Current as of: May 8, 2024 - 13:04
Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef Cruise – Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises
- Destination: Australia
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WAD
Trip Overview
Join an immersive eight-day premium cruise adventure to the remote, untouched northern Great Barrier Reef
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.
At a Glance
- Eight days/seven nights on a premium ship cruise
- All meals while on the ship
- Beer, house wine, spirits, juices and soft drink during lunch and dinner
- Stay on the Coral Discoverer, which provides premium accommodation and a more personalised service compared to larger vessels
- All excursions and sightseeing
- Daily lectures and briefings
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
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.
This premium adventure seven-night/eight-day cruise is operated by Coral Expeditions. The day-to-day itinerary is indicative. No two cruises with Coral Expeditions are the same, with each expedition crafted by experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition, there may be the need to make changes to the itinerary to maximise your experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may impact the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Please refer to the below that are applicable to this Coral Expeditions cruise:
Standard booking conditions
- A 20 percent deposit of your total booking value is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.
- Final balance must be paid 90 days before departure.
Cancellation conditions
- Up to 90 days prior to departure: Forfeit the 20 percent non-refundable deposit
- 89 to 60 days prior to departure: Forfeit 50 percent of the relevant fare
- At 59 to 0 days prior to departure: Forfeit 100 percent of the relevant fare
Group
Throughout your cruise, you enjoy the attentive service of the professional Australian and New Zealand Coral Expeditions residency crew. Carefully selected for their engaging personalities, attention to detail and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service, the staff will ensure you receive a warm welcome.
On each voyage, Expedition Leaders bring guests the depth of experience required to put together daily programmes given prevailing weather and local conditions. They are complemented by an expert Guest Lecturer with knowledge of disciplines such as anthropology, geology, history and flora and fauna of the region, offering layers of insight relevant to your itinerary and to support the depth of immersion in your travel experience.
Your Expedition Leader will join all shore excursions and activities, provide daily recaps and briefings, and is always available to answer any questions.
Adult min age: 16
Max group size: 72
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cairns
- End City: Cairns
Land Only Itinerary
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 facilities on board before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome drinks.
At Fitzroy Island, enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or, for the more adventurous, a hike to the decommissioned lighthouse for panoramic views of the Coral Sea, islands and mainland mountain ranges.
Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and there may be an opportunity to lend a hand to the volunteers at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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 by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, we enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun sink below the horizon.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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. There’s also a giant clam garden in the area, with some clams growing as big as 3.9ft (1.2m), all with unique colours and patterns.
On a clear day, you can look back from the cay to the mainland and see mountains covered by the Unesco-listed Daintree Rainforest. You can see Cape Tribulation and Mount Sorrow as named by Captain Cook during his eventful sail through the Great Barrier Reef. The Kuku Yalanji are the traditional owners of this region and have lived in harmony with the environment for more than 50,000 years. Dreamtime stories explain the unique shape of Mount Peter Bot.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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 through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artefacts are on display.
Later, we cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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 white-sand beach beneath shady she-oak trees and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson.
There may be an opportunity to visit the Lizard Island Research Station, which is operated by the Australian Museum to facilitate coral reef research and education on the Great Barrier Reef.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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 tropical dive location among scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough.
Here we spend time in the water exploring the 100ft (30m) deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis.
Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and our visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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.
Ribbon Reef No.9 is a favourite for diving and snorkelling, with a wide variety of marine life and coral-cloaked pinnacles. Join a guided snorkel tour led by our expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for their iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks and turtles.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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 one month before departure if you wish to have a departure transfer. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.
Accommodation
Premium Accommodation: Coral Discoverer
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
Accommodation 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).
Food & Drink
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.
Weather & Seasonality
North Queensland has some of the best year-round weather in Australia. Sunny days, warm waters, cool ocean breezes and a generally comfortable climate are part of what makes it such a popular destination. During our expedition voyages from October to December, the average daily temperature will be around 27C-32C (81F-90F), with water temperatures around a comfortable 28C (82F). October to December is possibly the best time of year to travel to the Great Barrier Reef. Generally, 10-15 knot southeasterly winds and glass outs are common.
Joining Instructions
Day 1: Embark: 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.
Day 8: Disembark: In Cairns at 8am. A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. You must advise and prebook with Exodus at least one month before departure if you wish to have a departure transfer. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cairns
Location end: Cairns
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Packing checklist
Due to the warm, tropical climate of this region, pack lightweight clothing which can be layered. Wet landings are common and trousers (pants) that can be rolled up, shorts or a cotton skirt/dress are ideal. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt will help provide protection from the sun or any mosquitoes, and a light jumper is a great way to take the chill off a breezy night. Comfortable walking shoes and wet landing shoes such as reef walkers, Tevas or old sneakers are recommended. The below packing checklist will make packing for your expedition simple.
Landings and excursions:
- Small daypack to take on excursions for water or photography equipment and other supplies – preferably waterproof (available for purchase on board)
- Preferred supplies to stay hydrated: hydrolyte powder/tablets for your water bottle, Camelbak or hydration pack
- Sunhat with brim (available for purchase on board)
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or light hiking boots
- Wet landing shoes
- Comfortable trousers (pants), shorts or fitness gear for walks in warm tropical conditions
- Long-sleeve shirt or rash guard for sun protection
- Sunscreen and insect repellent – a supply is available on board; however, if you have brand preferences or sensitivities you may wish to bring your own. We recommend and supply marine-friendly SPF50+ sunscreen which is non-toxic to marine life
Pack in carry-on:
- Prescription medication
- Extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
On board:
- Sandals or casual shoes for onboard use
- Comfortable casual or smart-casual clothing
- Light long-sleeved shirts to layer
- Preferred personal hygiene products (additional to those amenities supplied on board) and any prescription medications for the length of voyage
Optional Equipment
- Neck buff to soak in cool water before hikes
- Marine-friendly sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent and sunburn-relief products
- Journal and pen or pencil
- Protective face mask as precautionary measure
- Hiking sticks for navigating uneven surfaces
- Hand sanitizer (also available on board)
- Binoculars
- Camera with battery charger and memory cards
- Seasickness pills or bracelets (available to be dispensed on board at a cost)
- Lightweight rain jacket (available for purchase on board)
- Headtorch (head lamp)
- Earplugs and/or eyeshade
- Plug adapters or voltage converters
- Light jumper or windbreaker jacket
Practical Information
Visa
Australia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. Please note, entry requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas or ETAs for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/australia
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/australia/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Australia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Australia
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies (bat lyssavirus). You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the exception of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Australia's time zone: Australia/Brisbane (UTC +10:00)
Electricity
Australia's electricity: Plug type I (three flat pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Australia's currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
All purchases made on board that are not included (drinks outside of meals, laundry, cruise ship shop, wifi etc) will be added to your room account (charged to your cabin) and will be settled the night prior to disembarkation.
Coral Expeditions accept all credit cards (including American Express and Diners); no merchant fee/surcharge is applied if paying by credit card.
Tipping
All tips and gratuities are included.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- The use of local guides and Australian crew means guests will be well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- Coral Expeditions acknowledges the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians of the lands on which they work and travel and pay respects to elders past and present.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- Marine-friendly SPF50+ sunscreen is available for all guests to use, which helps to avoid harming the unique marine environment.
- By travelling on a smaller vessel with fewer than 100 passengers, and by using local guides and Australian crew, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Coral Expeditions donates to the Bare Sands Turtle Sanctuary, a valuable research project, and offers logistical support to transport staff, equipment and turtles.
- Coral Expeditions is proudly accredited as an ecotourism cruise operator with world-leading EcoTourism Australia. Some of the initiatives they have been a part of include parting ways with plastic straws in 2018, bringing water and supplies to drought-stricken small island communities and providing onboard education to all guests. They have also been involved in coral species collection for the world’s largest coral biobank.
- Across the Coral Expedition fleet, they are continually looking for ways to improve their sustainability to reduce waste, partner with more organic and Fairtrade suppliers, and deliver a food and beverage experience in line with their expedition roots and beliefs.
- Coral Expeditions have successfully implemented measures to remove PC plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. For example, water provided on board is packaged in reusable, recycled paper-based containers with a lid made from sugarcane in Far North Queensland.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Coral Expeditions rely on a community of local providores, farmers and growers and use locally sourced food (as much as possible) which has not been transported long distances. This ensures each regional menu champions seasonality, while creating delicious dishes sustainably wherever possible.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available and included on all cruise menus, meaning passengers can opt for meals with a lower carbon footprint.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Please refer to the below that are applicable to this cruise, operated by Coral Expeditions:
Standard Booking Conditions
- A 20 percent deposit of your total booking value is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.
- Final balance must be paid 90 days before departure.
Cancellation conditions
- Up to 90 days prior to departure: forfeit the 20 percent non-refundable deposit
- 89 to 60 days prior to departure: forfeit 50 percent of the relevant fare
- At 59 to 0 days prior to departure: forfeit 100 percent of the relevant fare
Coral Expeditions Trip Cancellation and Disruption Insurance:
We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance that may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of the regions we travel, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. If passengers do not present evidence of Remote Area Evacuation coverage, they will be required to complete a credit card authorisation for any emergency services required prior to their departure. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.
Coral Expeditions Deposit Protection Plan:
Deposit protection gives passengers peace of mind by allowing them to transfer their deposit to another Coral Expeditions cruise of their choice departing within 12 months of the original booking. The deposit protection plan can be purchased [AU$110 per person] at the time of booking and is completely optional.
Travel aware – stay safe and healthy on board:
On the Great Barrier Reef, islands of the East Indies, New Guinea and Micronesia, and many other regions that we explore, you will enjoy opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive over some of the most diverse ecosystems of colourful and pristine coral reefs. On expedition, we can snorkel from many places such as beaches, sand cays and from our Xplorer tenders. Additionally, our Expedition Team will offer drift snorkels where suitable, and guided snorkel tours. At each site, the Expedition Team will provide you with a site briefing, which will cover rest stations, points of interest and water entry and exit practices.
Our snorkelling and scuba diving departments are fully stocked with a wide range of snorkels, fins and masks (including prescription masks) along with all the necessary equipment to allow you to try the unforgettable experience that is scuba diving. Snorkelling equipment will be assigned to all guests at the commencement of each cruise. You are welcome to bring your own snorkel, fins and mask if you prefer.
Important Information – Scuba Diving
A qualified Dive Instructor will be on board for all our scuba itineraries. An introductory scuba skills session is complimentary and will brief divers on breathing rules and equalisation techniques, equipment purpose and use, hand signals, regulator and mask clearing techniques, and responsible interactions with marine life. Discover Scuba Diving (Introductory/Non-Certified) and Certified dives will be charged to your onboard account. Our Dive Instructors patiently guide those who have never dived before through the Discover Scuba Diving programme and exceptionally guide-certified open-water divers. All certified divers will be guided.
Coral Expeditions cruises provide top-quality scuba equipment and wetsuits are available in a variety of sizes in 3mm shorties at no extra cost. If you wish to bring and use your own diving equipment, the diving experience is offered at a different rate. Coral Expeditions do not offer nitrox dives, nor permit weighted and unsupervised freediving.
INFORMATION FOR CERTIFIED DIVERS >
INTRODUCTORY DIVERS
FOR GUESTS WANTING TO SCUBA FOR THE FIRST TIME
No experience is necessary if you are discovering scuba diving for the first time, with one of our experienced Dive Instructors by your side, and all training is undertaken on board. You do, however, need to be at least 12 years’ old and in good health. If you wish to undertake an introductory scuba dive, you will be required to undertake a dive medical assessment conducted by a registered physician (overseas or Australia) with experience in diving medicine highly recommended, declaring you medically fit to dive.
Please download the Dive Medical Questionnaire. Coral Expeditions require that you undertake this dive medical to dive on your cruise.
DIVE MEDICALS MUST:
- Be the Dive Medical Questionnaire provided by Coral Expeditions (is to Australian Standard AS4005.1)
- Be completed in English
- Assessed and certified by a registered physician, experience with diving medicine highly recommended
- Be completed within 12 months of the last day of your cruise, to ensure it is valid for the duration of the voyage
- Clearly state you are medically fit to dive
- Be sent to dive@coralexpeditions.com two weeks prior to your cruise, to allow time for assessment
VIEW DIVERS MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
If you are deemed medically unfit to dive, snorkelling is available.
If you have suffered any illness or injury following your initial dive medical assessment that may affect your ability to dive safely, an additional dive medical assessment may be required. Please advise our reservations department if this occurs.
After your Discover Scuba Dive briefing and successful in-water skills assessment, you will be able to dive to a maximum of 39ft (12m). You will have an experienced Dive Instructor by your side and a maximum of three ‘intro’ divers with you. The duration of your first dive lasts between 20 and 35 minutes and gives you a whole new perspective of the underwater world!
Following your first dive, you will have more opportunities to dive at another location, where you can expect your dives to last between 30 and 45 minutes, diving to a maximum of 39ft (12m).
The Coral Expeditions Dive Instructor will make the ultimate determination of a person’s condition and suitability to dive. If you are feeling unwell, show symptoms of a medical condition that is unsafe for diving, have a head or chest cold or display a respiratory condition on board prior to diving, you will not be permitted to dive.
CERTIFIED DIVERS
FOR GUESTS WHO ARE CERTIFIED DIVERS
As a certified diver, you are required to provide a copy of your certification card and logbook PRIOR to your cruise. Please ensure to bring these with you on your cruise as well. All dives are guided by an experienced Dive Instructor. You will be asked by the Coral Expeditions Dive Instructor prior to your cruise and on the day of diving about your current medical fitness to dive. To avoid disappointment, Coral Expeditions require you to undertake a dive medical assessment conducted by a registered physician (overseas or Australia) with experience in diving medicine highly recommended, declaring you medically fit to dive. Some medical conditions that present a risk to diving may require you to additionally provide a written medical certificate stating that you are fit to dive. If this is required, you will be informed following a dive medical questionnaire provided prior to cruise.
DIVE MEDICALS MUST:
- Be the Dive Medical Questionnaire provided by Coral Expeditions (is to Australian Standard AS4005.1)
- Be completed in English
- Assessed and certified by a registered physician, experience with diving medicine highly recommended
- Be completed within 12 months of the LAST day of your cruise, to ensure it is valid for the duration of the voyage
- Clearly state you are medically fit to dive
- Be sent to dive@coralexpeditions.com two weeks prior to your cruise, to allow time for assessment
VIEW DIVERS MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
If you are deemed medically unfit to dive, snorkelling is available.
If you have suffered any illness or injury following your initial dive medical assessment that may affect your ability to dive safely, an additional dive medical assessment may be required. Please advise our reservations department if this occurs.
The Coral Expeditions Dive Instructor will make the ultimate determination of a person’s condition and suitability to dive. If you are feeling unwell, show symptoms of a medical condition that is unsafe for diving, have a head or chest cold or display a respiratory condition on board prior to diving, you will not be permitted to dive.
REFRESHER COURSE
We recommend that Certified Divers who haven’t dived within the last 12 months, contact their local dive club and do a refresher course. This allows you to make the most of your scuba dives in these exceptional destinations.