Cruise Ningaloo, which kicked off its bareboat charter operation from the town of Exmouth, in northwest Australia, in 2015, offers Ningaloo Virgin, a 38-foot Leopard catamaran, for exploring the rugged and beautiful Muiron Islands Marine Management Area and waters of the protected Exmouth Gulf.
The region lies northeast of the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. Fishing, diving, snorkeling, surfing and beachcombing are the area’s popular pastimes.
Exmouth Gulf extends over 50 nautical miles from north to south and some 30 nautical miles across. Prevailing winds blow from the southwest for most of the year and occasionally from the east. Shelter can be found year-round among its islands or on either gulf shore. Average depths throughout the gulf are 30 to 45 feet, and anchorages are typically in six to 10 feet of water. The charter company has created a sail trail with moorings to help clients create itineraries of a week or longer.
The high season runs from March through October, when, among the diverse marine life, whale sharks flock to the region; tours are also available from the Ningaloo Reef. From June through August, the Exmouth Gulf fills with migrating humpback whales. Flights depart twice daily from Perth, Australia, for Exmouth.
The company plans to add a power cat to its fleet.
For more details, contact Cruise Ningaloo (www.cruiseningaloo.com.au).
