Come experience the magic of the World Heritage Listed Ningaloo coastline with us! Our Ningaloo Reef Adventure Escape is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Ningaloo Reef. Sea Kayaking in sheltered turquoise lagoons, each afternoon pulling up in our kayaks at a deserted beach camp located within Cape Range National park, watching stunning west coast sunsets over the water, sleeping under the stars, exploring great inland gorges and river systems, taking in the beauty of red limestone cliff faces and being blown away by views across Yardi Creek and out to the Ningaloo Reef ... Truly spectacular! Turtles, rays, dugong, dolphins, reef sharks, myriad reef fish and an abundance of marine life make Ningaloo a brilliant place to kayak and snorkel. On land, also regularly seen are kangaroos, wallabies, emu, echidna and birds of prey.
The sea kayaking takes place inside the fringing reef, where the lagoon is rarely more than 3m deep - perfect for spotting wildlife and snorkelling. We kayak along the coast at a relaxed pace, stopping on secluded beaches for morning tea and lunch as we go. We generally paddle the coastline from Osprey Bay and head north with the prevailing winds, finishing our days at one of the deserted wilderness beach camps, that we have all to ourselves. Each day provides fantastic snorkelling opportunities within sheltered turquoise lagoons. At some sites we land the kayaks on the beach and swim a short distance from shore, at other sites we anchor or moor the kayaks and slip over the side. There are also some excellent ‘un-named’ snorkel spots that are accessible only by kayak ... and we get to go there!
After packing up the kayaks, we explore the national park a little more on foot, providing the perfect way to see this ancient Australian landscape from a different perspective. Then it's time to spoil you - we're heading back to Exmouth to our resort accommodation where we'll stay as a group for the next two nights. The following day, we've factored in a leisure day so you can tick off that big bucket list adventure of swimming with the whale sharks if you like, or you spend this time relaxing by the pool, exploring town or taking another optional tour.
Our Ningaloo Reef Adventure Escape departs in May, taking into consideration optimum viewing time for Whale Sharks and the abundant amount of marine life gracing the waters during this time of year. Not to mention warm sunny days and consistent weather conditions perfect for kayaking, snorkelling, camping, swimming and hiking.
Adventurous Women have conducted several tours to Ningaloo Reef over the past 12 years and as Western Australian based operator's, we know the area well. Having built strong relationships with local tour operators/suppliers, we can't wait to share this slice of ocean paradise with you once again!
Snorkel different sites daily. You'll be amazed at the diversity and abundance of marine life that Ningaloo supports! We visit the traditional sites such as Turquoise Bay, Oyster Stacks and Lakeside, as well as taking the opportunity to snorkel from the kayaks where possible.
Camp at different, undeveloped beach camp sites in your very own 'million-star hotel' each night: enjoy the peaceful lapping of the waves, spectacular west coast sunsets and clear night skies.
Explore Cape Range National Park
Once in Exmouth we meet our Local Guides and get kitted out with all the gear needed for sea kayaking, snorkelling and camping over the next 4 days. We pack what we need for the 4 days into personal dry bags which are supplied, storing our main luggage for our return. Then it's a quick stop into the shops for any last minute supplies before heading out to Cape Range National Park (approx 55 minutes) to the launch spot for the beginning of our adventure.
After packing the kayaks with our gear, we’ll have a quick morning tea, look over the maps and charts of the area whilst talking about the plan for the next few days; and our guides will provide us with a paddle and safety briefing.
Then it's off the explore the wonders of Ningaloo.... whoo hooo! Today we'll cover about 9km in the kayaks (going with the prevailing breeze), and stop at a couple of our Guides' favourite snorkel sites, where you'll be amazed at the diversity of life on Ningaloo. We arrive at our wilderness beach camp site around 4pm in the afternoon, giving us time to set up our tents and have a quick dip before we dry off and settle in for some sundowners. A delicious dinner under the stars rounds out the day, before we settle in for a satisfying nights’ sleep.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Beach Camp
Today we paddle a beautiful stretch of Ningaloo coastline, encompassing some of the best shore-based snorkelling in the area. With 9kms to our campsite this afternoon, we can settle into the rhythms of nature and focus on immersing ourselves in the wonders of Ningaloo. Oyster Stacks and Turquoise Bay are 2 well-known sites that we will stop and snorkel along the way today, and we have other sites that we can snorkel from the kayaks if we feel like it too....the beauty of having a private group headed up by local and experienced guides who know the area like the back of their hand
During the paddle today, we'll also marvel at the stunning contrast between reef and range: the vivid turquoise waters, deserted sandy beaches and coral reef with the arid shrublands and ancient gorges of Cape Range: uniquely beautiful.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Beach Camp
Once out on the water, we have a total of 8kms to our camp tonight and we paddle out into the clear lagoon waters, looking for turtles and rays under our kayaks. This section of lagoon is also good for spotting dugong in season (April - August), so keep a look out! We've got one of our favourite snorkel sites saved for our last day, a beautiful shore-based site teeming with life. After a snorkel and lunch on the beach we have a few more kms of paddling until we reach our camp site for the night, a beautiful spot tucked amongst the sand dunes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Beach Camp
Today is the day when we swap our paddling gear for hiking gear, and head off with our daypacks to explore some of Cape Range National Park’s spectacular gorges and wildlife. Following morning tea, first stop is Mandu Mandu Gorge, where we take a 3km loop walk (we allow 1.5-2 hours here) that explores both the dry river bed and rim of this spectacular dry gorge: home to endangered black-flanked rock wallabies and lots of bird life. Marvel at the forces of nature that have carved this gorge over millennia, and look for fossilised corals beneath your feet.
We’ll then drive 20 minutes south to beautiful Yardie Creek and after enjoying a picnic lunch in the shaded picnic area here, head off to explore Yardie Gorge, the only permanent water source in the entire Cape Range National Park. The Yardie Gorge walk is a 2km return walk, along the edge of the only water-filled gorge in Cape Range, that takes about an hour. We may also see black-flanked rock wallabies here, as well as myriad bird life, including a massive osprey nest.
Both walks are optional; they require some rock scrambling, and have some steep, uneven sections of terrain. Our guides are on hand to provide assistance when necessary, and the walking pace is leisurely to accommodate all abilities, and optimize our wildlife-spotting and photography opportunities.
In the afternoon we begin the journey (approx. 1 hour) back into Exmouth town. If time allows, we’ll make a stop for a quick dip at stunning Sandy Bay on the way home and also take in the panoramic views of reef and range from the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. Once back in Exmouth, we are dropped off at our Resort accommodation at around 4pm, where we say goodbye to our guides.
Guaranteed we'll be buzzing with the amazing experience we've just had whilst exploring Ningaloo and Cape Range, and even though we may feel a tad weary, we'll feel energised and inspired by our Ningaloo memories.
Once we check into the resort, we'll have time to have a quick power rest, enjoy a hot shower and pop something on other than a bathers/sarong or hiking boots, before strolling across to the on-site restaurant for dinner at around 7.00pm
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Resort Accommodation
If you're after a Bucket List Adventure (Once in a Lifetime) then you can't beat swimming with the whale sharks and we can provide you with all the information you need to pre-book this experience, should you wish to share your day with other adventurous women who choose this option.
If you've been lucky enough to swim with the Whalesharks before, or it's not really your thing, then you may find another tour that suits your needs (we can provide more info on what's available). Otherwise, why not take a stroll into town, check out the shops, enjoy lunch at the brewery and chill out by the resort pool or take a nap ... possibilities are endless!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Resort Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
IMPORTANT NOTE ON FITNESS & SWIMMING ABILITY - PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING UP.
This kayaking component of this tour is suitable for women who are beginners and don’t have any previous kayaking experience OR those who love to kayak are experienced and just want to explore the pristine waters of Ningaloo Reef along with a group of like-minded women. Our Guides will teach kayaking techniques and safety on day one and will be able to provide support throughout.
Both of the walks in Cape Range National Park are "Optional" - They are of moderate difficulty, there are some steep sections that require some rock scrambling, but we take it slow, stopping for rest and photo breaks. Don't let the length of these walks fool you into thinking they are easy.
We recommend that you have a good base level of fitness, meaning that you are comfortable to be active all day in the outdoors. You're expected to help load gear into and out of the kayaks each day and set up camp each night... many hands make light work!
There is a maximum weight limit per person of 110kg in the kayak
Also, even though we will be wearing PDF's while kayaking you do need to be able to swim to participate in this tour.
This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, take each day in your stride and be mindful of your travelling companions.
We carry everything we need for a delicious meal and comfortable night’s sleep in our kayaks with us, and endeavour to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible, providing self-inflating mattresses, tents, sleeping bags and liners, inflatable pillows and camp chairs BUT IT IS REMOTE STYLE CAMPING. As our campsites are wilderness sites, they are completely un-developed and we are very careful to respect the fragile environment within which we are travelling; all of our waste is packed out with us.
We carry a portable toilet with us, and all of our fresh water is carried in the kayaks, so fresh water for washing is very limited - NO SHOWERS.
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
