Booking information
March 2028 - 11 days
Register at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact when confirmed details including dates and prices are available.
Embark on a participatory science expedition cruise traversing the Great Barrier Reef's length, an underwater wonderland teeming with vibrant marine life and framed by rugged, dramatic coastlines. Your intimate luxurious expedition vessel is small enough to get you into the places other ships can't and well suited to this fragile but beautiful ecosystem.
Snorkel among dazzling coral gardens, observe soaring seabirds and explore remote sand cays, islands and historic Cooktown, all while guided by expert marine biologists sharing the latest discoveries in ecology, conservation and Indigenous knowledge. Enjoy unparalleled comfort and hospitality as you immerse yourself in the science, stories and stunning beauty of one of the planet’s most pristine marine environments.
On this expedition, you will integrate into real research by collecting data on marine life, coral health and biodiversity through various tools, contributing to conservation efforts. The initiatives include reporting on fish, corals, turtles and seabirds, as well as participating in coral surveys and clean-up projects while learning to use the tools and methodologies of marine science research.
Hosted by a hand-picked group of marine experts, conservationists and naturalists who will share their knowledge and guide in hands-on, highly interactive research.
Starting in Brisbane, the voyage explores remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea Marine Park, well away from the tourists, including locations like Lizard Island, Orpheus Island and various remote atolls and reefs, before finishing in Cairns.
LIFE ONBOARD
Life aboard your vessel in the Great Barrier Reef is warm, welcoming and deeply connected to its surroundings. Picture a World Heritage Site embracing you, as you share stories over fresh, regionally inspired meals from our open galley. Explore sandy cays and secluded reefs, chat with the Captain on the bridge, or join expert talks that bring the region’s wonders to life. With alfresco dining and Starlink Wi-Fi, each day feels both adventurous and comforting.
Relaxed and informal, the expedition is designed for comfort and curiosity. Meals are casual, and you’re free to join activities as you wish. A daily newsletter will be delivered to your cabin each evening, outlining the next day’s adventures, and the Expedition Leader will preview the highlights during pre-dinner drinks.
DAY 1: DEPART BRISBANE
Arrive at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal in the morning where your Great Barrier Reef adventure begins. After a warm welcome from the crew, board your luxury expedition vessel and settle into your cabin. Take some time to explore the ship’s inviting spaces and get acquainted with your fellow travelers.
During the afternoon, meet your guest lecturers and expedition team, who will share insights into the unique marine ecosystems you’ll be exploring. You’ll also receive an introduction to the Citizen Science Program, where you can take part in meaningful data collection and conservation efforts throughout the voyage.
As evening falls, gather on deck for Captain’s welcome drinks, a relaxed opportunity to mingle with your shipmates and toast the start of your reef expedition. Enjoy the views as the ship departs Brisbane and heads north, leaving the city skyline behind for the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
DAYS 2 - 10: EXPLORING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
The itinerary is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the expedition team to make the most of weather conditions, tides and wildlife sightings each day. While plans may adapt as the journey unfolds, you can look forward to exploring a selection of the reef’s most remarkable destinations. It is likely that your voyage will include visits to several of the following iconic and lesser-known sites – each offering its own unique landscapes, coral gardens and marine encounters that showcase the incredible diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.
LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
Spend a day and a half at Lady Elliot Island sanctuary. Join lectures on species identification and Project Manta research. Snorkel or dive with manta rays and other species, contributing to marine surveys in a vibrant, biodiverse marine ecosystem.
MON REPOS, BUNDABERG
Visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre for a ranger-led excursion on loggerhead turtle nesting. Explore coral restoration at Monsoon Aquatics, learning innovative techniques to regenerate reef habitats and support long-term reef health.
WISTARI REEF
Snorkel or dive at Wistari Reef, a biodiversity hotspot in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Attend expert-led talks on reef resilience and conservation. If possible, explore underwater via glass-bottom boat for unique marine views and data collection.
SCAWFELL ISLAND
Relax in Scawfell Island’s secluded cove. Kayak, beachcomb or join a glass-bottom boat tour. Weather permitting, join fellow voyagers for beach drinks and a BBQ under the stars, surrounded by nature’s peaceful beauty.
CID HARBOUR / LANGFORD ISLAND
Enjoy guided hikes: choose Dugong‑Sawmill track to explore island ecology or Whitsunday Peak for panoramic views. Afternoon snorkels or dives at pristine reefs. Visit Langford Island’s lookout and learn about its unique flora, including rare bottle trees.
COOKTOWN
A chance to explore this historic town, including the Cooktown Museum and the Milbi Wall, which tells the story of the local Guugu Yimithirr people.
MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART / JOHN BREWER REEF
Dive or snorkel John Brewer Reef to explore Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater sculptures that support reef restoration. Continue marine surveys in surrounding waters and observe turtles, rays and reef fish in their natural habitat.
YAMACUTTA REEF
Explore the thriving reef at Yamacutta, participating in Coral Watch citizen science monitoring. Be part of research efforts and contribute to biodiversity tracking – maybe even spot the manta ray discovered on earlier voyages.
FITZROY ISLAND
Spend a day on Fitzroy Island. Hike through rainforest or climb to the lighthouse for sweeping Coral Sea views. Snorkel fringing reefs, relax on the beach or join a glass-bottom boat tour. Visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and meet volunteers caring for turtles.
SUDBURY CAY
Explore the vibrant reef surrounding Sudbury Cay by snorkelling, diving or by glass-bottom boat. Later, walk onto the cay to feel soft sand beneath your feet and enjoy sunset drinks in a serene Coral Sea setting.
DAY 11: ARRIVE CAIRNS
Arrive at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal in the morning. Disembark and say farewell to fellow guests and crew. Enjoy complimentary transfers to Cairns CBD or airport; transfers to northern beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged onboard as needed.
Please note: This itinerary serves as a guide, but plans may change with the weather, tides and wildlife activity. Each day offers new opportunities for discovery, so bring a spirit of flexibility and curiosity to make the most of your Great Barrier Reef expedition cruise. Embrace the unexpected – it’s all part of the adventure.
