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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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10 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises for 2025-2026

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

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

8 Days from $4,630
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 $8,845
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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A clownfish hides in an anemone in Australia's Great Barrier Reef

Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef

11 Days from $6,805
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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Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Coral Futures with Australian Geographic

9 Days from $5,830
Embark on an 9-day Great Barrier Reef cruise on an immersive citizen science voyage aboard Coral Discoverer. Depart from Cairns and visit Mackay Reef, Howick Islands, Ribbon Reefs, Sudbury Cay, Moore Reef, Fitzroy Island, and Port Douglas while joining guided snorkeling, diving, reef monitoring, beach cleanups, and marine conservation programs.
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Snorkel the vibrant waters of the South Pacific

Coastal Adventures: Great Barrier Reef

5 Days from $3,025
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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Parrots in Papua New Guinea

Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

13 Days from $9,045
Experience Papua New Guinea on a 13-day cruise aboard Coral Adventurer. Explore islands, visit villages, learn cultural traditions, see WWII sites, snorkel coral reefs, and cruise fjords. Engage with local communities, observe unique customs, and discover historic locations.
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Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

13 Days from $9,190
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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Snorkel the vibrant waters of the South Pacific

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

18 Days from $14,375
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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Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia

Cape York and Arnhem Land - Art Themed

12 Days from $8,845
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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Beautiful wild coast of Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Indonesian Explorer: Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea

18 Days from $14,375
Aboard Heritage Adventurer on this 18-day expedition cruise to Indonesia's remote and little-known tropical islands, from Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea, see whale sharks in Triton Bay, visit Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo Dragon, and more.
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1 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Luxury Cruises for 2025-2026

Trip Name From Days Summary
New Guinea Odyssey $13,590 17 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 Summary
Indonesian Explorer: Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea $14,375 18 Aboard Heritage Adventurer on this 18-day expedition cruise to Indonesia's remote and little-known tropical islands, from Raja Ampat to Papua New Guinea, see whale sharks in Triton Bay, visit Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo Dragon, and more.
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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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