Description
The sun sets best in the West!
Embark on an incredible journey along the WA coast, cruising through an extraordinary marine environment, visiting historic islands and exploring striking coastline on this 15-day 'Wonders of the West' experience.
Departing Broome, cruise all the way down to the iconic Ningaloo Reef and Coral Coast. Along the way, you will get the chance to explore the rarely visited Rowley Shoals Marine Park, where you can snorkel, scuba dive and encounter a range of amazing marine life up close. Get the chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays as well as discovering Indigenous cultural sites. Relax at the most pristine white-sand beaches while on land and enjoy the luxurious alternative to expedition cruising, on board the Coral Discoverer.
After your cruise concludes in Broome your next adventure on land begins! Pick up your 4WD and make your way to the beautiful Eco Beach Resort, Broome - an ideal way to wind down, relax and enjoy the incredible surrounds.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15
Board your cruise in Broome
Today your voyage begins in Broome.
Welcome on board and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Today you will be making your way out to Rowley Shoals.
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
Rowley Shoals
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.
At Sea
Montebello 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.
Muiron Islands
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.
At Sea
Dampier Archipelago
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. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the area and the archipelago supports the largest Hawksbill turtle rookery in the Indo-Pacific region. 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.
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.
Alongside our onboard naturalist and historian, explore the archipelago’s pastoral, pearling and indigenous past that is still visible today in the form of ruins and petroglyphs. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s historical and cultural sites before taking to the azure waters for snorkelling, kayaking and diving.
Ningaloo Coast & Reef
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, giant manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. 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. Snorkel and dive the outer reefs and relax on stunning beaches such as Turquoise Bay, and learn about WA’s interesting heritage at the ruins of the Norwegian Bay whaling station. As we cruise the ‘Humpback Highway’ down the coast, we have the opportunity to watch these majestic whales breach close by. Spend a day with an experienced local operator, with the chance to swim among some of the megafauna this region is known for (these encounters are subject to nature and cannot be guaranteed). You will also have the chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays (this experience is subject to nature)
Ningaloo Coast & Reef
Continue exploring this stunning coastline
Ningaloo Coast & Reef
Continue exploring this stunning coastline, begin your journey back to Broome
Disembark in Broome
You will disembark at Broome wharf at 8am, and make your own way to the Broome Airport to collect your 4WD car hire, ready for your next adventure!
You will make the 130km journey to the heart of Yardoogarra, set amidst the pristine coastline of Cape Villaret. Here you will settle into your gorgeous Eco Villa for the next 4 nights.
Disconnect to reconnect
At this retreat, you can do as much or as little as you please. If you are on the more adventurous side, check out all the amazing activities this property has on offer. From coastal fishing tours, guided bush walks and helicopter scenic flights you will be sure to have the most magnificent time.
Explore at your leisure
Explore at your leisure
Depart for Broome
This morning you will check out of the hotel early and return your car hire back to Broome airport where your journey will come to an end.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Cruise:
- All meals, chef prepared onboard featuring regionally inspired “small batch” cuisine
- Morning and afternoon tea daily
- Tea and coffee are always available
- Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, house spirits, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner.
- Daily room servicing and evening turndown service
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiac tender vessels or glass bottom boats for excursions and sightseeing tours (may vary between ships)
- The chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays (this experience is subject to nature)
- Daily lectures and briefings from expert guides
- All entrance fees to national and marine parks and ports
- Use of a comprehensive range of library and video resources
- Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities*
4WD Car Hire
- Liability Insurance
- Value Added Tax (VAT)
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) - with excess
- Theft Protection (TP) - with excess
- Limited Kilometres
- Fuel Policy: Pick-up Full and Return Full
Eco Resort
- Garden View Villa
- Perfectly suited for couples enjoying a getaway
Accommodation
- Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat: Garden View Villa
- Promenade Deck Category A: Coral Discoverer
Exclusions
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Flights
- Travel insurance
Important information
The itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout your northern Australia 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 itinerary includes the possibility of interaction with wild animals and this interaction is subject to the presence of this wildlife on the day.
We must receive your online booking form within 48 hours of booking to secure this package.
I.D: A driver's license is required to be taken with you to board the cruise ship.
Insurance: All guests must have travel insurance to participate on this tour and will be required to show this prior to departure.
Level of fitness: All participants should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. All guests must be able to make their own way up and down stairs in case of emergency.
Covid19 policy: Guests must have a medical check 7 days prior to boarding and a PCR Test no earlier than 72hours – results of the PCR test to be shown to Coral Expeditions medical expert prior to boarding.
Car hire: Car hire is based on a limited KM rate and once booked and paid for, fees will be incurred for any changes made. There is a daily fee payable direct to the car hire company for off road driving.
