Australian Geographic Society Partners with Coral Expeditions and GBR Legacy for Groundbreaking Citizen Science Voyage
The Australian Geographic Society, in collaboration with Coral Expeditions and Great Barrier Reef Legacy, is proud to announce the Coral Futures Expedition, a unique 7-night citizen science voyage on the Great Barrier Reef. This extraordinary opportunity allows participants to contribute directly to vital marine research while experiencing one of the world’s most treasured natural wonders. The Coral Futures Expedition will bring together marine scientists, conservationists, and passionate travellers aboard a premium small-ship expedition, led by Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise company. Throughout the voyage, guests will actively engage in research efforts aimed at supporting the future resilience of the reef, including coral monitoring, data collection and assisting with Great Barrier Reef Legacy’s critical coral biobanking initiative the Forever Reef Project, winner of Australia Geographic Society’s inaugural Awards for Nature gold-tier award in 2024.
“Our partnership with Coral Expeditions and the Forever Reef Project enables us to offer an immersive and meaningful experience for those who want to take an active role in reef conservation,” said Chrissie Goldrick, chair of the Australian Geographic Society. “This is more than a voyage – it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on the future of the Great Barrier Reef.”
“We are thrilled beyond words to be once again be supported by Coral Expeditions and Australian Geographic Society, not only to advance our crucial coral ark with the Forever Reef Project which aims to collect all 415 Great Barrier Reef coral species by 2026 and keep them alive in our state of the art holding facility in Port Douglas, but for the first time to be able to share our work and a host of other exciting research initiatives, with each and every guest on this 7 day expedition to some of the most spectacular parts of our beautiful Great Barrier Reef” Dr Dean Miller, Managing Director of Great Barrier Reef Legacy said.
“We are proud to elevate our partnership with Australian Geographic Society and Great Barrier Reef Legacy, and to lead the way in presenting world-leading science and conservation efforts on the reef in a way that allows participation of guests. This will be a most enriching experience for guests who will join us on this rare opportunity,” said Jeff Gillies, Chief Commercial Officer at Coral Expeditions.
The carefully curated itinerary will take guests to some of the most remote sections of the Reef, providing access to exclusive research sites while fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions facing coral ecosystems today. Expert-led presentations, hands-on fieldwork, and snorkelling and scuba diving experiences will ensure a truly transformative adventure.
The Coral Futures Expedition will set sail on 4 December 2025 from Cairns, with limited availability for those eager to be part of this one-of-a-kind conservation experience. For more information and booking details, visit https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/destinations/great-barrier-reef/coral-futures-expedition-australian-geographic/
About Coral Expeditions
Recognised as Australia’s longest established and most awarded expedition cruise operator, Coral Expeditions is Australia’s pioneering cruise line. Our single purpose is to take small groups of like minded explorers to remote natural regions with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality. Founded on offering environmentally sensitive cruises on the Great Barrier Reef 40 years ago, our modern fleet has grown into a purpose-built blue water fleet featuring the intimate Coral Discoverer and the advanced flagship vessels Coral Adventurer and sister ship Coral Geographer. All ships are equipped with the company’s trademark ‘Xplorer’ safari tender boats and supporting zodiacs that take guests to shore quickly and comfortably. Headquartered in Cairns, Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, the Kimberley, Tasmania’s wilderness coast, Cape York and Arnhem Land, New Zealand and further afield to the small Islands of Japan, the Philippines, New Guinea, Indonesia and the South Pacific.
