west coast cruises

Your adventure cruise begins in Perth – capital of the sprawling state of Western Australia.

The Houtman Abrolhos are a chain of 122 islands and associated coral reefs lying some eighty kilometres due west of Geraldton. They are the southernmost true coral reef in the Indian Ocean and one of the highest latitude reef systems in the world. They are also one of the world’s most important seabird rookeries and the centre of Western Australia's largest single species fishery, the Western Rock Lobster Fishery. 

The Houtman Abrolhos – so named to warn mariners to “keep a sharp look-out”, but the fate of the Dutch East-Indian merchantman Batavia was sealed long before her hapless crew could take heed. In the dark of night the Batavia struck an unforgiving Abrolhos reef and so began a terrifying sequence of events overshadowed by desertion, betrayal, murder and revenge!

Join the adventure boats for a day of fishing, snorkelling and diving.

Start the day with an exhilarating hike to Steep Point – the western most edge of the Australian continent.

This morning the TRUE NORTH will cruise to Cape Inscription on the northern tip of Dirk Hartog Island.

Ningaloo Reef is one of West Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and as soon as you step onto one of its brilliant white beaches you will see why! Stunning fish and corals occur within metres of the shoreline - no special skills needed here - just a mask will reveal all in swimming pool like conditions!

Wake this morning somewhere completely different - the intriguing Montebello Islands.

Day two at the Montes. Commence proceedings with an early morning fish or join the ship’s naturalist when the adventure boats head ashore for beachcombing and bird-watching - the islands have been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because they support over 1% of the world populations of Fairy Terns, Roseate Terns, and Sooty Oystercatchers.

Today we explore the magnificent Dampier Archipelago.

With a vast and remarkable coast now discovered in style, it's time for your early-morning disembarkation and transfer to Karratha.

Your expedition vessel Reef Prince is awaiting you in the cray fishing capital of Geraldton. Make your way to the Geraldton Fishermen’s wharf. Your crew will welcome you aboard between 4 and 6pm. 

We’ll introduce you to your cabin and give you a detailed briefing. We will spend the night on board in Geraldton, ready for our early departure to our first destination the coral islands of the Abrolhos.

Your Expedition begins this morning. Arriving mid morning within the Easter Group of the Abrolhos Island.  Discovered and charted by the Portuguese in 1619 and aptly named. Abrolhos means – “Keep Your Eyes Open”. Comprising 3 main island groups. Many of the 122 coral islands were heavily mined for Guano over a hundred years from 1844. While they are still home for thousands of beautiful and rare sea birds, the islands are currently supporting a thriving cray fish industry. 

Today we can snorkel or dive on the beautiful Anenomi lump – one of the best dive sites in WA. This afternoon we fish for today’s target species (and dinner) the Blue Bone Grouper. We’ll grab a mooring sheltered by a small island, which provides sanctuary for a colony of Australian Sea lions. As the sun sets we can visit their island and share a memorable moment on the beach talking to these delightful puppies.  

This morning, during a tasty breakfast, we steam north to the Wallabi Group of Islands.  If the weathers on our side we hope to have snorkel or dive on the Batavia wreck. In 1629 this Dutch vessel on her maiden voyage hit Morning Reef. The events that followed make an unbelievable tail. After our discovery of the wreck site we can steam to turtle bay and walk on West Wallabi Island to the site of the earliest European structures on Australian soil. The soldiers of the Batavia built stone forts to protect themselves from the murderous Mutineers. Well take you to the site of these forts whilst looking for the Tammar Wallabi and pythons.

This evenings target species is the Pink Snapper. The skipper knows a drop off that’s usually home to a school of Pinkies.

Departing the Abrolhos at 1600 we enjoy our evening meal while we cruise thru the night to arrive at our next destination – Steep Point, within Shark Bay.

This morning we arrive inside Steep Point for a snorkel or dive around Monkey Rock. Some may wish to stay on the surface and try their luck for a mackerel – todays target species.

We’ll cruise north up the inside of West Australias largest island. Dirk Hartog Islands is 80 kms long. The island was discovered on 25 October 1616 by Hartog in the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Eendracht from Cape Town to Batavia (Jakarta). Hartog inscribed his name and the date on a pewter plate and nailed it to a post.

In 1697 the Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh landed on the island and discovered Hartog’s plate. He replaced it with one of his own, which included a copy of Hartog’s inscription, and took the original plate home to Amsterdam, where it is still kept in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Well anchor at the top end of the island just beside the site of Dirk Hartogs landing. We’ll enjoy our chefs delights here then perhaps a drink or two under the stars on the upper deck.

Departing Turtle Bay early we steam north past Bernier and Dorre Islands. Rising sea levels and wave erosion some 8 000 years ago left Bernier and Dorre Islands separated from the mainland and inaccessible for Aboriginal occupation.

Dirk Hartog’s voyage in 1616 represents the first known landing on the islands and in 1696 William de Vlamingh surveyed and named Dorre Island from the Dutch words ‘Dor’ meaning dry or barren.

The natural harbour of Cuvier is our next highlight. Sheltered within high rocky cliffs lies a salt port. Feel free to drag a lure as we continue our cruise past Coral Bay and into the evening.

This morning we awake as we steam past the Norwest Cape lighthouse.

Today we have the option to steam down into the Exmouth Gulf and spend a few hours exploring Exmouth town.

In Exmouth we have two optional tours. Firstly to snorkel with whale sharks. An amazing opportunity but $ of course. Well get you the lastest group discount price closer to the time, but expect around $400 for the day.  

Secondly a scenic town tour showing the best of Exmouth. Around $80 for 3 hrs.       

Either way we’ll enjoy a very sheltered overnight anchorage at Serrurier Island – 40Nm northeast of Exmouth.

An early mornings beach walk and swim on Serrurier or a fishing expedition for today target species the Estuarine Cod – the choice is yours. Serrurier offers some great beach combing and swimming.

Departing our little island paradise we sail through the industrial islands of the Pilbara making our way to the heavenly Montebello Islands by tonight. The fishermen will be keen to drag a lure while we head north east. Good chance of a charging Spanish mackerel for the patient.

Tonight we arrive and anchor within the shelter of 174 beautiful little islands. The crews favourite destination.

Three days is just enough time to give us a great taste of the Monties. From the mangroves to the ornate crayfish and perfect little sandy bays.

These islands were significant for pearling from the end of the 19th century until recent years when the farms were disassembled.

The Montebello Islands were the site of three nuclear weapons tests by the British military: one in 1952, and two in 1956. A bay on Trimouille Island was the site of Operation Hurricane, the first ever atomic weapon tested by the United Kingdom, on 3 October 1952. In 1956 there were two further tests, on Alpha and Trimouille Islands respectively. The second of these, codenamed “G2”, included the largest nuclear explosion in Australia, with a yield of 98 kilotons (6 times that of Hiroshima). Fallout from the Montebello tests is reported to have contaminated areas of mainland Australia as far away as Queensland. We can explore the, now safe, site of these blasts.

Be it fishing, snorkeling, diving or just strolling the perfect isolated beaches the Monties are our playground for the next two days before we cruise to the Rowley Shoals.

This afternoon we arrive at Clerk Reef.  From within the Shelter of the Atoll we watch the sun set over a pristine and virtually untouched coral island. The top deck is definitely the place to be for yet another spectacular sunset whilst enjoying your choice of beverage before savouring a delicious meal

Today you may wish to join a fishing expedition or beach comb the sandy bay.  Amazing  snorkelling and fishing at Bedout Island.

We’ve shared some amazing experiences together. We’ve made some great new friends. Today we disembark in Broome at around noon. We will arrange transfers to your hotel

Today your journey north to the port of Broome begins.  Your Skipper and crew are there to welcome you aboard as we depart from Sardine Wharf at 9.00am. You may wish to stroll around the decks, enjoy the fresh sea air with a cold beverage. Or just sit back and relax while observing our coastal beaches drift by as we start our journey north passing northern suburbs and towns of Lancelin and Dongara.

Today we will be Going into Denham, Australia's most western town. Once there you will be taken on a 4wd cultural tour through the Francois Peron National Park, home to the Nhanda & Malgana Aboriginal people. After your tour, some refreshments on the beach and a swim in the crystal clear waters of Shark Bay before heading back to Odyssey.

Today we will be Going into Denham, Australia's most western town. Once there you will be taken on a 4wd cultural tour through the Francois Peron National Park, home to the Nhanda & Malgana aboriginal people. After some refreshments on the beach there will be time for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Shark Bay before heading back to Odyssey.

 A long journey ahead for us today, destination; The Monte Bello Islands. Time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the ocean as the miles roll by. Perhaps a few cold drinks before dinner, prepared by our chef and a beautiful West Australian sunset to put close to another pleasant day.

Today we arrive at the Monte Bello Islands. We explore the islands with a spot of fishing and swimming in the tranquil waters that these islands protect. We also visit the site of Ground Zero where an atomic blast occurred in the 1950's. After lunch, we move to the calm waters of Aden Cove to anchor.

A full day of exploring the islands, enjoying more fishing, swimming and snorkeling. A visit to Champagne Bay is also on our list.

We relish at the Monte's for another day going ashore on Trimoulle Island. The wreckage of the "Plim", the ship loaded with an atomic bomb which exploded during the atomic testing. We further explore to locate some other items that are scattered around this island. We will depart the Monte's early evening.

Today is a day for relaxing onboard as we steam north. Weather permitting there may be an opportunity to troll a line for a good size Tuna, Spanish Mackerel this is good territory for Pelagics.

As we steam towards Broome, the gateway to the Kimberley enjoy an opportunity to reflect on our journey, relax, take in the endless coastline of WA. Those who are keen can try their hand at fishing or enjoy a cold drink on the bow watching the sunset.

After breakfast,  we arrive at the Port of Broome mid-morning.  A courtesy bus will be waiting there to take you to Broome town centre, transferring you to Broome airport or your accommodation.

A return flight Broome to Perth is included in the cost of a 10 day West Coast Cruise.