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.

For guests wanting to spend as much time as possible discovering the reefs of the Tropical North, while still enjoying time ashore, this itinerary offers you plenty of time to come face to face with the very best parts of the Great Barrier Reef.

We get a lot of queries about conserving the reef. That's why we've enlisted the help of our resident marine biologists to help answer some of your questions.

Departures

• Departs Cairns: every Monday at 5:00 pm
• Returns to Cairns: every Friday at 8:00 am

Expedition highlights

• The complete Great Barrier Reef experience. Snorkel over colourful coral gardens, stroll golden sandy beaches and wander rainforest trails
• Secluded gourmet beach BBQ
• Experience the World Heritage-listed reef from our private moorings away from the tourist crowds
• Be guided by an expert marine biologist on glass-bottom boat and snorkelling tours
• Informative presentations and educational documentaries
• History and cultures of the region and early explorers
• Join an optional resort or certified scuba dive on the outer reef

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairns

• Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00 pm
• Cruise Trinity Bay
• Welcome drinks
• Views of Double Island and the pretty seaside village at Palm Cove
• Captain's Welcome Seafood Buffet

Day 2 - Cooktown and the Great Barrier Reef

• 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

Day 3 - Lizard Island and Ribbon Reefs

• 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

Day 4 - Ribbon Reefs

• 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

Day 5 - Cairns

• Cruise concludes at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 8:00 am