Great Barrier Reef Fact Sheet

Transcription

1 Great Barrier Reef Fact Sheet Discover the only living thing you can see from space. Imagine what it s like face to face. Explore the Great Barrier Reef s exclusive islands and remote reefs aboard MV Coral Princess. Hear native birds call from the rainforest canopy, climb the same lookouts as the first European explorers and snorkel over a reef on the edge of the continental shelf. Three and four night small ship cruises allow you to swim, snorkel and SCUBA dive amid the fish and corals in the clear tropical waters. Or you can join our marine biologist aboard the glass bottom boat, stroll golden sandy beaches on remote coral cays or visit secluded tropical islands and ancient rainforests, while our on-board experts interpret the natural wonders of the reef, rainforest and island habitats. Inclusions: Every cruise includes on-board accommodation, all meals, morning and afternoon teas, tea and coffee available at all times, use of snorkelling equipment, masks, fins, flotation vests and wetsuits, guided glass-bottom boat coral viewing and snorkelling excursions, presentation by Marine Biologists, access to islands, marine and national parks, use of comprehensive range of library and video resources, an introductory SCUBA experience for first time divers. Prices exclude pre and post cruise transfers, shore excursions and entrance fees in Cooktown, bar and ship purchases, ship to shore telephone and facsimile calls, costs associated with SCUBA diving and Government EMC (approx $16.50 pp). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all buffet style. Ship Facilities Coral Princess & Coral Princess II : Air-conditioned dining room with modern décor, two comfortable airconditioned lounges, comprehensive resource library featuring videos, DVDs and books on the reef and islands of Tropical North Queensland, large sundeck and spa, comprehensive dive shop, a range of souvenirs and personal items available for purchase, telephone and facsimile. Accommodation: Accommodation for up to 44 passengers (Coral Princess II) or 50 passengers (Coral Princess) in twin/double staterooms & cabins. Deluxe Staterooms (1-2 pax) are spacious and are situated on the top deck, Upper Deck Staterooms (1-2 pax) located on the upper decks, Staterooms (1-3 pax) are located on the main dining deck. Some staterooms have an extra divan or Pullman Berth suitable for a third person/child, and compact Cabins (1-2 pax) on the main and lower decks (twin/bunk). All levels of accommodation are air-conditioned with private bathroom ensuites, international power outlets, hair dryers, shampoo, conditioner & towels serviced daily. Departure & Boarding Townsville cruises depart Townsville Breakwater Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Drive Cairns cruises depart Trinity Wharf, Cairns. Boarding is 30 minutes prior to departure. Cruise Schedule from 01 April Nights: Cairns Pelorus Island Cairns (Tour code CC3) Departs Trinity Wharf Cairns Friday at 11:00am Disembark Cairns Monday 1.30pm 4 Nights: Cairns Lizard Island Cairns (Tour code CC4) Departs Trinity Wharf Cairns Monday at 5:00pm Disembark Cairns Friday 8.00am 7-Nights: Cairns to Cairns (Tour code CC7N Monday and CC7S Friday) Departs Trinity Wharf Cairns Monday (CC7N) at 5:00pm. Disembark Cairns Monday 1.30pm Departs Trinity Wharf Cairns Friday (CC7S) at 11:00am. Disembark Cairns Friday 8.00am * Itineraries subject to change due to weather and other operational requirements

2 3 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Tour Code CC3 Cairns Pelorus Island Cairns Day 1: Cairns and Thetford Reef 10:30am: Board your Coral Princess Cruises small ship for an 11:00am departure from Cairns. As we depart Cairns and cruise Trinity Bay there is time meet your fellow travellers, settle in and explore your home for the next three nights. After a delicious lunch we arrive at our exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring at Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay. Join the Marine Biologist aboard the glass bottom boat for your first encounter with the reef before gathering on the snorkel deck to participate in a fish feed. Discover some of the 1,500 species of fish that live on the reef, including Spangled Emperor, Giant Trevally and the Hump-Headed Maori Wrasse as they are hand fed by the Marine Biologist. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon to snorkel in the shallow waters for up-close views of the hundreds of varieties of colourful corals and tropical fish. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers. In the evening, join our crew and travelling companions in the top deck lounge as the sun spectacularly sets over the reef before sitting down to a memorable dinner. Day 2: Hinchinbrook Channel and Pelorus Island Beach BBQ Awaken this morning as we cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel, discovering Hinchinbrook Island s towering cliffs and mangrove eco-systems. Subject to tides, we will cruise the length of the channel, separating the Australian mainland and the island, one of the most diverse marine environments on the Australian coast. Keep an eye out for myriad marine life including crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, all of which feed on the region s plentiful sea grasses and can often be seen frolicking in these waters. Next, enjoy the afternoon to discover Coral Princess Cruises very own tropical paradise, Pelorus Island. We invite you to join us on the beach for a gourmet beach BBQ, freshly prepared by the Captain. Explore the island s rainforest on a guided nature walk. Pelorus fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offers fantastic snorkelling, including the opportunity to view a giant clam garden. Admire the colourful corals from the glass bottom boat with the Marine Biologist, join our Dive Instructor on a guided SCUBA dive or simply relax on the long stretch of golden beach and soak up the sun, the choice is yours! Day 3: Dunk Island and Nathan Reef Join our naturalist guides on a fascinating rainforest walk discovering Dunk Island s unique flora and fauna. We may be lucky enough to see the brightly coloured blue-winged Ulysses Butterfly, impossible to miss against the ancient rainforest background. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for many of the up to 100 species of native birds recorded on the island, including the Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Emerald Dove and Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Following lunch, discover Nathan Reef at your own pace. From our exclusive mooring experience some of the most colourful coral gardens that can be found anywhere along the entire length of the reef. View many of the 400 different species of coral living in this World Heritage-listed wonderland. Venture in to the warm tropical waters to explore the corals and marine life on a guided snorkelling tour and join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour. For the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. Later, discover some of the amazing creatures living on the reef at the on-board display tank. Enjoy the rare opportunity for a close up look at sea cucumbers, brightly coloured starfish and other marine life. Laze away the late afternoon on the sun deck, enjoying the comfortable onboard facilities including the spa pool and sun lounges. Tonight, join us in the dining room for another sumptuous dinner as we settle in for our final night cruising the Great Barrier Reef. Day 4: Fitzroy Island and Cairns Travel ashore to explore beautiful Fitzroy Island. Surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island offers wonderful bush walking opportunities and idyllic white sandy beaches. Savour our final snorkelling opportunity over the island s fringing reefs, just metres from the beach in the sheltered waters. Following lunch, early this afternoon we cruise through Trinity Bay before arriving in tropical Cairns at 1:30pm for disembarkation at Trinity Wharf. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons itineraries may be subject to change without notice.

3 4 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Tour Code CC4 Cairns Lizard Island Cairns Day 1: Cairns 4:00pm: Board your Coral Princess Cruises small ship for a 5:00pm departure from Cairns. As we depart Cairns and cruise Trinity Bay there is time to settle in and discover your home for the next four nights. In the evening, join our crew and fellow travellers in the lounge to enjoy a glass of champagne as we cruise northward with views of Double Island and the pretty beachside village of Palm Cove. Admire a spectacular sunset over the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Macalister Range before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner. Day 2: Historic Cooktown and the Reef We have the morning to discover historic Cooktown. It was here that the famous explorer Captain James Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery after claiming Australia as a British colony in You have the option to visit Cooktown s fascinating historical museum, featuring artefacts from Cook s ship Endeavour. See the original anchor and cannon, jettisoned overboard after Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Cooktown is steeped in history with most stone buildings dating back almost a century. Enjoy time to discover Cooktown at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Botanic Gardens, where you may catch a glimpse of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies. This afternoon we visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Join our marine biologist for a glass bottom boat tour over the colourful coral gardens and discover some of the 1,500 species of tropical fish found in these waters. Enjoy our first snorkelling opportunity for an up-close view of the hundreds of varieties of coral growing on this section of reef. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers. Day 3: Lizard Island This morning we awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to Cook s Look on the island s peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer s delight, the views from the lookout 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. Enjoy the remainder of the morning at your leisure. You may wish to simply relax on the golden beach soaking up the sun, join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, take the plunge with our Dive Instructor on a guided SCUBA dive. The choice is yours! This afternoon we cruise to Ribbon Reef No. 9, a spectacular and seldom visited part of the reef where our activities will include more snorkelling opportunities and glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist. Day 4: Ribbon Reefs The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one continuous reef, but a series of thousands of individual coral cays stretching over 3,000 kilometres between the town of Bundaberg and the tip of Australia at Cape York. We spend today visiting two of the most pristine 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. Our Marine Biologist will explain the natural history and evolution of the reef and help you discover the local wildlife, which includes sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds. Today will also be your last opportunity to experience the reef through SCUBA diving, so allow our Dive Instructor to guide you on an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. This evening, we enjoy our final memorable night cruising the Great Barrier Reef. Day 5: Cairns 8:00am: Farewell our Captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking at Trinity Wharf in Cairns. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons the itinerary may be subject to change without notice.

4 7 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Tour Code CC7N Cairns Lizard Island Pelorus Island - Cairns Day 1: Cairns 4:00pm: Board your Coral Princess Cruises small ship for a 5:00pm departure from Cairns. As we depart Cairns and cruise Trinity Bay there is time to settle in and discover your home for the next seven nights. In the evening, join our crew and travelling companions on the top deck to enjoy a glass of champagne as we cruise northward, passing Double Island and the pretty beachside village of Palm Cove. Admire a spectacular sunset over the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Macalister Range before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner. Day 2: Historic Cooktown and the Reef We have the morning to discover historic Cooktown. It was here that the famous explorer Captain James Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery after claiming Australia as a British colony in You have the option to visit Cooktown s fascinating historical museum, featuring artefacts from Cook s ship Endeavour. See the original anchor and cannon, jettisoned overboard after Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Cooktown is steeped in history with most stone buildings dating back almost a century. Enjoy time to discover Cooktown at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Botanic Gardens, where you may catch a glimpse of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies. This afternoon we visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Join our marine biologist for a glass bottom boat tour over the colourful coral gardens before our first snorkelling opportunity for up-close views of the hundreds of varieties of coral growing on this section of reef. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers. Day 3: Lizard Island This morning we awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to Cook s Look on the island s peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer s delight, the views from the lookout 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. Enjoy the remainder of the morning at your leisure. You may wish to simply relax on the golden beach soaking up the sun, join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, take the plunge with our Dive Instructor on a guided SCUBA dive. The choice is yours! This afternoon we cruise to Ribbon Reef No. 9, a spectacular and seldom visited part of the reef where our activities will include more snorkelling opportunities and glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist. Day 4: Ribbon Reefs The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one continuous reef, but a series of thousands of individual coral cays stretching over 3,000 kilometres between the town of Bundaberg and the tip of Australia at Cape York. We spend today visiting two of the most pristine 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. Our Marine Biologist will explain the natural history and evolution of the reef and help you discover the local wildlife, which includes sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds. Day 5: Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay We enjoy the afternoon experiencing the reef at our exclusive Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay moorings. Join our knowledgeable Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour over the colourful coral gardens before gathering on the snorkel deck to participate in a fish feed. Discover some of the 1500 species of fish that live on the reef, including Spangled Emperor, Giant Trevally and the Hump-Headed Maori Wrasse as they are hand fed by the Marine Biologist. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon to snorkel in the shallow waters for up-close views of the hundreds of varieties of colourful corals and tropical fish. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers. Day 6: Hinchinbrook Channel and Pelorus Island Beach BBQ Awaken this morning as we cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel, discovering Hinchinbrook Island s towering cliffs and mangrove eco-systems. Subject to tides, we will cruise the length of the channel, separating the Australian mainland and the island, one of the most diverse marine environments on the Australian coast. Keep an eye out for myriad marine life including crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, all of which feed on the region s plentiful sea grasses and can often be seen frolicking in these waters. Next, enjoy the afternoon to discover Coral Princess Cruises very own tropical paradise, Pelorus Island. We invite

5 you to join us on the beach for a gourmet beach BBQ, freshly prepared by the Captain. Then, explore the surrounding rainforest on a guided nature walk. Pelorus fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Admire the colourful corals from the glass bottom boat with the Marine Biologist, accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive or simply relax on the long stretch of golden beach, the choice is yours! Day 7: Dunk Island and Nathan Reef This morning join our naturalist guides on a fascinating rainforest walk discovering Dunk Island s unique flora and fauna. We may be lucky enough to see the brightly coloured blue-winged Ulysses Butterfly, impossible to miss against the ancient rainforest background. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for many of the up to 100 species of native birds recorded on the island, including the Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Emerald Dove and Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Following lunch, discover Nathan Reef at your own pace. From our exclusive mooring experience some of the most colourful coral gardens that can be found anywhere along the entire length of the reef. View many of the 400 different species of coral living in this World Heritage-listed wonderland. Venture in to the warm tropical waters to explore the corals and marine life on a guided snorkelling tour and join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour. For the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. Later, discover some of the amazing creatures living on the reef at the on-board display tank. Enjoy the rare opportunity for a close up look at sea cucumbers, brightly coloured starfish and other marine life. Laze away the late afternoon on the sun deck, enjoying the comfortable onboard facilities including the spa pool and sun lounges. Tonight, join us in the dining room for another sumptuous dinner as we settle in for our final night cruising the Great Barrier Reef. Day 8: Fitzroy Island and Cairns Travel ashore to explore beautiful Fitzroy Island. Surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island offers wonderful bush walking opportunities and idyllic white sandy beaches. Savour our final snorkelling opportunity over the island s fringing reefs, just metres from the beach in the sheltered waters. Following lunch, early this afternoon we cruise through Trinity Bay before arriving in Tropical Cairns at 1:30pm for disembarkation at Trinity Wharf. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons itineraries may be subject to change without notice. 7 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Tour Code CC7S Cairns Pelorus Island Lizard Island - Cairns Day 1: Cairns and Thetford Reef 10:30am: Board your Coral Princess Cruises small ship for an 11:00am departure from Cairns. As we depart Cairns and cruise Trinity Bay there is time meet your fellow travellers, settle in and explore your home for the next seven nights. After a delicious lunch we arrive at our exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring at Thetford Reef and Sudbury Cay. Join the Marine Biologist aboard the glass bottom boat for your first encounter with the reef before gathering on the snorkel deck to participate in a fish feed. Discover some of the 1500 species of fish that live on the reef, including Spangled Emperor, Giant Trevally and the Hump-Headed Maori Wrasse as they are hand fed by the Marine Biologist. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon to snorkel in the shallow waters for up-close views of the hundreds of varieties of colourful corals and tropical fish. Our experienced crew will be on hand to provide assistance, advice and guided snorkelling tours for less experienced swimmers. In the evening, join our crew & travelling companions in the top deck lounge as the sun spectacularly sets over the reef before sitting down to a memorable dinner. Day 2: Hinchinbrook Channel and Pelorus Island Beach BBQ Awaken this morning as we cruise the spectacular Hinchinbrook Channel, discovering Hinchinbrook Island s towering cliffs and mangrove eco-systems. Subject to tides, we will cruise the length of the channel, separating the Australian mainland and the island, one of the most diverse marine environments on the Australian coast. Keep an eye out for myriad marine life including crocodiles, dolphins, turtles and dugongs, all of which feed on the region s plentiful sea grasses and can often be seen frolicking in these waters. Next, enjoy the afternoon to discover Coral Princess Cruises very own tropical paradise, Pelorus Island. We invite you to join us on the beach for a gourmet beach BBQ, freshly prepared by the Captain. Then, explore the surrounding rainforest on a guided nature walk. Pelorus fringing reef, in the shallow waters just metres off the beach, offers some fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Admire the colourful corals from the glass bottom boat with the Marine Biologist, accompany our Dive Instructor on a guided SCUBA dive or simply relax on the long stretch of golden beach, the choice is yours! Day 3: Dunk Island and Nathan Reef This morning join our naturalist guides on a fascinating rainforest walk discovering Dunk Island s unique flora and fauna. We may be lucky enough to see the brightly coloured blue-winged Ulysses Butterfly, impossible to miss against the ancient rainforest background. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for many of the up to 100 species of native birds recorded on the island, including the Yellow-bellied Sunbird, Emerald Dove and Orange-footed Scrubfowl. Following lunch, discover Nathan Reef at your own pace. From our exclusive mooring experience some of the most colourful coral gardens found anywhere along the entire length of the reef. View many of the 400 different species of coral living in this World Heritage-listed wonderland. Venture in to the warm tropical waters to explore the corals and marine life on a guided snorkelling tour and join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour. For the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, take the plunge in the company of our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. Later, discover some of the amazing creatures living on the reef at the on-board display tank. Enjoy the rare opportunity for a close up look at sea cucumbers, brightly coloured starfish and other marine life. Laze away the late afternoon on the sun deck, enjoying the comfortable onboard facilities including the spa pool and sun lounges. Day 4: Fitzroy Island Travel ashore to explore beautiful Fitzroy Island. Surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Fitzroy Island offers wonderful bush walking opportunities and idyllic white sandy beaches. Enjoy time to relax and explore, relax on the beach or perhaps enjoy a swim in the sheltered waters or a snorkel over the island s fringing reefs. Day 5: Historic Cooktown and the Reef

6 We have the morning to discover historic Cooktown. It was here that the famous explorer Captain James Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery after claiming Australia as a British colony in You have the option to visit Cooktown s fascinating historical museum, featuring artefacts from Cook s ship Endeavour. See the original anchor and cannon, jettisoned overboard after Endeavour struck a reef and began taking on water. Cooktown is steeped in history with most stone buildings dating back almost a century. Enjoy time to discover Cooktown at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Botanic Gardens, where you may catch a glimpse of native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies. This afternoon we visit one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Day 6: Lizard Island This morning we awaken moored beside beautiful Lizard Island. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to Cook s Look on the island s peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer s delight, the views from the lookout 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. Enjoy the remainder of the morning at your leisure. You may wish to simply relax on the golden beach soaking up the sun, join the Marine Biologist for a glass bottom boat tour, or for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, accompany our Dive Instructor on an unforgettable SCUBA dive. The choice is yours! This afternoon we cruise to Ribbon Reef No. 9, a spectacular and seldom visited part of the reef where our activities will include more snorkelling opportunities and glass bottom boat tours with the Marine Biologist. Day 7: Ribbon Reefs The Great Barrier Reef is not actually one continuous reef, but a series of thousands of individual coral cays stretching over 3,000 kilometres between the town of Bundaberg and the tip of Australia at Cape York. We spend today visiting two of the most pristine 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. Our Marine Biologist will explain the natural history and evolution of the reef and help you discover the local wildlife, which includes sea turtles, giant clams, rays and over 200 different species of native birds. Today will also be your last opportunity to experience the reef through SCUBA diving, so allow our Dive Instructor to guide you on the experience of a lifetime. This evening, we enjoy our final memorable night cruising the Great Barrier Reef. Day 8: Cairns: 8:00am: Farewell our Captain, crew and new-found friends before disembarking at Trinity Wharf in Cairns. Note: Due to weather, tides or mechanical reasons the itinerary may be subject to change without notice.

7 CORAL PRINCESS DECK PLAN Captain Cook Cruises Discovery Cruises e: t: