Coral Expeditions’ Xplorer tenders are custom-designed expedition landing vessels used to transfer guests from ship to shore safely, comfortably and efficiently.
Unlike traditional cruise ship tenders, these are not an afterthought.
They are central to the entire expedition experience.
Each vessel is:
- Stable and purpose-built for coastal exploration
- Designed for beach landings and shallow water access
- Operated by highly trained expedition crew
- Engineered for comfort, with seating for small groups
This is not a shuttle service. It’s part of the adventure.
Aboard Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, the twin Xplorers can be boarded directly from the ship’s Coral Deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, making it easily accessible for all guests. The twin Xplorers are equipped with 2x twin 225 Horse Power Engines and can reach up to 20 knots in speed.
Aboard Coral Discoverer, guests board Xplorer directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, making it easily accessible for all 72 guests. Xplorer is equipped with 2x twin 225 Horse Power Engines and can reach up to 20 knots in speed.
Most expedition cruise lines rely heavily on inflatable Zodiacs.
Coral Expeditions does things differently.
Their Xplorer tenders allow:
- Dry landings on remote beaches
- Easier boarding (ideal for less mobile guests)
- Faster group transfers
- Greater stability in changing conditions
Zodiacs are still used for close-up exploration — waterfalls, mangroves, reef systems — but the Xplorer is the backbone of the operation.
It’s the difference between visiting a destination and actually accessing it properly.
Xplorer tenders are used extensively across Coral Expeditions’ most iconic itineraries, including:
The Kimberley (Australia)
Waterfalls, tidal rivers and ancient rock art sites demand flexible access.
Xplorer tenders take you directly to:
- King George Falls
- Horizontal Falls region
- Montgomery Reef
- Remote Aboriginal rock art sites
Click to view: Kimberley Cruises
Click to view: Kimberley Cruise Deals page
Raja Ampat & Spice Islands (Indonesia)
This is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on earth — and access is everything.
Xplorer tenders allow:
- Seamless island hopping
- Snorkelling access straight from remote beaches
- Visits to villages and hidden lagoons
Click to view: Raja Ampat Cruise Availability page
Papua New Guinea & South Pacific
Cultural landings and village visits require precision and reliability.
Xplorer tenders make it possible to:
- Step directly into remote communities
- Navigate shallow reefs and lagoons
- Land where larger ships simply cannot
Click to view: Papua New Guinea Expeditions page
Forget the idea of a cramped transfer boat.
Expect:
- Comfortable seating
- Expert commentary from expedition guides
- Smooth, stable cruising
- Easy step-on, step-off access
In many cases, the journey itself becomes part of the experience — especially when navigating dramatic coastlines or wildlife-rich waters.
| Feature | Xplorer Tender | Zodiac |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | High | Moderate |
| Boarding Ease | Very Easy | Moderate |
| Capacity | Larger groups | Small groups |
| Best Use. | Transfers & beach landings | Exploration & close-up access |
You’ll typically use both — but for different purposes.
Not all expedition cruises are created equal.
Two itineraries might look identical on paper — same region, same highlights — but the execution on the ground (or water) is what defines the experience.
Coral Expeditions’ use of Xplorer tenders means:
- More reliable landings
- Better access to key sites
- Less time waiting, more time exploring
- A smoother, more refined experience overall
This is where premium expedition cruising separates itself from the rest.
At BlueSun Cruises, we don’t just sell expedition cruises — we understand how they actually operate.
The use of Xplorer tenders is one of the key reasons we consistently recommend Coral Expeditions for regions like:
- The Kimberley (view Kimberley Boat Cruises for more choices)
- Raja Ampat
- Papua New Guinea
It’s a small detail that makes a very big difference.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Start here:
Or speak to our team for tailored advice based on your travel style.
Aboard Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer, the twin Xplorers can be boarded directly from the ship’s Coral Deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, making it easily accessible for all guests. The twin Xplorers are equipped with 2x twin 225 Horse Power Engines and can reach up to 20 knots in speed.
Aboard Coral Discoverer, guests board Xplorer directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, making it easily accessible for all 72 guests. Xplorer is equipped with 2x twin 225 Horse Power Engines and can reach up to 20 knots in speed.
Call us now for all the latest and best Kimberley cruise deals. We are available seven days a week!
1300 799 758
