Itinerary
Time to Set Sail!
Scenic Eclipse II | Great Barrier Reef to Vanuatu
Taking luxurious advantage of the ideal southern-hemisphere climate to visit locations along the Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia and Tanna, Vanuatu.
Set Sail | Cairns, Queensland
Welcome onboard Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy the first destination of this incredible journey: Cairns, the gateway to tropical north Queensland. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.
Sun, Oct 26
DEPART 6:00pm
Magnetic Island, Queensland
Enjoy the many scenic trails, including the Forts Walk, to almost certainly spot a koala resting in the trees overhead. For a more relaxed pace, spend the afternoon at Horseshoe Bay, with ample time to soak up the sun on the beach and visit the local art galleries. Explore the history and wildlife of ‘Maggie’ with your local guide or go snorkeling to reveal the remarkable marine life in secluded bays with fringing reefs.
Mon, Oct 27
ARRIVE 8:00am
DEPART 6:00pm
Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands
The gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is a coastal town with palm-fringed beaches and a laid-back summer vibe. It is an essential stop on any east-coast voyage. Enjoy the ultimate experience of Whitehaven Beach — a gourmet BBQ set up on the dazzling white silica sand. Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon of swimming, hiking or simply basking in the beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular beaches.
Tue, Oct 28
ARRIVE 8:00am
DEPART 1:00pm
Capricorn Group, Queensland
The islands and reefs of the Capricorn group are situated astride the Tropic of Capricorn at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. The Capricornia Cays National Park’s eight islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and the biological diversity and exceptions beauty will be a highlight of guest’s experience in the region. Relax on stunning white beaches accessed by zodiac or venture into the emerald waters to explore the coral reefs and coral cays where you can snorkel amongst delicate corals and colorful fish.
Wed, Oct 29
ARRIVE 1:00pm
DEPART 5:00pm
At sea
Thu, Oct 30 - Fri Oct 31
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
The “Jewel of the Pacific” is named after the tall trees that line the white-sand shores. It’s the southernmost of the Caledonian islands and the largest in the marine area of the Great Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Isle of Pines is also a former penal colony, where political prisoners from the Paris Commune and Kabylians from Algeria were deported at the end of the 19th century. Discover the rich and colorful history of the L’Île-des-Pins’ heritage with your on board Historian, or be immersed in nature on forested nature hikes. Alternatively, snorkel, kayak or stand-up paddleboard the natural aquarium of Oro Bay with your Discovery team.
Sat, Nov 01
ARRIVE 9:00am
DEPART 6:00pm
Lifou Island, New Caledonia
A coral atoll atop a collapsed volcano, Lifou is the largest and highest of the Loyalty Islands. In the north, the coastline ends abruptly in cliffs, while the south is a long expanse of beaches. Further inland, the rich Kanak culture is proudly upheld by the local community.
Sun, Nov 02
ARRIVE 08:00am
DEPART 3:00pm
Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Tanna’s erupting Mount Yasur is regarded as the world’s most accessible active volcano. Known for its continuous activity since Captain James Cook observed ash eruptions in 1774, it’s considered a sacred area by members of the John Frum cargo cult, who believe their deity resides inside. Soak in the Sulphur Bay hot springs at the base of Mt Yasur, or explore Tanna’s Blue Cave, carved in a limestone cliff. Alternatively, see one the island’s most magnificent waterfalls, taste the world-renowned Tanna coffee, or venture up to the smoking rim of Mt Yasur for an unforgettable experience.
Mon, Nov 03
ARRIVE 8:00am
DEPART 3:00pm
Maré Island, Tadine, New Caledonia
The highest island in the New Caledonian archipelago, Maré lures guests with its unmatched scenery. Wild by nature, the island’s landscapes effortlessly combine the spectacle of steep cliffs and dense, dark forests with fine sand coves and impressive rocky headlands. Relax on one of the many beautiful, white sand beaches. Discover the rich and colorful history with your on board Historian, or be immersed the island’s rugged interior nature hikes. Alternatively, snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard with your Discovery team.
Tue, Nov 04
ARRIVE 10:00am
DEPART 6:00pm
Kouare Islet, New Caledonia
Join the Zodiacs to enjoy sailing the turquoise waters of New Caledonia’s coral reef, the second largest in the world. When you land on Kouare Island, in the heart of the southern lagoon, you will discover an idyllic environment. On this small tract of uninhabited land, in a marine area listed as World Heritage by UNESCO, you will experience amazing wildlife. From the white-sand beaches where marine turtles and sea snakes like to lay their eggs, or snorkelling to explore a maze of vibrant coral reefs and discover an abundant underwater world that is home to multicoloured fish and marine reptiles.
Wed, Nov 05
ARRIVE 8:00am
DEPART 1:00pm
At sea
Thu, Nov 06 - Sat, Nov 08
Disembark | Cairns, Australia
Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you prepare to disembark in Cairns. Spend an easy final morning in ultra-luxury onboard Scenic Eclipse II, perhaps with coffee on your verandah served by your own butler. Reflect on the rare and wonderous experiences of your once-in-a-lifetime journey and the discoveries of the magical underwater world. Take comfort knowing you’ve created a collection of memories which will last forever. Please book your flight to depart out of Cairns after 12:00 PM.
Sun, Nov 09
ARRIVE 8:00am
I’ve Never FELT MORE FREE
