Route Description - West Coast Explorer (10 nights)
West Coast Explorer (10 nights)
PERTH (Fremantle) – DAMPIER
Day One - The Houtman Abrolhos are a chain of 122 islands and associated coral reefs lying some eighty kilometres due west of Geraldton. Stretch your wings early and join a heli-flight featuring stunning reef formations and intriguing island communities. Or join a snorkelling tender - shallow inshore lagoons provide comfortable snorkelling midst colourful coral and a myriad of fish species. Curious sea lions frequently join in the fun.
Day Two - Go ashore at Beacon Island and see a remarkably preserved canon lying in shallow water. Visit Long Island.
Day Three - Join the adventure boats for a day of fishing, snorkelling and diving.
Nearby Fish Point has been known to produce coral trout in shallow water and we know some spots out- wide that are pretty reliable when it comes to fine eating species such as jewfish.
Fish Point and the Turtle Bay shallows are also perfect for an easy snorkel and dive sites in the area include "Planet Channel" and other spots that feature some excellent overhangs and caves.
Step ashore at West Wallaby Island for a glimpse of the reclusive tamar wallaby and join our guides for a scenic walk amongst the ruins of Wiebbe Hayes’ rudimentary 'forts'.
Day Four - Start the day with an exhilarating hike to Steep Point – the western most edge of the Australian continent.
Steep Point is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage area and is widely regarded as one of the finest land- based game fishing locations in the world.
South Passage is another hot-spot for those keen on fishing and hopefully the divers will see the giant gropers that frequent “Monkey Rock”.
Day Five - This morning the TRUE NORTH will cruise to Cape Inscription on the northern tip of Dirk Hartog Island. The fishing and snorkelling tenders will be away again and there will also be an opportunity for a dive on the western side of the Cape.
Day Six - Ningaloo Reef is one of West Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and as soon as you step onto one of its brilliant white beaches you will see why! Stunning fish and corals occur within metres of the shoreline - no special skills needed here - just a mask will reveal all in swimming pool like conditions!
The reef is 260 km long and is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef and the only large reef positioned very close to a landmass. The reef is less than half a kilometre offshore in some areas.
In 1987 the reef and surrounding waters were designated as a marine park. Although most famed for its whale sharks, the reef is also rich in coral and other marine life. The reef is included in the migratory routes of dolphins, dugongs, manta rays and humpback whales. The adjacent beaches are also important rookeries for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. They also depend on the reef for nesting and food. Ningaloo supports an abundance of fish (500 species), corals (300 species), molluscs (600 species) and many other marine invertebrate. In 2006, researchers discovered gardens of sponges that are thought to be species completely new to science.
The day will be spent discovering the many bays and shallow inner reef areas of this acclaimed coral habitat. We’ll also squeeze in some light game fishing for the tenacious mackerel and visit the settlement at Coral Bay.
Day Seven - Wake this morning somewhere completely different - the intriguing Montebello Islands.
The Montes are an archipelago of 174 small islands lying 130 kilometres off the Pilbara coast of north- western Australia.
Day Eight - The ship’s helicopter will again provide a unique perspective whilst the snorkellers and divers hunt for giant crayfish.
After lunch perhaps there will be an opportunity to stalk the mangroves for a Montes mud crab and not forgetting an island favourite – the delectable whiting might also make it to the menu.
Spend the afternoon on the beach or head out for another dive – the Montes will live up to its reputation as island paradise!
Day Nine - Today we cruise the magnificent Dampier Archipelago. The Archipelago was formed 6000 years ago when coastal plains were flooded by rising sea levels. The area’s rock formations where formed in the Archaean period and are thought to be amongst the oldest on earth. It is a significant place for Indigenous Australians and is well known for rock art and other cultural and ceremonial sites.
It is also a place where the endeavours of tens of thousands of years collide with a multi-billion dollar resource industry! Nearby are rich reserves of natural gas, petroleum and iron ore. And our last opportunity for ‘fun in the sun’ lies in this strange twist of bedfellows – such is the interest in this area that much has been done to preserve the conservation and recreation values of the Archipelago.
Despite proximity to one of Australia’s largest ports we will find stunning prospects for our now familiar West Coast agenda.
Make the most of your last day onboard with nonstop fishing, snorkelling, diving, beachcombing and scenic tender rides!
Day Ten - With a vast and remarkable coast now discovered in style, it's time for your early-morning disembarkation and transfer to Karratha.