Shark Bay Eco Tours Dive Shark Bay (Snorkelers/Observers)

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Join the full day dive boat from Denham to Steep Point, the westernmost point of Australia, as a snorkeller or observer. Run by Shark Bay Eco Tours, the first and only PADI Dive Centre in Shark Bay.

Days

Full day, about 8 hours

Group size

Small group, max 10 divers

Start / finish

Denham / Denham

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Dive boat from Denham

Meals

Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and soft drinks

Route

Map of Shark Bay Eco Tours Dive Shark Bay (Snorkelers/Observers)

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Included experiences

Steep Point — full day on the dive boat
Shark Bay marine park — snorkelling
Wildlife spotting — turtles, dolphins and dugongs

Shark Bay Eco Tours Dive Shark Bay (Snorkelers/Observers)

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: DENHAM TO STEEP POINT

Check in at the Denham Commercial Jetty early in the morning for a safety briefing, then board Woomerangee, an 11-metre power catamaran, for a crossing of about an hour and a half. Denham is the most westerly town in Australia, named after Captain Henry Mangles Denham, who surveyed these waters in 1858. The run south takes you across the Shark Bay Marine Park, part of a World Heritage Area listed in 1991 for its seagrass meadows, among the largest on earth, and the dugongs that graze them. Morning tea is served on the way. This is a dive boat, so you share the day with up to 10 divers and travel with them all the way.

MID-MORNING: ON BOARD AT THE DIVE SITE

While the divers go down at about 10am, you stay aboard with the crew at a reef chosen on the day, with sites such as The Oven and The Dutchman among their regulars. From the deck you can watch the water around the boat: Queensland groupers, the largest bony fish found on coral reefs, live on these reefs, along with turtles, cuttlefish, rays and sharks. It's a front-row seat to how a dive day runs, with time to read, take photos and watch the swell roll in from the Indian Ocean. A warm layer helps on the open deck in winter.

MIDDAY: STEEP POINT

Between dives the boat runs along to Steep Point itself, conditions allowing, so you can see the westernmost tip of the Australian mainland from the water. Across South Passage lies Dirk Hartog Island, where the Dutch captain Dirk Hartog landed in 1616 and nailed a pewter plate to a post, the first recorded European landing on Australian soil. Ocean swell and the bay's sheltered water meet in this narrow channel, which is why fish gather here in such numbers. Lunch is served in sheltered water nearby.

AFTERNOON: SNORKEL, WILDLIFE AND BACK TO DENHAM

After lunch comes your best chance to get in the water yourself, with a snorkel to snorkel at one of the crew's favourite spots when the weather allows. If it doesn't, the crew cruises in search of wildlife instead: dolphins, turtles and dugongs live in the bay all year, and humpback whales pass through in the cooler months on their way north and back. The boat then turns for home, and you're back at the jetty in Denham in the middle of the afternoon, salty and well fed.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Denham Commercial Jetty.
Suits: Snorkellers and non-diving observers travelling with divers.
Dietary needs: Most dietary needs are catered for — list them when booking. Trace contamination can't be ruled out; let the operator know of severe allergies. You can also bring your own food.
Please note: All boat tours depend on the weather and minimum numbers. Dive and snorkel spots are chosen by the crew to suit the conditions.

What to bring

Hat and sunglasses
Swimwear
Towel
Camera or GoPro
A warm layer in winter

What is included

Full day boat trip to Steep Point
Snorkelling
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
Soft drinks and water
Sunscreen when available on board

Not included

Scuba diving
Alcoholic drinks, available to pre-purchase when booking
Seasickness medication

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.