Coral Expeditions - Ningaloo and the Rowley Shoals Itinerary

Enjoy a complimentary 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.

The knowledgeable Expedition Team and Guest Lecturer program provide expert guidance and insightful presentations into these far-flung destinations, enhancing the expedition cruise experience while helping to create memories to last a lifetime.

Accommodation: Coral Discoverer  -  9 Nights

170 nautical miles offshore, Rowley Shoals’ offers unique diving and snorkelling. With sheer walls, channels, and crystal-clear water, the site provides striking underwater scenery.

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.

Enjoy a Welcome to Country with local rangers, explore petroglyphs at Conzinc Bay, visit cultural sites, snorkel, dive, kayak, or spot birdlife, sea eagles, ospreys, and Rothschild’s rock wallabies.

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.

*Please note viewing of aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area, and cannot be guaranteed.

Enjoy snorkelling, diving (qualified divers only, conditions permitting), swimming, and wildlife spotting, including turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and rare rufous hare wallabies. 

Birdwatch for fairy and roseate terns, see lagoon rays, and visit Ground Zero at Trimouille or Alpha Islands to view the atomic test site. 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.

With fantastic bommies and protected reefs, snorkellers and divers 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.

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 reef, 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.

Spend two days exploring the Ningaloo coast. On the first day, enjoy a coach tour of Cape Range National Park, drift snorkel at Turquoise Bay, walk Yardie Creek, see Vlamingh Head lighthouse and the Mildura wreck. 

The next day, choose from optional local tours (whale shark swim, glass-bottom boat, or snorkel tour) or join our expedition team for a guided Bundegi Beach walk and snorkel at Bundegi 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. It’s inner and outer reefs create a diverse range of habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. This is also where mega marine life come to feed during their migrations, including humpback whales, giant manta rays, and the majestic whale shark.

Serrurier Island is one of the Pilbara inshore islands, which are an important breeding and resting places for migratory and resident shorebirds, seabirds and marine turtles. 

Enjoy this truly off the beaten path and untouched snorkelling location.

Relax on deck as we spend a day at sea, with onboard presentations from our Guest Lecturers, workshops, and demonstrations.

Your incredible adventure concludes in Broome this morning as you 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.

Please Note: This itinerary is a guide. Plans may be adjusted based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities encountered. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.