Eco Abrolhos Cruises offer a variety of tours.
Departing from Geraldton, we offer 5 day tours to the Abrolhos Islands, and 1.5 hour cray pot pull tours based in Geraldton Harbour.
THE ABROLHOS ISLANDS
Situated in the southern stream of the Leeuwin, the Houtmann Abrolhos Islands have a unique eco-system that is home to some of the world’s most important wild life. The 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.
The Eco Abrolhos is a 35m long catamaran that is 12m wide. It has 4 levels with a huge passenger to floor space ratio. Accommodation is for up to 32 guests in 17 twin share cabins, all with en-suites. It is the vessel that is used for the Abrolhos Islands 5 Day tours and the Kimberley 14 day tours.
There is a large dining and lounge area with a saloon bar and a top deck which supplies 360 degree views of The Abrolhos Islands. The deck has covered and open areas, a central bar and slide opening weather screens on 3 sides. This is also the place to sit on a stool and overlook the bow as the Eco travels along, whether it be whale and dolphin watching or passing the stunning coral reefs and sandy beaches. Alternatively relax on the sun lounges with a book, enjoy alfresco dining, lie back on the couch and enjoy the surroundings or sip champagne at sunset whilst watching The Abrolhos Islands come alive with all its colour and glory!
The King Diver is an in-survey 12m vessel that is perfect for a large range of activities. It is used both as a support tender/fishing vessel at the Abrolhos Islands and for the Geraldton based Cray pot pulls. With its enclosed wheel- house, toilet facilities, rear covered deck area and roll up clear sides, it is suitable in any weather conditions
Our 5 day tours are absolutely the best way to experience the extraordinary Abrolhos Islands. The 5 day tour gives guests a broad cross section of all the Abrolhos Islands have to offer.
There are 3 options of boat out - boat back , fly out - boat back or boat out - fly back. Options are available depending on the tour date.
Discovery tours are also available in the 5 day format featuring local Geraldton Historian and author Dr. Howard Gray. All 3 groups in the Abrolhos Islands are visited during the 5 day tours.
Activities during the 5 days tours can include:
Islands walks
Snorkelling
Fishing
Daily cray pot pulling
Swimming
Bird, Sea lion and wildlife watching
Sunset drinks
Glass bottom boat tours
History tours
Pearl farm tours
Cray fishing industry tours
Hatchery tour
Two of the highlights on our 5 day Abrolhos Islands Tour are a Pearl Farm tour and a Pearl Shell Hatchery Tour.
What makes these Pearl Farms so special is that they produce black pearls. There are at present two working black pearl farms at the Abrolhos Islands and both are owned and run by women from Geraldton. The first is Pia Boschetti who owns Lattitude Gallery in Geraldton. The second is Jane Liddon who owns Liddon Pearls, both having their pearl farms located in the Southern Group of the Abrolhos Islands.
The tour typically starts with a drive past the pearl lines in the tenders on the way into the islands so the guests can see the pearl panels hanging just under the surface. Once on the island there is a walk around the farm having a look at all the equipment and the workshops, followed by an informative talk on the processes of hatching the pearl shell right through to harvesting the pearl.
After the tour guests are able to go into the studio to see all the cultivated pearls and pearl jewellery for sale as well as a great selection of other hand-made merchandise. This part is super popular with the ladies while the men typically enjoy wandering around the boats, jetties and a very large whale bone monument outside.
The Hatchery is owned by Pia's husband Murray and is located in the Central/Easter Group. From the outside it looks like another cray fishing camp but inside it is a state-of-the-art marine hatchery. Aside from pearl shell, Murray cultivates many other marine organisms such as sponges, scallops, and urchins. The best part of the tour is top secret and whilst we can venture inside to have a look, photography is strictly prohibited.
Both tours give guests an amazing insight into other industries at the islands (aside from crayfishing) that many did not know existed.
At this time, both these tours are seasonal and only available as part of the Eco Abrolhos's 5-Day Abrolhos Islands tour.
Discover the Secrets of catching Lobsters. Enjoy an exciting morning on board the KING DIVER!
The King Diver is a purpose built 12m Cray Fishing vessel. It has an enclosed wheelhouse, toilet facilities, an enclosed rear deck area and roll-up clear sides. This makes it perfect for any weather conditions.
Watch fisherman pull and set crayfish/lobster pots around the pristine Geraldton waters and learn more about the industry and its history.
This 1.5 hour tour is limited to 12 passengers to ensure a more personalised experience for you. We have 12 pots available for our use. You will help gauge and size the lobsters caught – it’s a real “all hands on deck” experience!
Then you can look forward to taking home a share of the catch. Watch out for the local sea lions and enjoy the views of the Geraldton foreshore and Point Moore Lighthouse.
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Saturday and Sunday: Closed