True North

Great Barrier Reef Explorer (10 nts)

Great Barrier Reef Explorer

10 nights Cairns to Cairns

Experience the world’s largest living structure from a perspective few ever will. Explore remote reefs, tropical islands and ancient rainforests with the freedom to discover each day by adventure boat, snorkel, dive, or helicopter. This is the Great Barrier Reef as nature intended: intimate, immersive, and full of wonder.

Departs

  • 20-30 November 2027
True North map of the Great Barrier Reef Explorer cruise

Prices for 2027

Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.

2027 prices – True North II

Cabin 2027 Full Fare 2027 Club Artisan* 2027 Master Artisan**
Ocean Class – Abrolhos $16,995 pp $15,296 pp $14,445 pp
Ocean Class $19,995 pp $17,995 pp $16,995 pp
River Class $23,995 pp $21,595 pp $20,395 pp
River Premium Class $24,995 pp $22,495 pp $21,245 pp
Explorer Class $27,995 pp $25,195 pp $23,795 pp

All prices are per person, twin share.

Sole occupancy: No single supplement applies for the Ocean Class stateroom named ‘Rowley Shoals’.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

Abrolhos Island Discounted Cabin: In lieu of an ensuite, there’s a private bathroom next door. The crew accesses this cabin throughout the cruise as it’s connected to a linen cabinet. Therefore, this cabin comes with a 15% discount.

*Club Artisan: Cruised with True North before? Enjoy a 10% discount from the full fare. **Master Artisan: If you’ve cruised more than 3 times, receive 15% off the full fare.

Inclusions

  • All adventure boat excursions and activities
  • Destination-inspired dining and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day
  • All fishing equipment
  • Snorkelling equipment, cylinders and weight belts (on dive trips)
  • Cafe style coffees and tea
  • Scenic helicopter flights
  • Visitor Pass Fee on certain itineraries
  • On-board purchases such as adventure wear
  • Alcoholic beverages (except as offered on special excursions)

Itinerary Highlights

Your adventure begins at the far northern reaches of the reef. The Great Detached Reef is a kaleidoscope of colour and marine life – a place where divers and snorkellers alike are spoilt for choice. Later, join our pilots for a heli flight in search of whale sharks around Wishbone Reef — these gentle giants occasionally cruise the deep blue just beyond the reef’s edge. Return to True North II for sunset drinks and a welcome dinner beneath the stars.

The day begins at Flinders Island, where coral shelves drop into electric-blue water. Snorkel, dive, or cast a line for coral trout, then relax on deck as we lift off for a helicopter flight over Cape Melville National Park — a wild landscape of granite headlands, ancient rainforest, and turquoise lagoons. The evening brings a relaxed dinner onboard as the reef hums quietly below.

Two days of pure reef exploration. Step ashore at Lizard Island, climb to Cook’s Look, and swim in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful lagoons. Enjoy a scenic heli flight over Lizard Island and the Ribbon Reefs, and don’t miss a dive at the world-famous Cod Hole, where giant potato cod await.

A day dedicated to one of the Coral Sea’s most legendary dive sites — Osprey Reef. Thirty nautical miles beyond the edge of the continental shelf, Osprey is famous for its gin-clear visibility, dramatic walls, and abundant marine life. Dive or snorkel among schools of trevally and swirling barracuda, and don’t miss the exhilarating shark feed, where reef sharks circle gracefully in the blue. For many guests, this is a highlight of the voyage.

Enjoy exceptional diving and snorkelling — coral gardens, vibrant walls, and sightings of reef sharks, turtles, and manta rays. For the photographers aboard, the reef’s visibility and colour will test the limits of your lens. After another day of discovery, unwind on deck as the sun dips below the Coral Sea.

Awaken to the sight of the Daintree Rainforest meeting the sea. Join a river expedition through mangrove-lined waterways alive with kingfishers and saltwater crocodiles. Later, take to the skies for a helicopter flight over the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, where reef and rainforest collide in spectacular harmony. True North II anchors quietly nearby — a perfect base to experience two World Heritage sites in one day.

This morning’s heli flight over Hinchinbrook Island reveals dramatic peaks and hidden waterfalls. Hike to Zoe Falls and follow a rainforest trail to the base of the cascade — a breathtaking freshwater swim in complete isolation. Return to True North II for lunch on deck and a relaxed afternoon cruising through the Hinchinbrook Channel.

Begin at Palm Island, where coral reefs fringe white sand beaches — perfect for diving, snorkelling, or fishing. Continue south to Magnetic Island, where a colony of wild koalas rests in the gum trees. Join a shore excursion, explore quiet bays, or enjoy sunset drinks on the beach. For those keen to fly, another heli adventure over the island chain offers a dazzling perspective on the Coral Sea.

Spend your final full day at John Brewer Reef, home to Australia’s first Museum of Underwater Art. Dive or snorkel among coral-encrusted sculptures that blend art, science, and conservation. As dusk falls, gather on deck for a farewell celebration — fine wine, great company, and one last evening surrounded by the reef’s endless horizon.

Cruise back toward Cairns, sharing highlights and laughter with new friends. Bid farewell to the crew of True North II — a small ship with a big spirit, and your gateway to the wild heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

True North II cruising at the Rowley Shoals, Australia. Kimberley Cruise Centre / Jabiru Cruise Club.

True North II

True North II features an intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.

All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size beds and the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.

True North II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with a greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most True North II itineraries feature an on-board helicopter!

Deck Plan

  • Explorer Class 1) Dirk Hartog 2) Abel Tasman
  • River Premium 3) Pentecost 4) Ord
  • River Class: 5) Roe 6) Sale 7) Charnley 8) Glenelg
  • Ocean Class 9) Montebello Islands 10) Rowley Shoals 11) Abrolhos Islands
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True_North_2_Lower_Deck
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