Seek sanctuary in remote Australia on Coral Expeditions’ new 7-night Great Barrier Reef expeditions for 2020
Under 72 passengers, all Australian crew and guests, enhanced health protocols
Australia’s pioneering small ship expedition line, Coral Expeditions, has launched the first phase of its new “Australian Coastal Wilderness” sailing schedule with the release of nine Great Barrier Reef expeditions commencing in October 2020. The all-new 7-night sailings onboard the modern yachtlike Coral Discoverer will explore the pristine outer reefs and lesser-known islands, showcasing the extraordinary marine life and the rich natural and cultural history of the region. Coral Expeditions
will be following its SailSAFE plan developed by Australian medical specialists for the current environment, allowing guests to relax and immerse in this World Heritage icon.
On these expeditions, guests can:
• Experience remote diving and snorkelling at Osprey Reef, Escape Reef, and the Ribbon Reefs
• Spot the Great Eight and other birdlife and marine creatures on the Great Barrier Reef
• Learn about Indigenous culture and Australian heritage through historic Cooktown artefacts
• Enjoy sunset drinks with the sand between your toes on isolated Sudbury Cay and Hope Island
• Learn about the conservation of endangered marine reptiles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre on Fitzroy Island
• Visit the Great Barrier Reef Research Station and snorkel over giant clam gardens at Lizard Island
New destinations include the Daintree River and Rainforest, Hope Island, Escape Reef, and remote
Osprey Reef, described by Sir David Attenborough as “an oasis for living creatures of all kinds.”
Osprey Reef lies beyond the continental shelf and is an isolated seamount rising 2,000m above the
seabed within the Coral Sea Marine Park. The reef’s isolation offers exceptional snorkel and diving
opportunities due to a combination of light, ocean temperature and geological conditions supporting
flourishing and distinctive marine life.
Coral Discoverer, a yacht-like expedition ship with just 36 staterooms, commences 7-night Great
Barrier Reef expeditions from 14th October 2020 departing from Cairns. The season will run through
until late December before the vessel relocates to Tasmania for the summer season.
Coral Discoverer is purpose-built for expedition cruising with a shallow draft allowing access to
remote locations that larger vessels cannot reach. A signature Xplorer tender vessel, glass-bottom
boat and Zodiac tenders enable guests to explore the Great Barrier Reef up close. Expansive indoor
and outdoor spaces, including the much loved Explorer bar with 300-degree views, immerse guests
in the spectacular natural surroundings. An expert expedition team and resident specialists provide
insightful commentary and interpretation while Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian
hospitality remains a core motivator for repeat guest loyalty.
Jeff Gillies, Commercial Director at Coral Expeditions, comments, “At a time of global health
challenges and uncertainties, there is no better sanctuary than our own Great Barrier Reef. Coral
Expeditions have had a ship operating on the Reef for 35 years. Our pioneering spirit of exploration
began here, and this extraordinary place remains at the heart of our DNA. We encourage
Australians to explore their home shores at this time. With the new medical protocols we have
adopted, there is no better escape than a week on the Reef by small ship”.
Coral Expeditions will be offering a special deal for travellers on this itinerary, including:
• Book now with no deposit for 30 days
• Flexible booking terms with our complimentary deposit protection
• One night’s accommodation pre-cruise (includes breakfast)
• A $500 per person travel credit
Having submitted a comprehensive SailSAFE plan to all national, state and territory authorities and
received approval, Coral Expeditions are ready to return to operations with a thorough safety plan
and exciting nature-based expeditions that travellers can feel confident to enjoy. Being an Australian
flagged tourism operator, the company is not affected by Border Force closures and carries
Australian guests and employs an Australian crew.
Coral Expeditions will continue to launch updates to their sailing schedule in the weeks ahead
including additional Definitive Kimberley expeditions, Cape York, Arnhem Land & the Torres Strait,
Ningaloo & the Coral Coast, the Coastal Wilds of Tasmania and a series of new itineraries to the
Western Australia’s less-visited reefs and islands, the Great Southern Coastline and the Wild Islands
of South Australia. In addition, a series of new themed voyages with partners including Australian
Geographic Society is planned for release in August 2020.
View accompanying high-resolution imagery
For more media or trade enquiries contact:
Jeff Gillies | Commercial Director
[email protected] or call 0418 415 581
About Coral Expeditions
Recognised as Australia’s longest established and most awarded expedition cruise operator, Coral Expeditions are Australia’s pioneering cruise line offering a unique style of immersive expedition adventures in small ships purpose-built to take guests closer to nature and cultures. Starting with environmentally-sensitive cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, 35 years later the fleet has grown to an all new ocean going fleet featuring the intimate blue-water vessel Coral Discoverer and the brand-new flagship vessels Coral Adventurer and sister ship Coral Geographer. Headquartered in Cairns, Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to the outerknown regions of the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Kimberley coastline, Tasmania’s wilderness coast, Cape York and Arnhem Land, New Zealand and further afield to the small Islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Find Freedom in the farthest reaches with Coral Expeditions.