It’s the perfect cruise for the science buff with a love of the good life.  Particularly since it features champagne, canapes and astronomy.   

Coral Expeditions has partnered with Australian Geographic to offer a special 13-night itinerary, ‘The Solar Eclipse Expedition’, which will sail on 15 April 2023.

Coral Adventurer, a ship with fewer than 120 guests, offers explorers a chance to see nature from a new perspective. It will depart from Darwin on a 13-night voyage to Broome. 

On April 20, 2023, the ship will land in Ashmore Reef, which is the ideal vantage point for the solar eclipse.  Guests will be treated to canapes, champagne and astronomy experts as they watch local wildlife react to the darkening skies. They can later cruise the lagoon on their XPlorer tenders.

Later in the cruise, they will witness the beauty of the King George River, located in the Kimberley region after the wet season.  And as the ship travels through Vansittart Bay and Bigge Island, guests will have the opportunity to walk amongst ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries. 

More active explorers will enjoy snorkelling and diving in the Scott Reef and if weather permits Rowley Shoals, where there is a group of three coral atolls and untouched coral gardens, incredible water clarity and plenty of marine life. They can also go for a swim or wander along the pristine white sands at Silica Beach after cruising through the Whirlpool Passage. 

The natural beauty of Montgomery Reef will be the next experience, as it rises out of the sea on the falling tide.  Birdwatching at the remote Adele and Lacepede islands is another highlight.

The voyage will be hosted by astronomy experts Fred Watson AM and Marine Ogg from the Australian Geographic Society; and they will share their knowledge of the history, geology and ancient culture of the region. 

Award-winning nature photographer, Scott Portelli will share his knowledge and guide explorers on the rare experience. 

“We are excited to partner once more with the Australian Geographic Society to deliver this unique expedition experience for our guests.

“Following the success of our collaborations with the Citizen Science of the Great Barrier Reef and the Frontier Lands of Papua New Guinea, we know that this will be a sought-after voyage by our guests and society members alike – a true once in a lifetime experience,” says Mr Jeff Gillies, Coral Expeditions’ Commercial Director.

Prices start at $13,490 per person for a Coral Deck Stateroom. 

For more information visit coralexpeditions.com