Whale Sharks of the Wild West

Transcription

1 Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia: Whale Sharks of the Wild West 4 nights, May 2013 When only a few feet of water separates you from the world s largest fish, you ll know you ve arrived in Western Australia. Twice a year, enormous whale sharks migrate through the coral sanctuary of Ningaloo Reef. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef camp takes the pulse of this ecological phenomenon, giving you the opportunity to slip under the waves with whale sharks and their underwater mates, including dugongs, rays, and turtles.

2 Your Host in Western Australia Only 50 meters away from the shores of the Indian Ocean, Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef brings style and luxury to the Cape Range National Park in Western Australia. Accommodation is in nine freestanding tents on raised platforms. The camp has been structured with the fragile environment of Cape Range National Park in mind, placing a premium on minimal impact with amenities such as state-of-the-art composting toilets and solar hot water showers. Activities providing access to the reef and its inhabitants are paramount to the experience. On the coast, guided walks are led through Cape Range National Park s dunes and canyons. Included in your four-night stay: Selected drinks from the bar; National Park entry fees; Scheduled activities such as guided snorkel trips, kayaking, gorge walks, and use of snorkeling gear; Whale shark swim amenities, including hotel transfers, use of wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins, and spotter aircraft to locate whale sharks. Note: If whale shark swim is cancelled due to bad weather, a full refund will be paid, or guests can rebook for the next day on a shared cruise.

3 Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia: Whale Sharks of the Wild West Please refer to specific hotel descriptions for a full review of inclusions. Saturday, 11 May: Fly from Sydney to Perth, Western Australia (please note: cost of this flight is not included in itinerary. Guests have the option of a private transfer to the Sydney airport at extra cost). Once in Perth, transfer and connect to Exmouth s Learmonth Airport (please note: cost of this flight is not included in itinerary). Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, about a 90-minute drive in a shared shuttle. Settle into your beachside luxury tent. Sunday, 12 May: An array of activities are designed to enhance your appreciation of Western Australia. With the UNESCO World Heritage Area of the Ningaloo Coast just a few steps away, you may take to the sea by kayak or drift offshore on a snorkeling excursion. Guided walks take you through the gorges of Cape Range National Park, home to kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and goannas.

4 Monday, 13 May: The beauty of the Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park invites further exploration. Indulge in more activities, or help yourself to a book from the reference library to gain understanding of the area s biodiversity. Tuesday, 14 May: You set out today to encounter the whale shark, the world s largest fish, on its own turf. Guests are welcome to take the day at their own pace, and do not need to take to the water each time there is a whale shark. The whale shark is continually moving, so swimming is required the entire time during your interaction. All participants should be confident swimmers, able to swim the freestyle stroke, and comfortable with snorkeling. The whale sharks are in the open ocean, so you may be required to swim in current and swell. Government regulations allow a maximum of 60 minutes swimming with one shark, with a maximum of 10 people in the water at any one time with the whale shark. The duration of each swim is completely determined by the fish; if the whale shark dives, a spotter plane will be sent to search for another. Wednesday, 15 May: Transfer from Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef to Exmouth s Learmonth Airport in time for your departure flight.

5 Costs and Inclusions Each of 2 travellers, twin share, per person: Each of 4 travellers, twin share, per person: Single supplement, minimum 2 travellers: Single traveller: AU$3545 AU$3545 AU$1452 AU$4997 Sydney Transfers Departure Transfer from Sydney Hotel to Sydney Airport, optional arrangement $120 per sedan-sized vehicle for up to 3 guests with luggage $150 per Tarago-sized vehicle for up to 5 guests with luggage Guided Price Domestic Flights Sydney Perth Exmouth Perth Sydney This route is operated by Qantas, JetStar and Virgin Australia. Economy class fares begin at AU$500 one way, per person. A $50 per person booking fee will apply to our arranging domestic flights. Inclusions: Accommodation on a twin/double share basis Touring, transfers, and meals as detailed in above itinerary summary Exclusions: Scheduled flights: Sydney/Perth/Exmouth/Perth/Sydney Flights comprehensive travel insurance Meals and bar, unless otherwise specified Laundry, gratuities and items of a personal nature Terms and Conditions Rooms will be held for this tour until 11 March 2013, so book now to ensure your trip. A 30% deposit will be required to secure a room reservation. Cancellation of travel arrangements will be subject to the following penalties: More than 60 days: forfeit of deposit Between 30 and 60 days: 50% of land cost (including charter flights) Less than 30 days: no refund on land cost (including charter flights)