Have questions? We're here.
Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tours, & Travel

Travel made your way ™
Talk with an expert
Customize any aspect of your Australia trip. 1.406.541.2677
Help Me Plan My Trip
Talk with an expert
Take a small ship cruise to the beautiful port city of Cairns, located to the Northeast of Australia on the Coral Sea. This city has a population of around 152,000 inhabitants, and it's a popular tourist destination due to of its comfortable tropical climate. Cairns 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. Consider taking a tour through the Cairns Aquarium to get an idea of the unique aquatic life of Australia or take a relaxing stroll through the blissful Esplanade Boardwalk. For a glimpse of Australia's extensive history, consider visiting the tasteful Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. Cruise the Coral Sea on a small ship cruise to access smaller reefs, ports, and beaches. Contact our travel specialists in order to start planning your trip now!

10 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Small Ship Cruises, Trips, and Tours for 2021

Travelers learning how to scuba dive.
The Great Barrier Reef: Cairns to Cairns
Cairns to Cairns
8 Days from $3,770
Discover exclusive private islands, tropical resort, and ancient rainforest trails on this 8-day Australian cruise aboard the Coral Expeditions II. 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.
0
King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia
Across the Top: Cairns to Broome
Maiden Voyage
21 Days from $11,320
This magnificent 21-day voyage takes you across some of the most magical and remote destinations on Earth! Traverse the entire northern coastline of Australia aboard the Coral Geographer.
0
Sunrise in Papua New Guinea Highlands
Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea: Cairns to Madang
Cairns to Madang
13 Days from $7,540
Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged scenery of Papua New Guinea, with its mysterious stories interwoven with cultural beliefs and ancient legends aboard the Coral Geographer for a luxury two-week cruise. Along the way, visit Buna, Cairns, Dobu Island, Lababia, Madang, Trobriand Islands, and Tufi Fjords, with opportunities to snorkel, hike, kayak, and more!
0
Waterfall in the Australian outback
Cape York & Arnhem Land
Cairns - Darwin
12 Days from $9,540
Join Coral Discoverer on its 12-day expedition that sails across the top of Northern Australia to explore the remote islands and ancient cultures from Cairns to Darwin and vice versa.
0
Take in the unusual beauty of the Australian coast
Torres Strait and Cape York
Cairns - Horn Island
11 Days from $8,670
Share an intimate expedition onboard Coral Discoverer that takes in small islands and reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cape York coastal walks and the magic and mystery of our rarely seen Torres Strait Islands.
0
Sunrise in Papua New Guinea Highlands
South Pacific Expedition: Cairns to Lautoka
2022
17 Days from $11,070
Join the Silver Explorer as it follows the coral South Pacific to Middleton Reef and deep dive – literally – into an underwater world of prismatic beauty on this 17-day Melanesian expedition cruise aboard Silver Explorer. Leaving Cairns, travel to hot springs and birds of paradise of Papua New Guinea.
0
Relax in the magnificent beaches of Fiji
South Pacific Expedition: Cairns to Lautoka
Cairns to Lautoka
17 Days from $11,600
If the Great Barrier Reef was not already on your bucket list, then it is now. Join the Silver Explorer as it follows the coral south to Middleton Reef and deep dive – literally – into an underwater world of prismatic beauty. A tale of islands in the blue, this is a true voyage to the ends of the earth.
0
Explore the wonder of coral reefs
Islands & Atolls of Papua New Guinea: Kavieng to Cairns
Kavieng to Cairns
12 Days from $7,540
Join a 12-day cruise voyaging into the far western reaches of the South Pacific Ocean aboard Coral Geographer. Visit the islands where village life remains little-changed and untouched by the outside world with opportunities to hike, kayak, snorkel, and learn about the unique cultures that have developed in this isolated part of the world.
0
Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly
Cape York & Arnhem Land
12 Days from $9,540
Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Macassan people from Sulawesi. This magnificent 12-day voyage takes you across some of the most magical and remote destinations on Earth! Visit remote Bathurst and Melville Islands and learn of traditional Tiwi culture.
0

Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Luxury Small Ship Cruises, Trips, and Tours

Sunrise in Papua New Guinea Highlands
South Pacific Expedition: Cairns to Lautoka
2022
17 Days from $11,070
Join the Silver Explorer as it follows the coral South Pacific to Middleton Reef and deep dive – literally – into an underwater world of prismatic beauty on this 17-day Melanesian expedition cruise aboard Silver Explorer. Leaving Cairns, travel to hot springs and birds of paradise of Papua New Guinea.
0
Relax in the magnificent beaches of Fiji
South Pacific Expedition: Cairns to Lautoka
Cairns to Lautoka
17 Days from $11,600
If the Great Barrier Reef was not already on your bucket list, then it is now. Join the Silver Explorer as it follows the coral south to Middleton Reef and deep dive – literally – into an underwater world of prismatic beauty. A tale of islands in the blue, this is a true voyage to the ends of the earth.
0

Top-Rated Cairns Great Barrier Reef Small Ship Cruises

Silver Explorer
Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Silver Explorer, a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other, designed to cruise both of earth's polar waters.
0
Silver Whisper
Experience the Silver Whisper relaxing, sophisticated and genuinely elegant atmosphere. This multi-million dollar refit makes her one of the most technically up to the minute ships at sea. Admire the stunning beauty of Europe & the Caribbean aboard this 382 passenger ship.
0
Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer
Arriving in December 2020, the 120-passenger Coral Geographer will feature state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features as her sister ship, Coral Adventurer.
0
Coral Discoverer
Coral Discoverer
The Coral Discoverer is an expedition style cruise ship large enough to provide all the comforts of a larger cruise ship, yet small enough to enable access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels.
0

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.
0
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!
0

Top Cairns Travel Destinations

Cairns Trips by Duration

Why Travel With Adventure Life

More Reasons

Recognized By

All News
CatalogPlan My Trip
Mary Curry employee headshot
Mary C
Make an Inquiry
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118