Ningaloo Reef

I have been so flat out enjoying all the activities this region has to offer that I have had no time (or I am completely exhausted!) to write anything. We put mum on the plane back to the East Coast on Monday: after three weeks of travelling together in the motorhome it feels a little odd that she's left. However, her ugg boots are still sitting in the allocated spot, so she's still here in a way.

But let's rewind to last week....

The scenic flight over Coral Bay was sensational, even if I did get a little airsick when the pilot spiralled down for us to get a better look at the humpback whales cruising up the coast on the outside of Ningaloo Reef. There were Manta Rays galore, which we were to swim with when out on our sailing trip the next day! The contrasting colours of brilliant blue water and desert sand was striking, as well as the endlessness of the terrain. The Ningaloo Reef stretches for 260kms and is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world.

Manta Rays

Ningaloo Reef

The 30 minute flight gave us a good view of the town, Coral Bay, as well as the marina and Shore Thing, the sailing catamaran that will be our home for the next three nights.

 Coral Bay

Coral Bay Marina (Shore Thing lower right)

 

 

Last Tuesday saw us embarking on Shore Thing, a 51 foot well-appointed catamaran which Gary is the skipper, and mum and I get to see what has been his backyard for the last three months. Luke and Lannie, owners of the vessel and company Sail Ningaloo kindly had us on board with five other guests from Sydney, USA and Wagga Wagga.  

 

 

 

It was an action packed itinerary that included plenty of snorkelling, a manta ray and green turtle swim, a beach excursion, plenty of fine dining and a little book reading time. The abundance and variety of coral and fish are amazing. I have snorkelled a lot of places in the world and the Ningaloo Reef really is nature at its best. There is so much to look at, and can all be viewed by snorkelling. Sensational. I even got mum in for a look, even if it was a little choppy on this occasion with a fair bit of current.

We had a fabulous time on board, so thank you to Kirsten the cook, Alex the snorkelling guide, and of course Gary the skipper. Plus, the other guests who also made the trip very enjoyable.