Choose from two small ships for a 13-day cruise in western Australia—home to some of the country’s most extraordinary wonders; many only accessible by sea. Join expert guides and guest lecturers to cruise in true expedition style to offshore coral reefs and remote archipelagos and coastlines that few have the opportunity to visit. These western Australia cruises explore the region’s contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea, offering memories that will last a lifetime.

The main 13-day Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast itinerary operates between Broome and Fremantle, voyaging along most of western Australia for a comprehensive experience. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history, this region is layered with stories. The natural coastal reserves harbor abundant birdlife and marine species. A unique highlight is a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Shark Bay, where the temperate climate of the south meets the desert climate of the north, resulting in exclusive and abundant wildlife ashore and under the water.

The alternative 7-day Coastal Adventures: Western Australia route is ideal for those short on time. This weeklong itinerary explores the southwest corner of Australia, between Fremantle and Albany, with a focus on activity, rejuvenation and local flavors while experiencing the region’s highlights.

The alternative 11-day Whales & Trails of Western Australia operates round-trip from Fremantle with a mix of hiking, foraging, whale watching, wildflowers in bloom, indigenous culture, art, white-sand beach & a hosted wine tasting while whale watching on board. 

The alternative 13-day Ningaloo & The Rowley Shoals itinerary operates round-trip from Broome, focusing on a shorter section of Australia’s west coast, reaching only as far south as the Ningaloo Reef. These departures offer even more opportunities to snorkel and dive, with unique visits to the incredible Rowley Shoals. Of note, this itinerary provides time to snorkel and dive at the World-Heritage-listed Ningaloo, while the main itinerary departures only cruise Ningaloo with opportunities to snorkel in nearby bays.

Enjoy authentic Australian hospitality and remote access only a small cruise ship can permit. Choose from departures aboard the 72-guest Coral Discoverer, or 120-guest Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer. Highly informative expedition leaders and guest lecturers maximize the experiences offered on each shore excursion. Each ship comes equipped for exploration with Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat and Xplorer tender vessel with a platform for easy entry into the water.

Read on for details about these small ship cruises in western Australia, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises in Australia.

Northbound Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast Itinerary

Fremantle, AustraliaBroome, Australia

The northbound Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast cruise operates from Fremantle to Broome, exploring Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea.

Route map of Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast western Australia cruises, operating between Fremantle and Broome, with visits to Dampier Archipelago, Montebello Islands, Muiron Islands, Ningaloo Reef, Frances Peron National Park, Dark Hartog Island, Shark Bay & Abrolhos Islands.

Arrive at Fremantle’s Victoria Quay, Berth C for boarding at 8:00am, with time to settle into your stateroom before a 9:00am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities on board. As dusk falls, join guests and the friendly crew to enjoy the captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

ACCOMMODATIONS Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer
MEALS Lunch, Dinner

If weather conditions allow, this morning enjoy snorkeling at one of the Pelsaert groups’ outer reefs before a relaxing day at sea cruising from Fremantle toward the Abrolhos Islands.

Starting September 16, 2026: Spend the day at Juiren Bay. Today, explore Jurien Bay Marine Park, where you will have the opportunity to explore its limestone reef. This region is known as a foraging area for seabirds, Australia sea-lions and white sharks.

ACCOMMODATIONS Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

No two western Australia cruises are the same. Throughout the expedition, allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

The Abrolhos Islands
The Abrolhos Islands consist of 122 islands, clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert Groups. Lying in the stream of the southward flowing Leeuwin current, the marine environment here is a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life. Common marine mammals include Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 species of seabirds have been identified. The treacherous reefs around these islands have claimed many wrecks over the centuries, the most famous being the Batavia in 1629whose Dutch crew swam ashore only to experience a brutal mutiny. The Abrolhos islands offer a near-pristine natural environment with a diverse range of marine and terrestrial fauna and flora. This area also offers a rich history including shipwrecks and remnants of early colonial industries such as guano mining and commercial fishing. The Australian sea lions love to swim and play with snorkelers and divers here.

Pelsaert (Southern) Group
At the Pelsaert (Southern) group, visit Liddon Pearl Farm and Crayfishing operations on Post Office Island. Learn what is involved with growing the pearls, learning the different shells and pearl categories, and how the different types of pearls are set. Also have insights into the renowned cray fishing industry of the island, from the family who has been in the Abrolhos for four generations. Later is the opportunity to snorkel the blue holes from the jetty.

Easter Group
At the Easter Group, visit the Sea Lion colony at Little Sandy Island, home to the largest colony of Sea Lions in the Abrolhos. Later, snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at locations such as Squid Hole, the Anemone Lump or Morley Island. Also enjoy the opportunity to bird watch at Wooded Island. Activities will be subject to weather and tides as this area is known to be very tidal and windy.

Wallabi Group
Today snorkel off picturesque Turtle Bay and take a short walk along the beach where Tamar wallabies, skinks and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons may be seen. Cruise past the Pidgeon islands, the wealthiest of the crayfishing islands. Birdwatch for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and Caspian terns amongst other birdlife. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghostswhere 126 men, women and children were massacred by the blood thirsty mutineers of this area over 400 years ago. This is home to fantastic bird life, as well as the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pitsstill evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ring leader) was held prior to his trial and execution.

Shark Bay World Heritage Area
Explore the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, in 1991. This is a region of colorful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and home to a staggering 35% of all of Australia’s bird species. Explore Francois Peron National Park, named after the naturalist on explorer Nicholas Baudin’s expeditions. Cruise past historic Cape Inscription, the site of Dirk Hartog’s landing in 1616, and time permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim off the sandy remote beach.

Exmouth & Cape Range National Park (Ningaloo Reef)
One of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef has an unusually narrow continental shelf. The deep oceanic waters, reef and coastline communities are close in proximity, resulting in a huge array of significant and healthy marine life coexisting in one area. The Ningaloo Coast is also one of the most important turtle nesting rookeries in the Indian Ocean, with a significant maritime history from explorers, traders, pearl luggers, whaling and fishing. Spend the day at Cape Range National Park with options to snorkel at Turquoise Bay, visit Yardie Creek via a 0.75-mile nature walk, head up to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse or visit the Ningaloo Center. There will also be some free time to explore Exmouth. Starting September 16, 2026: Choose between two pre selected activities: Join the Cape Range National Park tour, which includes visits to Turquoise Bay and Yardie Creek. Alternatively enjoy a guided snorkeling tour with a local operator, offering a chance to discover the vibrant marine life of Ningaloo Reef from the water.

Muiron Islands
The Muiron Islands are located approximately 10 nautical miles off the North West Cape. The Islands are well known for their incredible reef, colorful soft corals, an abundance of turtles, schools of fish and even sightings of manta rays! A variety of dive sites are on offer at this destination, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs, eels and angelfish hide. With fantastic bommies and protected reef, snorkelers will appreciate the variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well the incredible fish life. Birdlife is abundant onshoresee if you can spot wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey and black-shouldered kites (just to name a few). It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements. After in-water activities, stretch your legs on a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

Montebello Islands
The Montebello Islands, or Montes, are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. A delight for birdwatchers, the islands are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers. The Montes have an explosive past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the site of three British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands today. Visit the plinth, which marks Ground Zero at Trimouille Island, now a haven for wildlife, including the rufous hare wallaby. A fascinating maritime history surrounds the Montebello Island. Survivors of the Dutch vessel “Tryall” swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, therefore being the first Europeans to land on the islands. Spend a full day exploring this island group, including wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful beach walks. Keep watch for the rare rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays while exploring amazing vistas.

Dampier Archipelago
Consisting of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves, the iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage, many of which are in National Heritage Listed Areas. Named after English explorer William Dampier who first visited the islands aboard the Cygnet in 1699; the islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by the thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the area. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s historical and cultural sites before taking to the azure waters for swimming and kayaking. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see several species of migratory waders as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck, possibly even see the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. **Please note viewing of aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area, and cannot be guaranteed**

ACCOMMODATIONS Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Relax on deck for a day at sea, with onboard presentations from the guest lecturers, plus workshops and demonstrations. This evening, celebrate the end of the voyage with fellow passengers and crew at the captain’s farewell drinks.

ACCOMMODATIONS Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer
MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Broome this morning for an 8:00am disembarkation. A post-cruise transfer to the central business district or the airport is included.

ACCOMMODATIONS n/a
MEALS Breakfast

Included

All excursions and sightseeing; snorkeling & equipment; use of Xplorer tender vessel, Zodiacs and kayaks; daily lectures and briefings; all meals, chef-prepared on board; selected wines, beers, spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner service; 24-hour coffee and selection of teas; captain’s welcome and farewell events; all entrance fees to national parks and ports; standard WiFi on board; tips and gratuities.

Exclusions

Airfare; Australian entry visas or travel permits; alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service; items of a personal nature, including but not limited to travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone charges, WiFi upgrades; scuba diving (contact your Adventure Specialist for details and 2026/2027 pricing).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and cancellation penalties will apply. An AUD200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed. There is an AUD500.00 per person fee if a date change is made more than 90 days before departure. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 90 days – 100% of deposit
89 to 60 days – 50% of total trip cost
59 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The northbound Abrolhos Islands & The Coral Coast cruise begins in Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia (accessible via nearby Perth Airport, PER) and ends in Broome, Western Australia, Australia (BME). The cruise operator recommends arriving before embarkation day and planning flights to depart a day or more after disembarkation, in case of unplanned schedule changes. In general, plan flights to arrive to Fremantle in time for a 7:30am check in, 8:00am boarding and 9:00am departure on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Broome following the 8:00am disembarkation on the final day of the itinerary. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include land treks, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, historic site visits, wildlife observation and Xplorer tender vessel tours. Scuba diving is offered at an additional cost (see Exclusions). Please remember, if you are a certified diver, to bring your certification card and logbook. Additional pre-cruise dive requirements include completing a questionnaire, a medical assessment and resulting doctor’s statement (your Adventure Specialist can provide full details).

Room Configuration

Limited double occupancy cabins for solo use may be available at a sole use rate in the Coral, Promenade and Explorer Deck categories. Contact AdventureSmith for further details and availability.

Families & Children

Children 0-3 years of age at time of the cruise are free of charge. Two adults and one child traveling together can be accommodated in two staterooms only aboard Coral Discoverer (there are no pullman bunks). On all ships, two adults and two children traveling together may request two rooms next door to each other.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

As a condition of travel, guests must provide evidence of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR complete a credit card authorization form for expenses incurred during a medical evacuation. Proof of travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage OR a completed authorization form must be provided prior to boarding.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

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Choose the Small Ship that Fits Your Travel Style

The Coral Geographer Australian expedition ship offers six balcony suites, a showcase galley, a passenger elevator and advanced navigation and propulsion systems.

Expedition Ship 120 GUESTS 306 FEET

The Coral Discoverer maneuvers into special bays and inlets that are inaccessible to larger ships. Her bright outdoor spaces, authentic Australian hospitality and expedition-ready tools offer an elevated experience.

Expedition Ship 72 GUESTS 207 FEET

The Coral Adventurer Australian expedition ship offers a wine cellar, open galley, private balconies and efficient ship-to-shore operations.

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