Step aboard Utopia and allow Captain Darryl Keevil to give you a short briefing regarding your sea safari. Sit back and unwind as we cruise across Stokes Bay, headed for the Buccaneer Archipelago. It is interesting to see the coastline change from the mangrove-lined, muddy waters of King Sound to the rocky hills, beaches and blue water of the Buccaneer Archipelago. See the power of the tide as it makes it’s way through Hell’s Gate. Our first stop is a freshwater spring called XnX’s where a relaxing soak in one of the pools surrounded by ferns and rainforest trees is a must. We drop our lines in at one of the many fishing spots near the Razor Islands then make camp for the night at a secluded beach. We feast on fresh fish for our evening meal.

After a delicious breakfast, we make our way to Yampi Sound via Strickland Bay and Whirlpool Passage. We visit a brilliant white beach called Silica Beach on Hidden Island, aptly named as the beach is made up of fine grains of crystals. The water here is very clear and a swim here is exhilarating. Captain Darryl will take you to one of his secret fishing spots to catch some fresh fish for dinner. The most common fish we catch are Fingermark Perch, Scarlet Sea Perch, Blue-lined Emperor and Coral Trout. We make camp for the night at yet another secluded beach. When the tide is out, explore the fringing reef and search for weird and wonderful sea creatures that inhabit the reef. Sit back with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, overlooking the ocean with the sun setting before you. Feast on Captain Darryl’s delicious crumbed reef fish fillets which are always a hit.

We take the opportunity in the morning when the tide is out to collect some large, succulent black-lipped oysters. We visit the waterfall at Crocodile Creek. This is a very popular place for “Yachties”, tour boats and any one else who ventures to this remote area and many people leave memorabilia of their journeys here. A swim in the large, freshwater pool underneath the waterfall is a must. There was once an Iron Ore mine on Koolan Island, which has since been rehabilitated. We stop for a fish at another secret fishing hole to catch some fish for our evening meal. Tonight is spent on a beautiful beach on one of the Sisters Islands. Enjoy Captain Darryl’s special Oysters Kilpatrick for entrée and Fish and Chips for mains.

Today, we travel across Collier Bay to Doubtful Bay. Passing through the channel at Kingfisher Island, we continue on to Montgomery Reef. Marvel at the marine life that abounds and see the water cascading off the reef during the ebb tide. Continuing on our journey to Doubtful Bay, we arrive at Raft Point where we will camp on a beach for the night. Allow the crew to take you on a guided walk uphill to discover an ancient Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery. The paintings here depict the life of Aboriginal people that had a close affinity with the sea. We drop our lines in at some fishing holes near Steep Island. We set up camp and feast on fresh fish yet again.

After a delicious cooked breakfast, we venture to the South Eastern corner of Doubtful Bay to a large mangrove creek system near a small hill called Red Cone Hill. We set the crab pots up the mangrove creeks to catch a feed for dinner. There are always a couple of very inquisitive crocodiles here that will drift past the anchored Utopia, pretending to be logs floating with the tide. You will have a chance to go with the crew and pull the pots full of mud crabs. Once we have enough crabs and the tide is high, we cruise to the end of one of the many tributaries of the creek system to a place known as Ruby Falls. This is a picturesque waterfall with a large swimming pool where you can have a wash and relax in the cool freshwater. We return to our Raft Point beach camp to feast on our catch of mud crabs and have a good night’s sleep under the stars.

It is time to cruise across Doubtful Bay to the entrance of the Sale River. We wind our way up the saltwater gorge to our safe anchorage near to where the freshwater meets the salt water. We set up camp on the bank of the river next to a stream that cascades down the hill to join the main river. There are tall rainforest trees and ferns that grow by the stream and provide shade. Cool off in one of the pools of the stream and take in the beauty of this ancient river. For the keen Barramundi fisher-people, there are plenty of pools to cast a lure. Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars.

For the keen bushwalkers and adventurers, set off after a light breakfast on a hike up the river to a spectacular waterfall. On the way, your crew will guide you to another Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery that very few people ever see. The walk is a good test of your fitness but is extremely rewarding to know that you have met the challenge. The river is made up of large pools with rock bars in between. By walking on the edges of the pools and hopping over the rock bars, we get to the waterfall for a swim. There is usually a water monitor to greet you in the pool above the waterfall. For the less adventurous, relax and read a book or go for a walk in the shade of the trees by the stream. Once everyone is back at the camp, it is time to return to Utopia and leave the Sale River on the high tide. We will camp on a beach just outside the Sale River. 

Today we make our way back to Talbot Bay to rendezvous with your seaplane which will fly you to Derby. Our journey takes us past one of the many Paspaley Pearl farms before reaching the Horizontal Waterfalls. It is time to slip on a life jacket, hop into the tender to Utopia and allow the crew to take you for a hair-raising ride through the turbulent, tidal rapids of the Horizontal Waterfalls. We arrive at Talbot Bay at 2.30pm to board the light aircraft at 3.00pm. You will arrive in Derby at 3.40pm.

Please note: This itinerary is designed to be a guide only. The order of activities may change during your sea safari.