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The following articles, expedition logs and reviews shine a spotlight on our expedition cruises and what makes the Coral Expeditions’ experience unique.
For more information on any of our destinations and cruises, contact us.
Born from a heritage of taking travellers where only scientists had been, expedition cruises were the first to take citizen explorers to many remote destinations. Up close and personal, hands-on small ship expeditions invite wildlife, culture, and history to take centre stage.
This is the story of Coral Expeditions from the people who built and shaped it. If you like history, nature or simply a good yarn, this is compelling reading.
The history and nature of Flinders Island, South Australia, as told by Tobin Woolford from Eyrewoolf Abalone
Born from a heritage of taking travellers where only scientists had been, expedition cruises were the first to take citizen explorers to many remote destinations. Up close and personal, hands-on small ship expeditions invite wildlife, culture, and history to take centre stage.
This is the story of Coral Expeditions from the people who built and shaped it. If you like history, nature or simply a good yarn, this is compelling reading.
The history and nature of Flinders Island, South Australia, as told by Tobin Woolford from Eyrewoolf Abalone
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The shady forest trail was steep, sharp and uneven. But with care, patience and the helpful guidance of our expedition crew it was safe. At the summit, we were rewarded with sublime 360-degree views over the Wayag lagoon and its many jungle-clad, beehive islands.
The vastness of the Kimberley comes home to me when I look at the photo of the Zodiac at the landing, choppers on the beach, and the immense rock formations behind. Chopper rides are always exciting, but this one was in a spectacular setting.
As we were making our way up the sandy beach, we were stopped in our tracks when Guest Lecturer, Steve (from Charles Darwin Uni if I recall correctly) suddenly shouts out ‘TURTLE HATCHLINGS!”
We were on our way to Banjarmasin’s traditional Floating Market. Banjarmasin is known as the Venice of the East, so I was excited to experience this. We were surprised to see hundreds of sampans laden with all sorts of produce. Our eyes dazzled by the riot of colours.
It wasn’t the swim with the whale sharks or even the stunning scenery looking over the lush green fjords of Tufi, it was a day so unexpected and special. This was all about the little nutmeg whose influence in world history is deep and far-reaching.
Anchored just outside of Freshwater Cove, we were then taken into the cove to be met by some of the local aboriginal people and had our faces painted ochre as a mark of respect.
The day started with a “wet landing” at Ureparapara Island in Vanuatu. We immediately knew it was going to be a special day when we were greeted on the beach by a lively local band we dubbed the “Vanuatu Beach Boys”
I have selected as our most memorable day 25th December 2010, Christmas Day. We had cruised overnight from Melanesian Bundaduna Island to Ghizo Island in the Solomon Islands’ New Georgia Group, dropping anchor off the pretty township of Gizo. The first delight of the day was a lovely champagne breakfast.
Captain Gary Wilson made the announcement that he had not experienced such perfect conditions in a long time and he asked if we would mind making a small detour. All passengers on board agreed, as what we were about to experience was very rare.
As I am writing this, I can vividly replay in my mind what it felt like to cruise along the river watching the villages slip by. As the kids saw us, they would be jumping up and down for joy and waving frantically just to see us go by in our little ship.
In the afternoon we headed over to Laurie’s private beach for a refreshing swim in the sparkling water – absolute paradise. Laurie’s many young children were having a blast swimming and playing with the guests, and we all delighted by their giggles and antics.
After an amazing lunch, we listen to our Tour Director and Marine Biologist tell us about corals, clams and bombora so we will have some appreciation of what we will be seeing when we arrive at Lizard Island in a few hours’ time.
We wondered if the passengers would be as delightful as those we traveled with over 30 years ago when we boarded the company’s first ship Coral Princess. That was pure joy – so much so that I’ve been following the cruise line’s progress ever since. Each evening we dined on the vessel with two farming couples from New Zealand and one couple (honeymooning) from Devon U. K. Since we all retired, those folk have visited us and we them – several times. Friends for LIFE!
The first morning onboard, we cruised past the Breaksea Islands into Port Davey. At 7am, the air was bitterly cold, however that did not stop us eagerly peering through the haunting fog to see spectacular views of the pristine wilderness. The bow of the Promenade Deck offered a great lookout spot, where many of us gathered with our cameras and phones to capture this stunning entry into adventure.
What really makes it a ‘best day’ for us is the Coral Expedition Family. Without exception, the crew have been fantastic over the past 8 years that we have been travelling with Coral Princess Cruises which is now renamed Coral Expeditions.
We had many “best days” on our January 2020 trip to Raja Ampat/Spice Islands on Coral Adventurer, but the BEST DAY SNORKELLING was at Gunang Api, Banda Neira. The lush, colourful coral growth on the black lava was incredibly beautiful and the gentle, warm rain made the experience absolutely magical.
The whale sharks are amazing creatures. They move tranquilly though the water. They came close to me many times and seemed unaware of my presence. Then they would turn and swim off again. This one with its mouth open shows the many rows of tiny harmless teeth. They feed on plankton and very small fish. They are gentle giants.
We would like to share with you our Best day of Expedition but every day was the best day! We have done many cruises including Cunard and none can compare with the cruise we did with Coral Expeditions. We are counting down the days until the Kimberley and French Polynesia on Coral Geographer already booked for 2021
The shady forest trail was steep, sharp and uneven. But with care, patience and the helpful guidance of our expedition crew it was safe. At the summit, we were rewarded with sublime 360-degree views over the Wayag lagoon and its many jungle-clad, beehive islands.
The vastness of the Kimberley comes home to me when I look at the photo of the Zodiac at the landing, choppers on the beach, and the immense rock formations behind. Chopper rides are always exciting, but this one was in a spectacular setting.
As we were making our way up the sandy beach, we were stopped in our tracks when Guest Lecturer, Steve (from Charles Darwin Uni if I recall correctly) suddenly shouts out ‘TURTLE HATCHLINGS!”
We were on our way to Banjarmasin’s traditional Floating Market. Banjarmasin is known as the Venice of the East, so I was excited to experience this. We were surprised to see hundreds of sampans laden with all sorts of produce. Our eyes dazzled by the riot of colours.
It wasn’t the swim with the whale sharks or even the stunning scenery looking over the lush green fjords of Tufi, it was a day so unexpected and special. This was all about the little nutmeg whose influence in world history is deep and far-reaching.
Anchored just outside of Freshwater Cove, we were then taken into the cove to be met by some of the local aboriginal people and had our faces painted ochre as a mark of respect.
The day started with a “wet landing” at Ureparapara Island in Vanuatu. We immediately knew it was going to be a special day when we were greeted on the beach by a lively local band we dubbed the “Vanuatu Beach Boys”
I have selected as our most memorable day 25th December 2010, Christmas Day. We had cruised overnight from Melanesian Bundaduna Island to Ghizo Island in the Solomon Islands’ New Georgia Group, dropping anchor off the pretty township of Gizo. The first delight of the day was a lovely champagne breakfast.
Captain Gary Wilson made the announcement that he had not experienced such perfect conditions in a long time and he asked if we would mind making a small detour. All passengers on board agreed, as what we were about to experience was very rare.
As I am writing this, I can vividly replay in my mind what it felt like to cruise along the river watching the villages slip by. As the kids saw us, they would be jumping up and down for joy and waving frantically just to see us go by in our little ship.
In the afternoon we headed over to Laurie’s private beach for a refreshing swim in the sparkling water – absolute paradise. Laurie’s many young children were having a blast swimming and playing with the guests, and we all delighted by their giggles and antics.
After an amazing lunch, we listen to our Tour Director and Marine Biologist tell us about corals, clams and bombora so we will have some appreciation of what we will be seeing when we arrive at Lizard Island in a few hours’ time.
We wondered if the passengers would be as delightful as those we traveled with over 30 years ago when we boarded the company’s first ship Coral Princess. That was pure joy – so much so that I’ve been following the cruise line’s progress ever since. Each evening we dined on the vessel with two farming couples from New Zealand and one couple (honeymooning) from Devon U. K. Since we all retired, those folk have visited us and we them – several times. Friends for LIFE!
The first morning onboard, we cruised past the Breaksea Islands into Port Davey. At 7am, the air was bitterly cold, however that did not stop us eagerly peering through the haunting fog to see spectacular views of the pristine wilderness. The bow of the Promenade Deck offered a great lookout spot, where many of us gathered with our cameras and phones to capture this stunning entry into adventure.
What really makes it a ‘best day’ for us is the Coral Expedition Family. Without exception, the crew have been fantastic over the past 8 years that we have been travelling with Coral Princess Cruises which is now renamed Coral Expeditions.
We had many “best days” on our January 2020 trip to Raja Ampat/Spice Islands on Coral Adventurer, but the BEST DAY SNORKELLING was at Gunang Api, Banda Neira. The lush, colourful coral growth on the black lava was incredibly beautiful and the gentle, warm rain made the experience absolutely magical.
The whale sharks are amazing creatures. They move tranquilly though the water. They came close to me many times and seemed unaware of my presence. Then they would turn and swim off again. This one with its mouth open shows the many rows of tiny harmless teeth. They feed on plankton and very small fish. They are gentle giants.
We would like to share with you our Best day of Expedition but every day was the best day! We have done many cruises including Cunard and none can compare with the cruise we did with Coral Expeditions. We are counting down the days until the Kimberley and French Polynesia on Coral Geographer already booked for 2021
The first was with my husband in 2008 where the highlight was tackling Cook’s Look, Lizard Island. The second with my sister in 2012 where again the highlight was seeing my sister (not a strong swimmer) snorkel over the clam garden off Watson’s Beach, unforgettable!
When reflecting upon the time we spent over Christmas on the Coral Adventurer in Raja Ampat and given all that has happened since then – fires, hail storms and viruses you realise how privileged we were to even be there. The best day was every day we got to spend time on the reefs – which was most days – the variety of corals and marine life were epic and my screen saver shot (taken underwater by one of the crew) reminds me daily of the absolute fun we had in the warm waters off W Papua. The crew were lovely, the food staff were talented but I can’t tell you that any one thing was best – it was all.
My best day is really hard to decide because, as I am sure all previous passengers will say, every day is the best. I don’t need photos to prove it. The best photos are those that stay in your mind, like walking through valleys of man ferns and watching all the passengers in awe of albatross fighting over their catch. It’s seeing that is believing, and hearing from our naturalists that lies our understanding. The best day is sailing where explorers went before and we continue to feel the amazement of exploring. The amazement of seeing little penguins swimming. Of the rich rock formations and places explorers missed. No, a day is never enough.
The first was with my husband in 2008 where the highlight was tackling Cook’s Look, Lizard Island. The second with my sister in 2012 where again the highlight was seeing my sister (not a strong swimmer) snorkel over the clam garden off Watson’s Beach, unforgettable!
When reflecting upon the time we spent over Christmas on the Coral Adventurer in Raja Ampat and given all that has happened since then – fires, hail storms and viruses you realise how privileged we were to even be there. The best day was every day we got to spend time on the reefs – which was most days – the variety of corals and marine life were epic and my screen saver shot (taken underwater by one of the crew) reminds me daily of the absolute fun we had in the warm waters off W Papua. The crew were lovely, the food staff were talented but I can’t tell you that any one thing was best – it was all.
My best day is really hard to decide because, as I am sure all previous passengers will say, every day is the best. I don’t need photos to prove it. The best photos are those that stay in your mind, like walking through valleys of man ferns and watching all the passengers in awe of albatross fighting over their catch. It’s seeing that is believing, and hearing from our naturalists that lies our understanding. The best day is sailing where explorers went before and we continue to feel the amazement of exploring. The amazement of seeing little penguins swimming. Of the rich rock formations and places explorers missed. No, a day is never enough.
.
By Tiana Templeman, NZ Herald 11 Jan 21
Tiana Templeman enjoys Tasmania’s untamed places on a luxurious expedition cruise
This is the story of Coral Expeditions from the people who built and shaped it. If you like history, nature or simply a good yarn, this is compelling reading.
Coral Expeditions’ home port is the beautiful tropical city of Cairns, the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Summer in Tropical North Queensland may be known as the wet season, but don’t let that deter you!
By Darren Jew and Jasmine Carey
Whether you’re over or under the water, the basic principles of photography stay the same. However, taking your camera under water adds a few additional challenges, so it’s best to have a handle on the basics first.
Evoking pristine beauty and adventure, exotic and even dangerous wildlife, and the mystery of the tropics, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest rainforest and only place where two natural World Heritage sites meet and the ‘rainforest meets the reef’.
Hanging beneath Australia like a green jewel, Australia’s islands state, Tasmania, is best known for having the world’s cleanest air, untouched wilderness, and the richest history in Australia.
Known as the Bay of Isles, the Recherché Archipelago is a haven for wildlife renowned for its pristine environment, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
Discover abundant native Australian wildlife, artisanal cuisine, and rugged wilderness on Kangaroo Island.
Encounter curious dwarf minke whales on a citizen science expedition to the remote outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef and participate in underwater research.
The Abrolhos Islands were formally recognised as a place of exceptional historic and natural heritage value in 2019 when it became Australia’s newest National Park, simultaneously marking the 400th anniversary of the first European sighting of the islands.
By Guest Lecturer Tim Harvey
I’ve been passionate about sea turtles since I returned to Australia from the UK 20 years ago. I knew nothing about them before, but when I came to the Reef and saw them, that was it; ‘Love at first sight’.
Lizard Island and its surrounding coral reef communities forms one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most treasured marine areas. White sand and grassland meets blue skies and bluer seas on this remote island that combines mesmerising reef encounters with historical significance.
We’re on a voyage to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to discover an extraordinary marine wonderland of coral gardens and charismatic marine life living on the fabled Ribbon Reefs.
For 35 years, we have called Australia home. We sail with one purpose – to take small groups of like-minded explorers to remote places, with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality.
We snorkelled in the rain off Banda Neira, at the 1981 Gunang Api lava flow. It was astonishingly beautiful; the profusion, density, and variety of corals and fish and the vivid colours were overwhelming.
The Product Team is made up of three staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns.
Behind the scenes in the creation of extraordinary expedition experiences.
By Tiana Templeman, NZ Herald 11 Jan 21
Tiana Templeman enjoys Tasmania’s untamed places on a luxurious expedition cruise
This is the story of Coral Expeditions from the people who built and shaped it. If you like history, nature or simply a good yarn, this is compelling reading.
Coral Expeditions’ home port is the beautiful tropical city of Cairns, the gateway to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Summer in Tropical North Queensland may be known as the wet season, but don’t let that deter you!
By Darren Jew and Jasmine Carey
Whether you’re over or under the water, the basic principles of photography stay the same. However, taking your camera under water adds a few additional challenges, so it’s best to have a handle on the basics first.
Evoking pristine beauty and adventure, exotic and even dangerous wildlife, and the mystery of the tropics, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest rainforest and only place where two natural World Heritage sites meet and the ‘rainforest meets the reef’.
Hanging beneath Australia like a green jewel, Australia’s islands state, Tasmania, is best known for having the world’s cleanest air, untouched wilderness, and the richest history in Australia.
Known as the Bay of Isles, the Recherché Archipelago is a haven for wildlife renowned for its pristine environment, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
Discover abundant native Australian wildlife, artisanal cuisine, and rugged wilderness on Kangaroo Island.
Encounter curious dwarf minke whales on a citizen science expedition to the remote outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef and participate in underwater research.
The Abrolhos Islands were formally recognised as a place of exceptional historic and natural heritage value in 2019 when it became Australia’s newest National Park, simultaneously marking the 400th anniversary of the first European sighting of the islands.
By Guest Lecturer Tim Harvey
I’ve been passionate about sea turtles since I returned to Australia from the UK 20 years ago. I knew nothing about them before, but when I came to the Reef and saw them, that was it; ‘Love at first sight’.
Lizard Island and its surrounding coral reef communities forms one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most treasured marine areas. White sand and grassland meets blue skies and bluer seas on this remote island that combines mesmerising reef encounters with historical significance.
We’re on a voyage to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to discover an extraordinary marine wonderland of coral gardens and charismatic marine life living on the fabled Ribbon Reefs.
For 35 years, we have called Australia home. We sail with one purpose – to take small groups of like-minded explorers to remote places, with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality.
We snorkelled in the rain off Banda Neira, at the 1981 Gunang Api lava flow. It was astonishingly beautiful; the profusion, density, and variety of corals and fish and the vivid colours were overwhelming.
The Product Team is made up of three staff and based out of our headquarters in Cairns.
Behind the scenes in the creation of extraordinary expedition experiences.
25 June 2020
24 June 2020
19 June 2020
25 May 2020
26 April 2020
21 April 2020
18 April 2020
15 April 2020
12 April 2020
7 April 2020
1 April 2020
31 March 2020
28 March 2020
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The morning was spent following animal tracks in the dunes of Raragala Island, before a visit to the Gawa community of Elcho Island saw people wading onto a rocky beach to be warmly greeted and shown around one of the most remote little communities in Australia.
Fast-track your way around some of Tasmania’s best coastal day walks on this ship-based, week-long summer adventure. Tasmania is regarded as a bushwalkers’
paradise, and arguably boasts Australia’s highest concentration of internationally renowned short and multi-day walks.
Fall in love with the Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. An archipelago known as the Islands of Love is always going to attract attention. Polish anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski can take responsibility for drawing attention to the dating rituals of Trobriand Islanders.
The morning was spent following animal tracks in the dunes of Raragala Island, before a visit to the Gawa community of Elcho Island saw people wading onto a rocky beach to be warmly greeted and shown around one of the most remote little communities in Australia.
Fast-track your way around some of Tasmania’s best coastal day walks on this ship-based, week-long summer adventure. Tasmania is regarded as a bushwalkers’
paradise, and arguably boasts Australia’s highest concentration of internationally renowned short and multi-day walks.
Fall in love with the Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea. An archipelago known as the Islands of Love is always going to attract attention. Polish anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski can take responsibility for drawing attention to the dating rituals of Trobriand Islanders.
Expedition Logs are a compendium of daily reports written by our Captains, summarising the events during each expedition. They provide insight into the expedition, from the sailing conditions to the activities enjoyed at each destination. Each trip has its own unique elements – read an expedition log to find out more about the Coral Expeditions experience. View more expedition logs Here.
Don’t just take our word for it, let the reviews do the talking. Awarded #1 Best Australian and New Zealand Small Ship Expedition Company 2018 by Cruise Critic based on past guest reviews. View our other awards and accreditations here. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than receiving wonderful reviews from our guests and hearing their stories. Read some of our guest reviews here, or check them our on Trip Advisor or Cruise Critic.
If you have cruised with us, we love seeing your photos and posts on social media. Don’t forget to tag us @CoralExpeditions or #CoralExpeditions so we see them! Feel free to leave a review online using the links below, or email us your testimonials.
Trip Advisor Review
Cruise Critic Review
Facebook Recommendation
Google My Business Review