Small Ship Adventures with Coral Expeditions

Started in 1983, Coral Expeditions’ original vessel, Coral Princess, a converted World War II submarine chaser, pioneered and set the standard for small ship expedition cruising in northern Australia with 5-night cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

Today, the Coral Expeditions’ fleet includes three purpose-built small ships that can be found anywhere from the tropical waters of Australia’s north to the rugged shores of Tasmania, from the coastal villages of Papua New Guinea and the Spice Islands, to sheltered sounds and glacial fiords of New Zealand.

While their range of cruise itineraries has expanded into new regions, they have maintained their home in Cairns and continue to be the only major operator of extended small ship cruises on the Great Barrier Reef.

There are many reasons why their guests return to Coral Expeditions for a truly authentic expedition.

A True Expedition Ethos

At Coral Expeditions, they pride themselves on getting guests up close and personal with stunning landscapes, fascinating history and vibrant cultures. They have deep respect and a strong connection with the places they visit. They maintain flexibility in planning to make impromptu stops if extraordinary opportunities in nature present themselves. Expeditions focus on truly experiencing the regions they visit.

Home Turf

When it comes to expedition cruising, there is no replicating experience. For 40 years, Coral Expeditions has steadily accumulated a wealth of local knowledge and contacts in the coastal regions surrounding Australia. Their crew know the charts, the tides and the winds like no other to ensure you are in the right place at the right time. Whether you travel with them in the ancient Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness, the frontier lands of Papua New Guinea, or New Zealand’s majestic fiordlands, you will be assured a local perspective, with local guides, authentic interactions, and a true taste of local culture and cuisine.

Small Ships

At the heart of the Coral Expeditions experience are purpose-built small expedition ships and unique tenders. In an age of glitzy mega-vessels, their ships are truly intimate, carrying no more than 120 guests. This means that they can navigate into shallow bays, step ashore onto remote beaches and jetties, and visit small villages to make connections without overwhelming a community. They have designed the fleet to explore tropical waters with comfort and ease and to allow you to connect with the landscape they explore.

Crew

The Coral Expeditions crew live and breathe their destinations and the opportunity to show you a true expedition experience. They are the modern day seafaring pioneers of Australia, and are proud to share their knowledge on coastal explorations with guests from around the globe. On their ships, they have no ‘back office’ roles. From chefs to engineers, their crew are there because they love to interact with people and show you their world. Join the engine room tours, view chefs in the galley or chat with officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to share company with you.

Respect For Communities

Coral Expeditions has always made a determined effort to support the communities they visit. Their guests join in enthusiastically. They visit remote villages, participate in art and cultural traditions, and interact in local schools. They initiate and contribute to regional projects to support conservation, provide training and employment, and distribute economic benefit and relief supplies, all with guest support and involvement. It is an enriching and rewarding part of their expedition experience that leaves a lasting joy for everyone.

The Future

As Coral Expeditions enters its fifth decade in existence, they remain true to their pioneering foundations. They have a new fleet of technologically advanced ships that provide many of the comforts of a large vessel, but without the crowds. They have embarked on a series of new adventures exploring the small islands of the world and broadening their footprint around our home shores of Australia. Yet, their purpose remains the same – taking small groups of like-minded explorers to beautiful parts of the world in their uniquely Australian style!