Ningaloo Eco Discovery

Monkey Mia-Exmouth

9 nights / $1980 per person in 2007

"Truly indulge your passion for the ocean on this voyage of discovery, that will see you crossing the Tropic of Capricorn as you sail along the breathtaking West Australian coastline from Monkey Mia, through Shark Bay, past the cliffs of Cape Cuvier and the Ningaloo Marine Park to the North West Cape. Explore the tranquility of some of the world's most pristine marine environments, swimming and snorkeling the tropical waters among coral reefs and seagrass meadows. Learn of the management strategies in place that keep the region protected, and participate in conservation activities conducted throughout your time on board".

Day 1

Board the Leeuwin II in Monkey Mia, the jewel of Western Australia's unique Shark Bay World Heritage Area. The region is famous for its crystal blue waters and unspoilt white beaches that contrast dramatically with the notorious red pindan soil of the North West. This is, of course, also one of the world's best (and most reliable) meeting places for wild dolphins, and home to one of the largest and most stable populations of dugongs left in the world.

You will learn of the indigenous culture and history of the Shark Bay region from a local guide, and discover how the Yadgalah people used a deep understanding of the land and waters of the region to make it easier to acquire food, medicines and the requirements for life.

Days 2 and 3

Grasp the fundamentals of sailing a square rigged vessel as you make your way to Turtle Beach at Cape Inscription on Dirk Hartog Island. You will discover the natural beauty of the important loggerhead turtle rookery where, each year, turtles are tagged and measured as part of an ongoing research project that is one of the most significant of its kind in Australia.

Here, you will also learn about the early European explorers of the region - Dirk Hartog, Willem de Vlaming and Philip Parker King. Hike to the lighthouse where Hartog made the first recorded European landing on West Australian soil in 1616.

Days 4 and 5

Set sail for the world renowned Ningaloo Reef, along the treacherous coastal cliffs and coral reefs of the Upper Gascoyne region - which were a constant threat to the early explorers - before arriving into the protected waters of Bateman Bay within the globally acclaimed Ningaloo Marine Park.
Learn how the Marine Park protects the iconic Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest fringing reefs in the world.
Enjoy the incredible experience of swimming and snorkeling with the myriad of marine life that characterises the premier coral reef communities of the region, including 500 species of tropical fish, 220 species of coral, turtles, manta rays and dugongs.

Days 6 and 7

As you sail north amongst the northerly migrating humpback whales, stop to experience the sinister history that shrouds Norwegian Bay whaling station, a location that significantly contributed to the near extinction of humpbacks in Western Australia.
At Norwegian Bay you can snorkel amongst the remains of the crumbling whaling station's flensing deck where (in an example of perfect irony) the marine life has now taken over!

Days 8 and 9

Sail further north, past the northern sector of Ningaloo Reef, into the profusion of islands beyond the North West Cape. From vantage points high in the ship's rigging you can enjoy a bird's eye view of this stunning collection of remote and pristine islands.
Take the ship's dories ashore and explore the coral reefs, wander along the pure white sandy beaches, or simply relax and soak up the balmy northern winter weather.

Day 10

Today you will say goodbye to the Leeuwin II following your arrival into Exmouth, a town originally established to support the communications base located at the North West Cape, but now a major tourist destination for a global market of environmentally minded visitors who flock from all over the world each year to swim with the awesome whale sharks.

Please note: Our itineraries should be used as a guide only. Exact routes and programs may vary at any time to take advantage of the existing weather conditions and opportunities for shore based expeditions.