Montebello Islands Journey - Explore Kimberley

Following a short luxury van transfer from your accommodation or the airport in Karratha, located in Australia's North West, you will meet Eclipse in the Dampier Harbour.

Welcome aboard “Eclipse” in the early afternoon for your overnight cruise to the Montebello Islands.

Upon embarkation enjoy your vessel familiarisation, meeting the Eclipse crew and settle in to cocktail hour as the vessel sails into the developing sunset. A sumptuous dinner will be prepared by your onboard chef, accompanied by fine West Australian wines and a unique ocean dining experience to ensure you’re prepared for the coming week's adventure.

Wakeup in your island paradise, the Montebello Islands. This untouched archipelago comprises of over 170 islands, endless beaches, sheltered bays, and excellent coral reef.

Breakfast will be served in the outdoor alfresco area on the doorstep to your new island home. Then let the adventure begin with exploring the north-eastern islands of the Montebellos. Experience the history and beauty of Trimouille Island, and the many beaches and bays of the Stevenson Channel. The eastern reefs offer protected waters, amazing reef systems for snorkelling and action-packed fishing.

Located on the eastern coastline of the archipelago Pitt Point is another unique and protected anchorage with brilliant white sand beaches and close access to reef and fishing. Explore the shallow waters teeming with marine life around Primrose Island in the northern section of the Montebello’s archipelago.

Fish the northern shelf of the archipelago from our custom fishing tender or comb the rocks and beaches casting as you go. An action-packed day will be remembered over sunset beach drinks and a scrumptious seafood dinner prepared by our onboard chef.

Claret Bay is on the Southern end of the archipelago and is a unique sheltered anchorage. From this anchorage we can access Sherry Lagoon and the inner ecosystem of the Montebello Islands. Explore the crystal-clear inner mangrove systems of Willy Nilly Lagoon and why not harvest some delicious fresh oysters or a crayfish or two along the way.

The Montes have been identified as an internationally important bird area and support's a significant populations of fairy terns, roseate terns, and sooty oystercatchers. Other common species include greater crested terns, ospreys, white-bellied sea-eagles, pied oystercatchers, caspian terns and bridled terns. You also might be lucky enough to see beach stone-curlews.

After lunch the snorkellers and explorers will head off again. You may prefer to join our experienced fishing guides in search of fine table fish such as Spanish mackerel, red emperor, coral trout, trevally, and spangled emperor.

Turtle Lagoon on the western side of the Archipelago is another very sheltered anchorage. The lagoon offers access to the amazing western fringing reefs for fishing, surfing, and snorkelling. From here there are opportunity for bill fishing, trolling for Sailfish, Marlin, and mackerel off the western shelf.

Unique coastal mangroves and nutrient rich waters provide a favoured foraging spot for dugongs. The surrounding sandy beaches are popular nesting sites for green, hawksbill and flatback turtles.

Explore Chartreuse Bay and Alpha Island to see the nuclear crater, testing site and historical plaques.

A short cruise this morning will take us to the southeast corner of the islands and our stunning anchorage at Vodka Beach. Here we’ll go ashore to savour an idyllic setting – enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters or relax under the shade of our colourful umbrellas! Take a stand-up board for a paddle to explore the coastline.

Join our experienced fishing guides in search of fine table fish such as Spanish mackerel, red emperor, rankin cod, coral trout, trevally and spangled emperor or simply relax onboard and enjoy a swim over the white sand anchorage.

Relax on the beach all afternoon or head out on fishing or snorkelling adventures and a final sunset and beach cocktail with the Eclipse crew.

Onboard with everyone for a farewell dining experience under the stars in the coach roof. Enjoy a scrumptious degustation dinner paired with fine West Australian wines for a unique and memorable farewell experience.

Wake up on your arrival back in the Dampier Harbour.

Breakfast and farewells onboard before disembarking from Eclipse mid morning ahead of your short private van transfer back to your accomodation or the airport in Karratha.

Custom itinerary bookings are available upon request. T&C’s apply. All Cruises subject to availability and confirmed booking.