In May 2012 JBK's Ross and Matt had an unbelievable week exploring WA's Ningaloo Reef. We enjoyed it so much that there was no question that again this year a group of intrepid paddlers from the East would make the journey to sample some of the delights that Ningaloo has to offer.
Unfortunately for all, Ross was unable to attend this year's trip (something about going to Canada, Vancouver Island, orcas, bears, blah blah), so it was left to Matt to gather the team, cross the continent and meet up with WA Guide Neri once again.
Matty Goodwin with the JBK Paddlers group at Bungelup Cape Range
Monday is a day of surprises as we enter the Cape Range National Park for the first time. The desert scenery butting hard up against the clear bright blue ocean is foreign to most, as is the comfort and convenience of the base camp set at Bungelup, an exclusive campsite hidden in the sand dunes behind the ocean. 
The Beautiful Sheltered Waters of Ningaloo Reef are an explorer's paradise.
Every day in the kayaks saw multiple unique experiences, from jumping overboard to snorkel on coral gardens teeming with life, to witnessing IndoPacific Humpback dolphins feeding in the shallows, to gliding over the top of enormous guitarfish and stingrays. It's safe to say that every day is different kayaking on Ningaloo Reef, and as much as we all like to paddle with windless sunny skies, an almost unheard of day of winter rain only gave us something more to talk about.After 5 days of paddling, Saturday was a change of tack as we boarded Three Islands Marine's 17m boat Nedo K for a day's whalesharking.
JBK paddler - Mary Furness at the Helm of the Nedo K - Ningaloo Reef WA
Whalesharks are the world's biggest fish, the world's biggest shark, and Whalesharking is the world's best reason to jump off the back of a boat when you are 2km offshore. The use of a spotter plane to find the sharks almost guarantees an amazing encounter, and sure enough our group got up very close to the biggest shark of the season so far. It's just lucky they can't swallow a person or we might have come home with 2 less paddlers.
Up close and personal - Matt Goodwin and a Magnificent Whale Shark 2014.
It was a fitting last day for what was an unforgettable trip. Matt would love thank all those who attended; Mary, Di, Jonathan, Linda, Mark and Di. It was a pleasure getting to know you all and being able to share what we consider to be one of the great kayaking experiences Australia has to offer. JBK also would again like to thank Neri our Western Australian whose skills and knowledge as a guide on Ningaloo Reef are unsurpassed.
Bookings are now being taken for the 2014 Safari on beginning on the 14 June 2014. Places will be in high demand so don't miss out on this kayaking trip of a lifetime.
Matt Goodwin
JBK Sea Instructor, Professional Whale Shark Watcher.
