16 Aug 2024

A stunning day at Ashmore Reef

Magical, calm offshore conditions greeted us at Ashmore Reef, with Heritage Adventurer anchored just off the channel with the best conditions so far this season. A low tide provided stunning snorkelling experiences over Coral Bommies, taking in all the colourful coral and fish easily viewed with little to no current, wind or waves. Overhead, there were many birds to admire. Frigatebirds soared, utilising their kleptomaniac ways to gain a feed of fish from the other seabird species. Terns, Boobies and Noddies flew by the Zodiacs at head height as well as in the vortex formation expending as little energy as possible whilst searching for food. 

A spectacular Zodiac cruise over the corals and into the lagoon showcased the variety of birds, stingrays and turtles skirting around in the shallows. There was a research vessel on the island looking at the invasive plant pests and trying to eradicate them to allow the native species to thrive. This offshore island, Ashmore Reef, is a significant part of Indonesia's history as the land is Indonesian and the waters are Australian. It is protected at the highest sanctuary level, and is a crucial island to the seabirds, both local and transient, as well as native plants.

After a fantastic day at this wildlife haven, we returned to Heritage Adventurer for a delicious dinner.

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions