True North

Great Barrier Reef Conservation Cruise (7 nts)

Great Barrier Reef Conservation Cruise

7 nights Cairns to Cairns

Experience the Great Barrier Reef like never before alongside marine researchers and conservationists who have dedicated their lives to protecting and restoring this natural wonder. This expedition has been structured to travel to remote coral reefs and across vast seascapes; due to turtle and seabird nesting season there will be limited opportunities to set foot on land.

Departs

  • 5-12 December 2026
  • 12-19 December 2026
True North cruising and diving with whale sharks. Kimberley Cruise Centre / Jabiru Cruise Club.

Prices for 2026

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

2026 prices – True North II

Cabin 2026 Full Fare 2026 Club Artisan* 2026 Master Artisan**
Ocean Class – Abrolhos $11,555 pp $10,399 pp $9,821 pp
Ocean Class $13,595 pp $12,235 pp $11,555 pp
River Class $16,995 pp $15,295 pp $14,445 pp
River Premium Class $18,595 pp $16,735 pp $15,805 pp
Explorer Class $19,595 pp $17,635 pp $16,655 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

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

Start your adventure in Cairns as we set sail to explore the northern Great Barrier Reef, and learn more about the toolkit being developed to restore and protect this global icon. Our first evening together will include sunset drinks and canapés, an introduction to the Great Barrier Reef from conservation experts and evening dinner cooked by your on-board chef.

Today’s adventure is a diver and snorkeller’s dream. We begin the day immersed in the underwater splendour of Ribbon Reef No. 3, a true coral wonderland teeming with dazzling marine life and kaleidoscopic reef formations. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or prefer the serenity of a snorkel, the waters here are a breathtaking window into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Next, we venture to Ribbon Reef No. 10, home to one of the reef’s most iconic dive sites — Steve’s Bommie. Known for its vibrant coral towers and rare marine species, this world-renowned site is a hub for critter lovers and macro photographers alike. Watch in awe as schools of snapper shimmer past, giant clams nestle in the coral, and the elusive nudibranch makes a cameo beneath the surface.

Between dives, unwind on deck with a fresh juice or a chat with our onboard marine biologist — there’s no better way to deepen your connection with this fragile and spectacular ecosystem.

As well as snorkelling and diving among an abundance of marine life — including the giant clams of the famous Clam Gardens — guests can also tour Lizard Island’s world-renowned research station. This leading facility supports groundbreaking coral reef science and education, ensuring that the reef continues to thrive as one of the most spectacular marine environments on earth.

The northern tip is commonly known as Shark City, as whitetip, grey and silvertip reef sharks are often seen cruising along the wall. Masses of fish gather along the steep wall which is covered with an incredible variety of colourful corals and invertebrates.

Tijou Reef is a diver’s paradise, where colourful coral gardens flourish on the sheltered inner side and dramatic wall dives await along the eastern edge.

Wreck Bay is a beautiful site for exploring caves, ledges and bommies, and swimming amongst corals, clownfish, turtles and gropers. Spend the morning with researchers who are tagging whale sharks. Once tags are applied, you’ll be able to snorkel with these incredible creatures. Or jump in a helicopter in search of whale sharks, Omura Whales and Oceanic Manta Rays. We will showcase some of the technologies that are being deployed to research large marine mammals, including to underpin management and conservation decisions being made by Reef managers.

The afternoon will be spent moored up behind Wreck Bay where there are numerous spots for snorkelling and diving.

Disembark True North II at Lockhart River for a charter flight to Cairns along the beautiful Queensland coastline.

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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