Australia : Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Join this cruise for a memorable astronomical experience in November 2012, when a total solar eclipse will be visible over northern Queensland. This happy coincidence provides the perfect excuse to combine your eclipse-viewing with a trip to the world's greatest aquarium, the Great Barrier Reef.

Board the Coral Princess for a 4-night cruise and discover colourful coral gardens and an array of marine life including sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds. Explore Lizard Island and take advantage of complimentary snorkel gear and glass-bottomed boat trips to marvel at the Reef itself. During your cruise you will awake on the 14th November anchored close to the centreline of the eclipse, for what is sure to be an unforgettable morning.

Places are limited so register your interest now for this incredible once-in-a-lifetime event! Please contact our team of Aussie specialists for further details, including a full itinerary. 

Departure date: 13 November 2012
Departs from/returns to: Cairns
Price from:  SOLD OUT

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 board the small ship for a 17:00 departure from Cairns and take time to settle in and discover your 'home' for the next four nights. This evening join the crew and your travelling companions on the top deck to admire a spectacular sunset over the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Macalister Range.

Day 2 awaken anchored close to the centreline of the eclipse for what is sure to be an unforgettable morning. Join your travelling companions on the deck and watch as the moon passes in front of the sun, resulting in a total solar eclipse lasting some two minutes. After the morning’s excitement enjoy the opportunity to snorkel at the spectacular Ribbon Reefs or enjoy a glass bottom boat tour. Here you may see giant clams, sea turtles and rays.

Day 3 awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join the guides on a walk to "Cook's Look" on the island's peak. A photographer's delight, the views over the World heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent. Lizard Island's fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Discover giant clams and a profusion of fish. Simply relax on the beach, join the marine biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany the dive instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. Later, continue to Ribbon Reef No 9, a spectacular but seldom visited part of the reef where you can enjoy more snorkelling opportunities.

Day 4 spend the day visiting two of the most spectacular sections of the reef, Ribbon Reef No 3 and Rachel Carson Reef. Explore the coral gardens and marine life with guided snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours. The on-board marine biologist will explain the natural history and evolution of the reef and help you discover the local wildlife, which includes over 200 different species of native birds. This evening enjoy a final sunset over the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 5 Return to tropical Cairns at 08:00 for disembarkation at Trinity Wharf.

Note Whilst every effort will be made to follow the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary the itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions or any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. The viewing of solar eclipses can be subject to prevailing cloud conditions and in booking this cruise the passenger acknowledges and accepts that weather conditions are beyond the control of the operator.

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