At a Glance
Looking for the ultimate Ningaloo Reef sailing experience? This is it!
Set sail aboard a purpose-built sailing catamaran to discover the World Heritage-listed beauty of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef – in style! This award-winning, all-encompassing 6-day marine safari is perfect for those seeking to venture far beyond the tourist traps – both in and out of the water – and get up close to the famous marine life at slow pace.
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 ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5-nights aboard the “Shore Thing” sailing catamaran on a twin share basis
- All-inclusive freshly prepared, gourmet meals and snacks
- Tea, coffee, fruit juices and soft drinks. Alcohol is available to purchase onboard
- Linen, bath towels and beach towels
- Snorkelling equipment
- Kayaking equipment
- Scuba tanks and weights
- Sunscreen
- Fishing equipment
Itinerary
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Arrive into Learmonth Airport (LEA) and enjoy a pre-arranged transfer (additional cost) to Coral Bay. As the last flight into the airport arrives around 12:05pm, you have ample time to explore the tiny seaside town before setting sail aboard the purpose built, 51-foot sailing catamaran ‘Shore Thing’ at 4:00pm. Out on the water, enjoy a late afternoon snorkel or dive near Five Fingers Reef. Named for the five ‘fingers’ of parallel reef that run from the beach to around 200 metres offshore, Five Fingers is home to a huge array of colourful reef fish and other marine life including turtles. Indeed, Five Fingers is perhaps the best place in Coral Bay to spot these majestic creatures! Back onboard, enjoy a cool drink on deck as the sunsets and the vessel sails to its overnight anchorage. Try your hand at fishing from the back deck – you might just catch your dinner! |
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After a delicious breakfast, dive into the water for a morning snorkel at ‘Pandora’s Garden’, a beautiful coral garden where turtles thrive among unique plate formations. Back on board, enjoy morning tea before sailing over to ‘North Reef Nursery’ where you will see reef sharks and rays getting cleaned. Snorkel along sandy underwater pathways fringed by hard coral outcrops that rise all the way to the water’s surface. Treat yourself to a freshly prepared gourmet buffet lunch and take time to rest and relax on deck or work on your tan. The afternoon winds down with another snorkel before a sumptuous two-course meal and well-deserved rest. |
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After another delicious breakfast, sail north into Chabjuwardoo Bay, a popular diving and snorkelling site known for its deep blue water and large variety of coral and fish life. This is one of the best places to see manta rays and, if you’re lucky, the gentle giant whale sharks. From June to October, you may also see humpback whales as they migrate along the coast. Departing Cabjuwardo Bay, continue to seek out the best reef sites based on conditions. Dive sites along this section of the reef are exclusive to Shore Thing and have been personally named by the crew. Some of the favourites include ‘Holey Moley’, ‘Lost City’, ‘Turtle Pond’ and ‘The Fishbowl’. At the end of the day, over dinner, take time to review your photos and the images the crew have collected. Learn and discuss the unique behaviours of the marine creatures you have observed and get advice on the best way to interact and experience the best that Ningaloo has to offer. |
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After another delicious breakfast, step ashore to explore the ruins of the historic Norwegian Bay Whaling Station. Operating from 1915 to 1957, Norwegian Bay was Western Australia’s most successful whaling station, capturing more than 4,000 whales and making considerable profit from the whale oil and fertiliser they produced. The ruins give fascinating insight into what the area was like over 100 years ago. Back in the water, take the opportunity to snorkel the ‘Finn Shipwreck’, an old whaling chaser, before moving onto other reef sites such as the ‘Green Mile’, a feeding ground for green turtles. As you sail between these sites, keep an eye out for the dolphins and dugongs that love to frolic in these waters. In the afternoon, step ashore at Point Cloates, where you will find an abandoned lighthouse standing starkly on a sand ridge overlooking the reef. This is the perfect place to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean before returning to Shore Thing for dinner. |
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After another delicious breakfast, explore the reef from a difference perspective with a leisurely kayak along the secluded coast of Jane’s Bay. As you paddle towards Pelican Point, keep an eye out for keen kite surfers and for large rays and turtles feeding in the shallow waters. Your crew and guides will then select the best snorkel or dive sites based on conditions, with favourites including ‘Cloates Corner’, ‘The Benan Shipwreck’ and ‘Central Station’. In the afternoon, travel towards the evening’s anchorage at Point Maud. From June to October, there is another opportunity to see migrating humpback whales as well as dolphins and dugongs. |
LiveaboardBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After one last delicious breakfast, listen in as your guide enthralls you with an informative presentation about Western Australia’s largest manta ray population that resides right here in Ningaloo. With this wealth of knowledge behind you, take to the water to snorkel with these gentle giants and assist with their photo identification and conservation. Back on board, indulge in a mouth-watering buffet lunch ahead of one final snorkel at ‘Asho’s Gap’. Look on in wonder as reef sharks swim into large cabbage coral and hold themselves in the currents with their mouths open, while small cleaner fish dart in and out of their mouths and gills. Return to Coral Bay at approximately 12:30pm to catch the airport transfer to Learmonth Airport (additional cost). Alternatively, speak to us to extend your stay in Coral Bay. You can join a whale shark tour in season, or just chill out on the beach. The choice is yours. NOTE: The itinerary is indicative. 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 enquire about available cabin types, prices, single traveller, triple share and child rates. Child rate available for 1 x child (7-15yrs) sharing Stateroom with 2 adults, otherwise adult rates apply.
More Info
The start point is Coral Bay, located half way between Perth and Broome on Western Australia’s remote coral coast along the World Heritage nominated Ningaloo Reef, approximately 1180km from Perth.
The finish point is Coral Bay, Western Australia.
* Return transfers to/from Learmonth (Exmouth) Airport (LEA) is included in the cost (Minimum two people booking). Twice daily Qantas flights from Perth toearmonth (Exmouth) Airport (LEA) with regular connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Brisbane. Fly into Learmonth at 14:30 pm and board the vessel straight from your transfer and fly out at 15:00 straight from tour return. Please check Qantas website for the updated flight schedule.
You can also self drive to Exmouth & Coral Bay to join the tour. A self-drive option will take approximately 12 hours from Perth and approximately 14 hours from Broome if driving direct, however we recommend allowing a few extra days to stop and visit other areas along the way. Shark Bay/Monkey Mia to the south and Karijini National Park to the north are both within a day’s drive from Coral Bay. Return transfers between Exmouth and Coral Bay can also be arranged. Please contact us to arrange.
Scenic flights (which take approximately 45 minutes) are also available. Please contact us for a quote.
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.
Dining
The tour offers a diverse range of healthy cuisine prepared fresh on board daily, incorporating local fresh produce when seasonally available, catering for all dietary requirements and special needs. The vessel is a licensed facility with a selection of beer, spirits and quality WA wines available for purchase on board, special alcohol requests can be accommodated for by prior arrangement.
What to Bring
Please bring all personal items in a soft bag for easy storage.
- Cash (AUD) for on board purchases (credit card payments are also available however incur credit card surcharge)
- Personal toiletries and medication, swimming costume and beach towel
- Casual, light weight and quick drying clothing is recommended, long pants and a warm jacket for evenings
- Small day pack, walking shoes (reef sandals or equivalent) and water bottle for shore excursions
Vessel Facilities
- Snorkelling equipment; wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins
- 2 x Double kayaks
- Fishing equipment
- Scuba diving equipment; tanks, weights and compressor
- Sturdy tender for shore excursions
- Library of reference books
- TV/DVD player with nature DVD’s
- iPod and iPod jack
Communications
As the tour operates in a remote area mobile reception is intermittent (Telstra and limited Optus coverage only). There is no Internet or telephone system on the vessel. In case of emergency family/friends can contact the operations and the operations will contact the vessel through a radio system.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere within vessel interiors. A small area is available outside where environmental care and respect is essential.
Power
The vessel operates on 240V with Australian standard 3-pin plug. Each cabin has power points for charging cameras, laptops etc. You will need to bring an adaptor for power if you do not have Australian standard appliances. The vessel also has 12V power supply.
Water
The vessel has a state of the art desalination system on board which produces excellent drinking water. All showers and taps are hot and cold fresh water.
Children
Whilst the tour is a great for families to enjoy various activities, it is not recommended for children under the age of 7 years old, however if booking an exclusive charter, younger children may be considered.
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 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 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
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 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.
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
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
