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Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises, & Tours

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Take a small ship cruise to the beautiful city of Cairns, located in the Northeast region of Australia, with port access to the Coral Sea. Cairns is a popular tourist destination due to its comfortable tropical climate. Still, it is most well known for being the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef: a common stopping point for travelers preparing to explore one of the world's most fascinating sights. To glimpse Australia's extensive history, consider visiting the tasteful Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Join a small ship cruise like the Coral Sea to access smaller reefs, ports, and beaches. Contact our travel specialists to start planning your trip now!
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9 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises for 2026-2027

All Cairns Small Ship Cruises
Travelers learning how to scuba dive.

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

8 Days from $4,945
Explore exclusive private islands, tropical resort, and ancient rainforest trails on this 8-day Australian cruise aboard the Coral Discoverer. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat accompanied by an expert Marine Biologist. Depart from Cooktown exploring the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Arnhem land escarpment

Cape York and Arnhem Land

12 Days from $9,920
Set sail on a 12-day cruise from Cairns to Darwin aboard Coral Discoverer. Visit remote islands, explore cultural sites, snorkel reefs, meet local artists, and travel through unique landscapes. Engage in guided walks, community visits, and scenic waterways while experiencing Northern Australia’s rich history and diverse coastal environments.
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Snorkel the vibrant waters of the South Pacific

Coastal Adventures: Great Barrier Reef

5 Days from $3,265
Set sail on a 5-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer to Sudbury Cay, Hinchinbrook Island, Geranium Passage Reefs, Dunk Island, and Mission Beach. Explore reefs, hike island trails, kayak, snorkel, and spot diverse wildlife, including turtles and cassowaries.
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Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

13 Days from $10,645
Sail on a 13-day cruise aboard Coral Adventurer from Cairns to Rabaul. Explore Papua New Guinea’s vibrant islands, WWII battlefields, and the Sepik River. Discover traditional markets, fjords, coral reefs, and cultural performances. Swim, snorkel, and dive in pristine waters while learning about local traditions and history.
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Remote lagoon in Papua New Guinea

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia

17 Days from $14,300
Join a 17-day cruise on the Heritage Adventurer through Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, exploring diverse cultures and wildlife. Enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, birding excursions, and canoeing while visiting historical WWII sites and vibrant traditions.
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Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia

Cape York and Arnhem Land - Art Themed

12 Days from $9,920
Embark on a 12-day artistic expedition from Darwin, exploring the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, and Torres Strait aboard Coral Discoverer. Experience indigenous art, culture, and history, with workshops, cultural performances, and scenic exploration.
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The beautiful Magnetic Island

Science and Conservation on the Great Barrier Reef

12 Days from $7,885
Embark on a 12-day voyage of the Great Barrier Reef, Bundaberg to Cairns aboard Coral Discoverer. Snorkel remote reefs, visit the Mon Repos turtle rookery, and join marine scientists collecting real data for Eye on the Reef and Project Manta.
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Breathtaking aerial sunset in Komodo National Park in Indonesia

Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea

18 Days from $15,100
Admire Indonesia's extraordinary diversity during this unique 18-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer, sailing from Manado all the way to Madang with ample opportunities to explore the stunning submarine landscape by snorkeling, kayaking and more!
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Houses along the shoreline of Thursday Island

Saltwater Country and Culture

14 Days from $12,525
Travel Australia’s remote northern coast on a 14-day cruise from Darwin to Cairns aboard Coral Adventurer. Visit the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, and the Torres Strait. Engage with Indigenous communities, explore wetlands, view rock art, cruise wild coastlines, and experience living cultures.
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2 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deals for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Indonesian Explorer: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea $15,100 18 Admire Indonesia's extraordinary diversity during this unique 18-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer, sailing from Manado all the way to Madang with ample opportunities to explore the stunning submarine landscape by snorkeling, kayaking and more!
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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia $14,300 17 Join a 17-day cruise on the Heritage Adventurer through Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, exploring diverse cultures and wildlife. Enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, birding excursions, and canoeing while visiting historical WWII sites and vibrant traditions.
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Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Enjoy the wildlife at the Billabong Sanctuary in Australia

Australia Overview

A cruise to Australia can be an adventure, a relaxing holiday, or anything in between. Travelers to Australia can experience the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and home to countless species of marine life. Those wishing to remain closer to land can enjoy one of the gorgeous beaches on Australia's continuous coastline. Australians are known for their friendliness, and the landscape is known for its wildness. Discover why Australia is such a popular destination for savvy travelers.
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The Journey to the Great Barrier Reef!!

Follow Justin's trip to the Great Barrier Reef and learn how he could improve his trip, better spend his time, and what you don't want to miss out on on to improve your own Great Barrier Reef experience!
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Explore the wonder of coral reefs
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TrustScore 4.9 | 1080 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
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Based on 1080 reviews on
review score
5 months ago
Always excellent communication and help throughout booking and everything dealing with the pre cruise process. Very professional, I love working with Jess and Petchie! They’re always available for me for questions/concerns and keep me updated on everything. We have now booked our 7th cruise with Adventure Life
AkaJoan
review score
9 months ago
Great help finding the right cruise and quick responses to every need! Mary was super!
JorgeFulco
review score
1 year ago
Had issues with saving and sending booking form and Kevin found ways to take care of it.
Michelle Wacker
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1 year ago
Prompt friendly service.
Carl Matthusen
review score
2 years ago
Kevin got right on our request and had us booked within the week
Linda Cummings

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