Date

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Broome

Board at 4pm, Coral Discoverer departs at 5pm

Days 2-10

Key destinations of your expedition

ROWLEY SHOALS

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals, a chain of three coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals 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. Water clarity here is unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities. Conditions permitting, we will spend 1-2 days here for snorkelling and diving opportunities. Guided by our marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beach comb on Bedwell Island.

MONTEBELLO ISLANDS

The Montebello Islands are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. A twitcher’s delight, the islands are an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oyster-catchers. The Montebellos have an ‘explosive’ past – Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the site of British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands. Spend a full day exploring here, with wildlife spotting opportunities including endangered rufous hare-wallabies and stingrays. There are also opportunities to swim from the beautiful beaches.

MUIRON ISLANDS

Located off 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 and angelfish hide. Snorkellers will appreciate many soft corals and gorgonians as well as colourful fish. After in water activities, stretch your legs on a stroll down the beach.

DAMPIER ARCHIPELAGO

The forty-two iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago supports the largest Hawksbill turtle rookery in the Indo-Pacific, while birdwatchers may spot 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 National Heritage Listed Areas. The islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the islands. During our time here, explore the pastoral, pearling and cultural history that remains in the form of ruins and petroglyphs. There will also be opportunities to enter the azure waters for snorkelling, kayaking and diving.

NINGALOO REEF, EXMOUTH, & CORAL BAY

The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef spans over 5000 square kilometres, with inner and outer reefs that create diverse habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. Mega marine fauna feed here during their migrations, including humpback whales, giant manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. We will spend 2-3 days here exploring this stunning coastline from Exmouth to Coral Bay. Snorkel and dive the outer reefs and relax on stunning beaches such as Turquoise Bay. With an experienced local operator, you may have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays (these encounters are subject to nature).

Day 11

Arrive Broome

Disembark in Broome at 8:00am. Transfer to the airport