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Home , Cod Hole, Daintree National Park, Dive boat, Lizard Island, Osprey Reef

BEST OF THE GREAT BARRIER

July 14 – 28, 2020 | 15 Days | Aboard the Coral Expeditions II

Osprey Reef Stanley Island Expedition Highlights

Lizard Island • Discover the underwater wonders of the legendary , a Ribbon Reef #10 UNESCO World Heritage Site.

AUSTRALIA Ribbon Reef #5 • Come face-to-face with massive potato

Ribbon Reef #3 groupers at , and with luck, you’ll have the opportunity to swim PACIFIC Escape Reef OCEAN with the curious minke whales that migrate through these waters.

GREAT BARRIER REEF • Enjoy daily excursions to explore pristine reefs and islands far from the tourist track, including remote Osprey

Cairns Reef.

• Take nature walks on , ORIENTAL SWEETLIPS GOANNA keeping an eye out for Australian monitor lizards and a variety of seabirds.

• View fascinating Aboriginal art on remote Stanley Island.

• Itinerary...... page 2 > • Flight Information ...... page 3 > • Ship, Deck Plan & Rates ...... page 4 > • Featured Leaders...... page 5 > • Know Before You Go...... page 5 > • Optional Pre-voyage Extension.... page 6 > SAND REGAL ANGELFISH KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY

Sunday, July 19 Itinerary RIBBON REEF #3 / RIBBON REEF #5 The Ribbon Reefs are long, thin strips of reef that form the Based on the expeditionary nature of our trips, there may be ongoing outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef and lie on the edge of enhancements to this itinerary. the continental shelf, an average of 30 to 60 miles away from the coast. Covered in colorful corals, these reefs attract a plethora of marine life, both large and small. Tuesday & Wednesday, July 14 & 15, 2020 DEPART USA Drop in for a sunrise dive at Steve’s Bommie, an isolated Board your independent flight to Australia, losing a day as you pinnacle which offers a wealth of macro life like anemonefish, cross the International Date Line. nudibranchs, and pipefish; schooling trevally, batfish, snappers, and fusiliers; and large pelagics, most notably barracudas and white-tip reef sharks. Thursday, July 16 After lunch, explore Ribbon Reef #5 on an afternoon dive, , AUSTRALIA Arrive in Cairns and transfer to the Shangri-La Cairns for , or glass-bottom excursion. Discover a wealth dinner and overnight. of healthy corals including brain, staghorn, boulder, and mushroom, as well as colorful soft corals. The corals provide shelter for shimmering clouds of chromis and anthias, while shoals of fusiliers, trevally, barracuda, mackerel, sharks, Friday, July 17 batfish, and parrotfish can be seen cruising near the dropoff CAIRNS / EMBARK CORAL EXPEDITIONS II The is one of the most complex ecosystems areas. Emperor angelfish, blueline demoiselle, hexagon on Earth, and you will spend a full day seeking out the region’s grouper, bird wrasse, yellowmargin triggerfish, and slingjaw unique flora and fauna. At Cooya Beach, join members of the wrasse are other species frequently spotted in this area. Kubirri Warra tribe for a fascinating tour of their private estate.

Learn about ancient Aboriginal traditions as you explore beach, mangrove, coastal reef, mudflats, and tidal . Monday, July 20 LIZARD ISLAND Or, choose to take a ride along the Kuranda Scenic Railway, Picturesque Lizard Island was discovered by Captain Cook passing spectacular tropical forest, majestic mountains, cascading in 1770, and your morning begins with an optional hike to waterfalls, and dramatic gorges. Then visit the Kuranda Koala the highest point of the island, known as Cook’s Look, where Gardens for up-close views of these adorable Australian the mariner attempted to find a path through the maze of marsupials, as well as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and a variety of reptiles, including freshwater crocodiles. CORAL TROUT Embark the Coral Expeditions II in the afternoon and set sail.

Saturday, July 18 ESCAPE REEF Escape Reef is a barrier reef with protected ‘,’ perfect for your first check-out dive, or to practice your snorkel skills. There is a great variety of hard corals and you’ll also find giant clams dotted about. Keep an eye out for steephead parrotfish, longnose butterflyfish, and scissortail sergeants.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF < 2 > Friday – Sunday, July 24 – 26 / RIBBON REEFS Conditions permitting, venture to remote Osprey Reef, a large submerged with a shallow central lagoon. The most northerly and isolated of all the reefs in the , the almost vertical reef walls rise from a depth of over 6,000 feet and offer some of the best diving in the region. This pristine reef is home to colorful soft corals and is frequented by sharks and other large pelagics. As the ship returns to Cairns, make a stop on a sand cay for sunset drinks with the local seabirds. Currents channeled by the reefs have created various sand cays that shift and change with the elements over time; they are typically surrounded by amazing reefs and provide calm, sheltered waters perfect for exploration.

If weather and sea conditions do not allow for a visit to Osprey Reef, continue exploring along the protected Ribbon Reefs, where you will find a diverse array of marine life, including anemones, giant clams, hard and soft corals, turtles, and many types of Great Barrier Reef fish. LIZARD ISLAND

Monday, July 27 CAIRNS / DISEMBARK / ATHERTON TABLELANDS beautiful, but deadly reefs. After breakfast, dive or snorkel Disembark this morning and journey overland to the Atherton among legions of colorful tropical fish and check out the giant Tablelands, a fertile plateau with several stands of protected clam gardens near the beach. Other activities include walking rainforest. On nature walks, search for a variety of wildlife along the island’s powdery white-sand beaches, or hiking among the giant trees, such as musky rat kangaroos, up to Chinaman’s Ridge, searching for goannas (Australian wallabies, wallaroos, and 12 endemic bird species. Along the monitor lizards) and a multitude of birds, such as sunbirds, pristine shores of Lake Barrine, you may spy eastern water honeyeaters, pheasant coucals, and a variety of terns along dragons, bearded dragons, and saw-shell turtles. Check in to the way. the Shangri-La Cairns for dinner and overnight. Or, choose to search for nocturnal species on an optional spotlighting excursion, returning to Cairns in the late evening. Tuesday, July 21 STANLEY ISLAND Take a short walk to view several spectacular rock art sites Tuesday, July 28 on Stanley Island. The huge Yintayin, or “Ship,” rock shelter CAIRNS / USA features images of ships painted in red and white ochre on the Board your independent flight to the USA, arriving the same day. red sandstone—sailing ships rigged in the distinctive styles of the European lugger, the Macassan (Indonesian) proa, and a dugout with a figure standing upright in it, hands outstretched. Flight Information Spend the afternoon or diving at a nearby reef. You will need to purchase airfare from your home city/Cairns and Cairns/home city. Please contact our in-house Air Department for fare quotes, reservations, or other air-related questions. Wednesday & Thursday, July 22 & 23 RIBBON REEF #10 / COD HOLE Spend two full days exploring Ribbon Reef #10, which is ROCK WALLABY MINKE WHALE famous for the large number of dwarf minke whales that migrate past the reef from June to July. With luck, you may have an opportunity to swim with these curious creatures—a simply amazing experience. However, please note, these whales are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed. At world-famous Cod Hole, enjoy an unforgettable dive, where you’ll come face-to-face with massive potato cod, which often swim right up to inspect you with child-like curiosity. Other fish that can be found here include coral trout, sweetlips, triggerfish, and trevally.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF < 3 > Coral Expeditions II Deck Plan The 42-guest Coral Expeditions II is a classic catamaran built for maximum stability and an intimate onboard experience. DECK A With a shallow draft and high maneuverability, she can easily access the area’s best dive and snorkel sites. All staterooms feature an ocean view and range from 150 to 160 square feet, with en suite bathrooms and iPod docks. Sun Deck Public spaces include a spacious air-conditioned lounge Lounge with a cocktail bar, a comprehensive reference library, and lounge with plasma screens for lectures. The large Sun Deck offers comfortable deck chairs and stylish teak furnishings. DECK B The Coral Expeditions II carries a glass-bottom boat, as well as a fleet of Zodiacs and . 402 404 304 306 308 310

401 403 303 305 307 309 311

DECK C

208206204202

Restaurant

203201 205 207

Rates CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 1 $10,980 CATEGORY 3 $13,780 CAT 1 / SOLO $15,080

CATEGORY 2 $12,380 CATEGORY 4 $14,680 CAT 3 / SOLO $17,980

Solo Travelers: Limited solo accommodations are available at the quoted solo rates above. : Scuba Diving is available on this expedition for an additional cost of $500 per person. Limited to 16 Advanced Open Water (AOW) certified scuba divers. You must complete two open water dives within the 12 months prior to the trip’s departure.

INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED: • All gratuities • Airfare from your home city/Cairns and Cairns/home city • Accommodations in our hotel and on board the • Excess baggage charges Coral Expeditions II as outlined in the itinerary • Airport arrival and departure taxes • All onboard meals and group meals ashore, including soft drinks, beer, and wine with lunch and dinner • Transfers for independent arrivals and departures • Arrival and departure transfers on group dates • Passport and/or visa fees • Travel insurance • Services of the expedition staff, including lectures, briefings, slide/film shows • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, alcoholic beverages • All group activities and excursions (other than listed at left), and other incidentals • Landing and port fees • Email/Internet/fax/telephone charges • Medical expense coverage and insurance • Scuba and snorkel equipment is available onboard if you prefer not to travel with your own gear

A 25% per person deposit will secure your space on this expedition. All rates are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in US dollars, and must be paid in US dollars. Rates and itineraries are subject to change. Please review our Terms & Conditions online at www.zegrahm.com/terms, or call our office for a printed copy.

ZEGRAHM EXPEDITIONS | BEST OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF < 4 > Meet Your Leaders

BRAD CLIMPSON (EXPEDITION LEADER) – Brad was born in Sydney, Australia and has lived for the last 20 years in North Queensland, on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. In 1996 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in and zoology at University, Townsville. With the Great Barrier Reef serving as both playground and laboratory, Brad has developed an intimate knowledge of how complex reef systems work. Brad began his career aboard expedition ships as marine biologist in northern Australia in the late 1990s and since then, his passion for the underwater world has taken him around the world. An accomplished scuba diver, underwater photographer, and experienced boat handler, Brad has a passion for interacting with nature and sharing his knowledge with travelers.

RICH PAGEN – Rich first became enthralled by the wonders of the natural world around the pools and forests of his native New York. Since then, he has embarked on a career in conservation biology, including a variety of field biology projects from the Arctic to the Amazon. Rich was ultimately drawn back to the sea where he taught marine science and island ecology on Catalina Island in California for several years. He has also conducted shipboard surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, as well as tagging studies of sea turtles and pelagic sharks.

ABORIGINAL ART MOORISH IDOLS

Know Before You Go Our Great Barrier Reef expedition focuses on the underwater wonders of the region and is only recommended for intermediate and advanced divers (and snorkelers). You will need to be able to climb into and out of the while wearing your dive equipment. in Queensland during July average in the low to high-70s°F. Water temperatures will average in the low-70s°F ( will be available on board). Thanks to the absence of human activity in the area, visibility is good year round. The sun can be intense in the Southern Hemisphere, so be sure to bring adequate sun protective clothing and head-covering.

800.628.8747 | 206.285.4000 | FAX 206.285.5037 3131 Elliott Avenue | Suite 250 | Seattle, WA 98121 www.zegrahm.com | [email protected]

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/barrier-reef or contact your travel consultant. < 5 > WILD QUEENSLAND

July 8 - 16, 2020 | 9 Days | Optional Pre-voyage Extension

Wednesday - Friday, July 8 - 10, 2020 this land, the KuKu Yalanji people, at Cooyacham Beach. Return to DEPART USA / CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA the lodge for dinner and overnight. Board your independent flight to Australia. Arrive in Cairns on July 10 and transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel Cairns for dinner and Tuesday, July 14 overnight. MOSSMAN / CAPE TRIBULATION After breakfast, drive to Mossman Gorge for a Ngadiku Dreamtime Saturday, July 11 Walk with a member of the KuKu Yalanji people. Stroll along CAIRNS / CRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARK an easy trail through stunning rainforest where your guide will After breakfast, depart overland across the scenic Gillies Range demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush food sources, and to the Nerada Tea Plantation, to learn about how tea is cultivated provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and the KuKu and processed. Continue to Crater Lakes National Park for lunch Yalanji’s special relationship with this unique tropical environment. overlooking scenic Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake. In the Then head to the Thala Beach Resort for lunch overlooking the afternoon, take a cruise on the lake to search for birds, fish, turtles, Coral Sea. Make a short stop at a gallery in Mossman to learn and other resident wildlife. Check in to Chambers Wildlife Rainforest about ‘boomerang art’ with Binna, a KuKu Yalanji man, then cross Lodge, set on the banks of Lake Eacham. Enjoy dinner at Nick’s, an the via cable ferry and travel through the lowland award-winning restaurant in nearby , then return to the rainforest to Cape Tribulation. Check in to the Daintree Heritage lodge for a nocturnal wildlife viewing excursion. Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Sunday, July 12 Wednesday, July 15 CRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARK / CAPE TRIBULATION WARRIGAL HIGHLAND RAINFOREST PRESERVE Today explore the Coopers Creek Wilderness and lowland swamp This morning, drive into the Misty Mountains to visit a private forests of the Greater . After lunch, take highland rainforest preserve. After lunch at Woodleigh Station, a an afternoon mangrove cruise around the Cooper Creek estuary. working cattle station, take a drive through ‘billabong’ wetlands and Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. savanna woodland to search for wildlife. Continue to the Ravenshoe Hotel for dinner, followed by a spotlighting excursion to search for Thursday, July 16 rare, nocturnal wildlife at Warrigal Highland Rainforest Preserve, CAPE TRIBULATION / CAIRNS the largest single tract of tropical rainforest remaining in Australia. Depart Cape Tribulation this morning and board a river boat for a Species frequently seen while spotlighting include Lumholtz’s cruise along the Daintree River to search for estuarine crocodiles. tree-kangaroo; lemuroid, green, common, Herbert River ringtail, After lunch, return to Cairns along the scenic coast road and check coppery brushtail, striped, and long-tailed pygmy possums; rufous, in to the Shangri-La Hotel Cairns. Gather this evening for a welcome masked, and lesser sooty owls; northern leaf-tailed geckos; swamp dinner with the main group. wallabies; pademelons; and bandicoots. Return to Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge for overnight.

Monday, July 13 Flight Information CRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARK / MOSSMAN Rise early this morning to search for wild at a nearby You will need to purchase round-trip airfare from your home city/Cairns. creek, followed by breakfast in Yungaburra. Then depart overland, heading north and passing through Granite Gorge, an awesome landscape of gigantic boulders stretching for nearly a mile. Make Rates a stop at the Wetlands for lunch overlooking Clancy’s Lagoon. Continue to Mossman and check in to Daintree Eco Lodge. $5,480 per person, double occupancy; After a chance to settle in, take a walk with the traditional owners of $6,980 per person, solo occupancy

To reserve, visit www.zegrahm.com/barrier-reef or contact your travel consultant. < 6