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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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10 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef $4,480 8 Nov 13, 2025 Explore 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.
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Cape York & Arnhem Land $8,530 12 Aug 19, 2025 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.
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Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef $6,600 11 Mar 17, 2026 Set sail for an 11-day cruise on Coral Discoverer, departing from Brisbane, and exploring the vibrant Great Barrier Reef. Engage in conservation activities, snorkel, dive, and witness breathtaking marine life.
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Islands and Cultures of Papua New Guinea $9,180 11 Oct 27, 2025 Embark on an 11-day adventure through Melanesia aboard Le Jacques Cartier. Explore WWII history in Alotau, witness landscapes in Ferguson and Dobu, and experience Kitava’s vibrant traditions. Snorkel and dive in Ghizo and Njari Islands, relax on Roderick Bay’s white sands, and conclude in Honiara, the Solomon Islands’ capital, at Point Cruz Port.
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Torres Strait and Cape York $7,920 11 Oct 24, 2025 Share an intimate expedition onboard Coral Discoverer that takes explores the small islands and reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cape York coastal walks, and the magic and mystery of the rarely-seen Torres Strait Islands.
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Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea $8,745 13 Dec 18, 2025 Join the Coral Adventurer on a spectacular 13-day sailing adventure. Sail across the beautiful landscapes that New Guinea offers. Enter the mouth of the Sepik River, one of the world’s great river systems, and visit the famous Sepik market for masks and carvings.
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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu $14,375 18 Oct 22, 2026 Embark on an 18-day Heritage Adventurer cruise through Melanesia's remote islands, from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to Vanuatu. Discover beautiful islands, colorful coral reefs, WWII sites, rich cultures, and unique wildlife across the Tufi Fjords, Dobu, Fergusson, Bougainville, and more.
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South Pacific Discovery $25,690 13 Nov 09, 2025 Embark on a 13-day cruise from Cairns to Lautoka aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Explore the South Pacific, with pristine beaches perfect for sunbathing or snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the charm.
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New Guinea Odyssey $12,680 17 Nov 06, 2025 Embark on a 17-day cruise from Cairns to Darwin aboard Le Jacques Cartier. Unveil the mysteries of Papua New Guinea, known as the land of a thousand cultures. Visit the Kei Islands and enjoy the pristine white-sand beaches of the Malukus. Learn about the region's history, culture, and diverse flora and fauna from an expert expedition team.
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Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu $11,995 17 Oct 15, 2025 Enjoy a 17-day expedition cruise on the Heritage Adventurer to explore the Secrets of Melanesia. Explore the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforests of Madang. Snorkel in pristine waters around Nissan Island and discover vibrant marine life in the New Georgia Islands. Visit the culturally rich Torres Islands and the iconic Champagne Beach in Vanuatu.
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1 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Luxury Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
New Guinea Odyssey $15,050 17 Sep 21, 2025 Embark Le Soleal for a brand-new 17-day tropical expedition cruise to discover the sublime natural landscapes of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, stopping in stunning ports of Banda Neira, Triton Bay, Jayapura, Kopar, Madang, and Tami Islands.
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1 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deals for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Next Departure Summary
Australia’s Top End: Cape York & the Great Barrier Reef $35,890 16 Oct 11, 2025 Embark on a 16-day cruise from Darwin to Cairns aboard the Scenic Eclipse II. Dive into Australia's ancient indigenous culture and discover the country's natural wonders.
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