Shark Bay & Dirk Hartog Island Cruise & Kayak

For those arriving on the afternoon flight from Perth, you will be met by your kayak guide at the airport and transferred to the Silverado. If you’re already in town, please make your way to the Silverado, anchored in Denham marina (meeting time will be confirmed on your final itinerary). You’ll meet the crew and the captain will conduct a safety briefing. A group dinner is held in town with your kayak guide, who will present a trip briefing. After dinner, the group returns to the Silverado to spend the night on board at anchor, ready for an early departure into Shark Bay. Please note, if the weather is particularly favourable, the captain may decide to head out this evening. NB* Due to the unique nature of this area and the variability of weather, there is no fixed route or schedule. The following itinerary is a sample only. Please note that the weather, logistical conditions and group preference will determine the day to day activities. We aim to experience the true wilderness of the Abrolhos Islands and the best of expedition sea kayaking.

Meals:  D

Today we explore Shark Bay’s hidden lagoons and search for dugongs. The 10,000 or more dugongs in Shark Bay make up about 10% of the world’s dugong population and breed in the eastern part of Shark Bay. The calm, clear waters are perfect for spotting these gentle creatures as they graze on seagrass meadows. We’ll paddle through tranquil lagoons, not only keeping an eye out for dugongs but also dolphins, rays and other marine life that inhabit these waters. In the afternoon, we return to the vessel for a sundowner, dinner and our comfy cabins.

Meals:  B,L,D

An early departure takes us to Steep Point, the westernmost point of the Australian mainland. The Dutch seafarer William de Vlamingh named it ‘Steyle Hock’ (Steep Point) in 1697 when anchored off the cliffs near the southern tip of Dirk Hartog Island. This dramatic coastline features rugged cliffs and stunning ocean views. We’ll paddle along the coastline, exploring hidden coves and watching for marine life such as dolphins and seabirds. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch at Steep Point before continuing our exploration of the area. In the late afternoon, we return to the Silverado.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we paddle and explore the sheltered eastern coast of Dirk Hartog Island, where the opportunities for snorkelling and observing the vibrant underwater world abound. This historic island is not only the largest in Western Australia but also the site where Dutch explorer Dirk Hartog landed in 1616. We’ll visit Cape Inscription, where Hartog left his famous pewter dish nailed to a timber post. Australia’s oldest European maritime relic is now housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we head to Francois Peron National Park to explore its hidden lagoons. Peron Peninsula is known as Wulyibidi to the local Malgana Aboriginal people who occupied the area prior to European settlement and continue to live in Shark Bay today. The park is known for its striking red cliffs, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. We paddle through these beautiful landscapes, searching for marine life and enjoying the serene environment. In the afternoon, we return to the vessel and if the crew have been lucky, to a dinner of fresh fish and perhaps lobster!

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the coast of Faure Island, searching for the famous dolphins of Monkey Mia. These friendly dolphins are known for their regular visits to the shallows, where they interact with humans. We’ll paddle along the coast, enjoying close encounters with these playful creatures. After a day of exploration and dolphin watching, we return to the vessel for dinner and relaxation. Our last evening on board is enjoyed with a celebratory dinner and a slide show recap of the trip.

Meals:  B,L,D

We visit Hamelin Pool, home to the world’s oldest living life forms, stromatolites (meaning layered rock). These fascinating microbial structures date back billions of years and provide a unique glimpse into earth’s early life. We’ll paddle and explore the coast, observing the stromatolites and the diverse marine life that thrives in this area. We return to the vessel for lunch and make our way to Monkey Mia, where the trip concludes. Arrival into Monkey Mia is between 1-2pm. It is possible to catch the late afternoon flight back to Perth today.

Meals:  B,L