WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE TRIP

This is a trip for those who love water. We will be getting wet almost every day, and in the latter half of the trip spending several hours a day in the ocean.

Otherwise, more than any other adventure we offer you will enjoy an itinerary that changes on a daily basis; one day we will be hiking up sand dunes to slide down them, the next we will be learning how a working sheep or cattle station runs, and the day after we will be out on a boat all day long.

Our days usually start early, and involve a number of activities, which is part of why we stay in comfortable hotels most nights. We break up the trip from Perth to Exmouth with memorable and interesting activities. However, there are still several hour long stretches of driving to reach the remote area that is home to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Ranges National Park.

While traveling in this method you will have the opportunity to appreciate the nature of the country in which we journey, a good book, and making friends with the group help to make the sometimes empty stretches pass more quickly.

Weather

The west coast of Australia will be in its autumn when we travel. There is generally stable weather, with daytime highs of around 70-75F, and nighttime lows of about 50F. There is usually sun for most of our trip.

When storms do come in at this time of year, they come with force, and may trap us in our hotel for the day. This is part of why we surround our time on the Whale Shark Boat with time to either side, allowing us to make the most of the weather and not have our trip ruined by one fall storm. Squalls can come up while we are on the boat, while this is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable if all you brought was a T-shirt.

Fitness Level

This trip can be enjoyed by almost anyone! If you regularly engage in some sort of physical labor or aerobic exercise at work or play, then this trip is possible for you.

You will be expected to load and unload your own gear, carry a light daypack, and participate in short day-hikes. Solid swimming skills are required, but a dive certificate is not necessary. Most of Ningaloo reef is experienced best through snorkeling; experience with snorkel gear is not required (but it is recommended to get the most out of this trip).

We will be swimming in the open ocean when interacting with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays, although we use a safety zodiac, comfort with your swimming ability in open water is the most important factor.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your physical ability and the demands of this trip please contact us and we will be glad to help you out.

Conservation

It has always been our motto that "we take only photographs and leave only footprints", and we hope that you will try to help us achieve our goal of keeping our impact to a minimum. Each environment that we travel in has specific environmental concerns and your guides will discuss these local issues and minimal impact practices on the trip. Fortunately for us, the nature of the accommodation we use means that we can keep our impact low with a minimum of effort on our part.

Boat Crew

The crew of the Takashi II are experienced sailors and dive instructors, who have worked the waters along Ningaloo Reef for many years. Captain Peter O'Halloran possesses one of the original CALM permits for commercial viewing of Whale Sharks. In addition to this standard crew, we may be able to arrange for a videographer to accompany our trip, and make a video of our incredible day.

Eating and Drinking

The menu is designed for variety and to cater to different tastes, and is probably much like you would eat at home. Traditional Australian fare is adapted from English cuisine and is similar to American meals. Obviously, the seafood available to us at restaurants should be outstanding.

We can work with the restaurants we eat at and our local guides to handle most dietary concerns. Unfortunately Kosher, and Vegan diets are difficult to arrange on this trip. Our past clients have been pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety of meals to be had.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour cost. The Australian Pub is an important part of Aussie Culture so there will be ample opportunities to visit bars and purchase alcohol.

Medical Matters

Your guides will carry a comprehensive medical kit for any accidents that may occur. It is your responsibility to bring sufficient quantities of any specific medications you require.

Please advise the guides of medications you will be carrying. Advise us of any side effects of any medication you take and of any dietary requirements related to taking them. Be sure to let your group leader know of any drugs to which you are allergic. You will be isolated from modern medical facilities, so attention to medical matters is vital.

Vaccinations

Generally speaking, there are no specific vaccinations required for travel to Australia, however it is always wise to consult your doctor or Travelers medical center. Due to the chance of cuts and scratches on the trail, we strongly advise that you be up to date with your Tetanus vaccine.

Dental

Due to the remoteness of our trips it is advisable to have a check-up before departure.