Kimberley Whale Watching “Whales & Reefs” Itinerary 2013

Day 1

8 am pick-up for your transfer to board the vessel “MV Oceania“- Onboard you meet our Tour guide  and crew who will take you through the events of the next 10 days.  You will receive an interpretive and knowledgeable account of local Whale activity and migratory patterns whilst recording vital data. Cruise up the Dampier Peninsula past James Price Point, observing & recording our first Humpback Whales, and keep an eye out for the newly discovered Dwarf Spinner Dolphins and Bottlenose dolphins.  If the weather is favorable we may be able to anchor and spend the night at the Lacepede Islands.  Here we’ll discover the European history and spectacular breeding sea bird colonies

Day 2

Depart the Lacepedes after an early morning walk in this remarkable turtle rookery and seabird colony.  You’ll see Brown boobies, Lesser Frigate birds, Pelicans, various Terns and Common Noddies.

We’ll then cruise further north past Cape Leveque into the Buccaneer Archipelago, named by Phillip Parker King in honour of William Dampier, a Buccaneer for the king in the late 1700’s.  Surrounded by hundreds of beautiful islands.   We’ll stop at the top end of Hidden Island on a beautiful silica beach for a squeaky walk in the sands.  Some might like to climb the escarpment for an unforgettable view over the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago.  Adventurous ones must bring decent foot wear (and a camera).  Cruise into Yampi Sound past Koolan Island and its iron ore mine, then into Talbot Bay, home of the Horizontal Waterfalls.

Day 3

If the tides are favorable we’ll explore Turtle Reef, named for the thousands of turtles found on this massive reef system, then explore the power of the tides and the intriguing geology of Cyclone Creek as we cruise though Talbot bay.  Whales are rarely sighting in Talbot Bay, however you may see some of the Kimberley’s elusive Snubfin dolphins.  Previously known as Irrawaddies, Australian Snubfins were recognised as a separate species in 2005.

No trip to the Kimberley is complete without experiencing the Horizontal falls, a spectacular set of pinch rapids.  In the afternoon enjoy a freshwater swim in beautiful Dugong Bay, one of the jewels of the Kimberley coast.  Watch out for Merten’s Water Monitor and jewel coloured dragonflies around these freshwater waterholes.

Day 4

An early steam out past the Traverse Island group, where we’ll explore a hidden, watery grotto and some unusual rock formations, then into the heart of whale country in Collier Bay.  We’ll enjoy plenty of whale activity today as we cruise to Montgomery Reef and witness this marvel of the Kimberley’s appear as the huge tides recede and the Reef is exposed.  We’ll hop into our tenders and explore Turtle Gully looking for sharks, rays, dugongs and turtles.  Tonight we’ll anchor in Red Cone Creek, one of the largest mangrove systems in the world.  Exploring the mangroves at dusk we’ll look for birds such as the Mangrove Golden Whistler, Mangrove Kingfisher and nesting Brahminy Kites.

Day 5

We’ll steam further into Doubtful Bay and up to the Sale River, lined with impressive sandstone cliffs, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon swim in a shady freshwater pool.

In the afternoon  you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise into Camden Sound, the maternity ward for the Kimberley’s humpback whales where we’ll anchor for the night at Hall Point.

 Day 6

Up just before dawn this morning for a climb up Hall Point in Camden Sound, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll have an elevated view of whales swimming right past in the Kimberley’s newest marine park.  We’ll cruise around Camden Sound, going ashore for a beach walk and enjoy a refreshing swim at Butterfly Gorge, followed by a cruise around the beautiful Wailgwin Islands and a look at the marine life in the Wailgwin Lagoon before anchoring for the night at Wilson Point.

Day 7

Cruise up through Camden Sound past Rice Rocks, where we’ll try our hand at fishing, then up to Augustus Island, one of the largest islands on the Kimberley coast, where we’ll enjoy a lovely, freshwater swim before exploring a vast, sandy reef.

Day 8

A relaxing day cruising to Adele Island, through the Kimberley’s outer shoals and reefs, one of the most important Humpback whale calving areas.

As we near Adele you’ll see flock after flock of seabirds returning to roost on the island.  Arriving in the late afternoon, we’ll have drinks and nibbles on a remote shell strewn sand spit.

Day 9

Ashore before high tide to explore a rare jewel, Adele Island, named by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1803.  A horseshoe shaped low, sandy island, Adele is another important bird nesting site, home to Masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) and other birds, and surrounded by a vast reef system.  Depart Adele Island in the evening for a final steam south through the night.

Day 10

A morning cruise down the coast observing & recording whales whilst enjoying the contrasting colours of our northern coastal beaches. Returning back to Broome by mid morning, where we say a fond farewell to new friends.  Our transfer bus will pick us up from Cable Beach at Gantheaume Point.

 

Please note:  This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the skipper, depending on weather and tidal conditions.  Strong winds, tides and currents may necessitate changes.

You will need to have a moderate level of fitness to undertake this tour.