4 Nights, Cairns – Lizard Island – Cairns

Type of Vessel

Just 35 meters in length, Coral Expeditions II is the ideal small ship for discovering the World Heritage-Listed Great Barrier Reef and small enough to allow snorkeling directly from the ship. The ship features a spacious lounge with cocktail bar, comprehensive reference library and plasma screens. The large sun deck offers comfortable deck chairs and teak furnishings. Meals are served in the dining room, with space for all guests to dine during one sitting and no assigned seating.

Deck Plans

Bridge: Junior King or Twin
Promenade A: Junior King or Twin
Promenade B: Juniior King
Main Deck A: Junior King or Twin
Main Deck B: Junior King or Twin

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Cairns, cruise northward, passing Double Island and the pretty beachside village of Palm Cove
Day 2: Discover historical Cooktown; visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 3: Visit Lizard Island and then cruise to Ribbon Reef No 9
Day 4: Visit Ribbon Reef No 3 and Rachel Carson Reef Day 5: Disembark at Trinity Wharf in Cairns

Day 1: Cairns and Welcome
4:00pm: Board your Coral Princess Cruises small ship for a 5:00pm departure from Cairns. Cruise Trinity Bay, settle in and discover your home for the four nights. In the evening, join our crew and travelling companions on the top deck to enjoy a glass of champagne as we cruise northward, passing Double Island and the pretty beachside village of Palm Cove. Admire a spectacular sunset over the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Macalister Range before sitting down to a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Cooktown and Great Barrier Reef
We have the morning to discover historic Cooktown which is steeped in history with buildings dating back to the 1870s. It was here that the famous explorer Captain James Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery after claiming Australia as a British Colony in 1770. You have the option to visit Cooktown’s fascinating James Cook historical museum, featuring original artefacts from Cook’s ship – HMS Endeavour. See the original anchor and cannon, jettisoned overboard after Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Perhaps visit the Botanic Gardens, where you may catch a glimpse of some native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies in their natural habitat. 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 1,500 species of tropical fish that call the reef home. You may wish to enjoy our first snorkelling opportunity for an up close view of the hundreds of varieties of coral growing on this section of reef. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers.
Day 3: Lizard Island, Reef and Snorkelling
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 (hiking or running shoes required). It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown almost 250 years ago. A photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent. Lizard Island’s fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offer some fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Discover giant clams and a profusion of tropical fish. Simply relax on the beach, join the Marine Biologist on a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. The choice is yours! This afternoon we cruise to Ribbon Reef No. 9, a spectacular and seldom visited part of the reef where our activities will include more snorkelling opportunities and glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist.
Day 4: Spectacular Ribbon Reefs
The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one continuous reef, but a series of individual coral cays stretching over 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) between the town of Bundaberg and the tip of Australia at Cape York. We spend today visiting two of the most spectacular sections of the reef, Ribbon Reef No. 3 and Escape 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. Today will also be your last opportunity to experience the reef through SCUBA diving, so allow our Dive Instructor to guide you on an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. This evening we enjoy our final memorable night cruising the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 5: Arrive Cairns
8:00am: Farewell our Captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking at Trinity Wharf in Cairns. Post cruise transfer to city or airport is included.

All Inclusive

All meals, morning and afternoon teas;tea and coffee are available at all times; use of snorkelling equipment, masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits; guided glass bottom boat coral viewing and snorkelling excursions; presentations by Marine Biologist; access to islands, marine and national parks; use of comprehensive range of library and video resources; an introductory SCUBA skills session for first time divers.

Guest Services

Large sundeck, spa pool, wireless internet available for laptops, PDAs and onboard computer; comprehensive reference library, phone and fax facilities, lecture lounge with large plasma screen, limited laundry facilities, two fully stocked cocktail bars, air-conditioned public areas

Food and Dining

All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.

Onboard Activities/Events

Large sun deck with deck chairs and spa pool, two fully-stocked cocktail bars, dining room, spacious lounge with plasma screens, comprehensive reference library, open bridge, gift shop, limited laundry facilities, phone and fax facilities, and SCUBA diving department.

Shore Excursions

Snorkeling, guided coral viewing excursions in a glass bottom boat, SCUBA diving, guided rainforest and beach walks and presentations by expert Marine Biologist

Staterooms or Cabins

The 21 onboard rooms are fully equipped with a private ensuite, air conditioning and ample storage space, as well as large picture windows, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular scenery.