At a Glance
Discover the natural beauty and abundant marine life of Western Australia’s Coral Coast on this epic 11-day cruise aboard the luxurious Coral Discoverer. This cruise is perfect for those who want to spend their days snorkeling and diving some of Australia’s best dive sites including Rowley Shoals and Ningaloo Reef.
Embarking from Broome, Western Australia, this immersive cruise aboard Coral Discoverer takes you far beyond the crowds to some of the world’s most diverse marine habitats just metres away from pristine beaches. Snorkel and dive at Rowley Shoals, a chain of three coral atolls on the edge of the continental shelf. Look for rare birds and delve into fascinating atomic warfare history on the Montebello Islands. Admire Indigenous rock art and world-class pearls on the Dampier Peninsula. Cap it all off ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 10-night Expedition Voyage aboard Coral Discoverer
- All shore excursions, including hiking, kayaking and birdwatching
- Snorkelling & introductory scuba session
- Presentations, briefings & workshops by our highly experienced Expedition Team
- All meals, chef prepared onboard featuring regionally inspired “small batch” cuisine
- Morning and afternoon tea daily & 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, house spirits, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner. Sommelier selection packages available
- Daily room servicing and evening turndown service
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiac tender vessels or glass bottom boats for excursions and sightseeing tours (may vary between ships)
- Open bridge access and engine room tours
- All entrance fees to national and marine parks and ports
- Use of comprehensive range of library and video resources
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events
- Port taxes and government charges imposed by government authorities
- Post-cruise transfers
Itinerary
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All aboard your expeditions ship for the adventure of a lifetime. Boarding commences at 4:00pm at Broome Wharf, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before the 5:00pm departure. Take time to familiarise yourself with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks. |
Coral Discoverer
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Spend 2 days snorkelling and diving at one of the world’s best dive sites: Rowley Shoals (weather permitting). Located at the edge of the continental shelf, 170-nautical miles offshore, Rowley Shoals is a chain of 3 coral atolls including the Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. At low tide, the water becomes ponded within the reef walls and gushes over the edge like a waterfall. At high tide, the reefs disappear beneath the sea, with only the sandy islands of Clerke and Imperieuse visible. Guided by the onboard marine biologist, dive the shallow lagoons within the reef to discover a plethora of tropical 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 anywhere else. Venture to the outer edges of the shoals to find vibrant soft corals, pelagic fish and even hammerhead sharks. The water clarity is unparalleled and must be seen to be believed! |
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Spend the day exploring the Montobello Islands, an archipelago of 265 low-lying islands and islets fringed by coral reefs. Located off the Pilbara Coast 120-kilometres west of Dampier, the Montes, as the locals call them, are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1 percent of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as Sooty Oystercatchers. The Islands also have an intriguing history. In 1952 and 1956, the British carried out atomic weapons testing on the Islands. Due to the slightly elevated radiation levels on Alpha and Trimouille, visitors should restrict their time on land to one hour per day. Luckily, the best part of the Montes is in the water. Swim at the beautiful beaches and keep an eye out for large game fish including black and striped marlin and sailfish. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Venture to the Muiron Islands, one of the region’s most beautiful underwater wilderness area and one of the most popular dive areas out of Exmouth. Located approximately 15-kilometres north of the North West Cape, the Muiron Islands are separated by a deep water navigable channel known as ‘The Spit’. As you dive this natural gap you will be enveloped by hundreds of tiny baitfish and may discover a grey nurse shark or turtle sleeping peacefully under a ledge. Large manta rays are also common. Another great dive spot is ‘The Cod Spot’, which runs parallel to South Muiron Island. At this reef cleaning station, the limestone reef, in deep water, is covered in thousands of golden cardinal fish. Large potato cod fish are also frequently seen. After your in-water activities, stretch your legs with a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands. |
Coral Discoverer Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend 3 days exploring the world-famous Ningaloo Reef. Situated halfway up the West Australian coastline, Ningaloo Reef is the world’s largest fringing reef, a 260-kilometre (162-mile) long coral reef teeming with more than 500 species of fish as well as manta rays, turtles, humpback whales and, if you’re lucky, the elusive whale shark. Nowhere else on Earth can you see such a diverse array of marine life in such large numbers – and with such regularity. Ningaloo Reef is truly a bucket-list destination! Scour the stunning coastline from Exmouth to Coral Bay and its underwater playground. Dive and snorkel the outer reefs, laze on pristine beaches such as Turquoise Bay, and learn about Western Australia’s fascinating whaling heritage at the old Norwegian Bay whaling station. As you cruise down ‘Humpback Highway’, you have the opportunity to watch the majestic creatures breach close by. With an experienced local operator, you may also have the chance to swim with this elusive mega fauna (these encounters are subject to nature and cannot be guaranteed). |
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Alongside the onboard naturalist and historian, spend 2 days exploring the Dampier Peninsula, a strip of land made up of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves. After the previous day’s diving, the Dampier Peninsula offers an excellent opportunity to step on land. Not only does the archipelago offer stunning natural beauty with its iron red coasts and azure waters, but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage. Marvel at the incredible rock art of the Yaburara people; hear the stories of famed English explorer William Dampier (who first visited the Islands aboard the Cygnet in 1699); and learn about the region’s precious pearls that are still sought around the world to this day. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s cultural and historical sites before taking to the azure waters for diving, snorkelling and kayaking. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
All good things must come to an end! After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and disembark in Broome at 8:00am to commence your onward journey. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. NOTE: The itinerary is indicative. No two expedition cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by the experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We suggest that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. |
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Dates & Prices
Please contact us for the available Cabins & Prices. Limited single cabins are available for solo travellers. Please contact us for more information.
More Info
The start point and finish point is Broome, Western Australia. Operated by Qantas, QantasLink or Network Aviation, the direct flights from Perth to Broome have an approximate flight time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Scuba diving
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases
There is a strong and loyal team of Expedition Leaders and Guest Lecturers who are experts in the regions we explore. They provide specialist interpretation of the culture, geology, conservation, and history of the area and introduce our guests to the place and people to create an immersive and educational connection. Please note the Expedition itineraries cover remote regions. The Captain and Expedition team will make changes to the daily schedule wherever necessary to maximize guest experience and to follow the winds, tides, and weather along with the community environment and natural seasons. The published itineraries are an indicative guide of voyage plans, and variations occur regularly.
March – June
This time of year is cool in the mornings with an offshore breeze and warm during the day. Average water temperature is 23- 28°C, daytime air temperature is between 26-35°C. This is the season for manta rays, dolphins, dugongs and whale sharks.
July – October
This time of year is warm during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. Average water temperature is 21-25°C, daytime air temperature is between 24-30°C. This is when the humpback whales are regularly sighted as well as manta rays and dolphins.
November - December
This time of year is warm during the day. Average water temperature is 22-25°C, daytime air temperature is between 28 -32C. This is the season for manta rays, dolphins, turtle nesting & hatchlings.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
Accommodation on the Ship is based on twin share occupancy. If guests are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a roommate will be assigned to your cabin whenever possible. When pairing roommates, we always pair participants of the same sex. Please note, the event of a share partner not being found, you will be charged the full room rate (double the twin-share fare).
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less deposit
- 60 - 89 days prior to departure: forfeit 50% of total payment
- Within 59 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Transfer Fees
- Date change fee made more than 90 days before departure: $600 per person fee
- Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies
- An AU$200 per person fee is applicable for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed
- Applicable to all itineraries: A name change/transfer of the booking to another person is considered a cancellation and Cancellation Penalties will apply
Deposit Protection Plan
Deposit protection gives guests peace of mind by allowing them to transfer your deposit to another expedition cruise operated by the same operator of your choice departing within 12 months of the original booking.
The deposit protection plan can be purchased [AU$110 per person] at the time of booking and is completely optional. Note: Onlyluxe Travel may choose to include this plan as a complimentary benefit as a promotional measure on certain voyages and times.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that all passengers purchase cruise cancellation and interruption insurance as protection against any circumstance which may force you to cancel or leave a cruise while in progress. Given the remote nature of the regions we travel, we recommend that you include Remote Area Evacuation coverage within your policy. If guests do not present evidence of remote area evacuation coverage, they will be required to complete a credit card authorization for any emergency services required prior to their departure. Cancellation fees will not be waived for any reason.
