11 Aug 2023

Hitting It Off with the White Sand Shores of Hidden Island

Our fourth Kimberley Explorer voyage of the season was off to an epic start as Humpback Whales interrupted each conversation on Heritage Adventurer as we sailed towards Hidden Island. Females with calves would graze the surface of the water and often, one dorsal fin and blow was mirrored with a smaller version as we marvelled at the whale nursery we found ourselves in.

After our safety debriefing, we anchored just off the shores from Hidden Island. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Dining Room, gazing out the windows and admiring the shores of the island for the adventures yet to come. Some unexpected entertainment started circling our trusty expedition vessel with four young men on a boat wearing little more than sunscreen.

Most of us were keen for the longer Zodiac cruise, and today's 3-hour voyage revealed incredible wildlife around the rocky sandstone shores of the island. A large Saltwater Crocodile was found sunning itself on the beach while Northern Rosellas and Little Corellas flew overhead. Green Sea Turtles bobbed up for a breath near our Zodiacs and cruised near the surface giving everyone a nice view of their unique shells. We also admired the architecture of the dark termite mounds which dotted the shore.

After the cruise we dipped our toes in the saltwater for the first time and came ashore on the smooth silica beach of Hidden Island before we were welcomed with juice and mimosas on the beach. We enjoyed the opportunity to explore the island at our leisure, peeking at Tortoise Beetles on the beach Morning Glory, taking a closer look at the quartz-crusted sandstone, or having a rest to enjoy this magnificent place.

During the evening we were treated to the Captain's Welcome Dinner and an introduction to the brilliant staff behind the scenes to cap off our first expedition day and everyone was left buzzing as we recounted our adventures so far.

Image (c) by C.Finch