2014 Kimberley Wildlife Expedition Cruise itinerary

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Day 1

8am – Depart Broome for a leisurely steam up the Dampier Peninsula to Beagle Bay, watching for Humpback whales, turtles, seasnakes and dolphins.   In the afternoon you’ll enjoy a walk on the beach at Beagle Bay.  Overnight on Reef Prince at Beagle Bay.

Day 2

Depart Beagle Bay at dawn for the Lacepede Islands where we’ll enjoy a walk on the beach with views of nesting seabirds and young chicks.   From the beach you’ll see Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) mating in the surf.  In the afternoon we’ll steam past Lord Mayor Shoals, a magnet for whales and feeding seabirds, then past Cape Leveque and Cafferelli Island, steaming through the night to beautiful Myridi Bay.

Day 3

Wake to beautiful scenery at Myridi Bay in Yampi Sound, followed by a leisurely cruise through the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago to Dugong Bay, where we’ll cool off with a swim in a stunning freshwater pool.  In the afternoon there’s the opportunity for birdwatching or a spot of fishing, and an evening sightseeing cruise through the mangrove communities that line Dugong Bay.   Overnight in Dugong Bay.

Day 4

We will cruise around to the iconic Horizontal Waterfalls, where you’ll enjoy an exciting ride through “The Gaps” on a fast boat, followed by a scenic cruise up Cyclone Creek to view awe inspiring geological formations.  In the afternoon we’ll explore Turtle Reef, one of the jewels of the Kimberley coast, replete with clams, sponges, hard and soft corals.  Overnight at Turtle Reef or Kingfisher Island.

Day 5

Depart Turtle Reef early in the morning and head to the Traverse Islands, then on to Montgomery Reef, Australia’s largest inshore reef which appears to rise from the ocean on a falling tide.  We’ll explore gutters filled with turtles and fringed with corals, then steam to  Macleay Island where we’ll enjoy a beach walk before steaming out to Adele , watching for whales and birds en route.  Overnight at Adele Island.

Day 6

Wake up at Adele Island for an early breakfast before embarking on an amazing birdwatching expedition on the island.   You will see thousands of migratory shorebirds lining the beaches, along with vast flocks of seabirds including Masked , Brown and Red FootedBoobies, Common Noddies, Roseate and Bridled Terns, Pied Cormerants and Lesser Frigate Birds.  After lunch we’ll explore the extensive reefs surrounding the island, and snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, followed by a evening drinks on an isolated sandbank.

Day 7

Watch a glorious sunrise over Adele Reef as the seabirds stream out to their feeding grounds to the north.  There’s plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast before being transferred to the float plane for a scenic flight across the Buccaneer Archipelago, down the Dampier Peninsula and back to Broome.  Keep your eyes open for Humpback whales.  Arrive in Broome late morning.

This itinerary is subject to change.  The skipper will customise your cruise depending on weather and tidal conditions.