Expedition Cruises on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Coral Expeditions pioneered expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef four decades ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise. These expedition voyages take you to explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way, find freedom and solitude amid this iconic seascape. The Great Barrier Reef is in our DNA and we ensure the most immersive and educational experience possible. Our expert guides share their knowledge with you above and below the water, bringing you close to the natural wonders and wildlife, and giving you a deep understanding of this precious destination.
Explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about Indigenous culture and Australian heritage at Cooktown and hike to the summit of “Cooks Look” Lizard Island.
November & December 2025
This voyage explores the small islands and reefs of the northern Great Barrier Reef, Cape York coastal walks and the magic and mystery of our rarely seen Torres Strait Islands. With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture.
October & November 2025
Join the Australian Geographic Society and Great Barrier Reef Legacy on a 7-night citizen science expedition aboard Coral Discoverer, exploring the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef while actively contributing to coral conservation. Led by Dr. Dean Miller, this voyage supports the Forever Reef Project, combining hands-on research, snorkeling, diving, and coastal hikes with meaningful efforts to preserve the ocean’s biodiversity.
Departs 4 December 2025
Great Barrier Reef Voyage Logs
Discover the Great Barrier Reef onboard Coral Discoverer
Our purpose-designed small ship Coral Discoverer is built for expedition cruising, with refined steering capabilities, shallow draught and nimble Xplorer tenders. Onboard, enjoy fresh seasonal cuisine and boutique Australian wines and brews. With an intimate atmosphere and our renowned warm Australian hospitality, you will quickly feel at home on your Great Barrier Reef expedition.
Exploring Remote Reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
Covering an area of over 2600km and encompassing more than 900 islands, The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living structure and home to an abundant and thriving array of marine and birdlife species. It holds pride-of-place as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage area.
Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Discoverer
Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Discoverer
Voyage Log: Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef – Coral Geographer
Posts from our Great Barrier Reef voyages
Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef 🐠 Following days of exploring remote coral reefs, swimming among diverse marine life, and engaging in onboard activities, our like-minded adventurers aboard Coral Discoverer bid farewell until we reunite for their next adventure!
Discover the voyage on our website. Link in bio.
#cruise #expeditioncruise #GreatBarrierReef #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #TropicalNorthQueensland #Queensland #ecotourism
Nov 28
Diving into an underwater adventure! 🐠Guests aboard Coral Discoverer have wrapped up their Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef voyage where they explored the vibrant marine life and coral reefs at Ribbon Reef, Fitzroy Island, and beyond.
View the itinerary on our website. Link in bio.
#cruise #expeditioncruise #GreatBarrierReef #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #TropicalNorthQueensland #Queensland #ecotourism
Nov 16
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef with Coral Expeditions 🪸 Join our upcoming Citizen Science voyage for an immersive scientific expedition in partnership with @australiangeographic
🐠Gain access to remote reefs teeming with vibrant marine life
🐢Visit the Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
🌴Savor sunset drinks on a secluded Coral Sea island
Visit our website to view the itinerary & book online. Link in bio.
#ExploreTNQ #GreatBarrierReef
Jul 5
We pioneered extended expedition cruises on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago and have forged a reputation for excellence and expertise in that time. Aboard our expedition vessel Coral Discoverer, join us as we embark on an adventure to the remote and untouched Northern reefs. We explore the hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands and pristine reef systems. Along the way find freedom and solitude amidst this iconic seascape. Share the journey with soaring seabirds and swim, dive and snorkel at far-flung Osprey and Ribbon Reefs. Learn about ancient indigenous culture and Australian heritage at historic Cooktown. Stretch your legs with a hike to the summit of “Cooks Look”. Enjoy a sundowner with the sand beneath your toes and the setting sun at deserted Sudbury Cay. Onboard, you will be accompanied by expert guides including a Marine Biologist, and our purpose designed small ships are custom built for expedition cruising.
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🎥 Expedition Leader Karla Pound
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
Dec 2
"After lunch, we cruised over to Mackay Cay. Here we snorkelled at our leisure and Chrissy took some introductory divers for a taste of life underwater. We had an absolute ball this afternoon. The conditions were spectacular! There was little to no current, the sun came back out, the visibility was incredible and we were lucky enough to spot 2 turtles, 2 black tip reef sharks, a white tip reef shark, mauri wrasses, a stingray, and giant clams."
- Expedition Leader Karla Pound, 25 Nov 2022
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #MackayCay #explore #expedition #Dive #Snorkel
Nov 28
"The conditions at Ribbon Reef were stunning for our last day, setting out for our morning snorkel and dive at Ribbon #10. We had a great time in the water and saw many harmless sharks cruising around. With such spectacular conditions we also had the opportunity go for a trip on the glass bottom boat to learn about all things coral. After lunch conditions improved even further at Ribbon #9 giving an even clearer view of the coral."
- Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson, 22 Nov 2022
Discover The Voyage: https://bit.ly/Outerknown_adevntures_On_The_Great_Barrier...
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel #RibbonReef10 #RibbonReef9
Nov 23
"At North Horn, the top end of Osprey Reef we enjoyed our time in the water tremendously, we saw large fish including sharks, coral trout, Maori Wrasse and other species too numerous to mention."
- Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson, 4 Nov 2022
#ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #seeaustralia #greatbarrierreef #cruise #travel
Nov 7
Sunset beach drinks 🥂
What a way to end the day!!
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Nov 6
Some photos from our day at Lizard Island!
#LizardIsland #seeaustralia #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer
Nov 1
"Today the conditions were fantastic at Osprey Reef, the visibility was incredible. There were lots of pelagic fish hanging around the drop-off and plenty of different reef fish as well. It was some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever seen. We departed for another mooring at Osprey in the afternoon. It was just as good as the morning with an abundance of marine life to marvel at".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 29 Oct 2022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer
Oct 31
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite.
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #thetip #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Oct 28
"It was a lovely calm day at Forbes Island and the water was very refreshing. While snorkeling we saw a reef system that has been battered in the past but is recovering well with lots of small fish as well as giant clams and new coral. Our next stop was Farmer Island, where we walked around talking about the abundance of birds we saw as well as all the marine critters we found on the exposed reef flats".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 27 Oct 20022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #thetip
Oct 28
