Holiday Overview
This 4 night Cairns – Lizard Island – Cairns cruise is the perfect option for those guests wanting to spend the maximum amount of time exploring the colourful coral gardens of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a full day to discover two different sections of the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, considered to be the most colourful and pristine reefs found anywhere along the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef. You will also have the opportunity to explore historic Cooktown and savour a full morning discovering spectacular Lizard Island.
Day 1 - Cairns
Arrive at any time in Cairns and spend the rest of the day at leisure
Featured accommodation
Mantra Esplanade
Day 2 - Cairns Departure
Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm. Cruise Trinity Bay and take in the views of Double Island and Palm Cove while enjoying welcome drinks and the seafood buffet.
Day 3 - Cooktown and Lizard Island
Discover historic Cooktown, with building dating back to the 1870s. Visit the botanic gardens and the James Cook Museum to see original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour. Enjoy an afternoon snorkel and sunset drinks at Turtle Beach on Lizard Island, and see giant trevally and tawny nurse sharks during an after dinner fish feed off the back deck.
Day 4 - Lizard Island & Ribbon Reefs
Enjoy the breath-taking natural beauty of Lizard Island. Join an optional hike to Cook’s Look in the early morning to survey the reef. Learn about the tragic fate of Mary Watson and snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens. This afternoon visit the pristine Ribbon Reef #9 for snorkelling and diving.
Day 5 - Ribbon Reefs
Spend a full day discovering the out Barrier Reef, with snorkelling, diving, and marine biologist led tours of Ribbon Reef #3 and Escape Reef.
Day 6 - Ribbon Reef - Cairns
Disembark in Cairns at 8:00am, where this itinerary concludes.
Mantra Esplanade, Cairns Holidays
With its prime waterfront location, Mantra Esplanade offers stylish and contemporary accommodation in the heart of the holiday hub of Cairns.
Image Gallery
Coral Expedition 11 at the Great Barrier Reef.
Stateroom double
Diving
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Moored at the Great Barrier Reef
Dining Room
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2022, 2023 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Melbourne & The Great Ocean Road Short Break
- Melbourne
3 Nights from £510pp
Port Douglas & Reef Retreat Short Break
- Port Douglas
- Cairns
5 Nights from £820pp
Tropical Top End Short Break
- Darwin
- Kakadu National Park
5 Nights from £930pp
Uluru & Kings Canyon Discovery
- Alice Springs
- Uluru (Ayers Rock)
- Kings Canyon
4 Nights from Call Us
Uluru & Kings Canyon Unearthed
- Uluru
- Kings Canyon
- Alice Springs
3 Nights from Call Us
Sydney & the Blue Mountains
- Sydney
- Blue Mountains
3 Nights from Call Us
3 Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Cairns
4 Nights from Call Us
Beyond Melbourne
- Yarra Valley
- Phillip Island
- Mornington Peninsula
- Geelong and The Bellarine
- Spot Kangaroos in the Yarra Valley
- See the Penguins of Philip Island
- Enjoy the coast of Victoria
- Visit artisan food producers and vineyards
4 Nights from Call Us
