While the Kimberley Coast might be the most instantly recognisable expedition cruising destination in Western Australia, the lesser-known Houtman Abrolhos Islands should also be on any adventure traveller’s bucket list!
Located approximately 70 kilometres off the coast of Geraldton (around 400 kilometres north of Perth), the Abrolhos abound with natural wonders, spectacular marine and bird life and nautical history. Consisting of 122 islands, travellers can enjoy diverse experiences in the Abrolhos, from swimming up close to Australian sea lions, meeting the local crayfisherman, and some great snorkelling over pristine coral reefs and the wreck of the legendary Batavia.
Perhaps the best way to experience the Abrolhos Islands is on a five-day cruise with Eco Abrolhos Cruises. When you explore this region aboard the classic catamaran Eco Abrolhos you’ll cruise in a group of no more than 32 travellers, while being expertly looked after by a team of locals who will make sure you experience the best that these rarely-visited islands have to offer.
There’s five grades of accommodation to choose from aboard Eco Abrolhos, starting with the budget-conscious Lower Deck cabins up to the top-of-the-range King Bed Deluxe Staterooms. There’s also plenty of deck space, including the Top Deck Lounge which offers panoramic views and a spacious dining room.
Cruises operate over the summer months, and usually sell out well in advance, however we do have a small number of cabins available for the coming 2023/24 season, making it an ideal time for you to experience the incredible Abrolhos Islands for yourself.
5-Day Abrolhos Islands Highlights
Experience Marine Life
The Abrolhos Islands lie in the flowing Leeuwin current which provides the perfect environment for spectacular coral outcrops and marine life. Watch the Australian sea lions frolic in the waters alongside bottle nose dolphins and huge Samson fish.
Sea Bird Sanctuary
The birdlife is amazing with over 90 specific and rare species identified and often cited as the world’s most important sea bird breeding colony. September and October is the peak breeding season and the best time to witness hatchlings.
Whale Of A Time
Migratory whales such as the humpback whale, are frequent visitors and can often be seen breaching, and at play in the warm waters and are a site to behold. Whales typically migrate for breeding in the months from May through December.
Dive Into History
Discover the fascinating and gruesome history of the Batavia shipwreck - the mutiny, the savagery, the maritime skill, and the rescue. Eco Abrolhos will visit up to four different locations!
Discover Island Culture
Learn about the rich history based around Crayfishing and fishing, visit the fishing camps and meet the locals. Try your hand at catching the iconic Baldchin Groper!
Seafood Bounty
Eco Abrolhos's onboard chef prepares the freshly caught local crayfish and reef fish for you to enjoy. Eco Abrolhos serves buffet style meals and dietary requirements can be catered for.
To book your Abrolhos Islands eco-cruise give the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80.
2023 / 24 Abrolhos Islands Schedule
Itinerary Details
To allow for maximum time in the Abrolhos, on most cruises you will cruise from Geraldton to the Abrolhos at the start of the itinerary, and then fly back to Geraldton at the conclusion (or vice versa). See details against each departure date.
This 5-day Abrolhos Islands expedition is the ultimate way to explore and experience the very best of the Abrolhos Islands. From sunrise to well after sunset your days will be filled with a variety of activities. Each expedition is tailor made to make the best of the weather, tidal and seasonal conditions.
Availability shown below is accurate as at 03 August 2023.
26 to 30 September 2023
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,265 per person
Single Traveller: $3,685 per person
03 to 08 October 2023
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,410 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,265 per person
Single Traveller: $3,685 per person
10 to 14 October 2023
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,410 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,265 per person
Single Traveller: $3,685 per person
17 to 22 October 2023 – Astronomy Cruise
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
Learn about the night sky on this themed cruise. The Guest speaker will take you on a Stargazing Space Adventure.
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,530 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,015 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,385 per person
Single Traveller: $3,805 per person
24 to 28 October 2023
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,530 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,015 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,385 per person
Single Traveller: $3,805 per person
01 to 06 February 2024 - SPECIAL
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,530 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,015 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,385 per person
Single Traveller: $3,805 per person
08 to 12 February 2024 - SPECIAL
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,410 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $3,895 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,265 per person
Single Traveller: $3,685 per person
15 to 20 February 2024 – WA Wine & Seafood - SPECIAL
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
Sample WA Wine & local Seafood on this culinary themed cruise.
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,630 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,115 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,485 per person
Single Traveller: $3,905 per person
22 to 26 February 2024 - SPECIAL
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,530 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,015 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,385 per person
Single Traveller: $3,805 per person
28 February to 03 March 2024 - SPECIAL
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,410 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $3,895 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,265 per person
Single Traveller: $3,685 per person
06 to 11 March 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,710 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,170 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,510 per person
Single Traveller: $3,950 per person
13 to 17 March 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,960 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,420 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,760 per person
Single Traveller: $4,200 per person
19 to 23 March 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,710 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,170 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,510 per person
Single Traveller: $3,950 per person
26 to 31 March 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,710 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,170 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,510 per person
Single Traveller: $3,950 per person
02 to 06 April 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,710 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,170 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,510 per person
Single Traveller: $3,950 per person
08 to 13 April 2024 - Pearls & Plates (Extra Day)
6 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
Includes a special long table lunch.
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $5,960 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $5,310 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $4,515 per person
Single Traveller: $5,040 per person
16 to 21 April 2024
5 Days from Geraldton | Cruise out / Fly back
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $4,710 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $4,170 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $3,510 per person
Single Traveller: $3,950 per person
08 to 13 April 2024 – ANZAC Discovery Tour (Extra Day)
6 Days from Geraldton | Fly out / Cruise back
Coincides with ANZAC Day and includes a special long table lunch.
King Bed Deluxe Cabin
Twin Share: $6,300 per person
Queen / Double Stateroom
Twin Share: $5,650 per person
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin Share: $4,855 per person
Single Traveller: $5,380 per person
To book your Abrolhos Islands eco-cruise give the expert team at Expedition Cruise Specialists a call today on 1800 90 20 80.
Discover more about the small ship Eco Abrolhos
See the Abrolhos Islands Cruise Itinerary
Abrolhos Islands Cruise Review
See what Steve H from Perth thought of this expedition:
“I can’t recommend this trip enough. I’ve done four small ship expeditions off the WA coast and this one was the best. The boat is the perfect size for the Abrolhos. Big enough to be stable and comfortable but small enough to get in and out of all the best places. So many activities every day and different options. Snorkel. Fish. Walk. Pull the cray pots. History tour. Take it easy and read a book. It’s up to you how much you lean in or out of the experience. What was an absolute standout was the skipper’s knowledge of the area - having lived and worked there his whole life - which have the whole trip an intimate insider perspective on the history and life on the islands. Brilliant crew who looked after us and made sure that we got the most out of every experience. Did I mention that I got to dive the 400 year old Batavia wreck?”
