Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef Cruise – Premium Adventure

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Hop on board the expedition vessel Coral Discoverer to embark on an immersive eight-day adventure to the remote, untouched northern reefs. We explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems, finding freedom and solitude amid this iconic seascape. You share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at t...
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$5,306
From$3,930
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Discover one of the world’s great seascapes accompanied by Great Barrier Reef experts
    • Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown
    • Swim, snorkel, dive or simply view the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef
    • Observe the vibrant underwater world of the untouched outer Great Barrier Reef
    • Enjoy solitude and seven magical Queensland sunsets
    • Sip sundowners and feel the sand beneath your feet on isolated sand cays and uninhabited islands
    • Participate in efforts to conserve the Great Barrier Reef, and possibly visit a turtle rehabilitation centre

What's this trip about?

    Hop on board the expedition vessel Coral Discoverer to embark on an immersive eight-day adventure to the remote, untouched northern reefs. We explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems, finding freedom and solitude amid this iconic seascape. You share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at the far-flung Osprey and Ribbon reefs. Also learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown, stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of Cooks Look, and enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes at deserted Sudbury Cay. Our purpose-designed small ships are custom-built for expedition cruising. With refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble explorer tenders, they can bring you closer to remote sites and natural habitats. On board, you will be accompanied by expert guides, including a marine biologist. You also enjoy freshly prepared small-batch cuisine featuring the best local ingredients and can relax with quality local beers and wines. With an intimate atmosphere and renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home and make new friends.Join an immersive eight-day premium cruise adventure to the remote, untouched northern Great Barrier Reef

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 72 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityCairns
End CityCairns

Travel Themes

  • Nature & Wildlife

Activities

  • Nature
  • Wildlife Viewing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 72

Trip includes

    • Premium accommodation on board the Coral Discoverer
    • All excursions and sightseeing
    • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
    • Snorkelling and scuba equipment (scuba diving at an additional cost)
    • Daily lectures and briefings
    • All meals, chef-prepared on board
    • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
    • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
    • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
    • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
    • Departure transfer on day eight to Cairns CBD Hotel or Cairns Airport (must advise and pre-book with Exodus at least 1 month before departure)

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Cairns; Fitzroy Island

Arrive at Cairns Pullman International Hotel at 3pm for SailSAFE check-in. A transfer from here to the ship is provided. Board at 4pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilitie...

Day 2 Sudbury Cay

Late in the afternoon, we arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from the bustle of civilisation, we slip off our shoes and feel the sand between our toes as the tropical waters lap against the shoreline. Surrounded b...

Day 3 Mackay Reef and Cay

Relax on picturesque Mackay Cay and snorkel the pristine reef around it. Mackay Reef is a mid-shelf platform reef, where vibrant hard and soft corals abound. The northern side enjoys additional protection from the cay, making it the perfect playground for turtles. The...

Day 4 Cooktown

Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lieutenant James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander throu...

Day 5 Lizard Island

We spend a whole day at Lizard Island where there is time to hike to the summit of Cooks Look and enjoy the same view Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watsons Bay, relax on the ...

Day 6 Osprey Reef

One of the best dive sites in the world, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain rising from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, it draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls. It is a highly prized tro...

Day 7 Ribbon Reefs Numbers 9 and 10

With a spot far from the Australian coast, the Ribbon Reefs are a narrow line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive in this location renowned for its prolific marine life and extensive coral species. ...

Day 8 Arrive in Cairns

Our Great Barrier Reef adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8am. A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. You must advise and prebook with Exodus at least on...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,930
Price per day$491
Last Updated: 6/10/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Exodus Adventure Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Arrival transfers
    • Pre- and post-cruise flights
    • Pre- and post-cruise accommodation
    • Travel insurance
    • Scuba diving (view scuba diving rates)
    • Entry visas to Australia
    • Vaccinations
    • Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases

Accommodation

During this premium adventure cruise, you will spend seven nights on the Coral Discoverer. Launched in 2005, the Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark of sophistication in expedition cruising. It is a 72-passenger ship built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style and safety. The shallow draught and manoeuvrability of the ship allow it to reach some of the most remote and rarely visited coastlines and islands in Australia. The tender vessel, Xplorer, features a hydraulic lowering system and can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest-technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. It's built to international SOLAS standards and with one aim in mind: to create the ultimate small-ship cruising experience. It’s also Australian flagged and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew. In 2016, a significant upgrade and refresh of the facilities brought the amenities to an even higher level. The Sun Deck, home to the circular Explorer Bar, is the hub of onboard community living. Guest accommodation also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms, providing coveted inside-outside living quarters. All other Stateroom grades also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork providing an even more comfortable stay on the Coral Discoverer. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge The six spacious Bridge Deck Staterooms are 215sqft (20sqm) Staterooms open onto private balconies for expansive ocean views Furnished with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of junior king or twin bedding Promenade Deck (Category A) Staterooms Encircled by a full-ship promenade The 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) Staterooms are 195sqft (18sqm) Featuring picture windows for expansive ocean views Furnished with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of junior king or twin bedding Promenade Deck (Category B) Staterooms – sole use only Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade The two Promenade Deck (Category B) Staterooms are 160sqft (15sqm) Featuring picture windows for expansive ocean views Furnished with a desk, telephone and junior king bedding These rooms are allocated for sole use only Main deck (Category A) Staterooms Located close to the Dining Room The six spacious Main Deck (Category A) Staterooms are 195sqft (18sqm) Featuring large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views Furnished with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of junior king or twin bedding Main Deck (Category B) Staterooms Located close to the Dining Room The three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 195sqft (18sqm) Featuring twin portholes for expansive ocean views Furnished with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of junior king or twin bedding Specific cabin types can be booked for sole use (subject to availability). Please enquire with your sales representative for further details. Share policy on the ship is based on twin-share occupancy. If guests are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a roommate will be assigned to your cabin whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we always pair participants of the same sex. Please note, in the event of a share partner not being found, you will be charged the full room rate (double the twin-share fare).
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Adventure Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All inclusive Meals: All meals are fresh and chef-prepared on board Tea and coffee: 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station Beverages: Selected wines, beers, juices, soft drinks and selected spirits are served complimentary with lunch and dinner. Drinks are available for purchase at other times. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Start your day with a tempting choice from a fresh continental or hot à la carte menu with options changing daily. Lunches showcase a selection of hot and cold dishes, from salads and cold cuts to soups, fresh local seafood and seasonal tropical fruits both individually plated and small sharing plates. Evenings are a convivial time to dine with new friends and reflect on an exciting day of discovery over dinner. We welcome you on board with a seafood-sharing concept dinner on the first night. Other evening meals are served over a three-course table d’hote dinner menu, when selections are offered as you enjoy table service from the friendly dining room staff. All Coral Expeditions feature a memorable pre-dinner event ashore where sunset drinks and canapés are served, often on a beach, and always in a beautiful location with a sunset view. Casual sundowners are hosted by the captain and are the perfect time to kick off your shoes and enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while mingling with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere. Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list featuring boutique Australian and New Zealand wines, beers and ciders. Each voyage, the captain hosts a Captain’s Table for invited guests and officers will endeavour to host dinner guests on an evening when operational matters allow. Beverages on board Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list; each evening, sunset drinks are held on the Vista Deck (weather permitting) where guests relax or socialise before dinner. Each voyage, the captain hosts a welcome and farewell event with complimentary canapés and beverages. Drinks are complimentary during the official Captain’s Welcome and farewell events and the offshore sunset drinks. We invite guests to join the pre-dinner drinks at other times, but alcoholic beverages during these times will be at your own expense. Sustainability in food and beverage Across the Coral Expedition fleet, they are continually looking for ways to improve sustainability and reduce waste, partner with more organic and Fairtrade suppliers, and deliver a food and beverage experience in line with expedition roots and beliefs. They have successfully implemented measures to remove PC plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. Since 2020, Coral Expeditions offer a selection of ecofriendly, Fairtrade and organic beverage products including: Pukka Tea range: 100 percent certified organic herbs, ethically sourced. Veneziano Coffee: 100 percent Fairtrade and Australian-certified organic by the Biological Farming Association. Tablelands Coffee Black Mountain: Grown locally in Mareeba, Cairns Tablelands of Far North Queensland. JUST Water: Packaged in reusable, recycled paper-based containers with a lid made from sugarcane in Far North Queensland. Made in Australia with water from Victoria. Snacks and pre-dinner canapés In between shore adventures, the chefs will welcome you back on board with freshly baked treats or delicious canapés to accompany pre-dinner or sunset drinks. When local regulations allow, there may be the chance for impromptu stops to enjoy sunset drinks and canapés in scenic locations. Special meal requirements Vegetarian, vegans, gluten- and dairy-free items are included in all menus. The chefs will happily cater to other special dietary requirements with advance notice. Please advise at time of booking.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
exodus-WAD

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