The marine life along the Exmouth and Ningaloo coastline is among the richest in the world. In fact, there is something happening year-round in these waters - turtle sightings, manta rays, dugongs, coral viewing, adventure sailing and scuba diving. But the main event occurs from mid-March to mid-June each year when whale sharks, the world's biggest fish species, appear in large numbers in the Ningaloo Marine Park, attracting visitors from all over the world to take an Australian sailing vacation.

Sweeping white beaches are a feature of the Batavia Coast which encompasses the coastal stretch from Dongara, through Geraldton and Kalbarri, and includes the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, known for their clear water, coral reefs and historic shipwrecks that provide scuba divers with a number of adventure sailing and cruise options. The Batavia Coast was the site of the first landing of Europeans in Australia, long before Captain James Cook was born. The seaside resort town of Kalbarri has great fishing, rugged coastal cliffs and secluded beaches for safe swimming.

Ningaloo Reef... Swimming with the world's largest fish is just one of the awesome experiences available in the north west of Western Australia. For many visitors, it is a once in a lifetime thrill and the highlight of their sailing vacation.

From April until June whale shark adventure sailing tours operate out of Coral Bay or Exmouth on the Coral Coast, about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth. Flights to nearby Learmonth airport operate from Perth but driving to both towns is easy with quality roads including the Brand and North West Coastal Highways offering plenty of caravanning and roadhouse stops.

Coral Bay is the southern gateway to the Ningaloo Reef and offers idyllic family vacations that are able to be combined with an adventure sailing vacation that visits Ningaloo Reef. The calm sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, while just 20 metres from shore lies the State's largest coral reef and a large variety of colourful tropical fish. Snorkelling equipment is available for hire from nearby dive shops, or there are glass bottom boats operating daily tours. Snorkelling, a sailing cruise and scuba diving cruises to the outer reef are also available and can be incorporated into an adventure sailing vacation... also see scuba diving trips.

March is a good time to visit Coral Bay on a sailing vacation, if for no other reason than to witness the unique natural phenomena of coral spawning. This event takes place over three nights beginning a week or so after the full moon during March and April... Each night , many species of coral suddenly release millions of bright pink egg and sperm bundles which float to the surface of the water, as though engaging in a spectacular underwater dance.

It's little wonder that the awesome fishing conditions attract a large number of visitors on adventure sailing cruise vacations... Beach fishing areas are easy to get to, while deep sea and game fishing charters are available... see Saltwater fishing charter. Coral Bay relies heavily on tourism and offers all levels of accommodation form caravan and camping to resort style apartments overlooking the beach.

Exmouth... Just 150 kilometres to the north is the larger town of Exmouth, a great base from which to explore the nearby marine and land based natural attractions as well as being one of the main departure points for sailing vacations or scuba diving trips to the Ningaloo Reef. As the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park, Exmouth boasts diving and snorkelling conditions that have been rated amongst the world's best. LIke Coral Bay, there are plenty of adventure sailing vacations, snorkelling, diving and fishing tours available, as well as many calm and sheltered swimming beaches.

To the south of the town is the amazing Cape Range National Park where you can experience spectacular gorges, in season wildflowers and amazing wildlife. There are four wheel drive tours available from Exmouth or the adventurous can camp or stay in unique safari style accommodation. Entry and camping fees apply.

The Abrolhos Islands... These islands with their rich flora and fauna and surrounding coral reef communities, form one of Western Australia's unique marine areas and is a popular destination for sailing vacations and a well known scuba diving location.

The Abrolhos Islands lie about 60 kilometres west of Geraldton, on the Western Australian coast, and consist of 122 islands clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi Group, Easter Group and Pelsaert Group, which extend from north to south across 100 kilometres of ocean providing many adventure sailing cruise opportunities.

The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds. The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometres and is home to many species, some as yet to be named. The unique wildlife and pristine beaches make for excellent swimming, snorkelling and beach walking. The Abrolhos Islands provide idyllic surroundings for a quiet picnic on the beach, or an afternoon of adventure sailing or snorkelling over coral gardens just under the surface.

The warm southern flowing current creates a marine environment that breeds both tropical and temperate sea life. The current maintains water temperatures at about 20 - 22 degrees allowing corals, sea grasses, tropical fish and other sea life to thrive in an area they wouldn't normally be found. These islands are also the home of more than 90 species of sea birds making it a recognised birding destination for bird enthusiasts on sailing vacations..

The Abrolhos Islands is the main source of supply for Western Australia’s rock lobster fishing industry. Home to fisherman from March until June, the Abrolhos remains almost deserted for the other eight months of the year.

The Abrolhos are also famous for their historic shipwrecks, the best known being the Dutch East India Company vessel Batavia, which ran aground in 1629.The water surrounding the islands is the graveyard to 18 other wrecks, mostly believed to be from the 19th century.

Visitors can access these pristine islands on sailing vacations, by charter boat, fishing and eco boat tours from Geraldton and Kalbarri, float plane tours from Geraldton, and aerial tours from Dongara, Geraldton and Kalbarri.