8000
Passengers per year
34
Years of operation
2016
Refurbishment
Overview
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.
Dates & Rates
Coral Expeditions 2026
Cruise
Route
Dates
Coral Geographer – 10 Nights
Room Type
Size
Door to Door
Port to Port
Coral Deck Stateroom
17 m2
N/A
$13,400 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom
17 m2
N/A
$16,300 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
21.4 m2
N/A
$21,600 pp
Bridge Deck Suite
37.5 m2
N/A
$28,900 pp
Coral Adventurer – 10 Nights
Room Type
Size
Door to Door
Port to Port
Coral Deck Stateroom
17 m2
N/A
$13,400 pp
Promenade Deck Stateroom
17 m2
N/A
$16,300 pp
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
21.4 m2
N/A
$21,600 pp
Bridge Deck Suite
37.5 m2
N/A
$23,600 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
55.8 m2
N/A
$30,900 pp
Coral Discoverer – 10 Nights
Room Type
Size
Door to Door
Port to Port
Main Deck (category B)
18 m2
N/A
$12,990 pp
Main Deck (category A)
18 m2
N/A
$13,700 pp
Promenade Deck (category B)
15 m2
N/A
$14,300 pp
Promenade Deck (category A)
18 m2
N/A
$16,400 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
20 m2
N/A
$20,400 pp
Coral Discoverer – 10 Nights
Room Type
Size
Door to Door
Port to Port
Main Deck (category B)
18 m2
N/A
$12,990 pp
Main Deck (category A)
18 m2
N/A
$13,700 pp
Promenade Deck (category B)
15 m2
N/A
$14,300 pp
Promenade Deck (category A)
18 m2
N/A
$16,400 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
20 m2
N/A
$20,400 pp
Ship Details
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.
Welcome to no queues, no waiting
At Coral Expeditions, we have built our reputation on offering a very different expedition cruise experience.
- We have no organised entertainment on board – instead, we offer a daily program of lectures, briefings and themed documentaries and movies
- We do not have multiple glitzy restaurants – but our chefs prepare fresh daily, high-quality cuisine using Australian and local ingredients
- We do not have ‘formal’ nights or assigned seating – you can dine with whom you please and share the day’s stories
- We have no room service menus – but our crew will be happy to serve you a meal in-room if you are under the weather or prefer to eat in
- We do not have minibars – our guests love to mingle over drinks on the sundeck or in one of our comfortable lounges
- We do not have a casino – but our captains welcome you to the bridge to observe operations and have a chat
- We don’t have butlers and spas – but all staterooms have their own ensuites, some with balconies, large picture windows or portholes , all outward facing. Serviced daily and come with nightly turndown service.
- We don’t have a swimming pool – but all our ships have swimming platforms from where you can take a dip in the ocean
- We do not charge for shore excursions
- We do not require tips
- We welcome young and old
Just bring your passion to dream, explore and discover.
Eco-accreditation
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.
Other sustainability initiatives
Eye on the reef
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.
Our Awards and Accreditations
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.
The small ship & expedition difference
What is Expedition Cruising:
- Focus on the destination, not the ship
- Longer voyages to remote areas
- Learning & Adventure
- This is what Coral Expeditions deliver.
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.
Our small ship fleet
Coral geographer
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.
Coral Adventurer
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
Coral Discoverer
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.
What’s on Board
When you join a small ship cruise with Coral Expeditions it doesn’t mean that you need to forego the comforts and facilities of larger ships. Our small ships have been purpose built to provide maximum space, ensuring that you can always find a quiet spot to sit back and relax. They feature generous public spaces and open decks with plenty of seating, as well as indoor lounges and bars.
The air-conditioned lounge is a great location to sit back, relax with a drink and admire the passing scenery. The lounge’s well-stocked reference and fiction library offers a range of resources to enhance your experience. Read up on the history of the area, view a film from our library or share your holiday with friends and family on the ship’s computer. Cost effective wireless internet is available on both Coral Discoverer and Coral Adventurer, allowing you to check email, surf the web or simply keep up to date with news from home on the ship’s shared computer or a personal laptop, PDA or tablet device. Telephone access cards can also be purchased from the Purser’s desk allowing you to make low cost calls to anywhere in the world.
Coral Discoverer
Facilities on board
- Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating
- Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck
- Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished
- Forward lounge
- Reference library
- Gift shop
- Open bridge
- Workout Area
- Wireless internet available* for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer
- Limited laundry facilities available
- SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)
Coral Adventurer
Expedition capabilities
- Two trademark Xplorer tenders cradled in the back of the ship seat all passengers at one go and facilitate comfortable shore excursions with open views
- Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration
- Lecture lounge with multimedia capabilities for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations
- Small on-board library featuring destinations and wildlife
- Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations normally closed to large cruise ships
Marine immersion
- Navigator lounge in the bridge giving guests a vantage point of ship operations
- Over 1000 sq m of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views
- Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests
- Multipurpose room to host marine research missions
Food and wine features
- Single seating dining area with communal ‘wine table’ finished with Australian stone; serving buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners
- Showcase galley visible to guests for fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian produce
- Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks with 180 degree views
- Curated wine cellar featuring modestly priced boutique wines for daily drinking and exceptional vintage Australian reds.
Guest comfort
- All outside guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony
- Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion
- Gym equipped with elliptical trainers and treadmills
- Passenger elevator
- Wi-Fi available in all guest areas
Accommodation
Refurbished Stateroom Accommodation
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.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
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
Promenade Deck (Category A) Stateroom
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.
Promenade Deck (Category B) Stateroom
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.
Main Deck (Category A) Stateroom
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.
Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom
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.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
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
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
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 Balcony Stateroom
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 Stateroom
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 Stateroom
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
Gallery
What our clients say
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to cruise the Kimberley?
The Kimberley cruise season typically runs from April to October. The early season (April–May) showcases lush landscapes and powerful waterfalls due to recent rains. Mid-season (June–July) offers cooler temperatures and abundant wildlife, while the late season (August–October) provides warm weather and the chance to witness migrating whales.
Is the food catered to dietary requirements?
Yes, chefs onboard can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free and other specific requests. Please inform us in advance to ensure your preferences are met.
What should I pack for the cruise?
Essential items include lightweight clothing, swimwear, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a good camera.
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026
Coral Expeditions 2026