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Rowley Shoals, May 2022

Ningaloo & The Bluewater Wonders of Australia's West

Broome to Broome12 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $10,700.00* PP

Join our 12-night expedition voyage of Western Australia’s Coral Coast onboard Coral Discoverer, and explore the extraordinary marine environment, historic islands, and striking coastline of this hard-to-reach wilderness region. Departing Broome, we will visit the spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park, the Dampier Archipelago and the Montebello Islands. Our voyage will culminate with a visit to Ningaloo Reef, home to vibrant marine life both large and small. Our marine experts and guides will lead our discovery of the untouched atolls, marine life and rare bird species that are found in this pristine coastal habitat.

  • Snorkel the best spots on Ningaloo’s outer reef with a local operator, with the chance to encounter marine life such as manta rays and green sea turtles
  • Explore the islands, atolls, reefs and remote coastlines of north-western Australia
  • Over two days, snorkel and dive the pristine and rarely visited Rowley Shoals, accompanied by our onboard Marine Biologist
  • At the Montebello Islands, visit atomic ground zero, now a haven for wildlife including the rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays
  • Snorkel, dive and beach comb at the Muiron, Mackerel and Serrurier Islands
  • Spend two days in Exmouth with ample time to explore all this region has to offer, including Cape Range National Park, Yardie Creek, and snorkelling from Turquoise Bay
  • Follow in the trails of early European Explorers – hear the tales of the shipwrecks of the Tryall and the Barque Stefano
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Itinerary

Coral-Expeditions---Ningaloo-&-The-Bluewater-Wonders-of-Australias-West---Broome---12-Nights---Map

Kimberley Coral Expeditions Broome

Boarding at Broome Wharf commences at 4:00pm. There will be time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Snorkelling-Rowley-Shoals-Reef-WA

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals a chain of 3 coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals, named by Captain Phillip Parker King, offer some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish – many of which are not found on other coral reefs. Diving along the outside edge of the shoals one can view colourful soft corals, hammerheads and pelagic fish. Water clarity here is absolutely unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities.

Conditions permitting, we will spend 1-2 days at Clerke and perhaps Mermaid or Imperieuse reefs, with ample time for snorkelling and diving opportunities. With each atoll covering approximately 90 sq km, there will be plenty to see! Guided by our on-board marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, or dive along the sheer vertical walls and through coral canyons. Try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beach comb on Bedwell Island, keeping an eye out for the red-tailed tropicbird that roosts there.

Dampier Peninsula

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, we may 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**

Off the coast of the Pilbara, the Mackerel Islands are 10 atolls, a rarely-visited wilderness.  World-class diving, snorkelling and wildlife spotting is accessible from this magic destination.

Spend the day snorkelling the fringing reefs and bommies close to the beach. The untouched coral reefs showcase an array of colourful sea life. Scuba dive sites ranging from 3m to 18m in depth are a dive playground for those seeking new reef frontiers.

Ashore, beach comb on Thevanard Island or for those looking for a longer hike, take the Eco Walk Trail to circle the island and soak in the beauty of the destination.

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the turquoise jewel in the crown of the Western Australian coastline. Spanning over 5,000 square kilometres, this is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Its inner and outer reefs create a diverse range of habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. This is also where marine life comes to feed during their migrations, including humpback whales and giant manta rays. It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements.

We will spend 2-3 days here exploring this stunning coastline from Exmouth to Coral Bay and its underwater playground.  From Exmouth, take a coach tour to discover Cape Range National Park, enjoy a nature walk at Yardie Creek, and visit the Vlamingh Head lighthouse.  A visit to the educational Ningaloo Centre prepares you for an incredible experience of snorkelling from the beach at Turquoise Bay, and a boat charter with a local operator to discover the outer reef with the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays and turtles.  There may be an opportunity for advanced divers to discover the Navy Pier dive, depending on tides. As we cruise the ‘Humpback Highway’ down the coast, we have the opportunity to watch these majestic whales breach close by.

Beach-Drinks-at-Muiron-Islands-Ningaloo

Located approximately 10 nautical miles off the North West Cape, the waters surrounding the uninhabited Muiron Islands are teeming with marine life. A variety of dive sites are on offer, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs, eels and angelfish hide. With fantastic bommies and protected reefs, snorkellers will appreciate the variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well the incredible fish life. After in-water activities, stretch your legs on a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

Serrurier Island

Serrurier Island is one of the 170 remote Pilbara inshore islands and is protected as a nature reserve. The coral competition here is fierce, as is the fish species diversity. Sea-grass beds feed dugongs and several species of marine turtle, which have been spotted on our previous expedition here. Today is all about the in-water experience as we snorkel this truly off the beaten path and untouched destination.

Rufous Hare Wallaby at Montebello

The Montebello Islands or ‘Montes’ are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara.  A twitcher’s delight, 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 islands also have a fascinating maritime history. The survivors of the Dutch vessel Trial swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, being the first Europeans to land on the islands. 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.

Spend a full day exploring this island group, with wildlife spotting opportunities and many beautiful beaches to swim at. We saw many rufous hare-wallabies and lagoon stingrays on our recent trip here.

Our incredible adventure concludes in Broome this morning as we arrive and disembark at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD, Cable Beach or Airport is included.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. 

The whale sharks are amazing creatures. They move tranquilly though the water. They came close to me many times and seemed unaware of my presence. Then they would turn and swim off again. This one with its mouth open shows the many rows of tiny harmless teeth. They feed on plankton and very small fish. They are gentle giants.
- Submitted to Best Day on Expedition by Carleen Devine


Fares & Availability

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

5 Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

15 Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

2 Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

1 Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

17 Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

2 Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program.


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are traveling to/from
  • Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Your-Ship-Coral-Discoverer
More Information -SA

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