• Experience the vibrant art, culture and natural beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, including community visits of Badu and Moa Islands
• Land at the northernmost tip of Australia at Pajinka on Cape York for a sunset or sunrise champagne toast
• Snorkel remote reefs and bird-watch at Davie Cay on the northern Great Barrier Reef
• Explore Lizard Island’s reefs and beaches and hike to historic Cook’s Look
• Share time with local artists and purchase from the source in community art centres
• View rock art at Stanley Island, with interpretation by a traditional owner guide
• Learn about Indigenous culture and maritime history at Cooktown and Restoration Island

Newly released Great Barrier Reef Cruises Horn Island, Torres Straits to Cairns over 10 Nights in 2021. The people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture and take pleasure in welcoming our guests to their home islands in ceremonial style.

An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions and guests are rewarded with the chance to meet these island communities and share their culture in a low impact and sustainable environment.

With decades of experience and a deep respect for the communities of the region, our Great Barrier Reef cruises will facilitate an enriching journey accompanied and hosted by local elders who will share the customs and stories of this ancient country.

With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture.

Join our 2021 cruise ship tours on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia departing from Horn Island in the Torres Straits and Cape York region and cruising back to Cairns.

We cruise in 2021 over 10 Nights with two departures from Horn Island  

We can arrange your flights from Cairns to Horn Island to meet the cruise ship and also arrange your pre-post accommodation.

DAY 1: DEPART HORN ISLAND

Option for a pre-cruise tour of Horn Island.

Board our small luxury cruise ship at Horn Island 31 October or 21 November at 4pm for 5pm departure.  Enjoy afternoon tea onboard and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as we set sail southwards. This evening join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

There are daily flights to Cairns from Horn Island Airport. These are not included in the cruise fare ask for those to be booked when booking your cruise.

DAY 2: TORRES STRAIT ISLAND – EXPEDITION STOP

In true expedition style, we will follow the conditions on the day to choose another Torres Strait Island to spend the day visiting, with a chance for cultural experiences and to relax in the pristine and scenic natural surrounds. Potential islands we may visit include Hammond, Prince of Wales, Mer or Erub depending on the conditions on the day.

DAY 3: MOA ISLAND

Visit the art centre and join in print, weaving and jewellery making workshops with local artists. Watch a traditional dance performance, listen to the gorgeous harmonies of the local singers.

DAY 4: BADU ISLAND

In the morning, we visit the indigenous art centre to watch printmakers at work, with the opportunity to purchase prints that catch your eye.

Enjoy traditional kai kai (Traditional Lunch) prepared by the local community – a feast of locally caught crayfish, fresh & curried fish. Spend the afternoon swimming at a local beach, hosted by traditional owners.

DAY 5: CAPE YORK & THURSDAY ISLAND (WAIBEN)

Step ashore at the northernmost point of the Australian mainland continent as the sun rises, and sip champagne to welcome the new day.

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island we also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre, and local shopping.

DAY 6: FORBES ISLAND & REMOTE ISLETS

Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite. We also have an opportunity to go beachcombing at a nearby remote island, possibly Magra, Saunders, or Sir Charles Hardy.

DAY 7: TIJOU REEF & RESTORATION ISLAND

Enjoy snorkel, scuba and glass-bottom boat opportunities of the remote Tijou Reef.

Visit Restoration Island or Resto, as the locals call it.  Here Captain Bligh of the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty made his first landfall after a long ocean crossing from Tonga, in May 1789. He named it Restoration Island because the food they found (oysters and native fruits) greatly restored their spirits and because that date was Oak Apple Day, the anniversary of the restoration of King Charles II.

Today Restoration Island is not just a National Park; one-third of the island is leased to David Glasheen, a former mining tycoon, who, after losing his fortune in the Black Friday market crash, decided to live a solitary existence on the island, and has done so for over 2 decades. It is an idyllic coastal island with a granite and volcanic peak 116 metres in height and a beautiful shark tooth-shaped beach spit where guest will enjoy water activities and time to explore the island.

DAY 8: STANLEY ISLAND, DAVIE REEF & DAVIE CAY

Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endean Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours and see Brown Boobie Bird colonies at Davie Cay.

DAY 9: LIZARD ISLAND

Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Lizard Island. Join an optional hike to Cook’s Look and be rewarded with exceptional views over the Great Barrier Reef.

Learn about the tragic fate of Mary Watson on a walk to her cottage. Snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens and colourful coral and visit the Lizard Island Research Station.

DAY 10: COOKTOWN

Discover historic Cooktown, with buildings dating back to the 1870s. Here you will have the choice of a guided indigenous cultural tour, or a guided Cooktown historic tour. You will also have the opportunity for time at leisure to explore Cooktown’s attractions which include art galleries, the botanic gardens, James Cook Museum (with original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour), lookouts, and a walk to the top of Grassy Hill.

DAY 11: ARRIVE CAIRNS

Our incredible adventure of Australia’s North comes to an end. Disembark in Cairns at 8am.

See more Great Barrier Reef Cruise ship voyages and expeditions.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Horn Island

Departure Time

Board at Horn Island at 4pm for 5pm departure – Arrive Cairns 8.00am

Departure Instructions

Our friendly reservations specialists are on hand to assist with your pre-post accommodation booking arrangements to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. Contact our team to discuss flights and accommodation on 1300 213 118 during business hours in Australia or email info@barrierreefaustralia.com

Pickup Locations

Horn Island

Destinations

• Cairns
• Cape York Peninsula
• Torres Strait Islands

Months of Operation

November

Days of Operation

Saturday

Duration

10 Nights

Available for Purchase / Hire

Scuba Diving

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

Scuba Diving – minimum age 12

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

The itinerary is indicative. No two cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We suggest that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.

• Soft bag with personal items for a beach holiday and cruise ship tour
• Good walking shoes, sun hat, ocean friendly suncream

No child rates available

• To make a reservation you have to pay a deposit of 20% of the fare.
• The balance of the fare is due ninety (90) days prior to departure.
• All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.
• Notification of cancellation must be received in writing.
• At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
• Expedition Itineraries
• *Up to 90 days prior to departure – forfeit your deposit of 20% of the fare.
• *60 to 89 days prior to departure – forfeit 50% of the fare.
• *No-show to 59 days prior to departure – forfeit 100% of the fare.
• Transfer Fees
• *Date change fee made more than 90 days before departure - $500 per person fee.
• *Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies.
• *A $200 per person fee is applicable for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.
• *Applicable to all itineraries: A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and Cancellation Penalties will apply
• We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave an expedition whilst it is in progress.