22 Aug 2024

Wildlife galore at Adele Island

Our Kimberley Explorer voyage was well and truly underway with a Zodiac cruise to a remote offshore sand cave on Adele Island, 97 kilometres from the nearest land. Adele Island was discovered by French explorer Nicolas Thomas Baudin in 1801 and was declared a Nature Reserve in 2001. The island is home to thousands of breeding shore birds and a stopping point for many migratory sea birds. 

Enjoying a rewarding Zodiac cruise, we observed Brown and Masked Boobies, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Pied Oystercatchers, Great Egrets, Silver Gulls, Pelicans and several small waders. The surrounding reef hosts an array of marine life, including Eagle Rays, Turtles and Hammerhead Sharks, and the highlight for many was witnessing a large crocodile in the water of the lagoon, then haul itself onto the reef for all to admire.

Afterwards, we spent a leisurely afternoon on board and enjoyed the Captain’s Welcome and dinner. 

Images © S. Bradley, Heritage Expeditions