KANGAROO ISLAND Majestic Whale Encounters Private Small Group Tour
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"A sanctuary for wildlife and natural, rugged beauty. With its raw and rugged coastline, impeccably clear waters, natural wonders and wildlife, Kangaroo Island is known as nature's playground. As you step off onto the island, it's impossible not to relax"
WHY US? At Majestic Whale encounters our mission is to protect the world's oceans and all that's in it. We believe if you love the ocean it will love you back. We promote responsible whale watching and dolphin watching worldwide. We aim to run our trip with maximum interaction and minimal impact and we feel very honored to share this incredible experience with like minded people. As soon as you decide to join this epic journey, we are here for you every step of the way. We are a family run eco conscious business that prides ourselves on a high level of customer service and you can feel free to email us or call us with as many questions as you like. Besides a truly unforgettable trip, you will also make friends for life. Our motto at Majestic Whale Encounters is.... LOVE ...... PROTECT ......CONNECT
We always endeavour where possible to give back to the animals and the countries we are privileged to visit. By MAJESTIC GIVES choosing Majestic you can rest assured that you will be part of helping communities, the animals and environment. We BACK take home a very special lifelong memory and new appreciation and leave a little behind in return. As you may know in December 2019 KI was devastated by fires that destroyed 89 homes, burnt 50% of the islands National Parks and has killed 30,000 koalas. As well as leaving many beautiful wildlife either orphaned, fighting for life and or homeless. This is our chance to help a beautiful wild part of Australia that has been recently faced with so many challenges. We would love to make a donation on behalf of every guest booking to the KI Mayoral Relief and recovery bush fire fund and hope that we can in some way ease the burden and help with rehabilitation in some small way. For more information on our donations please click below
What does recovery look like? LETS HELP OUT Kangaroo Island is now in recovery. The community is OUR NEIGHBOURS! recovering through support from many sources including the Defense Force, many wildlife caring organisations, Blaze Aid and the many volunteers assisting. Businesses are beginning to be supported through tourism returning, helping to #BookThemOut and #HolidayHereThisYear, and nature is recovering at a lightning speed. "Nature is a dynamic mulit-tasker. Nature can adjust and process so quickly and subtly that we are not always aware of what is happening." Dr P Rismiller, Pelican Lagoon Research and Wildlife Centre. Fire is a natural reset button for nature, and it is not slow to respond. The fascinating and dynamic process of nature's recovery is something that really should be seen to be believed. For more information on KIs amazing recovery please click on the kangaroo below...
ITINERARY Day One Arrive at Kingscote Airport and/or ferry terminal and be transferred to your first accommodation in historic Penneshaw KI. A welcome dinner will be a short walk down the road to the beautiful Penneshaw Hotel on the waterfront. Day two Meet for breakfast before we head out for our KI private luxury Day Tour! This tour will encapsulate everything you think of when you dream of KI. The customised private tour will include Flinders National Park, Seal Bay, and a gourmet picnic lunch with wine. We will then return back to Penneshaw to relax before heading off to wine and dine at the beautiful Sunset Food and Wine restaurant. Day Three We're heading out to the sand dunes! We have a picnic lunch organised at a stunning surprise location today at Viviennes Bay (voted number 1 beach in the world! ) We then head over to the quad bikes to ride through the natural scrub which is home to hundreds of wallabies, kangaroos and other wildlife. We will then head back to Penneshaw for dinner stopping at a boutique Gin distillery along the way. Make sure you stock up here for cocktails the following night!
ITINERARY Day Four We can have a little sleep in and maybe a wander around the historic village of Penneshaw before heading to the stunning world famous Dudley Winery where we can sit back, take in the breath taking views, try some different local wines and enjoy delicious antipasto plates and pizzas all made frome local KI produce. We will then make the 1.5hr trip to our lux villa accommodation at Snellings Beach. It will be cocktail hour when we arrive at your new accommodation. You can sip away and relax out on the wide open deck looking over breathtakingly beautiful Snellings beach while your guides slave away in the kitchen to prepare a dinner feast fit for KI kings and Queens! (all local produce of course! ) Day Five Our First Dolphin Day today! We will spend the day on a privately chartered boat swimming with dolphins. We will also experience the stunning North Coast of Kangaroo Island. See seals, sea eagles and osprey and view ancient fossil beds. We have the entire day to go where the dolphins and seals take us and also stop off somewhere beautful andf quiet for a KI local picnic lunch. We will return in the afternoon. Awaiting you at the jetty at Emu Bay is a gorgeous vintage-inspired food caravan Kitchen and Bar serving local produce, street food and also locally roasted coffee and cocktails... YUM! Dinner tonight will be at a beachfront restaurant in Snellings Beach Rock Pool.
ITINERARY Day Six Our Second Dolphin Day today! We will spend the day on a privatley chartered boat swimming with dolphins, we will also experience the stunning North Coast of Kangaroo Island. See seals, sea eagles and osprey and view ancient fossil beds. We have the entire day to go where the dolphins and seals take us and also stop off somewhere beautful and quiet under the dramtatic scenery of Green Cliffs for a gourmet KI local picnic lunch. We will return in the afternoon for you to relax and enjoy the sunset at the villa or down on the beach watching the dolphins herd fish in the shallows. We have a very special candle lit Farewell Dinner organised tonight in a 170 year old shearing shed located next door! Day Seven Sadly its time for the tour to end :( Have your last leisurely breakfast before your transfer back to the airport or ferry terminal for your trip home. If you would like to stay on at KI please let us know as a transfer to your following destination can then be organised.
INCLUSIONS EXCLUSIONS 6 nights , 7 days on KI -3 nights in Penneshaw, 3 nights in Snellings Beach -Scuba Diving - this can be arranged at an -2 Full days snorkelling with Dolphins and exploring the extra cost wildlife and the ocean surrounding the island - island lunch and snorkelling gear included -Airfares -1 full day KI Island gourmet food, wine, Flinders Chase National Park and seal walk experience tour -Ferry Fares -1 day Dune Buggy and Sand Dune Sliding tour to Vivienne Bay -Any meals other than those specified on -Visit the historical town of Penneshaw itinerary - Visit the famous Flinders Chase National Park -Walk amongst endangered Australian seal colony -Drinks through the boardwalk at the seal Conservation Beach -Visit the Famous Dudley Winery for wine and dinner -Travel insurance (Mandatory at time of -Visit the Gin Distillery booking ) -Experience a special candle lit Dinner in a 170 yr old shearing shed at Snellings Beach! -All main meals (including a welcome and farewell dinner) -Airport transfers -In water guide and 2 super fun Majestic Whale Encounters Guides!
"Majestic Whale Encounters were friendly, welcoming, professional, a great company and responded to all our enquiries and requests courteously and promptly, they went above and beyond in countless ways. They were generous, caring and simply delightful hosts who were always available to assist. As experienced travellers, it was wonderful to know we could let go, completely relax, and feel confident that everything was being taken care of without us needing to worry about any details. This was one of our best ever trips, and you guys were a fundamental part of that. Thank you so much. We will treasure these memories forever and are so grateful for all you did to ensure this unforgettable experience." Libby NSW
SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS OF KI Swimming with dolphins in the wild is incredibly magical. Our ability to instantly connect with these curious and playful marine mammals on their terms is so powerful and transformative. The more energetic we become, the more animated the dolphins are in their responses. If we twist and twirl and dive, the dolphins will follow suite, mimicking our every movement. It's like being a child again. At Majestic we aim to make your experience with the dolphins memorable and meaningful. And so our group size is no more than 12 guests. We have exclusive use of custom built vessel "Energizer' offering you a smooth and fun day out exploring our beautiful island waters, marine life and scenery. The vessel design is one of the safest boats on the water, and it glides through all conditions, it has twin jets ensuring no open propellers keeping us and the wildlife safe. There is comfortable seating on board for everyone, life jackets and snorkelling equipment for those who choose not to bring their own. This all guarantees you have a personal connection with these curious intelligent mammals and also ensures that you have every minute of your time to swim with them. If the dolphins are happy to swim with us for hours then that's what we do! This is an experience many people dream about but never have the opportunity to do. How long has it been since you experienced a holiday that really meant something to you? Immerse yourself in the world of KIs local dolphins all while swimming in crystal clear waters of a safe bay.
A SUCCESSFUL DOLPHIN SWIM IS SOMETHING THAT CANNOT BE RUSHED WHICH IS WHY WE CHARTER THE BOAT FOR TWO ENTIRE DAYS! This allows you the time to interact with wild dolphins at a pace that is comfortable for you and the dolphins. It gives you time to truely take in your surroundings, relax and marvel at the antics of these amazing animals, like watching young calves playing with each other, or chase and catch fish. Even if you aren't swimming, you can still watch and even listen in on the dolphins using our hydrophone (underwater microphone) giving you an insight into their amazing underwater world. Enjoy a marine wildlife experience along the stunning North Coast of Kangaroo Island. Swimming with wild bottle nose dolphins is done in shallow, crystal clear, protected waters in an experience that will take your breath away. Relax with an island lunch and home-made treats at a remote beach location. Explore the magnificent North Coast as we go in search of wild dolphin pods, seals and sea eagles. Pass through the 540 million year old fossil bed cruise along white sandy beaches.
PRIVATE FULL DAY KI ISLAND TOUR This incredible full day tour ecompasses all that KI has to offer ..... Flinders Chase National Park , Seal Bay and a gourmet clifftop lunch! Travel to the wild west end – a wilderness of over one hundred thousand hectares guarded against development in a series of conservation parks, a national park and wilderness protection areas. Break for morning tea en-route and learn about a century of conservation activities. Explore the massive natural shapes of Remarkable Rocks – looking like some dramatic natural sculpture perched impossibly on top of a dome of granite emerging from the ocean. Evidence of the power of the Southern Ocean swell continues at Admirals Arch – a coastal grotto which provides a haul out for a large colony of Long-nosed fur seals who swim effortlessly through the crashing waves. Lunch today is a picnic enjoyed on the cliff tops or sheltered in the bush depending on weather and consists of poached chicken, local cheeses, fresh fruit, a salad prepared on the spot and a choice of fine Kangaroo Island wines. At Seal Bay Conservation Park take a private tour with your guide among Australian sea-lions on a beautiful sandy beach – an experience similar to that of the Galapagos. Watch pups nursing or playing in the surf, see old bulls bearing the scars of territorial disputes and learn about their unique breeding biology.
LETS HIT THE SAND HILLS!! We will be hitting the sandhills today at beautiful Vivonne Bay, voted no 1 beach in the World! Enjoy some of the most picturesque scenery on Kangaroo Island with views of the Southern Ocean, a visit to a remote beach which has been rated as one of the top 100 surf beaches in Australia. Here we will have the opportunity to slide down the sandhills and have some fun! We have a picnic lunch organised at a stunning surprise location today. We then head over to the quad bikes to ride through the natural scrub which is home to hundreds of wallabies, kangaroos and other wildlife. We will be provided with helmets, goggles, gloves, and the latest bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris. All you need to bring is a camera, long pants, closed shoes and a sense of adventure. All tours start with getting the safety gear on before we head out to the practice track. Following instructions on safe riding and operation of a quad, you will do laps of the practice track until you feel safe and comfortable. Then you’ll head off on tour with an experienced guide. This tour is suitable for everyone from first time to experienced riders, and every tour is adapted to the riders abilities. There is also the option for participants to take part as a passenger with the guide. The first part of the tour is along an open trail, giving you time to get comfortable on your bike before we go through some winding bush trails, there’s big sandy berms which are great fun to ride on, through the trees is our favourite section of track. The tour then heads through some farm land which is flat and smooth, giving you the chance to ride quicker, you get to go as fast as you feel safe and comfortable, but at no time is there any pressure to keep up with other riders. There’s plenty to see along the way, depending on the weather and time of year we can see kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, goannas, echidnas and eagles. After driving through grassland for a while and making a few stops along the way, we ride through the awesome yacca trails, winding through the bushes and heading toward our rougher tracks, there’s lots of variety. This tour is an absolute cracker! You won’t feel disappointed, you will feel it the next day and you’ll know that you’ve turned your holiday into an adventure!
BENEFITS OF TRAVELLING TO KI AS A GROUP - We have hired out the WHOLE dolphin charter for 2 days and we are only taking a max of 12 guests. This means that you will spend this incredible time with your new lifelong friends. - Of course in the case of all our tours, you get to sit back and relax and not have to worry about a thing. We have spent many many hours doing all the research finding the best places to visit at the best value. - Group travel means that you know all your expenses up front. Food, activities and accommodation can get quite expensive in a beautiful remote location like KI, and because it is quite a large island, the cost of the transfers can get quite high. We have thought of all the things that you may need, and your only extra costs would be drinks, any extra snacks you wish to purchase and the cost to get there. -Last but certainly not least is the fact that groups have more fun, make lifelong friends and memories together and of course it means you get to do it with two energetic and super nice guides ...!
K A N G A R O O ISL AN D , S OU TH AU STR ALIA . .. J US T A C R O S S T H E W AT ER , B UT A W O RLD A WA Y ! Kangaroo Island is one of the world's great nature-based destinations. Think of an island with 509km of Coastline & 155km from the East Coast to the West Coast. Kangaroo Island covers an area of approx. 4,415 square kilometres. To put it into perspective, Kangaroo Island is seven times the size of Singapore! With native bush land, wildlife, adventure & exploring. Where pristine beaches, local wines & sunsets are on your doorstep. You'll need longer than you think. It takes over 2 hours to get from one side of the island to the other! "There really aren't enough adjectives to accurately describe the beauty of Kangaroo Island. In fact, words can almost spoil the moment. Even photos don't do this wildly gorgeous destination justice". Isaac Bober, Symmetry, Australia.
ABOUT KI TOWN/SETTLEMENT In 1800 Captain Mathew Flinders was commissioned by the British Government in to explore and map the southern coastline of ‘Terra Australis in the HMS Investigator. The group led by Matthew Flinders looking for water and fresh meat (which they had been without for four months) hunted the small kangaroos (near present day Penneshaw) and gave the island its name. Since 1802 until the time of South Australia’s colonisation in 1836, a community of sealers lived on Kangaroo Island. These sealers were known as hard men who had kidnapped several Aboriginal women from Tasmania and mainland South Australia. These women were held as prisoners, wives and essentially slaves. According to historical documents, three Aboriginal women tried to escape and swim back to the mainland; one woman is said to have survived the journey. In 1836, when the first ship the Duke of York, commanded by Captain Robert Clark brought the first colonial settlers to Reeves Point (located in Kingscote). It was soon found however that the island would not have sufficient resources to be a capital or support a large community, so the settlement of Adelaide was chosen.
HOW TO GET TO KI
GETTING TO KANGAROO ISLAND By Ferry Kangaroo Island Sealink operates ferries to and from the island, running between Cape Jervis (on the Fleurieu Peninsula) and Penneshaw. There are three ferries that run daily. The drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis through the Fleurieu Peninsula takes 1.5hrs and you will need to arrive 30 mins before your ferry departure. Ferries depart Cape Jervis at 09:00, 10:00 and 18:00 and depart Penneshaw at 08:30, 10:30 and 19:30. There are two ferries that make the 45-minute journey across the Backstairs Passage, both of which are modern with air conditioning, lounge–style chairs and toilets. There is also a licensed café on-board and an outdoor viewing deck for those that want to feel the breeze through their hair. A standard adult ticket on Sealink is $49.00 each way ($98.00 return). A standard child (3 – 14 years) ticket on the Sealink ferry to Kangaroo Island costs $25.00 each way ($50.00 return). You can also get a discounted concession ticket for students or seniors, for $40.00 each way. By AIR Regional Express is currently the only airline that offers flights to Kangaroo Island. The fastest and easiest way to get to Kangaroo Island is by air. Flights depart from Adelaide twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening) and arrive at the island's only airport; Kingscote Airport. All air crafts are Saab 340 air crafts that can seat up-to 36 passengers. The journey from Adelaide Airport is just 30 minutes, with Kingscote Airport being located around 7.5 miles from Kangaroo Island's main town. Its best to try and hop on the morimg plane to make the most of your first day on the island !
MAP OF KI
OTHER FUN TOURS AND ACTIVITIES ON OFFER!
SHEARWATERS PENNESHAW ACCOMMODATION
SHEARWATERS PENNESHAW ACCOMMODATION A stones throw from the boat marina and walking distance to the the stunning white sand of Penneshaw swimming beach. With two large living areas, fully equipped kitchen and two and a half shared bathrooms, this beautiful accommodation sleeps 8 guests. Relax in comfort on the expansive upper deck, while enjoying breathtaking views of the sea from your favourite chair. Take a stroll to the picturesque Penneshaw Beach and keep and eye out for the resident Dolphins, Fur Seals or Whales in season.
LUX VILLA SNELLINGS BEACH
Only a short walk to the stunning Snellings Beach, Middle River Beach House has magnificent panoramic views of the ocean over Snelling's and Middle River meeting the sea. It's a favourite destination because of the low swell and protection from southerly winds. With a large open plan kitchen, lounge and dining room, there is an east and west wing each with one bathroom and housing 6 guests. There is limited accommodation around Snellings Beach, so it is not uncommon to have the beach all to yourself during much of the year. Keen fisherman can launch a dinghy from the beach (nearby Stokes Bay has a boat ramp) you can also walk to the river mouth and often find dolphins hunting for small Bream and Tommy Ruff. Expect to see Kangaroos, Wallaby's and Possums around the property at dawn and dusk.
WHAT WILDLIFE WILL I SEE?
AND OF COURSE....KANGAROOS!
FOOD AND WINE OF KI Food and wine is another huge appeal and draw card for visiting KI. From boutique local wineries, brewery's, gin distilleries, locally produced food served in award winning restaurants all show casing the very best Ki has to offer not to mention jaw dropping views from every establishment of KI 's rugged coastline, beaches and rolling green hills. Our day tour includes experiencing the ultimate in KI Gourmet Food & Wine.
FOOD AND WINE OF KI We will be spoiled for choice at the many amazing places we will wine and dine in KI sampling different local cuisines, wines, boutique beers and spirits throughout our tour. We will also visit the world renowned Dudleys Winery (in pic below) for a sumptuous dinner overlooking the Southern Ocean glass of wine in hand- an experience you'll never forget!
YOUR AWESOME GUIDES FOR THE WEEK! Sarah "Sassy" Cullen We are here to help you in any way we possibly can to make your tour the most memorable, meaningful and incredible time of your life. Please feel free to ask us anything! We are here to make sure you have a tonne of fun but also de-stress, relax and forget about mainstream life for a while. If you're ever in need of anything at all during your time with us we will be there at your beck and call. As well as your dedicated guides we act as your travel agent, therapist, accountant, event manager, historian, conflict resolution manager, occasional caterer, tax and currency expert and professional public speaker! So if you require any of these services feel free to let us know :) It is a requirement of our jobs that we are a part of your happiest holiday memories. and we are required to have fun for a living (not to mention swimming with whales and dolphins) while travelling. Yes we know its a tough job, but someone has to do it right? Carmen "Electric" Ellis
How many guests can go on this tour ? We can run this tour at between 8 and 12 guests max. The tour can not run with less than 8 guests. This is unlikely but if it were to happen we would refund all paid deposits and money. What happens if we can't travel due to covid? If the tour is unable to go ahead due to Covid (god forbid) you will have your money paid to date refunded in full. What is the water and air temperature like? FREQUENTLY The monthly average sea temperature ranges between 16-20 degrees in December. It is highly recommended that you bring a ASKED good wetsuit (or we can supply you with one) the warmer you are the longer you can stay and play. The daytime air temp in QUESTIONS December averages at a very pleasant 20-23 degrees. What other animals can I see in KI ? Long nosed seals Australian sea lions Rays All sorts of fish life Ospreys All manner of Australian native fauna including wallbies, kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, bandicoots and platypus I have dietary requests, can these be catered for? Yes of course, just let us know upon booking
Will we have share bathrooms? Yes, both the house in Penshaw and the Lux Villa will have share bathrooms, don't worry we will have a toilet seat talk at our welcome dinner :) Do I need to bring my own snorkelling equipment? We are happy to provide this for you, having said that we would like you to be super comfy and warm and it's important that you can enjoy your experience in the best way possible and so bringing your own is recommended for comfort reasons. FREQUENTLY Is KI an expensive island to visit? ASKED Very (as are a lot of Aussie experience holidays). We think it is worth every cent and you WILL get what you pay for QUESTIONS Is there a single supplement or will I have to share if i'm travelling solo ? Travelling solo is possible, please contact us for further details and pricing for this Why is this tour done during the month of December? There are a few reasons..as for dolphins we find many mothers have just had new calves which is so wonderful to see, we may swim with up to 80 +dolphins! We also find the water temperature a little warmer. It is also before peak holiday period and so there are less tourists (winning) and also the air temperature is pleasant enough for the wild life to come out and sun themselves before the full heat of summer arrives.
How fit do I need to be to swim with Dolphins? The waters around the bay where we find the dolphins are relatively calm and so you don't need to be a strong swimmer, just confident snorkeling. We have guides in the water to help you at all times but always say its a good idea to practice with a snorkel before coming on the trip to maximise your experience with the dolphins. Do we snorkel or dive with the dolphins? FREQUENTLY We only snorkel and or free dive with the dolphins, interactions with the dolphins are much more intimate without scuba gear and ASKED having no gear also allows you to free dive, spin around and play with them. We also have a mermaid line should you need to hold QUESTIONS ON on to something if that makes you feel more confident -and be DOLPHINSWIM towed with the dolphins, so it's something anyone can do. What are our chances of swimming with dolphins? Dolphins are wild animals so we can never give 100% guarantee but we do everything possible to maximise the chance of swimming with them. As these dolphins are resident dolphins (meaning they stay within the same area) and also the fact that they tend to 'seek' out human interaction this gives us an excellent chance of swimming with them. We also run our trips over 2 full days with a very small group to increase our chances!
"Some things will always be stronger than time and distance. Deeper than languages and ways Like following your dreams and learning to be yourself Sharing with others the magic you have found..."
DATES AND PRICES December 7th-13th 2020 $4850AUD per person twin share First in best dressed for bedding configurations/room choice! $1500UAUD deposit required at time of booking *price and itinerary subject to change
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