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

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Cruises, & Tours

Travel made your way ™
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Australia trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
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!
All Cairns Small Ship Cruises

10 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.
0
Arnhem land escarpment

Cape York and Arnhem Land

12 Days from $9,390
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.
0
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.
0
Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea

13 Days from $9,755
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.
0
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.
0
Snorkel the vibrant waters of the South Pacific

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia

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.
0
Learn about the cultures of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea Discoverer

13 Days from $9,980
Set sail on a 13-day cruise aboard Coral Discoverer through Papua New Guinea. Explore volcanic islands, vibrant coral reefs, jungle rivers, and cultural villages. Visit Madang, Tuam, Biangatu, Deboyne, Calvados, Samarai, and more.
0
Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia

Cape York and Arnhem Land - Art Themed

12 Days from $9,390
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.
0
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!
0
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.
0

1 Best Cairns Great Barrier Reef Luxury Cruises for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
New Guinea Odyssey $15,420 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.
0

4 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!
0
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.
0
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.
0
Papua New Guinea Discoverer $9,980 13 Set sail on a 13-day cruise aboard Coral Discoverer through Papua New Guinea. Explore volcanic islands, vibrant coral reefs, jungle rivers, and cultural villages. Visit Madang, Tuam, Biangatu, Deboyne, Calvados, Samarai, and more.
0

Relax. We've got this.

Talk with an expert trip planner 1.800.344.6118

Plan My Trip

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
Tilly Pearson employee headshot
Tilly P.
Explore the wonder of coral reefs
Australia

Chat Cairns with a specialist

Our team is waiting and ready to talk with you about your next adventure. So go ahead and book an appointment with one of our specialized trip planners.

Let's Chat
1.800.344.6118

Where is your next adventure?

Contact Chat Call

Why Travel With Us?

Rewards That Go Further

Secure your 5% Past Traveler Rewards across a wide range of ships and destinations - not a single brand and not just cruises.

More Value.

Receive personal attention and concierge-level service for the same cost as booking direct. Gain access to exclusive rates, perks, and insider expertise on how to maximize the value for your dollar.

Unbiased Cruise Expertise

We're not tied to any one cruise line, so you receive honest guidance on the best ship and itinerary for you—not a sales pitch.

As Featured In

USA Today
Los Angeles Times
Travel Weekly
Outside
National Geographic Traveler
The New York Times
Travel + Leisure
Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic

How it Works

Connect

No cost, no commitment. Talk with our experts about your dream trip.

Plan

Share your travel style—we match you with the right itinerary or create one just for you.

Book

Lock in knowing every detail is handled and you’re fully supported.

Travel

Enjoy a seamless journey—and unlock 5% off your next adventure.

Tilly Pearson employee headshot
Tilly P
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118