Ningaloo
(Western Australia)
May 23-31, 2024
Join Us as we explore beautiful Ningaloo, Western Australia, the world's longest fringing reef and one of the best places on Earth to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and humpbacks.
The Ningaloo Reef in Australia’s North West is the world’s longest fringing reef system and offers some of the best opportunities for underwater photography anywhere in the world. The reef runs along the North West Cape, which is the closest point to where the western part of Australian continent meets the continental shelf.
The reef’s remoteness, the mixing of oceanic currents, and the strong protection it receives as one of the largest marine parks in Australia mean that it is one of the best places to encounter marine megafauna. Pilot Whales, Minke Whales, dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, orcas and other 'big' animals appear sporadically throughout May - anything can happen on Ningaloo Reef!
Trip Details
This trip is a land-based trip based in Exmouth, Australia. It is a combination trip of snorkeling (with the whale sharks) and diving in Ningaloo Reef and the surrounding area.
Planned Itinerary
Day 1 - Thurs. May 23rd - Domestic flight to Exmouth. Arrive and settle into Accommodation in Exmouth.
Day 2 - Fri. May 24th - Whale Shark Swim
Day 3 - Sat. May 25th - Muiron/Outer Reef: Diving (2 dives)
Day 4 - Sun. May 26th- Whale Shark Swim
Day 5 - Mon. May 27th - Cape Range National Park Tour (land-based day)
Day 6 - Tues. May 28th - Ningaloo Reef: Diving/Manta Rays (2 dives)
Day 7 - Wed. May 29th- Muiron/Outer Reef: Diving (2 dives)
Day 8 - Thurs. May 30th- Whale Shark Swim
Day 9 - Fri. May 31st - Check out of resort and catch domestic flights.
Getting to Western Australia
From North America, Europe, Asia:
Our hub for this trip is Exmouth, Australia. The closest international gateway is Perth, Australia. Other options include flying into Sydney or Melbourne. Once you arrive in Australia, you'll catch a domestic flight to Exmouth, Australia. The airport code for Exmouth is LEA.
Within Australia:
Domestic flights to Exmouth, WA from your home departure city.
Domestic flights: Currently there are a few flight options on Qantas:
Arrival May 23, 2024
QF 1602 PER-LEA 7am-9am
QF 1052 MEL-LEA 9:35am-12:30pm (Thur-Sun only)
Departure May 31, 2024
QF 1603 LEA-PER 1:55pm-3:45pm
QF 1503 LEA-MEL 1:20pm-7:35pm (Thu, Sun only)
Exclusions
International and domestic flights
Dinners (two) the nights we go to explore the local area i.e Whalebone Brewery and Adrift Cafe.
Breakfast. The rooms are self-contained apartments.
Cab/Uber rides around Exmouth or personal rental car
Transportation to/from Exmouth airport
Alcoholic drinks
Dive Insurance & Travel Insurance
Nitrox
Gratuities
Dates
May 23-31, 2024
Duration: 8 nights/ 9 days
Package Cost: Per Person in USD, various occupancy options below.
We'll be staying at the lovely Exmouth Escape Resort in Exmouth, WA, Australia. We'll be in the vlillas which consist of 2 bedrooms and a loft area. There is one master bedroom with a queen bed with attached bathroom, a second bedroom with a queen bed, and a loft with 2 single beds. There is a 2nd separate bathroom which will be shared with the second bedroom and loft guests. The villas can sleep up to 6 people. Each villa has a a gourmet kitchen, dining area, living area w/tv, and an outside patio area, as well as Internet and A/C throughout.
Villa Loft with single beds (double occupancy- 2ppl) $2700 USD per person
Villa Loft with single beds (single occupancy- 1 person), $2850 USD per person
Villa one bedroom with queen bed (double occupancy) $3000 USD per person
Villa one bedroom with queen bed (single occupancy) $3800 USD per person
Inclusions
6 dives at Ningaloo Reef and Muiron Reefs (snorkeling is also an option)
3 whale shark swims - bonus!
1 day touring Cape Range National Park includes fees
Snorkel with the manta rays between dives (opportunistic)
All scuba diving gear is included for the scuba dive days
High quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (3mm & 5mm options) available for the whale shark swims
Dive (Instructors and Divemasters) and Snorkel guides
Private Vessel Charter for our group.
Complementary transfers from accommodation to the dive shop Exmouth.
6 Dinners at the delicious Whalers Restaurant - https://www.whalersrestaurant.com.au/
Fresh buffet lunch, drinks and snacks on vessel days
Morning and afternoon tea on vessel days
Presentations on marine wildlife – manta rays and whale sharks
Travel and explore with a marine biologist and a travel/educational expert
Photography and editing advice provided.
Max 20 guests including group leaders
Friendly, inclusive, and fun atmosphere with experienced group leaders Kim & Amanda.
How to Secure Your Spot:
Please note that this trip has limited spots, so you will need to get in quick to secure your booking. The following payments will be required:
$700 USD per person to secure your spot (due at booking)
2nd Deposit: 35% of package due November 10, 2023
Remaining balance due February 10, 2024
We will be in touch via e-mail to provide individual invoices and payment details. We would recommend purchasing your flights into Perth, Australia as soon as possible to secure reasonably priced flights.
To book and check for available spaces email: info@designedforscuba.com
Terms and Conditions
Designed for Scuba LLC highly recommends you purchase travel and dive insurance as soon as possible after confirming your travel plans.
Evidence of adequate travel and dive insurance must be provided prior to departure.
Bookings made more than 100 days out from the start of a trip require a deposit of $800 US per passenger to secure your booking. The remaining payments dates will be listed on the invoice.
All deposit/s are non-refundable.
Bookings made less than 100 days out from trip commencement require payment in full to secure your booking.
Payment in full is required 100 days out from the start of the trip. We will email you a final payment reminder. No refunds will be given within 100 days of the start of any trip, under any circumstances.
If you cancel your spot more than 100 days before the start of a trip, and we are able to resell/fill the spot, a trip credit for your remaining balance (minus the initial deposit) will be issued for use on another Designed for Scuba, LLC trip within 2 years of the cancellation.
If you cancel your spot less than 99 days prior to the start of a trip, no refund or credit will be issued for deposits that have been paid.
If our In-Country Providers cancel or if aForce Majeure Event occurs, meaning any act of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood or any other extreme weather conditions, loss of power, epidemics or pandemics, industrial disputes, slow-downs or other strike activities, riots or civil disturbances, acts of government, semi government or other authorities, inability to obtain any necessary license or consent and delays caused by sub-contractors, suppliers or other third parties (including telecommunications carriers), material shortages or other disruption to the trip beyond our control, Designed for Diving shall not be held responsible for matters outside of our control or any failure to deliver the trip.
Please ensure you understand our cancellation policy prior to providing any money and agreeing to the booking and trip.