APT: Coral Coast Adventure

Spend a leisurely day at sea as you make your way towards your next destination. Take full advantage of the ship’s exceptional amenities, or attend insightful lectures led by your knowledgeable Expedition Team, who offer expertise on the regions you'll explore. Gather on deck to admire the views and relax in the comfort of your surroundings. This evening, join your fellow travellers for the Captain’s welcome dinner, a relaxed and enjoyable way to celebrate the start of your cruising adventure.

The Dampier Archipelago, a stunning collection of 42 islands and islets, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty and cultural significance. The surrounding turquoise waters are a haven for coral reefs, tropical fish and sea sponge gardens, while the archipelago itself is home to important Aboriginal and European heritage sites, many within National Heritage Listed Areas. First charted by English explorer William Dampier in 1699, the islands were originally inhabited by the Yaburara people, as seen in the thousands of rock engravings and stone arrangements scattered across the landscape.

Today, there will be ample opportunity to explore both the historical and cultural sites, before enjoying in a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for migratory waders, sea eagles, ospreys, and, with some luck, the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. Please note that access to Aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance from the Traditional Owners, and viewing cannot be guaranteed.

The Montebello Islands, an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets, lie off the coast of the Pilbara. Known for their rich biodiversity, the islands are a vital sanctuary for birdlife, hosting over 1% of the world’s population of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers.

The islands are also steeped in history, with a tumultuous past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the sites of British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s, and relics from the operation can still be seen today. Visit Trimouille Island's Ground Zero plinth, now home to an abundant wildlife population, including the rare rufous hare wallaby.

The Montebellos also hold a fascinating maritime history, as the first Europeans to land here were survivors of the British East India ship Tryall, which was wrecked in 1622. Spend the day exploring this remarkable island group, enjoying wildlife spotting and leisurely beach walks, with the opportunity to see the elusive rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays amid stunning coastal vistas.

Ningaloo Reef, one of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, is home to an extraordinary array of marine life. The reef’s unique proximity to deep ocean waters and the coast creates a thriving ecosystem where vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, manta rays, and whale sharks coexist in harmony. As one of the most significant turtle nesting sites in the Indian Ocean, Ningaloo offers unparalleled opportunities to witness these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.

Spend the day in Cape Range National Park, with the option to snorkel in the clear waters of Turquoise Bay, home to colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life. Explore the picturesque Yardie Creek on a 1.2km Nature Walk, or visit the Vlamingh Head lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast. Discover the region’s fascinating history at the Ningaloo Centre, or enjoy some free time to wander through Exmouth’s charming town.

Today, discover the Muiron Islands, located just 18 kilometres from the North West Cape. The island group is renowned for its vibrant reef systems and rich marine life. Snorkellers and divers alike will be captivated by the colourful soft corals, schools of tropical fish, and the chance to spot majestic manta rays and sea turtles. Explore a variety of dive sites, including swim-throughs and ledges, where you may encounter nudibranchs, eels, and angelfish. The protected reefs and abundant 'bommies' (coral reef outcrops) offer excellent snorkelling opportunities, with a stunning display of gorgonians and diverse fish life.

Onshore, the islands are a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings of wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey, and black-shouldered kites. After your time exploring the island's marine wonders, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the pristine beaches, immersing yourself in the beauty of this remote paradise.

Over two days, immerse yourself in the stunning Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Western Australia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 1991. This extraordinary region is known for its colourful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and is home to an impressive 35% of all Australia’s bird species.

Discover the beauty of Francois Peron National Park, named after the naturalist who accompanied explorer Nicholas Baudin. Cruise past the historic Cape Inscription, where Dirk Hartog landed in 1616, and, conditions permitting, take a refreshing swim off a pristine, remote beach. The region’s rich natural and historical significance offers a memorable experience.

Today, explore the captivating Abrolhos Islands, a group of 122 islands divided into the Wallabi, Easter, and Pelsaert Groups. Situated in the path of the Leeuwin Current, the islands are a meeting point for tropical and temperate marine life, including Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 species of seabirds.

Spend your day exploring the Wallabi Group, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Bay, home to vibrant marine life. As you explore the bay, you’ll encounter a rich variety of species including colourful soft corals, reef fish, and the curious Australian sea lions. The waters are also home to juvenile green and loggerhead turtles, which are often spotted gliding gracefully through the shallow waters. Take a leisurely walk along the beach, keeping an eye out for tamar wallabies, skinks, and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons.

Cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, known for their crayfishing industry, and enjoy birdwatching for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, and Caspian terns. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where a tragic history unfolds. See the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pits where mutineer leader Jeronimus Cornelisz was held before his trial.

On board the Coral Adventurer, enjoy a leisurely day at sea, where Guest Lecturers will offer insightful talks and presentations about the regions you have explored. With a selection of workshops and demonstrations, there’s plenty to keep you engaged. You also may like to catch up on your reading in the onboard library, enjoy a drink or two at the bar, or even peruse the onboard gift shop in between enjoying the ocean views up on deck.

After a memorable journey, your cruise concludes in Fremantle where you will disembark your ship. From here, you will be transferred to Perth Airport for your onward flight, or to your chosen Perth hotel if you are opting to extend your APT adventure.