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Cairns
Activities:
Helicopter Tours, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 16-day cruise from Darwin to Cairns aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Discover Australia's northern tip, exploring the sacred Arnhem Land, inhabited for over 40,000 years. Discover the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral system, teeming with vibrant marine …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the rugged Kimberley Coast
$26,590
EXPLORE

Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness

Darwin - Broome - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse II
  • Discover King George River Falls
  • Witness Mitchell Falls
  • Marvel at the Horizontal Falls
  • Explore Vansittart Bay
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse II from Darwin to Broome. Explore towering gorges and coral atolls while experiencing the world's oldest living culture through unique Aboriginal encounters. On a Zodiac, spot saltwater crocodiles, endangered green sea turtles, and diverse …
Cruise Details
0
$8,630
EXPLORE

Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Discover Abrolhos Islands
  • Explore Shark Bay
  • Enjoy cultural sites
  • Visit Ningaloo Reef
Starts / Ends:
Fremantle / Broome
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 13-day expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history – from the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of …
Cruise Details
0
King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia
$7,140
Savings
EXPLORE

Kimberley Icons, Ashmore & The Rowley Shoals

Darwin to Broome - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Discover Ashmore Reef
  • Relax at freshwater pools and falls
  • Cruise at Buccaneer Archipelago
  • Snorkel and dive in Rowley Shoals
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Set sail on a 13-day Kimberley coast cruise from Darwin to Broome aboard the Coral Adventurer. This cruise visits sites like King George Falls, Ashmore Reef, and Montgomery Reef, where tides expose marine habitats. Explore the region’s history with guided visits to ancient Wandjina and Gwion …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia
$8,690
EXPLORE

Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed

Darwin to Cairns - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Experience the unique Arnhem Land
  • Explore the Cobourg Peninsula
  • Witness the Tiwi people's culture
  • Explore Lizard Island
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Cairns
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard Coral Discoverer from Darwin through the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, and Torres Strait. Begin with experiences at Tiwi Designs, exploring the oldest and most diverse art centers in Australia, and continue to Maningrida, where visits to the Arts Centre, Djomi Museum, …
Cruise Details
0
Swimming with sharks
$7,930
Savings
EXPLORE

The Kimberley

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Zodiac to King George Falls
  • Explore Hathaway's Hideaway
  • Visit green turtle breeding grounds
  • Watch the Montgomery Reef \\\\\\"ri
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Experience all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over 11 unforgettable days cruising between Darwin and Broome. Covering more than 400,000 square kilometers (an area three times larger than England) and home to a sparse population of just 30,000 residents, the Kimberley region of northwest …
Cruise Details
0
Explore the culture of Indonesia
$12,940
Savings
EXPLORE

Raja Ampat & Spice Islands

Darwin to Sorong - 19 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Discover ancient boat culture
  • Snorkel at Hatta Island reefs
  • Explore the historic Fort Belgica
  • Hike Wayag’s Pindito Peak
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Sorong
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Variable
Embark on a 19-day cruise from Darwin, Australia, to Indonesia’s Spice Islands and Raja Ampat, famed for marine biodiversity and rich culture. Begin at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf, then cross the Timor Sea to explore Sangliat Dol’s ancient boat traditions in the Tanimbar Islands. …
Cruise Details
0
Take in the unusual beauty of the Australian coast
$8,050
EXPLORE

Torres Strait and Cape York

Cairns - Horn Island - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Explore the Torres Strait Islands
  • Snorkel at Davie Cay
  • View rock art at Stanley Island
  • Visit Lizard Island
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Thursday Island
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Variable
With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture. An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions, visiting uninhabited sand cays, remote …
Cruise Details
0
1-18 of 41 Results
TrustScore 4.8 | 393 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 393 reviews on
review score
5 hours ago
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
review score
2 days ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
review score
3 days ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
review score
3 days ago
There were two best aspects to our trip: 1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb. 2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers. We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
review score
3 days ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
Mary Lou Carlson

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