7 Night Townsville - Cairns - Lizard island - Cairns (Vice Versa)
Become a lazy beachcomber or an inquisitive adventurer on your 7 night island-hopping voyage of discovery with Coral Princess Cruises.
An incredible underwater world will be revealed to you at their numerous exclusive reef sites. Their informative crew will always be on hand to provide assistance and information about the fascinating reef life and habitat. Join their Marine Biologist aboard the glass bottom boat or go snorkelling amongst the brilliant corals and teeming marine life on the fringing reefs of Lizard Island and their exclusive Pelorus Island.. Their experienced Dive Instructor will also be there to offer you the exhilarating experience of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Make use of the resort facilties at Dunk Island or simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of these wonderful tropical islands and coastline.
Their award-winning 35 metre expedition style cruise ships, Coral Princess and Coral Princess II, are large enough to provide all the comforts and facilities you would expect from larger cruise ships, yet small enough to enable them to access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels. With their open bridge policy and a maximum of just 50 passengers, your environmental experience will be both personal and memorable.
ITINERARY:
7 NIGHT - Cairns - Lizard Island - Townsville
Also operates in reverse direction, Townsville to Cairns.
7 NIGHT - Townsville - Lizard Island - Cairns
Day 1: 4:00pm: Board your small ship cruise for a 5:00pm departure from Cairns. Settle in and discover your ‘home’ for the next seven nights as we cruise Trinity Bay. In the evening, join our crew and travelling companions on the top deck to enjoy a glass of champagne.
Day 2: We have the morning to discover historical Cooktown. You have the option to visit Cooktown’s fascinating historical museum. This afternoon we visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Join our marine biologist for a glass bottom boat tour over the colourful coral gardens and discover some of the 1500 species of tropical fish that call the reef home.
Day 3: This morning we awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to “Cook’s Look” on the island’s peak. Relax on the beach, join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. This afternoon we cruise to Ribbon Reef No 9.
Day 4: We spend today visiting two of the most spectacular sections of the reef, Ribbon Reef No 3 and Rachel Carson Reef. Explore the coral gardens and marine life with guided snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours. Our Marine Biologist will explain the natural history and evolution of the reef and help you discover the local wildlife, which includes sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds.
Day 5: This morning enjoy free time to discover tropical Cairns. Reboard your cruise for an 11:00am departure from Cairns. After a delicious lunch we arrive at the outer Great Barrier Reef, anchoring off Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay.
Day 6: This morning we enjoy ample time to discover Coates or Nathan Reef. Enjoy the rare opportunity for a close up look at sea cucumbers, colourful starfish and other marine life living on this part of the reef. This afternoon we visit Dunk Island Resort where there is time to relax by the resort’s pool, enjoy a drink in the cocktail bar or join a guided rainforest walk discovering the island’s unique flora and fauna.
Day 7: Enjoy a delicious breakfast as we cruise further amongst the scenic Family Group of Islands, the only tropical islands on the Australian coast. Discover the towering island cliffs and mangroves of the Hinchinbrook Channel before arriving at your very own tropical island, Pelorus. We invite you to join us on the beach for a delicious beach BBQ, freshly prepared by the Captain. After lunch, explore the surrounding rainforest on a guided nature walk. Pelorus’ fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkelling opportunities. This evening, relax with our crew and new-found friends on the top deck as we cruise through the spectacular Palm Islands before settling in for our final night cruising the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 8: This morning we cross Halifax Bay, passing close to Magnetic Island before arriving in Townsville at 10:00am.
Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirements.
