4 Night Great Barrier Reef Cairns & Lizard Island Cruise
Our 4-night Cairns - Lizard Island - Cairns cruise is the perfect option for those guests wanting to spend the maximum amount of time exploring the colourful coral gardens of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a full day to discover two different sections of the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, considered to be the most colourful and pristine reefs found anywhere along the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the wonderful fringing reefs off Lizard Island and Two Isles. You will also have the opportunity to explore historic Cooktown and savour a full morning discovering spectacular Lizard Island.
Tour Highlights
- Lizard Island
- Cooktown
- Great Barrier Reef
Tour Info
| Code | CP-CC4 |
|---|---|
| Style |
|
| Duration | 5 Days |
Departures
|
|
| Vehicle | Cruise Ship |
| Suitability | Open Age |
| Start | Cairns @ 05.00 pm |
| Finish | Cairns @ 08.00am |
| Travel Insurance | Required |
4:00pm: Board your Expedition small ship for a 5:00pm departure from Cairns. Cruise Trinity Bay, settle in and discover your home for the four nights.
Board at Cairns' Trinity Wharf at 4:00pm
cruise Trinity Bay
welcome drinks
views of Double Island and the pretty seaside village at Palm Cove
Captain's Welcome Seafood Buffet
Discover historic Cooktown
stroll the wide main street and see buildings dating back to the 1870s
walk to the botanic gardens where you may see kangaroos and wallabies
visit James Cook Museum to see original artefacts from his ship 'Endeavour'
snorkel over the reef on a desert island
glass bottom boat tours
optional SCUBA diving
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.
Enjoy the morning on Lizard Island, one of Australia's most beautiful tropical islands
Discover the legend of Mary Watson > snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens
optional early morning hike to Cook's Look for stunning views over the reef
afternoon at Ribbon Reef #9 on the rarely visited outer Barrier Reef
snorkel and SCUBA dive and glass bottom boat tours
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.\
Full day to discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs
Ribbon Reef #3
Rachel Carson Reef
snorkelling, optional SCUBA diving
glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist
marine biology presentation at the onboard display tank
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.
8:00am: Farewell our Captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking at Trinity Wharf in Cairns.
Post cruise transfer to city centre hotels or Cairns airport is included.
Inclusion
- 4 nights accommodation in selected room grade aboard Coral Expeditions II
- All meals, morning and afternoon teas
- 24 hour tea/coffee and soda fountain (soft drinks)
- Use of on board facilities
- Access to islands, marine and national parks
- Use of snorkeling equipment; fins, masks and snorkels
- Introductory SCUBA skills session for first time divers
- Glass bottom boat tours and presentations with the Marine Biologist
- Touring as described in the itinerary
- Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities
Excluded
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Travel Insurance
- Personal items such as communications and bar charges
- Environmental Management Charge of AUD18.00 per person payable on board
- Optional SCUBA diving
- Entrance fees in Cooktown if attending the museum
Tipping not required
- Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. At Coral Expeditions our crew has no other agenda than your delight and tipping is completely optional.
Notes
- Due to weather, tides or any other reason affecting the operation of the vessel this itinerary may be subject to change without notice.
- Post cruise transfers to inner city accommodation or airport are included in the price of your Great Barrier Reef cruise. Pre cruise transfers are not included.
- If you do not have a transfer arranged, you would need to take a taxi, or if your hotel offers a courtesy transfer you may wish to arrange with hotel reception to transfer you to the vessel.
Accommodation
CABIN
Perfectly suited to those guests on a budget, Cabin category rooms are located close to the bow of the ship on Deck C, close to the Dining Room and our Glass Bottom Boat boarding platform. Cabin category rooms feature traditional maritime decor with wood panelling and comfortable furnishings and are sized from 10.50sqm to 14sqm (141 to 151 square feet) in size. Cabins feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, air-conditioning, ample storage space and twin beds
STATEROOM
Our four Stateroom category rooms are located midship on Deck C, close to the Dining Room and our Glass Bottom Boat boarding platform. Ideal for those wishing to avoid stairs, Stateroom category rooms feature a traditional maritime decor with wood panelling and comfortable furnishings. At 14sqm (151 square feet) in size Staterooms offer plenty of space to relax and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
UPPER DECK STATEROOM
Our nine Upper Deck Staterooms are located on Deck B, a dedicated accommodation deck offering a quiet environment, yet still in close proximity to the Bridge, Sun Deck and Dining Room. Decorated in a traditional maritime style with wood panelling and comfortable furnishings, Upper Deck Staterooms are a spacious 14sqm (151 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
DELUXE STATEROOM
Our four Deluxe Staterooms are located at the stern of B Deck, in close proximity to the Bridge and the full length Sun Deck and spa pool. Decorated in a traditional maritime style with wood panelling, Deluxe Staterooms are a spacious 15sqm (162 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a comfortable settee, desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
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