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Plunge into the heart of adventure with Western Australia's Women's Ningaloo Reef Sea Kayaking and Whale Shark Trip! This 8-day journey is your chance to immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Ningaloo Reef, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reef teem with life.
From the moment you arrive in Exmouth, we'll whisk you away to the secluded Cape Range National Park, where you'll pitch your tent and prepare for an adventure unlike any other. Soak up the breathtaking views of this unique wilderness, while kayaking on the calm waters of the reef and snorkeling among its vibrant coral formations.
But that's just the beginning! On the most exciting day of the trip, you'll have the opportunity to swim with whale sharks in their natural habitat. This is an unforgettable experience, and one that you won't soon forget.
Accommodation for this trip is a mix of luxury and adventure, with two nights at the beautiful Manta Rays 4.5 Star Resort in Exmouth, followed by 5 nights camping under the stars in the Cape Range National Park.
Details
Located in West Australia's Ningaloo Marine Park, the Ningaloo Reef is one of the most important stretches of reef in Australia and is one of the most scenic areas of the Ningaloo Marine Park.
In addition to being the world's longest coral reef system, it is one of only two coral reef systems that have formed on a continent's western side. From Bundegi Beach near Exmouth to Amherst Point south of Coral Bay, the Ningaloo Marine Park stretches 260 km along the West Coast. Aboriginals called it 'Ningaloo' because it means a point of high land that juts into the sea.
Our Adventure is placed at the optimum time to view Whale Sharks and the clear waters of Ningaloo Reef. A trip of a lifetime featuring quality sea kayaking, snorkeling at every opportunity and inland gorge walking in ancient river canyons where quintessential Australian landscape meets the Ocean in an explosion of color and life.
* All prices are per person and listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). All prices shown are GST inclusive where applicable.
As you arrive at Perth airport, grab your bags and prepare yourself for the ultimate adventure! You'll need to catch the flight landing around 2.30pm (this flight leaves Perth around 12.30pm).
Our trusty transportation and guide will be waiting to whisk you away to our Base House, where you'll be outfitted with all the gear you need for your expedition. No need to worry about bringing your own snorkel or paddle gear, we've got you covered with masks, snorkels, fins, paddle gloves, hats, and more!
After you're all set, we'll make a quick stop in town for any last-minute provisions, including alcohol if you choose. Then, it's off to the wild frontier, a 55 km drive (about an hour) to our private campsite at Cape Range National Park.
As we settle into camp, your guides will give you the lowdown on the week's plan and conditions, while you nibble on some dinner and soak in the breathtaking sunset with a glass of your BYO wine or beer.
And when the stars come out, prepare to be awestruck by the star-studded sky above - it's a celestial light show like no other!
For the duration of your trip, you'll be sleeping under the stars in a tent at Cape Range National Park. And don't worry about going hungry, we've got dinner and afternoon snacks covered.
Meals: Snacks, D
After fueling up with a delicious breakfast, the group will embark on a journey to Yardie Creek, where the excitement begins. Get ready to slip into your kayaks, grab a paddle, and set off on a thrilling journey along the pristine waters of the Ningaloo Reef.
The day starts with a safety briefing to make sure everyone's ready for the journey ahead. As you paddle north to Osprey Bay, you'll be gliding over crystal-clear waters in double Barracuda Duos, kayaks that are built for adventure. The 10 km journey to Osprey Bay is just the beginning of a day filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.
As you reach Osprey Bay, it's time to jump out of the kayaks and dive into the heart of the Ningaloo Reef. The shallow sandy bottom and coral bombies are home to an abundance of fish, and you'll have the opportunity to snorkel and discover the underwater world in all its glory.
Take a break on an unnamed beach for a delicious lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before paddling northward to the Osprey Sanctuary Zone. Here, you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in the beautiful pools within the reef that are specifically sited for kayaking. With two kayak moorings, you can safely attach your kayaks and immerse yourself in the underwater world.
After a full day of adventure, it's time to head back to base and enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars. And, of course, you'll be spending the night in a tent camping at Cape Range National Park, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Embark on an unforgettable journey today as we kayak from Osprey Bay to South Mandu, a 9.5-kilometer journey across the stunning turquoise waters of Sandy Bay. Keep an eye out for the majestic sea turtles and graceful rays that often call this area home. Take a dip in the crystal-clear water at Pilgrammuna bombies for a breathtaking snorkeling experience, or for those seeking an even more immersive adventure, the world-renowned Blue Lagoon awaits just 700 meters offshore.
Relax in the great outdoors and sleep under the stars in your cosy tent at Cape Range National Park. And with meals of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included, you'll have all the energy you need to make the most of each day's adventures.
Today we embark on an exciting kayaking adventure from South Mandu to Tulki, a journey of approximately 7 kilometers with breathtaking snorkel stops along the way! Soak in the beauty of the South Mandu Drift, the stunning Oyster Stacks Drift, and the mesmerising Turquoise Bay - all offering an abundance of corals and diverse sea life just meters from the shore.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you snorkel through these popular sites that have earned their reputation for a reason. Later in the afternoon, we will take a short walk/hike at Yardie Gorge, where you'll be greeted by a breathtaking sunset over the gorgeous water-filled gorge. This is the only permanent water source in the entire Cape Range National Park, so keep an eye out for black-footed rock wallabies as they venture out to feed at dusk.
Keep an eye out for the massive Osprey nest perched on the walls of the gorge. After the walk, we will come back to camp for dinner.
We plan to do the Mandu Mandu Gorge walk in morning, straight after breakfast before it gets too warm. It takes about an hour and a half. We will follow the ancient river bed, spotting black-footed rock wallabies in the sheer gorge walls, before the path takes us up on top of Cape Range where there are fantastic views over the coastal plain, lagoons, fringing reef, surf and the big blue ocean.
Following our walk, we will head to the Milyering Visitor Centre, where there are various interesting interpretive displays, as well as the opportunity to purchase some souvenirs, and perhaps an ice-cream. This afternoon we kayak from Tulki to Lakeside, an enjoyable afternoon paddle of 4km. Snorkel options include the amazing Tulki hole, one of the best offshore sites, before heading north to Lakeside, a favourite shore based snorkel, just before our end point for the day. This area is where we are most likely to sight Dugong if we are lucky.
As we bring our Cape Range base camp to a close, we embark on the final stretch of our kayaking journey in the park. Our destination for the day is either Neds Camp, a 5 km paddle away, or, if conditions permit, the stunning Mangrove Bay, a 8 km trek through a bay teeming with rays, turtles, and small sharks. Upon completion of our excursion, we'll load the kayaks onto the trailer and make our way back to Exmouth. By late afternoon, we'll arrive at the luxurious Manta Rays Ningaloo Resort, where you can freshen up with a hot shower before enjoying dinner and drinks at your leisure.
Today you will embark on the thrill of a Llifetime with our whale shark expedition! You'll be picked up from the hotel around 7 AM by a bus, which will drive you to the boat where you can start your adventure by indulging in a satisfying breakfast onboard. You will get to swim and snorkel with these magnificent creatures - the whale sharks. Protected in Australia, they leisurely glide along the Ningaloo Reef, feasting on surface plankton, providing a breathtaking and up-close encounter. It's a full day of excitement, complete with round-trip transfers from Exmouth, breakfast snacks, and a delicious lunch.
Upon returning to the hotel, unwind in luxury at the Manta Rays 4.5-star resort, and raise a glass to the memories made during a farewell dinner. Table drinks are included in this celebration of your whale shark experience.
Today marks the conclusion of our exciting journey. The group will depart from Exmouth for their return trip to Perth. Our airport transfer service will be available to collect those departing today at their designated time from the resort. Before departing, feel free to bask in the sun by the pool or explore the town and grab some unforgettable souvenirs related to the whale sharks.
For breakfast, we usually head into town for a bite to eat at your own expense. Our shuttle service to the airport will be organised around 11am, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition.
This trip is tailored for individuals who have a good level of fitness and some experience with kayaking. It is important to note that participants must be in excellent health and prepared for physical activities, including kayaking for a minimum of 3-4 hours daily and snorkelling/swimming for up to an hour each day. Women, in particular, should be prepared for the physical demands of this trip. It is recommended that participants engage in 2-3 hours of exercise on a weekly basis to prepare adequately.
Despite the leisurely pace of the trip, it still offers an adventurous experience. There may be days when high winds are present and kayaks must be carried. It is important to note that this trip is not suitable for individuals with limited mobility or those who cannot engage in physical exercise. Additionally, a minimum competency of swimming 50 meters is required.
You'll need to fly into Perth Airport and catch a Qantas flight to Exmouth (Learmonth) that arrives between 2:10-2:35pm (QF1602). We'll be there to greet you at the airport or pick you up at Learmonth/Exmouth Airport. On the last day of the trip, we'll provide an airport shuttle service and drop you off at the airport between 1-2pm, in time for the afternoon flight back to Perth. Note that flight numbers may change, please check with the airline for updates.
Not at all! Some women choose to stay longer in Exmouth. However, please note that we do not provide airport transfers after the trip.
Our trips are for women over 18 years old, with an average age of 45. There is always a mix from women in their 30's to mid 60's.
Most women book individually, it's a great way to make new friends!
Yes, there are 6 single tent options available. However, there is a fee of $100 plus GST which will be added to the booking cost. Please indicate your preference in the booking form and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
Yes, it's twin share. However, we do have a limited number of single supplement rooms available, only if Mantarays Resort has space. This is at a full rate cost of a single standard room.
Not at all. On arrival, we will do a fitting for all the gear we have provided for you. If you prefer, you can bring your own wetsuit along with a mask and snorkel. Steamers are too hot and we don't recommend them. If you feel cold, you should wear a spring suit.
For your clothing, please bring a large duffle bag (or travel bag) and a small daypack. Our bus will transport your gear to our Base Camp, and your bag does not need to fit in a kayak. Each day, we return to base camp by vehicle.
Bring your own if you have one, otherwise we'll provide one for you.
We'll start kayaking between 8:30am and 9:00am and finish between 2:30pm and 3:30pm. We'll return to camp around 4pm each evening, with kayaking distances averaging 8-12km.
We will meet at 24 Pelias St, Exmouth WA 6707. Our meeting time will be emailed or texted to you. Usually between 3 and 3.30 p.m.
Robyn Topp
30/06/2019
Robyn Topp - NSW
"I don't know where to start. This trip changed me! I have never seen so many varieties of fish before and LOVED snorkeling each day. Exactly what I needed for an adventure holiday! Thank you to Neri and Monique who were outstanding leaders. I'm going to try their recipes at home because the food was so good!"
Peta Williams
19/07/2018
Peta Williams - VIC
I don't have words, just the best memories EVER! I feel so very luck to have been on this adventure. I loved every minute of it and the whale shark was something I will never ever forget. From the laughs at camp to kayaking and camping, it really doesn't get any better. I can't recommend this trip enough. Do it! Best time of my life!
Sarah OConner
17/07/2018
Sarah OConner - NSW
The Ningaloo trip was perfection. Cape Range National Park and Ningaloo Reef are just beautiful. The trip leaders were awesome. Personable, knowledgeable, supportive and amazing cooks. The facilities and the food, for the fact you are in the middle of nowhere were outstanding. The pace was very Goldilocks, not too busy, not too slow, but Just Right. Plenty of time to relax while still seeing so many sights. Nothing was too strenuous and the trip leaders made you feel confident that you could participate safely in both the snorkeling and kayaking. Ending with two nights at the resort and an amazing whale shark experience. Who could ask for more.© Copyright 2024 Women Want Adventure. All rights reserved.
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