Welcome to Coral Expeditions and our exciting world of nature-based adventure and expedition cruising by small ship. Coral Expeditions is a 34-year old Australian expedition cruise company. We operate and manage a fleet of 3 small ships taking guests to some of the most beautiful, yet undiscovered, regions of Asia-Pacific. Over 5,000 travellers from all over the world come to us every year for our relaxed small ship atmosphere and itineraries which larger ships cannot replicate.
When we conducted the first exploratory cruise in the Kimberley thirty years ago, tourism there was unknown. Our pioneering crew had to rely on fishing lore to navigate uncharted local waters. But we fell in love with that vast expanse, carved by the powerful forces of nature – wind, rain and tidal flows. Since then, we have built our operations around the Kimberley. Our expedition crew are local experts who have been studying and exploring the region for decades. Today, we are proud to operate three Australian expedition ships in the Kimberley from March to September each year. Every voyage is different, with new discoveries and experiences.
See the original Kimberley with the pioneers.
Coral Expeditions is Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise company, sailing for nearly four decades. We operate and manage a fleet of three small expedition ships taking guests to some of the most beautiful, yet undiscovered, regions of Australia, Asia-Pacific, South-Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Over 8,000 travellers from all over the world travel with us every year who are attracted by our relaxed small ship atmosphere and itineraries which larger ships cannot replicate.
At a time when the cruise industry is moving to larger and less personal ships, we have limited the size of our ships to maximise the expedition experience. Our cuisine is prepared small batch on board, and while the style is down to earth, it reflects high quality Australian produce and wine. We operate to high Australian standards of safety with Australian crew wherever we go. We were the first to offer interpretive programs reflective of the destinations we visit and to employ Expedition Leaders, Guest Lecturers, Marine Biologists, and SCUBA Instructors – a tradition that continues today.
At Coral Expeditions, we have built our reputation on offering a very different expedition cruise experience.
Just bring your passion to dream, explore and discover.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY & THE ENVIRONMENT
At Coral Expeditions, we’re passionate about the locations we are privileged to visit and believe in leaving these environments better than when we arrived. Naturally, we are committed to sustainable practices and are always looking for ways to preserve and protect landscapes both above and below the water. Our voyages showcase the wonders of nature, meaning the health and wellbeing of the land is at the forefront of our mind and is integral to the quality of our expeditions.
Below you will find information on some of the initiatives we have been a part of, including parting ways with plastic straws in 2018, bringing water and supplies to drought stricken small island communities, our onboard education program and involvement in coral species collection for the world’s largest Coral Biobank.
Coral Expeditions is proudly accredited as an ecotourism cruise operator with world-leading EcoTourism Australia.
Ecotourism is defined as tourism in a natural area that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
Travellers choosing products that are certified by Ecotourism Australia can be assured that those products are deemed sustainable according to the highest international standards.
In 2015, Ecotourism Australia’s ECO certification program achieving Approval status by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The GSTC are an independent body that establishes and manages global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices.
The GSTC Approved tick logo means that our ECO certified products are certified under a certification program, namely Ecotourism Australia’s ECO certification, is using a Global Sustainable Tourism Council -recognised standard, is following processes and procedures that have been reviewed and approved by the GSTC, and that the certification procedures largely meet international standards for transparency, impartiality, and competence.
The Eye on the Reef is a reef monitoring and assessment program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The program enables anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef to contribute to its long-term protection by collecting valuable information about reef health, marine animals, and incidents.
Coral Expeditions participates in this programme through company representation, where Coral Expeditions participates in the Rapid Monitoring Survey, where observations are shared with the GBRMPA. Our crew encouraged to attend workshops and training and are encouraged to report reef conditions, such as bleaching, directly to Eye on the Reef.
Over the past 34 years, Coral Expeditions has built a reputation as Australia’s pioneering cruise line. We’ve received countless awards, including Queensland and Australian tourism awards as the leading tour operator in Australia.
Coral Expeditions is a founding member of the Australian Expedition Cruise Shipping Association, an industry body representing the Australian small ship cruise industry.
As a company we take our responsibilities to the environment very seriously and are proud to be acknowledged as an ecotourism certified operator through the world-leading Ecotourism Australia organisation. Ecotourism is defined as tourism in a natural environment that offers interesting ways to learn about the environment with an operator that uses resources wisely, contributes to the conservation of the environment and helps local communities.
What is Expedition Cruising:
With A strong focus on visiting places not often touched by tourists, our shore excursions are designed to promote local interaction and cultural exchange. One of the great benefits of travelling on a small ship is our ability to make impromptu stops in remote locations.
Expedition Leaders and Guest lectures who are experts in the region accompany every voyage. They provide specialist commentary on the culture, geology, conservation, and history of the area and introducing guests to unique plants and wildlife.
Each of our small ships cruise with a variety of excursion boats, enabling you to travel ashore, enjoy excursions and exploratory adventures in the most comfort possible. Each ship is equipped with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs and, on selected itineraries, a glass bottom boat. But what truly sets Coral Expeditions apart is our unique Xplorer excursion vessels. Xplorer tender vessels offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Each ship carries a tender vessel, which is hydraulically lowered and lifted, enabling guests to transfer to excursions right off the main deck
Throughout your cruise you will savour the attentive service of our all-Australian and New Zealand staff. Selected for their high levels of customer service, “can do” attitudes and welcoming personalities, our on-board team will strive to meet your every need, ensuring that your holiday remains truly memorable.
Australian owned, registered and staffed, whichever Coral Expeditions small ship you choose to cruise aboard you are assured of a personalised and unique adventure.
Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. Sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched in 2019), she has over 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple bars, majority balcony staterooms and suites, and public areas featuring a collection of Australian Indigenous art.
Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.
Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Mauritius, and Zanzibar.
Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.
With her maiden voyage in April 2019 Coral Adventurer is our brand-new purpose built state of the art expedition ship, designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat. Accommodating a maximum of 120 guests, it preserves the intimate experience Coral Expeditions is known for.
Coral Adventurer is now the largest ship in our fleet and is fully equipped with an Xplorer tender hydraulic lowering and lifting mechanism, active stabilisers, six Zodiacs, two Xplorer tender vessels and Glass Bottom Boat (on selected cruises only). Her additional features will include Internal Lift, Gym and facilities to host scientific research or exhibitions
Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for luxury small ship cruising in Australia.
The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia * Asia-Pacific. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, “Xplorer”, 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.
Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere.
The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, 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.
Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique.
We are excited to announce a significant upgrade and refresh of our onboard facilities will occur in Singapore in November 2016 bringing the amenities on Coral Discoverer to an even higher level. The Sun Deck will become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area will be converted into an undercover deck area complete with round bar with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment.
Guest accommodation will also receive a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades will also receive a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer.
Following her full refurbishment in 2016, the Coral Discoverer will offer five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding.
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Available now, and brand new, Bridge Deck Staterooms offer guests private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living.
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
The ability to make landfall in out of the way villages, cruise shallow river tributaries and discover areas impossible to reach on bigger ships is a key ingredient of any successful Coral Expeditions voyage. When you discover Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia aboard Coral Discoverer you will travel ashore and explore in the most comfort possible aboard our flexible range of excursion boats.
Coral Discoverer is equipped with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs, along with Xplorer, our unique, specially designed excursion vessel. Xplorer is equipped with high horsepower engines and comfortable padded seating accommodating all 72 guests, ensuring that you don’t miss any of the region’s highlights. Xplorer is also fitted with an awning to provide protection from the weather and an onboard toilet. On selected itineraries we also make use of the ship’s glass bottom boat.
Boarding of excursion vessels is safe and easy. Simply step aboard from the Main Deck and Coral Discoverer’s unique hydraulic platform will gently lower the excursion vessel into the water, ensuring that you don’t need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.
Expedition capabilities
Marine immersion
Food and wine features
Guest comfort
Brand new 120 passenger ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and three decades of passion for expedition cruising – Coral Expeditions is proud to invite you to experience the Coral Adventurer.
Two Cairns and Darwin suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 8 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres
Two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites.
Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck.
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and arm chair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside.
Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Coral Deck Staterooms are identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
