The Buccaneer
Archipelago

Fishing

Mudcrabbing

Oystering

Wildlife

Bushwalking

Swimming &
Snorkelling

THE BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO

The archipelago is where the rugged ranges of the Kimberley meet the ocean. The area boasts 1000 Islands, rugged gorges, spectacular waterways and untouched beaches.

An 11m tidal range combined with large rock structures, creates amazing whirlpools and white water at places such as the Horizontal Waterfalls, Hell’s Gate and the Yule entrance.

FISHING

The fish stocks in the Archipelago are virtually untouched. Types of fishing you can do and the fish you might catch:

Fishing in this area is governed by the tides and the time of year. When you book your trip, please ask about when the best tides are for the particular type of fishing you would like to do. We fish on a catch and release basis, only keeping enough for our immediate needs during the tour. You are assured of plenty of good feeds of top quality fresh fish.

We have available a good supply of fishing equipment for all of these types of fishing. Or you may wish to bring along your own special rod and reel. Your crew will be there to prepare your fishing rigs and help you while you fish. The deckhand will clean the fish and pass it on to the cook to prepare lunch or the evening’s meal.

Most of the fishing is done from the deck of UTOPIA, where there is ample room for everyone to drop a line. For the more adventurous fisherpersons, the deckhand will be happy to take you fishing in the tender.

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MUDCRABBING

There is nothing better than sitting down to a feast of freshly caught muddies. Crabbing is done using drop nets, baited by the crew. The pots are set using the tender and checked at regular intervals.

Everyone gets a turn to pull the nets (mind the claws). Back on Utopia, try some creek fishing or watch the crocodiles float past, pretending to be logs. Please note that some of the shorter trips do not have access to mudcrabbing.

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OYSTERING

If you have a taste for oysters, you will be in heaven up here. Large, clean oysters grow in abundance and can be picked off the rocks at low tide. Eat them straight off the rocks or take them back to the cook to prepare some oyster delights.

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WILDLIFE

There is always something to see for the nature lovers. If it's not a pod of dolphins surfing the bow wave of the boat, it's a humpback whale breastfeeding its calf. Crocodiles, turtles, dugongs, manta rays, sea birds, and coral reefs make for some spectacular viewing.

From August through to October, the humpback whales migrate from the cooler Southern waters to the warmer Kimberley waters. They come here to calve. We see whales quite often at these times of year and it is very rare to see one without a calf.

We cater for bird watchers, bushwalkers and botanists. Our onboard library includes many informative books on the wildlife of the area.

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BUSHWALKING

Go in search of ancient Aboriginal rock art, led by one of the crew.

The safaris visiting the Rivers provide a chance to do some gorge trekking, which is great fun.

For the more serious bushwalkers, we can arrange drop off and pick up points. There is always the chance to climb the hill behind the evenings camp for a better view of the area.

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SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING

Wake in the morning on an isolated beach and begin the day with a refreshing dip in the sea.

Visit the freshwater springs and waterfalls that flow into the ocean. Snorkel over a coral reef to view fish, clams and corals. Don't forget the bathing costumes and the suntan lotion. Just remember at all times that you are in crocodile country. Your crew will advise you where may swim and also where you should not.

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