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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ningaloo & The Rowley Shoals – Western Australia Cruise

Ningaloo & The Rowley Shoals – Western Australia Cruise

From AUD $11,990

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Description

Join our 12-night expedition voyage of Western Australia’s northwest 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.

Trip Name
Ningaloo & The Rowley Shoals - Western Australia Cruise
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer. The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding. FACILITIES ON BOARD > Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating > Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Workout Area > Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Depart Broome
Arrive at the Mangrove Hotel at 3:00pm before our transfer to Broome Deep Water Port for boarding at 4:00pm. Settle into your stateroom before our 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.
Day 2 - 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 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 one full day 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 crew, 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.
Day 3 - 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. 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.On our first visit, local rangers and Traditional Owners will join you onboard for a Welcome to Country, and an information session before joining you ashore at the Burrup Peninsula’s Conzinc Bay where you will learn the local history and view the petroglyphs inscribed in rocks.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.
Day 4 - Pilbara Inshore Islands
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 the waters around Serrurier Islands.  The coral competition at Serrurier Island is fierce, and sea-grass beds feed dugongs and several species of marine turtle.
Day 5 - Ningaloo Reef & Cape Range National Park
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. 
Day 6 - 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.
Day 7 - 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.Over the course of your cruise we will spend 1-2 days at this island group, exploring its historical sites and viewing it’s wild landscapes.
Day 8 - Day 13: Arrive Broome
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.
Day 9 - Please note:
Each expedition is crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Team around the tides, weather, and sea conditions. Above is a selection of the key destinations we visit. This departure includes 1-2 sea days, at which time we will have an onboard program including activities such as lectures, wine tastings, bridge, and engine room tours as well as lighthearted quizzes.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-05-202526-05-2025AUD $11,990Main Deck B
14-05-202526-05-2025AUD $13,050Main Deck A
14-05-202526-05-2025AUD $15,130Promenade A
14-05-202526-05-2025AUD $18,780Bridge Deck Balcony

Inclusions

    • Snorkel the best spots on Ningaloo’s outer reef with a local operator, with the chance to encounter marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays and green sea turtles
    • Snorkel and dive the pristine and rarely visited Rowley Shoals
    • 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 Islands, and Pilbara inshore islands
    • Explore Cape Range National Park, including a walk at Yardie Creek, and snorkelling from Turquoise Bay
    • View petroglyphs under the guidance of the Murujuga land and sea rangers in the Dampier Archipelago
    • 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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