Ningaloo & The Bluewater Wonders of Australia's West

Arrive at the designated meeting point (advised closer to your departure) before our transfer to Broome Deep Water Port for boarding at 4:00pm. Settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard.  As dusk falls join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals a chain of 3 coral atolls including Clerke Reef. 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 Reef 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, keeping an eye out for the red-tailed tropicbird that roosts there.

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.

The Pilbara inshore islands are made up of 170 islands, islets and rocks between Exmouth Gulf and Cape Preston. These remote islands are an important refuge for threatened species and their surrounding reefs are rarely visited. In addition to the more well known Muiron Islands, we may also visit Thevenard and Serrurier Islands. At Thevenard Island walk the Eco Trail around the island and snorkel the fringing reefs and bommies from Xplorer. The coral competition at Serrurier Island is fierce, and sea-grass beds feed dugongs and several species of marine turtle.

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 days exploring this stunning coastline of the northwest cape 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, turtles and the majestic whale shark*.  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.

*Whale Sharks will not be seen on September departures. Guests will only have the chance to swim with Whale Sharks during May departures. 

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.

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. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.