CORAL EXPEDITIONS
Small Ships Built for Exploration
Intimate voyages to extraordinary places
Coral Expeditions is Australia’s small ship expedition pioneer, offering immersive journeys to remote destinations across Australia, the Asia Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean. Proudly Australian flagged and owned since 1983, they operate three purpose built vessels carrying just 72 to 120 guests, creating an intimate cruising experience that fosters genuine connection and camaraderie.
Their nimble ships, equipped with trademark Xplorer tenders, reach shallow bays, wildlife rich inlets, and secluded communities inaccessible to larger vessels. Alongside immersive shore excursions, warm Australian hospitality and expert guidance bring each destination vividly to life.
ITINERARIES
The Fleet
Coral Expeditions operates small ships and unique itineraries to remote regions across Australia, the Asia Pacific, South Pacific, and Indian Ocean. Carrying only 72 to 120 guests, the experience is intimate and relaxed, free from queues and assigned seating.
Meals are crafted in small batches using Australian ingredients, often sourced from local markets. Purpose-designed ships with shallow drafts and high manoeuvrability allow access to sheltered bays and hidden inlets beyond the reach of larger vessels.
Coral Geographer
Coral Geographer, launched in 2021, is a purpose-built small expedition ship designed to reach remote wilderness shores worldwide. Sister to Coral Adventurer, she offers over 1000 square metres of open deck space, majority balcony staterooms, multiple bars, and public areas showcasing Australian Indigenous art.
Carrying just 120 guests, she combines comfort and capability with Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of expertise. Dual Xplorer tenders enable easy, fast, and comfortable access to remote shores for in-depth exploration.
Her shallow draft design allows visits to secluded bays, islands, and small villages without impact, sailing the Kimberley, Australian coastlines, and select international destinations such as New Zealand, Sulawesi, Japan, and the Philippines.
Coral Deck Stateroom
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Our six Bridge Deck Suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have Junior King-sized beds. A 3.5 sq m private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with a horizon bath completes the experience. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres.
LIFE ONBOARD
The Coral Geographer features all outside-facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony. Our active stabilisers dampen sea motion whilst travelling on your voyage. Coral Geographer also features a well equipped gym, passenger elevator and Wi-Fi in all areas for guest comfort.
Meet like minded explorers during single seating dining, with communal table serves for breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners. The showcase galley allows for viewing as our chefs create fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce. There are multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer Bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks, and a curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian red.
VESSEL FACILITIES
Coral Geographer features two trademark Xplorer tenders, which seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions, and six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration. The lecture lounge allows for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations, and the small onboard library features a range of books on destinations and wildlife. The shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships.
Guests can enjoy over 1000 square metres of open deck space, including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views. Our crew invite you to join engine room tours, with a high level of crew interaction with guests.
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer, launched in 2019, is a purpose built small expedition ship created to explore remote coastlines in comfort. Designed for warm Australian waters, she offers over 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple indoor and outdoor bars, a passenger elevator, and inviting communal spaces showcasing Australian art and craftsmanship.
Carrying just 120 guests, she blends intimacy with modern capability, supported by Coral Expeditions’ decades of expertise. Two trademark Xplorer tenders allow effortless access to shore for immersive experiences, while her shallow draft enables visits to secluded bays, rivers, and coastal villages that larger vessels cannot reach.
Sailing the Kimberley, Tasmania, and Australia’s tropical coasts, Coral Adventurer also ventures further afield to international destinations including Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean islands, offering travellers a balance of adventure, comfort, and authentic exploration.
Coral Deck Stateroom
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and include a junior King bed or twin singles, wardrobe, desk and armchair. The compact ensuite features a shower, toilet and storage. A porthole window provides views of the world outside from your cabin. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres.
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Promenade Deck Staterooms feature a junior King bed or twin singles, wardrobe, desk and armchair. The compact ensuite includes a shower, toilet and storage. A large picture window provides wide views of the passing scenery from the comfort of your room. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres.
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are furnished with a junior King bed or twin singles, wardrobe, desk and armchair. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Each features a private balcony with seating for two, perfect for enjoying passing coastal scenery. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms include a junior King bed or twin singles, wardrobe, desk and armchair. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. French windows open to a private balcony with seating for two, offering superb views near the Cairns and Darwin suites. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Bridge Deck Balcony Suites, Cairns and Darwin, are the most spacious on board. Each includes a super King bed or twin singles, lounge with sofa and armchair, and a private balcony with daybed and seating. The ensuite has a bath, shower and large windows. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 55.8 square metres.
LIFE ONBOARD
The Coral Adventurer features all outside facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms, with most offering a private balcony. Active stabilisers reduce sea motion for a smoother journey. Coral Adventurer also includes a well equipped gym, passenger elevator, and Wi-Fi throughout the ship for guest comfort.
Guests enjoy single seating dining, with communal tables for breakfast and lunch, and multi course table d’hote dinners in the evening. A showcase galley allows guests to watch chefs prepare fresh, small batch cuisine using Australian and local produce. Multiple indoor and outdoor bars provide relaxed social spaces, including the Explorer Bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks, complemented by a curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds.
VESSEL FACILITIES
Coral Adventurer is equipped with two trademark Xplorer tenders, each carrying all guests for easy and comfortable shore excursions, along with six zodiacs for more adventurous exploration. A lecture lounge hosts daily expedition briefings and expert presentations, while the onboard library offers a collection of books on destinations and wildlife. With a shallow draft and advanced propulsion systems, Coral Adventurer can access remote locations unavailable to larger ships.
Guests enjoy over 1000 square metres of open deck space, including a wrap around promenade deck with sweeping panoramic views. Engine room tours provide unique insight into the workings of the ship, complemented by a high level of interaction with the friendly crew, ensuring a warm and engaging expedition experience.
Coral Discoverer
Coral Discoverer, refurbished in 2016, is a purpose built small expedition ship designed to access remote coastlines and sheltered bays. Sister to Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, she offers 1000 square metres of open deck space, multiple indoor and outdoor bars, and inviting communal areas reflecting Australian style and comfort.
Carrying just 72 guests, she provides an intimate atmosphere while delivering the same capability and expertise that define Coral Expeditions. Her Xplorer tender and inflatable zodiacs ensure easy access to shore for exploration, while her shallow draft allows her to reach places inaccessible to larger ships.
Sailing the Kimberley, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania, and the South Pacific, Coral Discoverer combines small ship comfort with genuine expedition spirit, offering guests the chance to experience some of the world’s most pristine and culturally rich destinations up close.
Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom
Main Deck (Category B) Staterooms are located close to the Dining Room and include a junior King bed or twin singles, sofa, desk and telephone. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Twin porthole windows provide expansive ocean views. Main Deck (Category B) Staterooms are 18 square metres.
Main Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Main Deck (Category A) Staterooms are located close to the Dining Room and include a junior King bed or twin singles, sofa, desk and telephone. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Twin porthole windows provide expansive ocean views. Main Deck (Category A) Staterooms are 18 square metres.
Promenade Deck (Category B) Stateroom – Sole Use Occupancy
Promenade Deck (Category B) Staterooms are located in the bow and include a junior King bed, desk and telephone. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Picture windows provide wide ocean views, with these rooms allocated exclusively for sole use. Promenade Deck (Category B) Staterooms are 15 square metres.
Promenade Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Promenade Deck (Category A) Staterooms are located on the full-ship promenade and include a junior King bed or twin singles, sofa, desk and telephone. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Large picture windows provide expansive ocean views. Promenade Deck (Category A) Staterooms are 18 square metres.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are located near the Lounge and Bridge, featuring a junior King bed or twin singles, sofa, desk and telephone. The compact ensuite has a shower, toilet and storage. Each opens to a private balcony with expansive ocean views. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 20 square metres.
LIFE ONBOARD
The Coral Discoverer features all outside facing guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Active stabilisers reduce sea motion for a more comfortable journey. Coral Discoverer also offers Wi-Fi throughout the ship to keep guests connected while at sea.
Dining is single seating, with communal tables for breakfast and lunch, and multi course table d’hote dinners in the evening. A showcase galley allows guests to view chefs preparing fresh, small batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce. Multiple indoor and outdoor bars provide relaxed social spaces, including the Xplorer Bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks, complemented by a curated wine cellar featuring boutique Australian wines.
VESSEL FACILITIES
Coral Discoverer is equipped with one trademark Xplorer tender, seating all guests for easy shore excursions, and two zodiacs for more adventurous exploration. The lecture lounge hosts daily expedition briefings and expert presentations, while the onboard library offers a selection of books on destinations and wildlife. With a shallow draft and advanced propulsion systems, Coral Discoverer can access locations that are closed to larger cruise ships.
Guests enjoy over 1000 square metres of open deck space, including a wrap-around promenade deck with sweeping panoramic views. Engine room tours are offered during voyages, providing unique behind the scenes insight, while a high level of guest interaction with the crew adds to the warm and engaging expedition experience.
Destinations
Sail through Indonesia’s historic Spice Islands and the breathtaking Raja Ampat region on a voyage that combines rich cultural history with extraordinary natural beauty. Retrace the legendary spice routes while exploring landscapes of towering karst islands, lush plantations, and crystal clear lagoons.
These 16 to 18 night expeditions travel between Darwin and Sorong aboard Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer. Guests visit Dutch forts and nutmeg plantations in the Bandas, snorkel among colourful reefs, and encounter whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay. Highlights include exploring ancient rock art, WWII relics, and experiencing the world’s most biodiverse marine region in Raja Ampat.
Set out on a small ship voyage that uncovers the hidden beauty of Japan and the Philippines, travelling with fewer than 120 guests for an intimate experience. These expeditions combine warm Australian hospitality with meaningful cultural immersion, allowing travellers to discover remote islands, traditional crafts, and authentic cuisine rarely encountered by visitors.
Journeys include remarkable destinations such as the Ryukyu archipelago and traditional fishing villages. Guests enjoy cultural performances, guided nature walks, and encounters with local communities. Each activity highlights history, artistry, and natural wonders, creating a voyage that is both enriching and deeply personal.
Embark on an extraordinary voyage through some of the world’s most remote and culturally rich islands, including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Melanesian Archipelago. Discover vibrant coral reefs, ancient traditions, and fascinating WWII history with expert guidance.
Depending on the itinerary, voyages range from 10 to 14 nights, visiting tribal villages, exploring historic trade routes, and uncovering wartime relics. Guests travel aboard small ships designed for immersive exploration, offering opportunities to snorkel in pristine waters, meet local communities, and experience the unique cultures and natural beauty of these remarkable regions.
Set sail on a thoughtful expedition along New Zealand’s South Island coast aboard Coral Adventurer, where immersive discovery blends with serene landscapes. From the tranquility of Fiordland’s majestic sounds to the wild charm of Stewart Island, each moment brings guests closer to nature and heritage.
Cruise for 8 to 10 nights between Bluff, Stewart Island, and beyond, venturing into Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds. Expect wildlife encounters with fur seals, penguins and seabirds, Xplorer tender excursions, guided walks among ancient forests, and warm onboard hospitality against a backdrop of Maori histories and glass‑framed fjord vistas.
Discover the wild beauty of southern Australia with Coral Expeditions, where rugged coastlines meet remote archipelagos and Southern Ocean currents shape dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and deep cultural heritage. Expert naturalists accompany guests, enriching the journey with knowledge and interpretation.
These immersive voyages depart from Adelaide or Fremantle aboard small ships built for close exploration. Highlights include Kangaroo Island, Flinders Island, and the Recherche Archipelago. Guests enjoy walking coastal trails, observing sea lions and rare birdlife, and sampling freshly caught seafood paired with select local wines, creating a journey of nature, flavour, and discovery.
Sail on a small ship expedition along Australia’s striking western coastline with Coral Expeditions, uncovering remote reefs, secluded archipelagos, and dramatic coastal scenery. Guided by experts and guest lecturers, guests experience the natural and cultural heritage of this extraordinary region in an intimate and immersive way.
These 10 to 15 night voyages depart from Fremantle or Broome and explore destinations including the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Shark Bay, Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range, the Montebello and Dampier Archipelagos, and Rowley Shoals Marine Park. Highlights include viewing ancient Indigenous rock art, encountering diverse marine life, and snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters.
Discover Tasmania’s wild beauty aboard a Coral Expeditions cruise that showcases rugged coastlines, rich heritage, and gourmet flavours. Intimate ships with Xplorer tenders create an immersive way to explore where the Southern, Indian, and Pacific Oceans meet, delivering a journey filled with variety and charm.
Cruises range from a seven night Coastal Discovery to a 14 night circumnavigation. Departing from Hobart, itineraries visit Maria Island, Wineglass Bay, Port Davey, Bruny Island, and more. Guests enjoy dramatic wilderness, stories of convict history, encounters with unique wildlife, and exceptional regional cuisine, all against the backdrop of Tasmania’s iconic landscapes.
Embark on an extraordinary voyage along Australia’s remote northern coastline aboard Coral Discoverer or Coral Adventurer. This journey celebrates the rich traditions of Arnhem Land, Cape York, and the Torres Strait, offering rare cultural encounters and breathtaking natural beauty.
Over 11 nights, sail between Cairns and Darwin, visiting celebrated art centres in Yirrkala and Maningrida, the Tiwi Islands, and the Cobourg Peninsula. Stand at Australia’s northernmost point, view ancient rock art, cross the Gulf of Carpentaria, and explore the Torres Strait. This is an immersive journey to regions few are privileged to experience.
Discover the beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a small ship expedition that travels beyond the reach of day visitors. Explore pristine coral gardens, secluded cays, and remote outer reefs, guided by marine experts who enrich every snorkelling and diving experience with insights into the reef’s vibrant ecosystem.
Departing from Cairns, choose three, four, or seven night itineraries aboard Coral Expeditions II or Coral Discoverer, each carrying fewer than 70 guests. Itineraries include the Ribbon Reefs, Hinchinbrook Channel, and Cooktown, as well as time to relax on sand cays. Guests enjoy wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and freshly prepared cuisine in an intimate setting.
Step aboard a captivating cruise along the Kimberley Coast, one of Australia’s most remote and pristine regions. With decades of local expertise, Coral Expeditions offers immersive journeys that reveal dramatic cliffs, ancient rock art, and vibrant natural beauty in a small ship setting.
These ten night expeditions depart from Broome or Darwin aboard small Australian‑flagged ships such as Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer, and Coral Discoverer. Guests explore highlights like the raging Horizontal Falls, majestic King George Falls, and Montgomery Reef, all paired with excursions via Xplorer and Zodiac tenders, locally sourced cuisine, and expert commentary.
