8 Day Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Starting From AUD $6,800
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We Tour Australia > Tours > 8 Day Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Coral Expeditions pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef over 35 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time. Aboard the expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, embark on an immersive 8-day adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. Explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay. Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist, and the purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising. With refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble explorer tenders you will be brought closer to remote sites and natural habitats. You will enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and relax and enjoy quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new connections with new friends.

Tour Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in one of the world’s great seascapes with the Great Barrier Reef experts
  • Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown
  • Swim, snorkel, dive or simply view the iconic marine species of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Enjoy solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets
  • Sip sundowners and feel the sand beneath your feet on isolated sand cays and uninhabited islands
  • Participate in efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef, and possibly visit the turtle rehabilitation centre

Tour Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

1
Cairns (D)
Day 1
Cairns (D)
Arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm where there is time to settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for sunset Drinks as you depart for the Northern Reef.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
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2
Fitzroy Island (B, L, D)
Day 2
Fitzroy Island (B, L, D)
Choose to walk the Secret Garden rainforest trail or hike to the lighthouse for sweeping views. Snorkel the reef, relax on the beach, or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where volunteers care for injured marine turtles.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
3
Sudbury Cay (B, L, D)
Day 3
Sudbury Cay (B, L, D)
Spend the afternoon at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay surrounded by vivid blue sea. Slip off your shoes, feel the warm sand beneath your feet and enjoy sunset drinks with your expedition team and fellow travellers. A tranquil and memorable Coral Sea moment.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
4
Mackay Reef and Cay (B, L, D)
Day 4
Mackay Reef and Cay (B, L, D)
Relax on scenic Mackay Cay and snorkel its surrounding reef—home to colourful hard and soft corals, giant clams and playful turtles. Learn the Indigenous stories of the land as you spot the Daintree Rainforest and iconic peaks like Mount Sorrow on the horizon.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
5
Cooktown, Gungardie  (B, L, D)
Day 5
Cooktown, Gungardie (B, L, D)
Step ashore at Cooktown to explore its colonial and Indigenous history. Visit the Cooktown Museum, where the story of Cook’s 1770 landing is told from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. Stroll the botanic gardens and learn about the Guugu Yimithirr people.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
6
Lizard Island, Dyigurra (B, L, D)
Day 6
Lizard Island, Dyigurra (B, L, D)
Spend a full day at Lizard Island. Hike to the summit of Cook’s Look for breathtaking views. Snorkel the giant clam gardens at Watson’s Bay, relax under she-oaks, and learn about the tragic tale of Mary Watson and the island’s rich cultural and natural history.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
7
Osprey Reef and Ribbon Reefs (B, L, D)
Day 7
Osprey Reef and Ribbon Reefs (B, L, D)
Osprey Reef offers dramatic walls and pristine dive conditions for certified divers. Snorkellers explore the 30m-deep lagoon. Later, discover Ribbon Reefs’ biodiversity with guided snorkel tours among coral pinnacles and vibrant marine life.
Coral Discoverer Cruise Ship
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable
Read more
8
Disembark Cairns
Day 8
Disembark Cairns
Return to Cairns and disembark at 8:00am. Say farewell to new friends and our crew. A complimentary transfer is provided to city hotels or the airport. Optional transfers to Northern Beaches and Port Douglas are available for pre-booking or purchase on board.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Immerse yourself in one of the world’s great seascapes with the Great Barrier Reef experts
  • Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown
  • Swim, snorkel, dive or simply view the iconic marine species of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Enjoy solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets
  • Sip sundowners and feel the sand beneath your feet on isolated sand cays and uninhabited islands
  • Participate in efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef, and possibly visit the turtle rehabilitation centre

Cruise Features

  • A maximum of 72 guests onboard

Experiences Included

  • All excursions and sightseeing with our Expedition Team, including a Great Barrier Reef expert Marine Biologist
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • Snorkelling & Scuba equipment
  • Daily lectures and briefings
  • Your expedition photos captured throughout the voyage
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge Access with the Captain
  • 24 hour Coffee and selection of teas
  • All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
  • Tips and gratuities

Meals Included

  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 7 Lunches
  • 7 Dinners
  • Tea/coffee always available
  • Selected wines and beers with lunch and dinner

Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • Scuba diving rates
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet services (available at a cost)
  • Laundry service
  • Australian entry visas or travel permits
  • Items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry charges, souvenir purchases, phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of included drinks package)

 

Visited Locations

  • Fitzroy Island
  • Sudbury Cay
  • Mackay Reef & Cay
  • Cooktown
  • Lizard Island
  • Osprey Reef
  • Ribbon Reefs #9 and #10
  • Cairns
    Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef in tropical Far North Queensland.  It is a thriving tropical city where unparalleled natural beauty, spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests, rich culture, and an alfresco dining scene blend into one. 
    Read more
  • Cooktown
    Cooktown is a beautiful, unspoilt, small historic coastal town surrounded by stunning countryside. It is also Australia’s closest town to the Great Barrier Reef.
    Read more

Attractions

  • Immerse yourself in one of the world’s great seascapes with the Great Barrier Reef experts
  • Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown
  • Swim, snorkel, dive or simply view the iconic marine species of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Enjoy solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets
  • Sip sundowners and feel the sand beneath your feet on isolated sand cays and uninhabited islands
  • Participate in efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef, and possibly visit the turtle rehabilitation centre

Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
26 Oct 2026 - 03 Nov 2026 Price range: $6,800 through $13,600
On Request
06 Nov 2026 - 13 Nov 2026 Price range: $6,800 through $13,600
On Request
17 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026 Price range: $6,800 through $13,600
8 Day Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef
Days
8
Price from
AUD $6,800 per person twin share
We Tour Australia
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