Coral Expeditions - Remote Reaches of the Reef and Cape York

ITINERARY: 7 NIGHTS  CAIRNS TO CAIRNS

DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS Check-in at 2:00 pm before boarding at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00 pm for a 5:00 pm departure.

DAYS 1-7: Our Great Barrier Reef itineraries are flexible, to take advantage of changing weather and reef conditions.

FITZROY ISLAND At Fitzroy Island enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or a hike to the lighthouse. Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and learn about the life cycle of turtles at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.

SUDBURY CAY Arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from civilisation, we enjoy sunset drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon.

MACKAY REEF & CAY This afternoon, enjoy more spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities at Mackay Reef, where we look for green sea turtles and explore the vibrant coral gardens.

COOKTOWN In historic Cooktown, learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Visit the site where Lt. 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 Indigenous perspective and where artefacts are on display. Later, we cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.

LIZARD ISLAND Hike to the summit of Cook's Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens at Watson's Bay, relax on the white-sand beaches beneath shady she-oak trees and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson. There may be an opportunity to visit Lizard Island Research Station, operated by the Australian Museum to facilitate coral reef research and education on the Great Barrier Reef.

OSPREY REEF Remote Osprey Reef is the summit of a 2,000m undersea mountain located beyond the continental shelf. Enjoy amazing underwater visibility and observe magnificent corals, plummeting drop-offs and many fish in the crystalline waters. Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an 'oasis for living creatures of all kinds' by Sir David Attenborough. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and our visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

RIBBON REEFS The Ribbon Reefs are a line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf and are renowned for their prolific marine life and extensive coral species. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive over these excellent reefs, a favourite for its wide variety of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral. Join a guided snorkel tour led by our expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for spotting iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks and turtles.

DAY 8: ARRIVE CAIRNS Disembark in Cairns at 8:00am. Complimentary post-cruise transfer to a CBD Hotel or airport following disembarkation