Ningaloo Expeditions
Exmouth Gulf Safari
Be drawn further east with rare access to an untouched mangrove wilderness.
Exmouth Gulf - an untouched mangrove wilderness
An ecosystem trapped in time, the remote shores of Exmouth Gulf are a true wilderness frontier. Home to migratory birds, dugongs, sharks and rays. These systems have a daily heartbeat. The tide is thier life blood and it pushes in and out twice a day. We follow a tidal cycle up and down a mangrove creek and watch as these ecosystems transform infront of our eyes. Learn about the incredible adaptations of the creatures that live in an ever changing landscape.
What to BRING
-
Bathers and a towel
-
Lunch. If weather and timing allows, we will try to catch some fresh seafood for lunch, however it is best to bring your own lunch and snacks just incase
-
Water bottle. We have drinking water available on board and some cups, but recommend bringing your own water bottle.
-
Long sleeve pants, shirt and neck buff. We can experience a few little bities when we are deep in the mangroves including sandflies. While insect repellents work well, we recommend covering up as much as possible.
-
Spray jacket and jumper (even in summer, it is a good idea)
-
Binoculars
-
Camera. We recommend a good zoom 200+ if you have it as we don't want to disturb the wildlife we are watching
-
Seasickess tablets. While most of the day will be in calm sheltered waters, the journey across and back can be rough.
What to expect
Wildlife watching and cruising
Most of this expedition involves wildlife watching from the boat. We hope to see many birds including migratory waders, sea eagles and ospreys as well as being a chance of seeing dugongs, turtles and sharks.
A chance of some snorkeling
Swimming through a mangrove forest is a rare and wonderful experience, however, the tides that bring food and energy t these ecosystems, also have a habit of churning up the water and can impact our visibility. If we have good enough visibility, we will get in the water and swim through a mangrove forest, however, this is dependent upon conditions.
A bit of bumpy water, then some calm, then some bumpy...
It is about an hour's journey to our location for the day. This journey crosses the open stretches of Exmouth Gulf and can be bumpy at times. While it is generally only for an hour, you should be prepared for this part of the journey and may want to take a seasickness tablet. During the journey we often spot wildlife so keep your eyes open! Once we get to our location we expect a calm sheltered day in the many creeks and bays we will explore. At the end of the day we will have to make the voyage back across the gulf, this again will take about an hour and while it is generally calmer on the way home, it is highly weather dependent.
Fresh fish for lunch
If timing and weather allow, we will try our luck at catching some fresh fish for lunch. You should bring your own lunch and snacks as well (in case we don't get the chance to catch any fish), but if it lines up we will have fresh sashimi and BBQ fish for lunch to top up on what ever you bought with yourself. .
A full day of adventure!
Exact timings of our day will depend upon the weather, so we will tell you the day before what time we expect to start and finish, but as a rough estimate, we will generally launch around 7am and return around 2pm. These are big days on the water so you will get your moneys worth, but long days aren't for all explorers.
Is an Exmouth Gulf safari for me?
Exmouth Gulf Safaris show some of the most abundant and diverse wildlife. They are for naturalists, bird lovers and anyone who is keen on nature.
Mostly wildlife watching from the boat, with some chances to swim
While we will try get in for a swim and snorkel, there is no guarantee of this. If you are hoping to spend as much time as possible in the water, we recommend booking or Ningaloo Reef Safari.
1 hour of rough seas, then a day of wildlife watching in the calm
The journey across can be bumpy and may not be for everyone, please talk to us if you are unsure if this option is for you.
