Travel Dates
Departing 5th Nov 2027
Cruise Line: Coral Expeditions
Ship: Coral Geographer
Duration: 12 Nights
Cabin: Balcony
Ports: Fremantle to Broome
Fremantle, Dampier Archipelago, Montebello Islands, Pilbara Islands, Exmouth & Cape Range (Ningaloo), Shark Bay, Abrolhos Islands, Broome
Pricing is based on departure date: 27 February 2027
Alternative departures available from November 2026 to November 2027.
This is not just a cruise. It is a frontier passage through Australia’s most secluded marine sanctuaries and cultural landscapes. Guided by Traditional Rangers in the Dampier Archipelago, you encounter millennia-old petroglyphs before drifting across reef systems alive with turtles and coral cathedrals. Ningaloo and Shark Bay deliver world-heritage spectacle, while the Abrolhos reveals sea lions, pearl farms, and storied maritime history. Bird colonies, atomic relics reclaimed by nature, and island chains few ever reach create a voyage defined by rarity, access, and raw beauty.
Itinerary highlights
Dampier Archipelago
Explore islands that contrast brightly with turquoise waters and view petroglyphs under the cultural guidance of the Murujuga Land and Sea Rangers. Twenty-five are nature reserves that protect both Aboriginal and European heritage. Named after William Dampier, who visited aboard the Cygnet in 1699, the Yaburara people left thousands of rock engravings, shell middens, and stone arrangements.
Montebello Islands
The 'Montes' archipelago delights birdwatchers, supporting over 1% of the world's fairy and roseate tern populations. Alpha and Trimouille Islands hosted three British atomic tests in the 1950s. Visit the Ground Zero plinth, where nature has reclaimed the nuclear site. Wildlife includes the rare rufous hare wallaby.
Pilbara Islands
This remote chain of 92 islands stretches from Exmouth Gulf to Cape Preston, with access to the mainland and the Indian Ocean. Vital for migratory shorebirds and nesting turtles, its diverse shallow reefs support abundant fish, marine species, and all four turtle species found in the region. Snorkelling and dive sites will be chosen based on local conditions in area's like Serrurier Island and the Murion Islands.
Exmouth & Cape Range National Park (Ningaloo Reef)
Ningaloo's narrow continental shelf brings deep waters, reefs, and coastal communities close together, creating massive arrays of marine life. Today we take a bus tour to Cape Range National Park and have the opportunity to snorkel at Turquoise Bay.
Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Explore Australia's first Western Australian UNESCO World Heritage site from 1991. This region showcases colourful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, as well as 35% of Australia's bird species. Visit Dirk Hartog Island and Francois Peron National Park and walk the Wanamalu Trail at Cape Peron, conditions permitting.
Abrolhos Islands - Wallabi Group
Snorkel scenic beaches, spot tammar wallabies, skinks and endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons. Cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, a coral-lagooned outpost steeped in both rich marine life and fishing heritage. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, the site of a tragic event that occurred 400 years ago during the Batavia mutiny.
Abrolhos Islands - Easter Group
Visit Little Sandy Island's sea lion colony, the largest in the Abrolhos Islands. Australian sea lions love swimming and playing with snorkelers in protected waters. Later, snorkel vibrant coral reefs at Squid Hole, Anemone Lump or Morley Island, where marine life thrives in clear waters.
Abrolhos Islands - Pelsaert (Southern) Group
Visit Liddon Pearl Farm and crayfishing operations on Post Office Island. Learn about pearl cultivation, including different shells and categories, from families working in the Abrolhos waters for four generations. Snorkel blue holes from the jetty where coral formations create underwater cathedrals.
Your Ship: Coral Geographer
Discover remote coastlines aboard Coral Geographer, a purpose-built expedition ship carrying just 120 guests. Enjoy warm Australian hospitality, comfortable accommodation and inviting spaces to unwind between adventures.
Small-Ship Exploration
Two Xplorer tenders and six Zodiacs bring you closer to remote shores, with convenient step-on boarding for the Xplorer tenders.
Comfortable Accommodation
Relax in welcoming staterooms with ocean views and ensuite bathrooms. Explorer Deck staterooms offer private balconies, while Bridge Deck Suites feature a lounge area, balcony and horizon-view bath.
Panoramic Viewing
Take in the passing scenery from over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, including a wraparound promenade.
Relaxed Dining & Social Spaces
Enjoy single-seating dining and unwind in indoor and outdoor bars, including the sundeck Xplorer Bar.
Open Bridge Experience
Visit the bridge and Navigator Lounge for an insight into life at sea and the ship’s operations, subject to operational conditions.
Onboard Comforts
Stay active in the well-equipped gym and enjoy convenient access between decks via the passenger lift.
What’s included with your vacation
Inclusions
Exclusions
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.