Coral Expeditions has announced a new 11-night expedition experience, Science and Conservation on the Great Barrier Reef, inviting travellers to explore the world’s largest and most ecologically diverse coral reef system through science, conservation and expert-led discovery. Sailing from Bundaberg to Cairns along a 700 nautical mile journey of the reef aboard Coral Discoverer, the voyage follows the reef’s natural arc from southern coral communities to the tropical north, combining immersive exploration with enriching research projects and conservation experiences.
The journey begins with a two-night pre-voyage land program at NRMA Turtle Sands Nature Resort near Mon Repos at Bundaberg, home to the Australian mainland’s largest population of endangered loggerhead turtles. The experience will provide guests with important context on turtle conservation and reef restoration initiatives before they join the ship. The program includes a Welcome to Country experience from Taribelang Bunda cultural tours, visits to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and behind-the-scenes access to coral propagation projects in Bundaberg.
Sailing north from Bundaberg, guests will explore the southern reef systems around Lady Elliot Island and Wistari Reef. Extended time at Lady Elliot Island will allow guests to engage with the internationally recognised Project Manta program, which contributes to research on one of the world’s most studied manta ray populations through identification, behavioural observations and photographic records. In these southern sections, guests will also participate in coral monitoring activities and biodiversity surveys that build long-term datasets informing reef management and conservation.
Continuing north through the Whitsundays and central reef region, the voyage visits the lesser explored Cumberland Island group including Scawfell and Brampton Island, then northwards to Magnetic Island and John Brewer Reef. Here, guests will collaborate with community-based citizen science initiatives, assist local groups with data collection, and gain insights into the people and organisations working on the ground to protect the reef. At John Brewer Reef, the itinerary includes time at the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), highlighting the intersection of art, science and conservation in a world-first underwater installation.
Further along the route, guests will experience outer reef environments at locations including Yamacutta and Thetford Reefs, with opportunities for guided snorkelling, reef health observations and discussions with onboard experts about changing conditions across the Marine Park. The voyage’s final days include a sunset event at Dunk Island and then to Port Douglas for a behind-the-scenes experience at the Forever Reef Project, one of the world’s leading Coral Biobank facilities which stores and propagates coral species for the future.
Coral Expeditions Chief Commercial Officer Jeff Gillies said the new voyage was a natural extension to the company’s long-standing focus on citizen science and conservation on the Great Barrier Reef.
“This new expedition has been designed to help guests see the Great Barrier Reef as a living, working system,” Mr Gillies said. “By travelling the length of the reef, meeting the people who study and protect it, and contributing to genuine research projects along the way, guests gain a deeper understanding of both its beauty and its importance.”
Led by Coral Expeditions experienced Expedition Team together with marine scientists, conservation practitioners and project partners, the voyage combines in-water activities with island exploration, wildlife observation, cultural experiences and land-based conservation projects. The program is expected to feature coral reef specialist Dr Dean Miller among the expert guest lecturers.The new Science and Conservation on the Great Barrier Reef expedition is scheduled to depart Bundaberg on March 31, 2027, aboard Coral Discoverer, with fares from AU$10,900 per person. Guest numbers are limited to maintain Coral Expeditions hallmark small-ship atmosphere.
