Duration
7
Nights
Great Barrier Reef Snapshot
Cairns
to
Thursday Island
Cairns to Thursday Island
Life’s different after the Great Barrier Reef
From Cairns to the Torres Strait, this journey follows the northern Great Barrier Reef through island bays, outer reefs and waters rich with marine life.
Spend your days diving, snorkelling and exploring by adventure boat, with opportunities to see the reef from the helicopter. Along the way, Great Barrier Reef Foundation representatives will share their knowledge of the reef and the remarkable life it supports.
This is a sample itinerary only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation.
Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually.
Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the True North or True North II.
ITINERARY
Welcome Aboard
Join the True North II crew, Great Barrier Reef Foundation representatives and your fellow guests for a meet-and-greet cocktail party. Hear what’s planned for the journey and enjoy your first evening together before we set out along the reef.
Cairns
Begin with a guided visit to James Cook University for an introduction to the science and discoveries behind the Great Barrier Reef. In the afternoon, step aboard True North II for welcome drinks. After the safety, diving and snorkelling briefings, settle in for dinner as we begin our journey north.
Lizard Island and Cod Hole
The first full day takes us into the water at Coral Kingdom, followed by a visit to Cod Hole, where giant potato cod are known to gather. Spend the afternoon diving, snorkelling or fishing around Lizard Island, or take to the air for a scenic helicopter flight. As the light fades, gather at Watsons Bay for drinks on the beach.
Lizard Island and the Outer Reef
Walk to Cook’s Look in the early morning for views across Lizard Island and the surrounding reef. If you’d rather stay by the water, there’s time for fishing, swimming and exploring the island’s beaches. Later, head to the outer reef to dive or snorkel. A guided snorkel offers a closer look at the reef’s habitats and marine life, before sunset drinks in the shallows.
Jewel Reef
We set out early for Jewel Reef, with the morning to dive, snorkel or fish among its coral gardens. As True North II continues north, the adventure boats take us out to explore more of the outer reef. We finish the day together with sunset drinks and a raft-up.
Tijou Reef and Pussy Galore
At Tijou Reef, explore the northern section among coral, turtles and abundant fish life. We then continue to Pussy Galore for another chance to dive and snorkel, while scenic helicopter flights reveal the reef’s scale from above. Enjoy lunch on the back deck as we cruise north. After dinner and cocktails onboard, conditions may allow for a night dive in the lagoon.
Wreck Bay
Spend the morning diving, snorkelling or fishing around Wreck Bay. From the helicopter, we’ll search the surrounding waters for whale sharks, manta rays and Omura’s whales. If whale sharks are found and conditions allow, there may be an opportunity to swim with them. The afternoon brings more time in the water or another view from above.
Great Detached Reef and Raine Island
Our final full day begins at the Great Detached Reef, with diving and snorkelling at Rainbow Road. We then continue towards Raine Island, a vital nesting site for green turtles. Explore the surrounding waters by snorkel and see the island from the helicopter as we make our way past. That evening, gather onboard for a presentation reflecting on the expedition and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cape York and Thursday Island
Spend a final morning exploring the Torres Strait before arriving at Thursday Island. Farewell the crew and new friends, taking home memories of coral gardens alive with colour, encounters with remarkable marine life and the Great Barrier Reef seen from above and below the surface.
Beloved by True Adventurers
Guest Reviews
Departure Dates Upcoming Departures
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $14,595
River Class $17,995
River Premium $19,995
Explorer Class $20,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $16,595
River Class $19,995
River Premium $21,995
Explorer Class $22,995
Discover More
Guest Reviews
Blog
Videos and Podcasts
