11/09/2025

9 DAY WEST COAST WILDLIFE CRUISE

Perth to Exmouth Aboard Diversity II Cruise

DAY 1 - DEPART PERTH

Boarding in the early hours of the morning, the cruise departs from Port of Fremantle at dawn. We’ll cruise approximately 30 nautical miles to the northern edge of the Perth Canyon, depth of 650m arriving mid-morning. We then follow the continental shelf NNW, ranging in depth from 200m to 600m. The Perth Canyon has attracted plenty of attention in recent years with birders and mammal enthusiasts with plenty of sightings of Pygmy Blue Whale, Dwarf Minke Whale and Gray’s Beaked Whale from December to April. Birds recorded on previous trips to the canyon include Indian Yellow-nosed & Shy Albatross, Brown & South Polar Skua, Cape, Soft-plumaged & Great-winged Petrel. Arctic Tern have also been recorded in recent years.

DAY 1 Diversity II Broome Kimberley cruise

DAY 2 - PERSEART ISLAND, ABROLHOS

Steaming overnight, covering 100 Nautical miles we will arrive at Pelsaert canyon at dawn, depth of 642m. Following breakfast; guests will have the option to snorkel the pristine Pelseart reef and lump areas to experience the abundance of fish and marine life. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to experience the premier seabird breeding sites, where 2 million sea birds nest during Nov – Feb. At Pelseart, there are 17 species of birds, including colonies of the rare Lesser Noddy, Australian Gannet, Hutton’s, Little, Wedge-tailed & Flesh-footed Shearwater, White-faced Storm-Petrel and Tern species.

With lunch on anchor, we will then steam to Coral Patches in the afternoon for another breathtaking snorkel. Coral Patches is covered in majestic Staghorn coral, with lots of playful bright fish, crayfish, cuttle fish and fascinating demersal cleaning stations. We will finally drop anchor and enjoy dinner at Wooded Island, bird watchers paradise!

DAY 3 - BLUE LAGOON, WOODED ISLAND & LITTLE SANDY ISLAND

Over the next three days, we’ll explore the islands, tailoring each day’s adventures to the prevailing conditions.

Birdwatchers will delight in the thriving birdlife of Wooded and Morley Islands, where Ospreys and Eagles soar above, wading birds patrol the shallows, and playful sea lions lounge along the sandy shores. Enjoy a guided beach walk before returning for lunch on board. In the afternoon, we steam to Little Sandy Island, fringed with vibrant coral and home to the largest sea lion colony in the Abrolhos. Here, you may also spot wading birds at the far end of the beach. After a full day of exploration, unwind with a cold drink in hand and savour a fresh seafood dinner as the golden West Coast skyline melts into twilight.

A fascinating Pearl Tour will be offered by a local expert, plus a visit to Blue Lagoon, a fun tidal drift snorkel, through intricate reef, past an immense variety of fish including the cheeky clown fish.

DAY 4 & 5 - WALLABAY GROUP & BATAVIA WRECK

History enthusiasts will be in their element as we spend the next few days uncovering the region’s captivating past while enjoying some of its most spectacular snorkelling.

Nature lovers can wander Wallaby Island in search of the endemic Painted Button Quail and the Tammar Wallaby. Weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to snorkel the infamous Batavia wreck, resting 6–8 metres below the surface, and hear the extraordinary tale of events that followed its sinking. Next, we step ashore on West Wallaby Island—the largest in the Abrolhos—where a guided walk leads to the historic forts built by Wiebbe Hayes and his men as they defended against mutineers. Along the way, keep an eye out for Tammar Wallabies, lizards, and the occasional Carpet Python.

We then cruise to Turtle Bay to explore its designated snorkel trail, gliding among clouds of fish and perhaps spotting a crayfish or two.

DAY 6 - MAMMAL & BIRD WATCHING

Today birdwatchers will spend the day deep sea viewing. One of the target species is Bulwer’s Petrel, extremely uncommon in Australian waters.

DAY 7 - DIRK HARTOG ISLAND

Anchoring in the protected waters, guests have the options to snorkel, swim or take a leisurely beach stroll. Birdwatchers can spend the day on the island, or another popular option is exploring the lighthouse and a walk up to the landing site of Dirk Hartog in 1616.

DAY 8 - NINGALOO & NORWEIGIAN BAY

As we keep watch for whales in the morning, Diversity will drop anchor at Norwegian Bay. Here, guests can step ashore to explore the fascinating remnants of the old whaling station and uncover the history of this remote outpost. A little further along lies a superb snorkelling site—a wreck nestled in sandy lagoons, where turtles and stingrays glide gracefully through the clear waters. We’ll enjoy an early dinner on board before making our evening passage into Exmouth.

DAY 9 - ARRIVE EXMOUTH

Guests will arrive in Exmouth between 7-8am, to board a private bus to transfer to Learmonth Airport (Exmouth).

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